CONNECT 2017
In Carton House on October 23rd, the MU Commercialisation Office hosted its annual CONNECT event, coinciding with MU Research Week. This year’s theme was about international opportunities for collaboration, specifically in Europe and in regions that are less familiar to us. Business Park and knowledge transfer leaders from Croatia, Estonia, France, Portugal and Romania presented on doing business in their countries, their particular research and technology expertise and opportunities for partnership and investment. Imelda Lambkin, H2020 director at Enterprise Ireland presented on the many opportunities for EU funding open to business, emphasising the funding goal to promote innovation. Pearse Coyle of Corporate Spinouts presented on the possibilities and potential of taking world leading inventions with great commercial value from well-funded blue-sky university research.
Photo: Banners at CONNECT of our visiting institutes
A broad panel discussion and open debate followed, developing themes that included investment opportunities, regional supports, university collaboration and international growth. The panel comprised Chris Horn, Atlantic Bridge Partners; Ross O’Neill, founder and CEO of Neuromod Devices; Jacqui McNabb, Head of Enterprise, Kildare County Council LEO; and Professor Ray O’Neill, MU Vice President for Research and Innovation. CONNECT welcomed 150 attendees from local and national businesses, investors and economic development. Several embassy officials also participated from the international guests’ countries.
Photo: Our panelists, Jacqui, Ross, Chris and Ray
Finally, a workshop allowed attendees to have one-to-one meetings with each of our international partner groups to further develop real opportunities for collaboration. MU Graduate Studies Office ran a Thesis in 3 minutes presentation series during lunch, which involved enthusiastic audience participation and demonstrated the breadth and depth of postgraduate research at MU.
Photo: Attendees at CONNECT 2017