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EU GREEN Innovation Days 2026 at ATU: Inspiring collaboration, creativity and sustainable problem-solving
EU GREEN Innovation Days 2026 took place on 20–21 March at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo campus, bringing together students and researchers from across ATU campuses, alongside peers from the EU GREEN European University Alliance.
EU GREEN Innovation Days 2026 took place on 20–21 March ATU Sligo, bringing together students and researchers from across ATU campuses, alongside peers from the EU GREEN European University Alliance.
Delivered as part of a coordinated Europe-wide initiative across nine countries, the event provided a dynamic, practical environment where participants collaborated in multidisciplinary teams to address key sustainability and regional challenges. The programme supported knowledge exchange, innovation thinking, and cross-cultural collaboration, reinforcing ATU’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial and sustainability-focused skills.
The event was formally opened by Professor Frances Lucy, EU GREEN Academic Lead at ATU, who highlighted the importance of collaboration and student-led innovation within the Alliance. Participants also heard from Grace Latham, ATU Student Entrepreneurship Officer, and Emanuel Covasa, ATU EU GREEN Student Ambassador, who reflected on his entrepreneurial journey and experience within the EU GREEN network.
Professor Suresh Pillai introduced participants to innovation thinking, encouraging students to challenge assumptions, think creatively, and remain curious throughout the programme. This was followed by a series of interactive workshops delivered by Dr Jack Saad and Grace Latham, where students engaged in ideation, prototyping and the development of entrepreneurial skills in a supportive and engaging environment.
Throughout the two-day event, students were supported by experienced mentors from ATU and the EU GREEN network, including Dr Gabriela Gigla, Grace Latham, Eve-Anne Mc Carron, and Dr George Onofrei. Their guidance enabled participants to refine concepts, test ideas, and strengthen the practical application of innovation and entrepreneurship principles.
Over the course of the programme, 18 students from across ATU campuses formed four interdisciplinary teams, many meeting for the first time. Using design thinking methodologies, participants developed creative and practical responses to real-world sustainability and social innovation challenges. The event fostered strong collaboration, enabling students to build new connections, engage with international perspectives, and develop impactful solutions.
Final project proposals were evaluated by a judging panel comprising Professor Frances Lucy and Anne McTiernan, Environmental Engineer and former Programme Manager for the Regional Enterprise Plan for the North-West. The panel commended the high standard of creativity, teamwork, and innovation demonstrated across all teams.
The winning project, Vacant2Value, focused on addressing the growing challenge of vacant and derelict properties through the development of climate-resilient communities. The team proposed a one-stop-shop digital platform to support the restoration and reuse of vacant properties.
The winning team included students from ATU Donegal and ATU Sligo: Roksolana Kryvulia, Niall Gallagher, Rujuta Ekhande, Edan McIlwanie, and Elijah Fadeiye.
Reflecting on the experience, Niall Gallagher stated:
I found the EU GREEN Innovation Days 2026 to be incredibly fun and beneficial. I connected with people from different disciplines and backgrounds, and we learned so much from one another. This experience has given me new confidence in my ideas and in working with a multidisciplinary team.
Students wishing to continue developing their ideas are invited to apply for the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP):Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Sustainability 2.0 which will open soon. More details on this and other BIPs can be found: BLENDED INTENSIVE PROGRAMMES 2026 – EU GREEN
For media enquiries, contact:
Aidan Haughey
Communications Manager
Tel: 086 086 6913
E: aidan.haughey@atu.ie
