On Friday 8 November 2024, South East Technological University (SETU) welcomed Deputy Governor Vasileios Madouros of the Central Bank of Ireland, where he and his advisors met participants in the New Frontiers programme based at the Xcelerate Centre at the Carlow campus.
The visit facilitated open discussions, where the Central Bank delegation gained first-hand insights from start-up companies on how current policies impact their operations, challenges, and growth. Key topics included the regulatory environment, financial accessibility, and the broader economic landscape influencing businesses both locally and nationally.
Deputy Governor Madouros remarked, “It is important that the Central Bank listens to and engages with people all around Ireland and that our work is informed by real-life experiences and viewpoints. To ensure that a range of voices from across Ireland are heard, we speak to businesses across the country about what they are experiencing in the economy. Today’s meetings, with a diverse range of local businesses, have been invaluable to us.”
The Xcelerate Centre truly embodies both innovation and collaboration, allowing start-ups to bring new ideas to life. Centres like Xcelerate are vital for driving regional growth, allowing talent to connect with industry and helping shape the future of the local economy. It is a testament to what is possible when academia and industry join forces to foster entrepreneurship and creativity.
Deputy Governor Vasileios Madouros of the Central Bank of Ireland
Gemma Purcell, Enterprise Development Manager at SETU’s Carlow campus, opened the meeting with a presentation on the SETU Xcelerate Centres in Carlow, Waterford and Kilkenny. This was then followed by an open discussion, where the Central Bank delegation gained first-hand insights from start-up companies on how current policies impact their operations, challenges, and growth. Key topics included the regulatory environment, financial accessibility, and the broader economic landscape influencing businesses both locally and nationally.
The delegation was met by Prof Marie Claire Van Hout, SETU Vice President for Research, Innovation and Impact, who thanked the Deputy Governor and his team for engaging with the innovators at SETU. She commented, “SETU’s Xcelerate Centre, recognised for fostering start-ups and SMEs in the region, provided an ideal venue for this exchange, further positioning South East Technological University (SETU) as a regional leader in innovation and economic development.”
Key representatives from South East Technological University (SETU) were also in attendance, including Dr Aisling O’Neill, Xcelerate Centre Manager (Waterford), along with Dr James O’Sullivan, Head of Commercialisation and Innovation at SETU, and Dr Eugene Crehan, New Frontiers Programme Manager at SETU in Waterford.
To thank Deputy Governor Madouros and his team for their engagement, SETU presented a collection of innovative products from Xcelerate businesses, including Seed Golf, Flower Child, and Sásta Skincare – a gesture celebrating the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit at SETU.