South East Technological University (SETU) is delighted to announce the appointment of Brian Ogilvie as Head of Entrepreneurship, Research Services and Regional Impact.
The appointment brings together a significant portfolio spanning entrepreneurship, research services and regional impact, strengthening SETU’s capacity to translate research, knowledge and innovation into meaningful economic and societal impact.
Brian will lead activities supporting entrepreneurship, enterprise engagement and research services, while further developing the pathways through which businesses, entrepreneurs and regional stakeholders can connect with SETU’s expertise, facilities, researchers and networks.
Strengthening connections between research and enterprise
A key focus of the role will be on strengthening the connections between SETU’s research and innovation ecosystem and the businesses and communities it serves.
Building on established relationships with regional and national stakeholders, Brian will work to enhance opportunities for SMEs and entrepreneurs to engage with the University, while supporting an environment in which SETU researchers can develop collaborations and maximise the wider impact of their research.
Speaking about his appointment, Brian said, “I am delighted to take on the role of Head of Entrepreneurship, Research Services and Regional Impact at SETU. There is enormous potential in creating stronger connections between our research community, entrepreneurs, businesses and the wider region.”
“A key priority for me will be ensuring that researchers, businesses and entrepreneurs can navigate the supports available to them and find meaningful ways to engage with the expertise, facilities and networks across SETU.
“I look forward to working with colleagues and our external partners to build on the strong foundations already in place, strengthen our research and entrepreneurship ecosystem and ensure that SETU continues to deliver tangible impact across the South East and beyond.”
Extensive experience in research, innovation and entrepreneurship
Brian brings extensive experience in product development and commercialisation, innovation, technical and business development, research and entrepreneurship to his new role.
Throughout his career, he has had a particular focus on developing practical mechanisms and tailored programmes that enable SMEs and entrepreneurs to engage with higher education facilities, researchers and networks.
He has contributed to a range of significant European-funded research and innovation projects focused on entrepreneurship, SME innovation and industry-university collaboration. These include BUCANIER, a €3 million Interreg Ireland-Wales initiative which supported small businesses to increase their innovation capacity through collaboration with higher education institutions and public bodies, and CATALYST, a €1.3 million project supporting businesses in the life sciences and food and drink sectors to develop new products and access new markets.
I look forward to working with colleagues and our external partners to build on the strong foundations already in place, strengthen our research and entrepreneurship ecosystem and ensure that SETU continues to deliver tangible impact across the South East and beyond."
Brian Ogilvie, SETU Head of Entrepreneurship, Research Services and Regional Impact
Brian was also involved in ENTER TO TRANSFORM, a €2.1 million Interreg North-West Europe project supporting recognised refugees through entrepreneurship and business creation, and INSPIRE, an Interreg Ireland-Wales project focused on developing innovation and idea-generation capabilities among entrepreneurs, researchers and SMEs.
Alongside his enterprise and research activity, Brian has lectured in Business Research Methods, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management at undergraduate and postgraduate level since 2007, initially at Institute of Technology Carlow and subsequently at SETU. He also supervises postgraduate students in areas including innovation management, entrepreneurship, knowledge transfer, commercialisation and business research.
Brian also brings extensive governance experience within the enterprise sector. He is Director and Secretary of Campus Innovation Centre Carlow CLG and Director and Chairperson of Carlow Community Enterprise Centres CLG and South East Catalyst Innovation Company Ltd with previous board appointments including Portlaoise Enterprise Centre and Carlow County Enterprise Board.
Most recently, as Head of Entrepreneurship and Rural Engagement at SETU, Brian has worked to strengthen the University’s connections with businesses, entrepreneurs and communities and to create greater opportunities for enterprises to engage with SETU’s research and innovation ecosystem.
Supporting SETU’s strategic ambition
The appointment supports SETU’s ambition to maximise the impact of its research and innovation activity and strengthen its contribution to economic and societal development across the South East.
It also aligns with the University’s Research, Innovation and Impact Strategy, Connecting Research to Impact 2025–2028, which places an emphasis on strengthening research capacity, knowledge transfer and engaged and impactful research.
Brian brings a valuable combination of experience in innovation, commercialisation, entrepreneurship, research and business development to this role, together with a strong understanding of the needs of SMEs and entrepreneurs.”
Professor Marie Claire Van Hout, SETU Vice President for Research, Innovation and Impact
Commenting on Brian’s appointment, Professor Marie Claire Van Hout, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Impact at SETU, said, “Brian brings a valuable combination of experience in innovation, commercialisation, entrepreneurship, research and business development to this role, together with a strong understanding of the needs of SMEs and entrepreneurs.”
“Central to our ambition at SETU is ensuring that our research expertise, facilities and networks are accessible, and that researchers, businesses and other partners have clear pathways to engage with the University.
“Brian’s appointment will further strengthen those connections and our research support environment, helping us to translate SETU’s growing research and innovation capacity into meaningful impact for our region and beyond.”