Over 300 new jobs are to be created by 17 start-up firms which received Government support in the first three months of 2011.

The companies involved work across a wide range of sectors including cloud computing, online gaming, life sciences, biotechnology, financial services and sustainable energy.

Among the firms creating new positions are Innopharma Labs, Fort Information Technologies, Optinergy, Mutebutton, Radisens, VascoCare and Nospar.

All received support from Enterprise Ireland's High Potential Start-up programme during the first quarter.

Collectively, EI-supported firms in the programme, which provides financial assistance to support organisation's plan to develop products and services, will create an estimated 310 jobs.

"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," said Greg Treston, head of High Potential Start-Ups at Enterprise Ireland.

"These start-ups will be perfectly timed to catch the upturn in our key export markets while also benefiting from Ireland's improved competitiveness. Enterprise Ireland's recently launched Competitive Start Fund opens up the access to critical early stage funding, making it easier than ever for young first time entrepreneurs with good ideas to get started," he added.