Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government agency for the promotion of international trade by Irish companies, celebrated the opening of a new Chicago operations center by client company, Netwatch.

Netwatch is a complete security systems provider with the most advanced video processing technologies to proactively monitor and protect properties and assets. The new office will be based on North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, and will employ five people with plans to grow to 15 employees over the next 18 months.

Netwatch Systems proactively protect properties using live audio warnings to ward off intruders. Intervention Specialists direct operations remotely from the Netwatch Communication Hub, visually verifying the intruders, intervening by verbally alerting the intruders they are being watched, and notifying the authorities.

Speaking at the opening of the new office facility, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said “Today’s announcement demonstrates how homegrown Irish companies can compete on a global scale. In fifteen years, Netwatch has rapidly grown from its base in Carlow to work across four continents, and continues to conquer new markets. Netwatch and its founders have demonstrated how Irish innovation and acumen can set Irish companies apart on a global stage.”

Netwatch was the first company in Europe to combine specialist video processing technologies with satellite communications to provide preventative, immediate and cost effective protection solutions. The company developed an in-house R&D department based on video processing technology, and introduced its own proprietary ‘Netwatch Core’ software, which is specifically designed to filter out nuisance alarms in order to provide a rapid response to real security breaches.

“Since we launched in the U.S. in 2012, we have seen a steady increase in demand for innovative, high-quality security system solutions,” said David Walsh, CEO of Netwatch. “We remain extremely confident and excited about our future in North America and believe that we are now well placed to support future growth in this increasingly important market. We are especially thankful for the advice and support we have received from Enterprise Ireland in helping us establish ourselves here in Chicago.”

Julie Sinnamon, CEO of Enterprise Ireland added “This is a tremendous milestone for Netwatch and for Enterprise Ireland. Netwatch are a great example of how innovative Irish companies can successfully enter and scale in new markets. We are proud of their successes to date and look forward to continuing to support their international growth.”

Since 2003, Netwatch has prevented more than 40,000 crimes and currently monitor in excess of 42,000 cameras across the globe. Netwatch now employs over 190 staff and operates in four continents with clients across Europe, South Africa, the Middle East and the USA, including, Aramex, Massachusetts General Hospital, Motorwerks, Oldcastle and Evans Network of Companies.

Established in Carlow in 2003, Netwatch deploy the most advanced video processing technologies to proactively monitor and protect their client’s properties and assets. Netwatch’s technology and service is unlike any other currently on the market. Netwatch is unique as it proactively protects properties using live audio warnings to ward off intruders.

Pictured at the opening of Netwatch’s Chicago Office (L-R): David Walsh, co-founder and CEO; An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D.; Niall Kelly, CTO of Netwatch; and Julie Sinnamon, CEO of Enterprise Ireland.