¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ

From Research to Spinout

The Research to Spin-Out programme is a 5-week introductory course designed to help researchers and innovators unlock the commercial potential of their research.

Participants gain a clear understanding of how to translate research outcomes into viable products, services, or processes that create commercial and social impact.

The programme explores the full journey from lab to market, including stakeholder analysis, funding opportunities, spin-out formation, intellectual property protection, and the external supports available that assist in successful commercialisation.

CreateHER

CreateHER is ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s female pre-incubator programme, designed to inspire and empower the next generation of women innovators and entrepreneurs. Each cycle welcomes a small cohort, selected through a competitive process, to ensure a focused and transformative experience.

The programme opens minds to new possibilities, helping participants develop the skills, confidence, and creativity to launch ventures now or in their future careers. Through a blend of practical learning and personal development, CreateHER builds self-belief, financial literacy, leadership ability, and an innovation mindset, fostering more female-led, high-impact businesses within the university community.

Student Inc

Student Inc. at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ is a full-time, immersive summer programme that runs each year from June to August, giving students the opportunity to turn their business ideas into reality. The student incubator based in Nexus is delivered in partnership with MTU Cork, University College Cork, Atlantic Technological University, Technological University of the Shannon, and Mary Immaculate College, and is funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

Open to all third-level students, regardless of their year of study or discipline, Student Inc. supports participants, whether their ideas or inventions can grow into viable businesses or social enterprises. Through hands-on experience, mentorship, and practical learning, the programme builds the confidence and skills needed to take the next step in each participant’s entrepreneurial journey.

Student Entrepreneurship Bootcamp

Running successfully for over eight years, the Student Entrepreneurship Bootcamp offers transition year students a chance to step beyond the classroom and experience a three-day immersive, creative learning programme at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ.

This HEA-funded initiative is delivered collaboratively by the Kemmy Business School (KBS), Nexus Innovation Centre, and the UL Access Office. The bootcamp welcomes students from DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) schools across the Limerick region, giving them the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship in a hands-on, engaging way.

With a focus on entrepreneurial sustainability and artificial intelligence (AI), the programme equips students with essential skills for problem-solving, innovation, teamwork, and communication. Participants learn to embrace creativity, handle uncertainty, think collaboratively, and respect diverse perspectives—all while developing and pitching their own business ideas.

Throughout the three days, students work in teams on idea generation, design thinking, market validation, commercialisation, and sustainability. Delivered at the Nexus Innovation Centre, the bootcamp features interactive workshops, role-playing sessions, and inspiring talks from entrepreneurs, student founders, and career guidance advisors.

Students also have the chance to network with entrepreneurs, receive mentorship from graduate founders and representatives of government development agencies, and experience life on a university campus. The programme helps them discover the wide range of educational pathways available to pursue a third-level qualification.

The bootcamp culminates in an exciting team pitch competition, where students present their business ideas to a panel of experts from local enterprise and development agencies.