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ATU to showcase how research is driving regional enterprise and innovation at major regional conference
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) will bring together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers and community stakeholders from across Ireland for major regional conference, From Research to Regional Enterprise.
Hosted by RISE@ATU, From Research to Regional Enterprise is a two-day conference taking place on 22-23 October 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sligo to highlight how research is supporting economic, social and environmental development across the West and Northwest of Ireland.
The event will bring together industry leaders, policymakers and community stakeholders to showcase research aligned with regional and national priorities including enterprise innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, health and wellbeing.
This marks ATU’s commitment to ensuring that research delivers meaningful impact beyond academia by supporting enterprise growth, informing public policy and contributing to sustainable regional development. Researchers from across ATU’s nine campuses will present innovative projects addressing challenges and opportunities facing communities, businesses and public services throughout the region.
A highlight of the conference will be a keynote address from Claire McGee, Chief Executive Officer of the Technological Universities Association (TUA), who will discuss the vital role of technological universities in driving innovation, skills development and regional economic growth across Ireland.
The conference will be chaired by Mary Coughlan, former Tánaiste and one of Ireland’s most experienced public leaders, whose longstanding commitment to regional development and economic growth makes her an ideal figure to lead discussions throughout the event.
The programme features four thematic research streams:
- Society & Enterprise
- Environment & Sustainability
- Technology & Innovation
- Health & Wellbeing
Researchers will present work spanning artificial intelligence, digital health, climate resilience, medical technologies, social innovation, rural enterprise development, virtual reality applications and advanced manufacturing.
Industry and policy engagement will be central to the event, with panel discussions exploring how stronger partnerships between academia, enterprise and government can accelerate regional innovation and economic development. Contributors include leading voices from higher education, industry, entrepreneurship and public policy.
‘From Research to Regional Enterprise’ demonstrates the transformative role that research can play in addressing the opportunities and challenges facing our region. Through the RISE@ATU programme, we are investing in researchers whose work is not only generating new knowledge, but also creating tangible benefits for industry, communities and public services across the West and Northwest of Ireland. This conference provides an important platform to showcase that impact and to strengthen the partnerships that are essential for regional innovation and sustainable growth.
Dr Brendan Jennings, Chief Officer Research, Innovation & Engagement
The TU RISE investment has been instrumental in strengthening ATU’s research ecosystem and expanding opportunities for meaningful collaboration with industry, communities and public sector partners. Through RISE@ATU, we are developing the research capacity needed to address regional challenges while supporting innovation-led growth. This conference celebrates the achievements of our postgraduate researchers and demonstrates how technological universities are contributing to Ireland’s future economic and social development
Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU
The conference forms part of the wider RISE@ATU Postgraduate Research Training Programme, which supports PhD researchers working across Smart Specialisation priority areas and contributes to building research capacity throughout the Northern and Western Region.
The conference will also showcase the breadth of ATU’s regional innovation infrastructure, bringing together representatives from the university’s Technology Gateways, innovation and incubation centres, and the Data2Sustain programme. Collectively, these initiatives form a vital bridge between research excellence and enterprise innovation, enabling companies and communities to benefit directly from cutting-edge knowledge and expertise. Their engagement reflects the objectives of the TU RISE programme in strengthening research and innovation capacity within the region, fostering meaningful collaboration, and accelerating the translation of research into practical solutions that support competitiveness, sustainability and regional prosperity.
From Research to Regional Enterprise is open to representatives from industry, public sector organisations, regional development agencies, community organisations, researchers and anyone interested in the role of research and innovation in shaping the future of the West and Northwest of Ireland.
For further details and the full conference programme please visit: From Research to Regional Enterprise
Please note attendance at the conference dinner is by invitation only.
For more information contact:
Dr James Britton
ATU Research Coordinator
Atlantic Technological University
Email: jamesp.britton@atu.ie
Featured Image:
Top Row (L-R): Gordon Hegarty, PhD researcher; Giulia Rossi, PhD researcher; Beth Brown, PhD researcher.
Bottom Row (L-R): Leah Walsh, PhD researcher; Dr Ruth Quinn, Supervisor and Lead; Muteeb Ahmad Sheikh, PhD researcher; Haram Riaz, PhD researcher; Randika Kalpa Makumbura, PhD researcher; Vanessa Nobles, PhD researcher; Sophie Stiehl, PhD researcher.
RISE@ATU is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021-2027.
