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ATU hosts major engineering and computing showcase in Sligo as industry meets next generation talent
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) welcomed nearly 2,000 visitors to its annual Sligo Engineering and Technology Expo, reinforcing its position as a key regional event connecting education, industry, and future talent.
Hosted at ATU’s Sligo Campus on 30 April 2024, and sponsored by Abbott, this year’s Expo featured over 50 industry and student stands, offering attendees an opportunity to explore careers in engineering, computing and emerging technologies.
A central feature of the 2026 Expo was the Fireside Chat Stage, which hosted a series of engaging discussions with industry and academic leaders, including Engineers Ireland North West, PRIOR PLM, LITEC Moulding, AbbVie, and Dr Trevor McSharry, Head of School of Built Environment at ATU. The sessions provided valuable insights into career pathways, industry trends and the future of engineering and technology.
Student innovation was once again at the heart of the Expo, with a wide range of projects recognised through the annual awards programme.
Among the key winners:
1. Ko Oo received the Award for Best Final Year Project in Mechatronic Engineering (Level 8), sponsored by Abbott Diabetes Care, for an IoT-based temperature control, monitoring and protection system.
2. Brian Clark, Keith Kennedy, Billy Holmes and David Coyle were awarded the Ronan Healy Memorial Award for their Quad Safety Simulator project, sponsored by Abbott Diabetes Care.
3. Brian Donohue received the AbbVie-sponsored award for Best Final Year Project in Mechanical Engineering (Level 8), focused on improving a breath-actuated inhaler mechanism.
4. Adam McTiernan was recognised in the Robotics and Automation category (Level 8), sponsored by Phillips-Medisize, and also received the Public Vote award.
5. Paul Carty was awarded the Engineers Ireland North West Perpetual Cup for his automated filtration system for organic solvents using magnetic nanoparticles.
The Expo also featured support from ATU’s Apprenticeships and Online Flexible and Professional Development teams, providing guidance to prospective students and professionals looking to upskill.
Prof Graham Heaslip, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing at ATU, said:
“The Faculty of Engineering and Computing brings together a vibrant, multi-campus community united by a shared ambition — to deliver education that is forward-looking, relevant, and genuinely connected to the challenges and opportunities shaping our world. Our strong industry partnerships are central to that, helping ensure our programmes remain grounded in real-world practice. Through a growing range of online and flexible learning pathways, we are also making engineering and computing education accessible to learners at every stage of their journey — whether they are just starting out or looking to advance their careers.
The Engineering and Technology Expo is where all of this comes to life. It is a wonderful opportunity to see our students, our industry partners, and our broader community come together to explore, connect, and imagine the future of engineering and technology. I warmly encourage everyone — students, schools, industry, and the wider community — to attend and be part of it.
Sean O’Hara, Site Director of Abbott’s Diabetes business in Donegal, added: “Abbott was proud to once again sponsor the Sligo Engineering and Technology Expo. As one of the largest employers in Donegal, we see first-hand the importance of connecting young people with industry and helping them understand how engineering and technology skills translate into real-world impact. Events like this play a vital role in inspiring the next generation and building the STEM talent and innovation needed for the future of healthcare and advanced manufacturing, and we are always keen to hear from curious, enquiring minds who want to explore where a career in STEM could take them.”
Featured photo: Ko Oo, pictured with the Abbott Diabetes Care representative and Dr Trevor McSharry, Head of School of Built Environment at ATU, received the Award for Best Final Year Project in Mechatronic Engineering.
Photo 1: Brian Clark, Keith Kennedy, Billy Holmes and David Coyle were awarded the Ronan Healy Memorial Award for their Quad Safety Simulator project. Pictured with the Abbott Diabetes Care representative and Dr Trevor McSharry, Head of School of Built Environment at ATU.
Photo 2: Paul Carty (in the middle), pictured with the Engineers Ireland NW representative and Dr Trevor McSharry, Head of School of Built Environment at ATU, was awarded the Engineers Ireland North West Perpetual Cup for his automated filtration system for organic solvents using magnetic nanoparticles.
Photo 3: Adam McTiernan, pictured with Dr Trevor McSharry, Head of School of Built Environment at ATU, was recognised in the Robotics and Automation category (Level 8), sponsored by Phillips-Medisize, and also received the Public Vote award.
Photo 4: Brian Donohue, pictured with the Abbvie representative and Dr Trevor McSharry, Head of School of Built Environment at ATU, received the AbbVie-sponsored award for Best Final Year Project in Mechanical Engineering (Level 8).
For media enquiries, contact:
Ivana Hanjs
Communications Officer
Tel: 089 963 9559
E: ivana.hanjs@atu.ie
