SETU recently hosted the second phase of the Potential for Agri-entrepreneurship and Technology for Women and Youth Empowerment Mozambique initiative, welcoming colleagues from Universidade Rovuma for workshops and training across its Waterford and Carlow campuses.
The programme, which ran from 24 February to 1 March 2026, focused on strengthening entrepreneurship skills, research capacity, and sustainable agricultural practices of key university personnel
Entrepreneurship Train the Trainer Bootcamp
Activities began at the SETU Xcelerate Centre in Waterford with an Entrepreneurship Train the Trainer Bootcamp led by Dr Eugene Crehan. Working with Universidade Rovuma researchers Sonia Nido and Dr Celina Bahule, participants co-developed an entrepreneurship skills framework designed to support students and community members in Mozambique. The workshop explored entrepreneurial mindsets, business planning using the Lean Canvas model, and opportunities for programme delivery and funding.
Grant Writing Workshop
The programme continued at the SETU Carlow campus with a grant writing workshop led by Dr Denise McGrath, with input from Dr Geraldine Canny. Participants examined how to develop strong funding proposals, including defining clear research objectives and identifying relevant funding opportunities in Mozambique and the EU.
Laboratory Training
Hands-on laboratory training followed in the Dargan Centre laboratories in Carlow, where Dr Adriana Cunha Neves led sessions on protein extraction and characterisation from agricultural by-products, highlighting opportunities to add value to agricultural resources.
Sustainable Food Production
The programme concluded with a field-based workshop at a farm site in Carlow, where Dr Stephen Whelan and Grace Maher led discussions on heritage wheat varieties, biodiversity, and soil assessment as part of sustainable food production.
International Collaboration
Dr Sheila Long said, “This collaboration highlights the power of international partnerships in addressing shared challenges. By working together with colleagues at Universidade Rovuma, we are supporting new opportunities for women and young people in Mozambique through entrepreneurship, research skills, and sustainable agriculture. The university is very grateful for the support of the Embassy of Ireland, Mozambique”
The initiative reflects SETU’s commitment to global collaboration and knowledge exchange while supporting education, innovation, and sustainable development in partner regions.