Bizstartup.ie - NewsBeanstalk in The Model

Eddie Johnston set up the company, which offers a range of services from the design and development of complete websites to front-end design and customisations.

“Most of my previous work was spent in research. I did a PhD in machine learning [a branch of artificial intelligence] in UCD after finishing a degree in Computer Science. The topic I researched was very much web based, focusing on the ‘Semantic Web’, a next generation World Wide Web where the meaning of information can be understood by machines,” he says.

“Building websites and web-based systems was an integral part of the research and the design side of things was always a hobby. After finishing up the PhD, I worked as a consultant with Accenture but I felt my energy would be better spent working for myself doing something I was passionate about. So, I moved to the West and started my own web development business.”

Creative Enterprises Office Spaces

The Model houses six new Creative Enterprises Office Spaces available to rent for innovative start-ups and technology companies. Beanstalk is one of two existing tenants, the other being Sligo Live, a music festival that runs in October.

Last year The Model sponsored Northwest Connects  – a free networking event aimed at highlighting the creative and innovative work of companies and individuals in the Northwest region - which brought over 100 people to Sligo to discuss creative technologies and entrepreneurship.

Meanwhile, it hosted a free networking event Open Coffee Sligo in May and June this year in its redeveloped buildings. Open Coffee Sligo meets every month to discuss issues ranging from the benefits of online media, marketing ideas, and start-up projects.

Photo: Eddie Johnston of Beanstalk