SMEs + Universities: Ways to engage
On January 13th 2026, Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Universities Association hosted a hybrid event to help SMEs access supports across IUA’s seven university members (DCU, MU, TCD, UCC, UCD, University of Galway, UL).
Take the next step now to work more closely with our universities:
IUA Universities Supports for SMEs:
https://www.iua.ie/employers/
Enterprise Ireland Supports for SMEs:
Capability Development | Enterprise Ireland
Watch the event
This recording is spilt into sections below to make it easier to watch an individual speaker or panel. If the videos below are not displaying, please accept the cookies on this website or click here to watch the full video. If watching on YouTube click ‘more’ on the event description to access the video chapters – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-95YfvyX-4
Event highlights
Watch speeches from..
Paul Johnston, Director General, Irish Universities Association. Natasha Kinsella, Manager, Dublin Regional Skills Forum. Joe Healy, Division Manager for Research & Innovation at Enterprise Ireland. Prof Linda Doyle, Provost Trinity College Dublin.
Peter Cosgrove, Managing Director of Futurewise, gave his thoughts on how SMEs must address their critical skills needs to future-proof their businesses.
Peter MC’d the event which included presentations and panel sessions on:
- Connecting with the university system,
- Attracting graduate and research talent,
- Leveraging AI in teaching and learning to address skills needs,
- Discovering pathways for upskilling and reskilling staff,
- Overcoming barriers to engagement with the university system,
- Exploring diversity in the talent pipeline.
‘Setting the Scene – Future Skills Needs’ watch Peter Cosgrove’s speech:
Panel discussions:
Panel one: Ways to engage with our Universities.
With:
- Orla Bannon, Director of Careers, TCD
- Prof Vincent Wade, Professor of Computer Science at TCD
- Neil Gordon, Director of Portal at TCD
- Samruddhi Dekate, EI Learnovate Work Ready Graduate programme
- Dr Cathal Wilson, Co-founder, Director and COO of Nexalus
This session explores how SMEs can engage more effectively with the higher education system, from connecting into university networks and accessing enterprise engagement routes, to attracting graduate and intern talent. It also looks at how SMEs can market themselves to graduates, overcome common barriers to engagement, and collaborate with universities on programme design and co-creation. The discussion highlights how AI is being embedded into teaching and learning to help address evolving skills needs.
Panel two: Pathways for upskilling and reskilling staff
With:
- Marie Walsh, Partner at HGF Ltd in Dublin. Marie completed a micro-credential at Maynooth University
- Mike Noonan, Health and Safety Manager, John Sisk & Son Ltd. Mike’s educational journey at the University of Galway was supported through RPL.
- Suzanne Golden, Recognition of Prior Learning Project Lead at University of Galway.
Panel three: Widening the talent pool
With:
- Anna Boda, Programme Manager, Employers For Change
- Aoife Nic Ginnea, UCC Grad and WAM Prog. Grad working for ESB
- Helen McMahon, Skills Policy and Strategic Partnership Lead, Enterprise Ireland
- Jennifer Cleary, Head of International, IUA
Event photos
More Information
For more information on how IUA Universities support employers in Graduate Recruitment or Workforce Development please visit – https://www.iua.ie/employers/