A delegation from THENSA embarked on a study visit to Ireland including Walton Institute and SETU
On 21st May 2025, SETU's West Campus in Carriganore, Waterford welcomed a delegation from the Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA), comprising eight entrepreneurial postgraduate students from universities across South Africa and three network representatives.
THENSA and the Technological Higher Education Association (THEA) in Ireland have maintained a strong relationship since 2016. This collaboration has led to the establishment of several joint working groups focused on areas of mutual interest. Ongoing engagements, research partnerships, and development initiatives between Irish Technological Universities and THENSA member institutions have been consistently supported by both the Irish Embassy in South Africa and the South African Embassy in Ireland.
As part of an initiative to enhance entrepreneurial programming, the delegation embarked on a study visit to Ireland, including stops at the South African Embassy and Google in Dublin, Wexford County Council, Walton Institute and SETU in Waterford, the University of Limerick, and Trinity College Dublin.
During their time at SETU, the delegation engaged with a wide range of departments and experts who provided an insightful overview of the university’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and the broader innovation landscape in the South East region. Presenters included:
- Dr. Brian Ogilvie, Head of Entrepreneurship, SETU
- Sinéad Day, International Affairs Manager, SETU
- Gemma Purcell, Xcelerate Centre, with client company representatives:
- Mark Rohan, Klearcom
- Alan Connors, IOCSave
- Liam Fitzgerald, ICS Technology Gateway, Walton Institute
- European project coordinators:
- Kieran Sullivan, AgNAV
- John McLaughlin, ZeroW
- Dr. Eugene Crehan, New Frontiers
- Dr. Eleanor Kent and Rachel O’Dowd, Department of Land Science, who also provided a tour of the testbed facilities in Carriganore
This visit further strengthens the longstanding partnership between THENSA and SETU. Each session fostered vibrant discussions, sparking fresh ideas among the visiting entrepreneurs. The delegation was particularly impressed by Ireland’s robust and supportive research and innovation ecosystem—elements they are eager to integrate into their own institutions and networks in South Africa.
