AROUND 310 NEW jobs are to be created in startup firms supported by the government, Minister for Enterprise Richard Bruton announced today.

The positions will come in 17 developing companies which received funds from Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-Up programme in the first three months of this year. They include businesses working in SMS marketing, wind turbine maintenance and location-based social networking. The number of investments made through the scheme has increased significantly since the same period last year, according to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

Mr Bruton said: “If we are to rebuild the economy and create the jobs of the future we must not only continue to attract high-end multinational companies, but also crucially  ensure  that  more  high  potential  small  businesses can establish and expand here.

“Many of these companies are operating in precisely  the  innovative  sectors the government is targeting for growth: financial services, life sciences, biotech, onlinegaming, telecommunications, sustainable energy, medical devices and cloud computing. I am determined to build on this announcement and ensure that government policies are properly targeted to support high potential businesses in Ireland.”

However, no details were given as to when the jobs would be created.

Greg Treston,  head of the High Potential Start-Ups scheme, said it was now “easier than ever for young first-time entrepreneurs with good ideas to get started.” He added: “The environment  is  strong  for  export-led  new  business  start ups, and the pipeline  of  ambitious  technology start-ups, including an increased number from  overseas  based  entrepreneurs, is stronger than ever in 2011.”

Among the businesses expected to create jobs are 2PaperDolls, an online gaming firm in Dublin set up by US entrepreneurs; Fifth Province Ventures, which is developing a location-based social networking platform; and several medical instrument firms including one developing a device to treat tinnitus.