About ii
ii is an innovation hub, focusing on disruptive digital technologies and business models. It offers its members growth and scaling opportunities, access to world-class standard technological knowledge and skills and state-of-the-art co-working facilities purposely designed for collaboration.
Fourth largest population centre
The North West City Region, which incorporates both Derry and Letterkenny, is the fourth largest population centre on the island of Ireland, with 350,000 residents. It is uniquely placed as a region that has access to both the EU and UK markets, with a total market opportunity of 514 million people.
Meet our team
ii members have transparent communication with leading industry experts – more to be added here soon.
Anne Marie McLaughlin
ii Innovation Manager
Anne Marie is an Inishowen native who held senior roles in software development and innovation in the U.S. for 20 years before returning to enjoy the quality of life and opportunities Inishowen has to offer. She is passionate about achieving the ii’s goals of advancing emerging tech knowledge, innovation and opportunity in the peninsula.
Lee Tedstone
ii Entrepreneur in Residence
He is a dynamic business leader with a focus on growth, specialising in go-to-market strategies, sales process optimisation, product enhancement, and leadership development. With experience across ICT, healthcare, aerospace, energy, and government, Lee excels in securing funding, optimising business processes, and forming strategic alliances. A recognized entrepreneur and investor, he is passionate about innovation and fostering entrepreneurship in Inishowen and the North West.
Brenda Hegarty
Local Enterprise Office Donegal
Brenda is head of enterprise at Donegal County Council (Local Enterprise Office Donegal). LEO Donegal support people who are interested in starting up a new business or who are already in business including entrepreneurs, early-stage promoters, and small businesses looking to expand. LEO Donegal comprises a wide range of experience, skills, and services to offer you advice, information, training, and support in starting up or growing your business.
Charles Gorney
Donegal ETB
Charles has an impressive tenure at Donegal Education and Training Board (Donegal ETB), and brings to the ii’s advisory board an understanding of the educational needs and services along with Donegal ETB’s history of responding flexibly to community and business needs and aspirations.
Jim Harkin
Ulster University
Jim is Head of the School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems at Ulster University, and holds the Chair of Computer Engineering. He has significant research experience in the field of intelligent embedded systems and has supported the commercialisation of various research outputs from remote-access embedded systems, intelligent energy monitoring systems and also intelligent healthcare technology. Jim is also a native of Inishowen.
Méabh Conaghan
Enterprise Ireland
Méabh is the Enterprise Ireland Regional Director. She has been a senior development advisor across many different industry sectors during her time in EI (technology, food, consumer retail etc) and has extensive knowledge of business planning.
Michelle Conaghan
IDA Ireland
Michelle is the Regional Manager for the North West Region at IDA Ireland. A Donegal native with international experience, Michelle’s focus is on attracting companies to invest in the North West’s unique value proposition.
Shauna McClenaghan
Inishowen Development Partnership
Shauna is Joint CEO of Inishowen Development Partnership, a people-centred organisation offering opportunity, training and development to optimise life in the Inishowen Peninsula.