The it@cork, European Tech Cluster is a leading IT business organisation comprised of over 300 companies drivinig over €300 billion globally of revenue - €1 billion of which directly benefits Ireland. 

"We are about promoting regional roots, national impact and global reach," says Chair of it@cork, Denis Collins on developing links between multinationals and local start-ups to drive job creation in the sector. "We are a unique industry led organisation, driving a leading model of collaborative leadership, integrating industry large and small, government, public sector, academia for commercial, social and adademic achievements," says Mr Collins, Clobal Leader with IBM, and board memner Cork Chamber of Commerce. 

"We are active with Forfas, and Expert Skills Group, as well as ongoing involvement in helping to shape public policy at senior Government level."

it@cork has received a number of distinctions including, Outstanding Achievement Award from Shine Ireland for it's ground breaking Smarter Senses Program for pre-school autism. "An upcoming key announcement is our selection by European Union Framework 7 for our BeWiser model, an existing recognition as a leading European Cluster that will align us with other EU clusters in an integrated, programmatic model, where we will team, share for growth. We are also discussing potential replication with Silicon Valley, San Francisco, "adds Mr Collins. Other initiatives includeL the UpStart program driving teaming between MNCs and Startups, Global Cluster TV (GCTV), a global communication channel, the Innovation that matters program sending startups to China on a formal trade mission, Adopt A School - across 30 schools, the Annual Technology Summit bringing together all key leaders of the industry, and weekly twitter Tweetup promoting ideas and collaboration every Thursday. 

"We are a collaborative team that makes tangible things happen," says Denis Collins. "We make the news, not report the news. Our vision is always looking forward to making a difference."