Innovate at UL: Unlocking university & external supports

Innovate at UL: Unlocking university & external supports

Are you a researcher with an innovation that could change the world? Curious about turning your academic work into a business?

Join us for 'Innovate at UL: Unlocking University and External Supports', an insightful event designed to guide researchers on the path to commercialisation.

Hosted by the Technology Transfer Office (TTO), this session will explore the supports available to help you bring your research to market.

Learn about funding opportunities, mentorship, intellectual property supports. The event will culminate with the presentation of the UL Invention Awards for 2024.

What to Expect:

✅ Information on funding & grants for commercialisation

✅ How to protect your business idea

✅ Business development & startup support

✅ Networking with experts & peers

✅ Presentation of Invention Awards

Whether you're just starting to explore the idea or already on the path to commercialisation, this event will provide valuable insights and connections to help turn your research into real-world impact.

This event may be recorded for future promotional use by University of Limerick.

All venues are wheelchair accessible but should you have any specific accessibility queries, please contact us at: Research@ul.ie

Speakers

Paul Dillon is Director of UL’s Technology Transfer Office. For over 20 years Paul has led the TTO which is responsible for supporting innovation within the University’s research activities. This involves management and commercialisation of UL intellectual property, oversight of UL’s engagement with enterprise and management of the Nexus Innovation Centre. His office has overseen the conclusion of over 5000 legal agreements with external organisations, the filing of 100+ patents, completion of over 75 license agreements, and formation of 20+ spinout companies, including 5 trade sales.

Paul was a former cofounder of a high tech company, Artic Environmental plc that was acquired by Trio-Tech International in 1990. He holds a Master’s in Technology from University of Limerick, a Degree in Microelectronics Engineering from Trinity College Dublin and he is a Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP).

Gert O’Rourke is New Ventures Manager at UL. Her role is to support researchers in UL to spin out their research, creating new business ventures. She has over 30 years of professional business experience, supporting the startup, spinout and SME sector, in a variety of roles including business engagement, enterprise development, venture capital, programme design and management, mentoring and management of incubation centres.

Gert has significant senior management experience with a proven track record in meeting operational objectives and leading high-performing teams. She was awarded the Presidents Staff Excellence Award for Leadership in UL in 2020. Gert has a Master's in Business Studies (MBS) from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from University of Galway.

Declan Fox, is Director of AxisBIC, whose purpose is to ensure entrepreneurs grow and succeed. Declan has a technology and business background working with Ericsson, France Telecom and Motorola before starting his entrepreneurial journey. He is a serial entrepreneur, technologist and business coach, co-founded Comnitel Technologies in 1999 and as CEO, grew the company from start-up, raising €30M from leading institutional investors. Comnitel later merged with a US Telco and was acquired by IBM in 2007.

Founder of Magellan Partners, a venture and entrepreneurial advisory consultancy focusing on innovative technology companies across different sectors. Declan also is a Senior Consultant with AxisBIC, assisting early-stage, high-achieving technology companies develop, get financed and become revenue-generating. In particular, he has a particular focus on assisting technology, IP-based spin-outs from the four Universities in our region to build out viable companies, raise investment, build revenues and scale internationally.