Over one hundred students (40 teams ) across Atlantic Technological University (ATU ) recently competed in the ATU Entrepreneur Awards of the 2023 Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreur Awards competition. Eleven teams from a wide range of disciplines won awards in the ATU competition and three teams will now go on to compete in the next stage of the national competition.
The three ATU teams are: Team Post Pro: Pearce Connor, Headford, Co Galway, Darragh McHugh, Mountbellew Co Galway, Cathal Monaghan, Caherlistrane, Co Galway, all final year Manufacturing Engineering Design Students.
Team Tridrate: Keno Omaduvie, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, Roy Sheridan, Castlebar Co Mayo, Cathal Kelly, Milltown Co. Galway; all final year Mechanical Engineering Students.
Team Rockin Roller: Niamh Redmond, Rosenallis, Co Laois, Paul Molloy, Craughwell, Co Galway, Dylan Smith, Silverstream, Co Monaghan, all final year Manufacturing Engineering Design students.
The ATU Entrepreneur Awards, sponsored by McHale Farm Machinery, Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs ), and the Students Union in ATU Galway City took place in the ATU Galway iHub in March. Organised by ATU Galway lecturers David Keary, School of Engineering, Mark Campbell, School of Science, and Eve-Anne McCarron, ATU Donegal, over €3,000 prize money was awarded to the winning shortlisted teams including overall winner, winners, runners up, and category awards for entrepreneurship and innovation in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, MedTech and the Creative Arts. Details of the winning projects will be announced after the EI finals in June.
Speaking at the event, ATU President Dr Orla Flynn said: “Encouraging our students to engage in entrepreneurship is something that will stand to them and help them in their future career, whether starting their own business, working for a multinational or an SME. The entrepreneurial way of thinking is beneficial for whatever type of employment they undertake.”
Valarie Kelly, Head of Enterprise LEO, Galway and Noeleen Hussey, Regional Enterprise Executive of Enterprise Ireland, paid tribute to the students on their success to date and noted the wide range of disciplines represented and ideas.
Donal Collins, McHale Farm Machinery, said: “It was great to see such a diverse range of projects across all spectrums. The competition provides a great foundation for those who want to pursue their own ideas and concepts into commercial products if they so wish. It is very encouraging to see the enthusiasm and commitment from the students towards the projects”.
Eve-Anne McCarron, External Engagement Manager, ATU Donegal, said: “The involvement of industry in such awards is critical in helping to create a sense of ambition for the students involved, as well as highlighting the talent and creativity of ATU students to key industry stakeholders, like McHale, with engineering being a significant sector in our region.”
Lecturers and mentors David Keary and Mark Campbell, School of Engineering, and Eilish McNulty, School of Business, said: “Thank you to all our sponsors and judges who assisted with the event, your participation and support has made a lasting impact on our students learning experience and your support is truly appreciated”.
