Two Innovation Hubs (iHubs) – in Castlebar and Galway – provide a highly supportive startup ecosystem where clients benefit from business development supports, an integrated commercialisation process, industry links, networking, mentoring and access to the resources, staff and students of Atlantic Technological University (ATU).
The Innovation Hubs also offer virtual incubation and co-working space to support entrepreneurs with a good idea for a new business venture, which may in time develop into a project for incubation space. Mentoring and support are provided to these early-stage startups, along with access to specialist research capabilities, investment funding advice and signposting to support entrepreneurs in starting their high-potential, knowledge-intensive businesses.
Developing an innovative and entrepreneurial culture among the students and staff is a key objective of ATU and the iHubs. Links are provided to access student projects, placements, interns and graduates, along with the research expertise and capabilities at ATU.
1300
DIRECTLY SUPPORTED JOBS
263
MILLION EUROS INVESTMENT RAISED
74
% SUCCESS RATE OVER 7 YEARS
What’s on offer?
Galway: 38 incubation units ranging in size from 18m² to 120m². Castlebar: 10 incubation units ranging in size from 18m² to 36m².
Research facilities include a medical imaging suite, the Medical & Engineering Technologies (MET) Centre, the Marine and Freshwater Research (MFRC) Centre and the Centre for the Integration of Sustainable Energy Technologies (CiSET).
Business development support: financial, legal, sales, marketing, export development, business plans and Business Model Canvas, along with mentoring and networking.
Facilities: boardroom, reception, events space, entrepreneur hub facility (E-Hub), co-working spaces, meeting/training rooms, breakout spaces, high-speed broadband, shower facilities, canteen and parking.
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The team
The New Frontiers Manager at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) – Galway City and Mayo Campuses is Tony O’Kelly. Tony has a background in IT and a long history in business development across a range of sectors. He also founded a technology management company, delivering specialist expertise to large companies such as DCC and Hewlett Packard. Tony couples his technical knowledge with project and programme management, bringing his experience in automating business processes to the structure and delivery of New Frontiers at ATU.
Tony O’Kelly
New Frontiers Manager
091 742 858
George McCourt
Head of Innovation & Enterprise
091 742 822
Maria Staunton
Centre Manager – Castlebar
094 904 3198
Turlough Rafferty
Operations Manager
091 742 854
Notable alumni
- Barry Flannery, Xerotech Ltd – advanced battery systems
- Sorcha O’Grady, TruckScience Ltd – truck modelling software
- George Curley, CGA Software Ltd – enterprise management solutions
- Marc Ganly, MARC Sports – head protectors for sports
- Tomás Thompson, Rockfield Medical Devices – patient feeding systems
- Matthew Conlon, Cytidel – cyber security
- Brandon Blacoe, ByoWave – customisable video controller
- Emma Meehan, Precision Sports Technology – real-time exercise feedback
- Michael Furey, Ronspot – desk & parking management
Have a startup idea? Register your interest in New Frontiers and one of our Programme Managers will be in touch soon!
