Infosys to open R&D centre in Ireland, create 250 jobs

Software services major Infosys has unveiled plans to expand its operations in Ireland, doubling the number of staff in the country to 500 in three years and setting up its first product-centric research and development centre outside India.

"I am delighted to welcome 250 new jobs at Infosys. This is a vote of confidence in Ireland, our great workforce and our reputation as a hub for technology and innovation," Irish Prime Minister Enda Kennym said.

"The government wants to keep the recovery going by providing the right environment for companies like Infosys to locate, expand and create jobs."

The expansion will see the Bangalore-headquartered firm create up to 95 roles at its first dedicated product-centric research and development (R&D) centre outside India, and open a second Irish facility to house up to 155 people who will provide IT services to Infosys clients.

The new roles are in addition to more than 250 employees that are already working for Infosys in Ireland.

Infosys intends to develop new technologies and support innovation in global financial institutions as part of the expansion plans, which have been supported by Ireland's Department of Jobs through IDA Ireland.

"Much like Ireland, Infosys has based its growth on a foundation of education, lifelong learning and a deep commitment to innovation. Infosys is already working with clients in Ireland helping them explore new ways of working and advancing, by embracing technology-led innovation," Infosys CEO and managing director Vishal Sikka said.

"We want to build on this early success. With an ecosystem of like-minded partners in Ireland, we will pursue new ideas and new ways to solve the greatest challenges of our times - the important things that only human imagination and ingenuity can achieve."

The highly skilled technology roles at the R&D facility, which will be established by EdgeVerve Systems, the product subsidiary of Infosys, will focus on FinTech research and development.

The centre will operate an open innovation model, working closely with customers, technology partners, academic institutions and the start-up community in areas of technology, such as block-chain and analytics.

Employees at the company's new development centre will provide technology services to its global and Ireland-based clients in the financial services industry.

"Information technology and business consulting is a key sector which we have targeted as part of our Action Plan for jobs, and we have put in place a range of measures to support jobs growth in this area. Today's announcement that Infosys, a leading company in this area, is locating 250 high-end innovation jobs in Ireland is a great boost," said Richard Bruton, Ireland's minister for jobs, enterprise and innovation.

"Infosys is an Indian company with a truly global footprint - it has operations in more than 50 countries. IDA Ireland has a team of executives working with Indian companies in the market, making them aware of the opportunities that exist here in Ireland," IDA Ireland CEO Martin Shanahan said.

"Attracting Asian companies is a key part of IDA Ireland's strategy. Infosys' investment shows that Ireland has a lot to offer Indian and other Asian companies."