Recently, Florida Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly joined Governor Ron DeSantis to meet with several business leaders in Dublin, Ireland, to discuss investment and research opportunities in Florida’s innovation economy. Both Florida and Ireland are recognized for their rapidly accelerating economies.
FloridaCommerce and SelectFlorida engaged with Irish photonics and semiconductor companies and researchers. Governor DeSantis has directed nearly $400 million towards workforce education since 2022, prompting discussions on potential collaborations between Irish companies and Florida's academic institutions. FloridaCommerce and SelectFlorida aim to facilitate these partnerships.
Discussions frequently focused on potential collaborations with Florida’s universities and colleges. Interest was also shown in private and public sector connections in fintech, manufacturing, and health tech.
“FloridaCommerce and SelectFlorida, under the Governor’s leadership, have identified many ways to partner with Irish companies, and this trip proved that to be true in abundance,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “The private sector in Ireland has become known around the world for innovation in IT and fintech, and the state of Florida offers unique strengths in manufacturing and R&D capabilities along with world-leading presences in industries like aviation and aerospace and health tech – the perfect environment for job creators.”
The delegation met with several companies including Accenture, AerCap Holdings, Devexperts, Floww, Granite Digital, Intact Software, Ococo Ltd., Smurfit Westrock, Transfermate, Uniphar Group. Seven of these companies already have a presence in Florida: Accenture, AerCap, Floww, Ocuco (Ococo), Smurfit Westrock, Spona (Pilot Photonics), and Transfermate.
During their visit to Accenture’s The Dock facility, the team briefed them on ongoing research projects in Florida. Accenture has a significant footprint in the state with four offices employing over 2,500 people.
Governor DeSantis and Secretary Kelly were accompanied by Florida State University President Richard McCullough; Board of Governors member Craig Mateer; State Board of Administration Executive Director Chris Spencer; and CEO Carlos Duart at a roundtable discussion with various Irish firms. Discussions highlighted Florida’s top-ranked post-secondary education system and workforce training programs as well as its readiness for foreign direct investment.
Further meetings were held with AmCham Ireland; Eblana Photonics; Elkstone Partners; Enterprise Ireland; Mbryonics Ltd.; Pilot Photonics (Spona); Stripe; The Tyndall National Institute.
Under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, Florida boasts the top-ranked economy in the United States with an annual GDP nearing $1.6 trillion—positioning it as one of the strongest economies globally. In 2023 alone bilateral merchandise trade between Florida and Ireland exceeded $1.5 billion making Ireland a key trading partner for the state.