The Business Explorer Team is taking the Business Explorer Breakfast Series on the road. This will be an in-person event taking place in Sligo at ATU PEM Finisklin Business Park.
Collaborate to Innovate
Join us to explore your funding options and the latest innovations in Emerging Tech, Engineering, Hardware Design, and Software Development. This event is hosted in collaboration with Atlantic Technological University (ATU), North West Regional College (NWRC), and Ulster University (UU).
ATU, NWRC, and UU are joining forces to provide businesses with the opportunity to engage in 1:1 sessions with technical specialists from the Business Explorer register. These experts can help you develop your next product idea or guide your next process improvement.
Business Explorer is a funded programme aimed at connecting businesses directly with the technical specialist support they need to innovate. This collaborative event offers SMEs a unique opportunity to discuss their next project with specialists and funders. Join us on Thursday, 21st November for discussions on:
- Steps to secure funding with Business Explorer
- Accessing support from technical specialists
- Emerging Tech, Engineering, Hardware Design, and Software
- Case studies on the benefits of SMEs working with specialists
Meet the Experts
Dr. Fergal Tuffy
Fergal Tuffy manages the Business Support Centre at the at NWRC, supporting 400+ business annually on innovation and skills projects, through the NWRC’s Foodovation, Product Design Centre, XR, and Industry 4.0 Centres. These include various funding from Innovate UK, InterTrade Ireland, Invest NI, Enterprise Ireland and DfE NI. Fergal holds a PhD in Intelligent Systems Engineering and his previous industry experience includes Intel Ireland, DuPont, Nortel Networks and E&I Engineering.
Professor Joan Condell
Joan leads the Human-Centred Computing team at Ulster University, focusing on digitisation, AI, and sensors across various applied research sectors. She manages PhD researchers and has led over 100 projects, securing £67 million in funding. With over 250 published papers, Joan has significant commercial experience as CEO of ActionSense Ltd and previously exited HidInImage Ltd. She holds multiple patents and has won awards for innovation and bio-entrepreneurship.
Dr. Russell Macpherson
Russell is an internationally experienced senior leader with expertise in RD&I, manufacturing, and supply chain management across government R&D, pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare. He specialises in helping companies boost productivity, drive transformation, and unlock value in dynamic environments.
Dr. Stephen Seawright
Stephen heads the WiSAR Technology Gateway at Atlantic Technological University, specialising in Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. With a background in new product development and commercialisation, he has held leadership roles, including founder and CEO of Sensurity Limited and TDK Electronics Ireland. WiSAR delivers wireless and embedded systems solutions for sectors like Connected Health and Agri-tech, primarily supporting start-ups and SMEs with cost-effective, near-to-market projects through Enterprise Ireland's Technology Gateway network.