Accessing Skills , Resources and Innovation Through Academia - A Practical Workshop for Organisations
AIM Centre and Atlantic Technological University (ATU) are pleased to invite you to a practical, interactive workshop designed specifically for industry partners who want easier, faster access to skills, students, and applied innovation support through academia.
Many companies recognise that universities and innovation centres can help address real business challenges. However, identifying the right entry point, the right people, and the most appropriate collaboration format often takes more time and effort than expected. This workshop is designed to address exactly that challenge.
The session, hosted by Noel Mulkeen, Innovation Manager at ATU and Elena Bezborodova, Programme Manager at AIM, will introduce challenge-based approaches that help companies move from a defined business need to a clear, realistic next step for collaboration - without long-term commitments or complex processes.
During the workshop, you will:
Test current Atlantic Technological University (ATU) industry engagement routes using existing pathways
Experience a new challenge-based engine that guides companies from a business challenge to clear collaboration options
Explore a real industry–student collaboration case study from Norway presented in-person by David Aleksander Bjørsvik, Nord University Business School, Norway, and discuss how similar models could support your business
Learn about low-risk ways to engage with students, researchers, and innovation supports that fit within busy business environments
Who should attend?
This workshop is relevant for business leaders and decision-makers who are interested in practical collaboration with academia, including:
SME owners and managers
Innovation, R&D, and operations leads
Technical leads and engineering managers
Companies exploring student projects, applied research, or innovation supports for the first time
Businesses looking for low-risk ways to engage with academic expertise
No prior experience working with universities is required. Please bring your laptop to the session.
This is a hands-on, interactive workshop, not a sales or information event. Your experience and feedback will help shape the development of new tools, ensuring they save time, reduce friction, and deliver real value for industry.
This workshop is part of an Interreg NPA project and is supported by Sligo Local Enterprise Office as part of Local Enterprise Week.
Complimentary lunch will be provided.