NovaUCD hosts first events

NovaUCD hosted its inaugural Enterprise Seminar in the University Industry Centre in June. The seminar, entitled Difficulties Associated with Raising Early Stage Finance - Experiences of Entrepreneurs drew a large attendance that included entrepreneurs, academics, researchers, professional advisers and support agency personnel. 

Speakers included Dr Pat Frain, Director, NovaUCD, who updated those present on recent developments since NovaUCD opened its doors for business in April. 

A panel of entrepreneurs with diverse business interests then outlined their personal experiences in attempting to raise finance for their respective ventures. 

Fred Hanna, Managing Director of SwifTXT, Dr Eon O’Mongáin, CEO of Spectral Signatures, and Dr Donal Coveney, CEO of TopChem Laboratories, delivered presentations on the challenges that a small business promoter will face in their pursuit of raising seed capital. 

NovaUCD also recently hosted its first training event in the new Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre. Commercial Management of Research showed participants practical ways to manage their research and how to adopt a strategic perspective to commercialisation potential. 

It was attended by academic staff members, post-doctoral and postgraduate students from Engineering, Pharmacology, Medical Microbiology, Biochemistry, The Urban Institute, DMMC and the Quinn School of Business. 

The course directors were Dan Maher, Head of Technology Strategy, ACT Venture Capital; Dr John McManus, Group Intellectual Property Manager, Nera, a spin-off from UCD’s Department of Chemistry; and Dr David Fitzpatrick, Department of Mechanical Engineering.  

Pictured at the inaugural Enterprise Seminar are Peter Finnegan,
Project Manager, Enterprise Development NovaUCD; Dr Eon
O’Mongáin, CEO of Spectral Signatures; Fred Hanna, Managing
Director of SwifTXT and Dr Donal Coveney, CEO of TopChem
Laboratories.