On Wednesday 5^th June, GROWTHhub announced seven Entrepreneurial Ambassadors aligned with the University, as part of its new Entrepreneurial Ambassadors Programme. The aim of the programme is to engage entrepreneurs with the background, experience and enthusiasm to deliver entrepreneurial insights and support the work of SETU students, staff and stakeholders.

Our newly appointed Entrepreneurial Ambassadors are:

• Tammy Darcy, Founder & CEO of the Shona Project
• John O’Connor, Founder & CEO of Kollect
• Miriam Dunne, Chair of ISACS
• Alan Quinlan, Non-Executive Director Supplement Certified
• Eva Milka, Co-Founder of Gaelic Escargot
• Dean Roche, Owner of Precision Health Performance
• Jens Kopke, CEO of Motoklik

The Entrepreneurial Ambassadors, chosen from within SETU’s academic schools, were celebrated as inspirational role models for the student cohort. In her opening address, Professor Veronica Campbell emphasized a key goal of SETU “to act as a catalyst for entrepreneurial activity and innovation in the south east through the creation of a regional ecosystem.”  To achieve this ambition she recognised the importance of embedding an entrepreneurial mindset across the University, reflected in the way we think and operate.  

Engagement with local enterprises in our region is integral to our success at SETU. We regularly collaborate with a diverse range of businesses, from local startups to multinational enterprises, to understand the evolving landscape. The successful launch of the Entrepreneurial Ambassadors highlights SETUs dedication to the region as it aims to accelerate the flow and exchange of knowledge between the University and its enterprise partners.

In particular, President Campbell noted “the entrepreneurial ambassador programme is built on the basis that role models are a proven approach to inspiring young people to develop the qualities, skills and attitudes they need to succeed in life”.  Dr. Tom O’Toole, Head of the School of Business acknowledged that by accepting the Entrepreneurial Ambassador role, the Ambassadors have agreed to become part of our university ecosystem, and their engagement with staff and students will “enrich their learning and support their entrepreneurial ambitions”.

The recent launch signifies the start of the Entrepreneurial Ambassador programme at SETU. It is anticipated that other schools will nominate Entrepreneurial Ambassadors, representative of their School or Department at SETU.  Over time, it will grow into an active network of role models representing all schools and academic disciplines.

The event brought together Prof. Veronica Campbell, SETU’s President, Heads of Schools, Heads of Departments, GROWTHhub team members and the newly appointed Entrepreneurial Ambassadors to celebrate the Universities commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.