SETU to host annual knowledge transfer conference in Waterford

South East Technological University in Waterford is to host the Irish Knowledge Transfer Association (IKTA) annual conference.

The event will take place on May 10, at SETU Arena.

A spokesperson for the university told Waterford News & Star the event will offer a dynamic platform for stakeholders in knowledge transfer enabling them to “convene, exchange insights, and explore emerging trends and opportunities in the field”.

Commenting ahead of the event, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke TD, said: “IKTA members are the crucial link between our world-class research sector and innovative enterprise in Ireland. 

They build connections throughout our universities and Technological Universities forming relationships with businesses, helping them harness research and build new and exciting products and services.” 

“Through my Department, I am delighted to be funding these Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Offices, in partnership with the European Regional Development Fund,” said Minister Burke.

The conference will begin with an opening address by Dr James O’Sullivan, Head of Innovation & Commercialisation at SETU, and he will set the stage for a day of discussions and networking opportunities.

Prof. Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, will welcome the attendees, from all over the island of Ireland, and she will highlight the significance of collaboration and innovation in driving knowledge transfer forward.

The keynote address titled, ‘Impact and Opportunities in Knowledge Transfer', will be delivered by Dr Declan Weldon, Director of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Engagement at the University of Glasgow. 

Dr Weldon's insights promise to shed light on the transformative potential of AI in the realm of knowledge transfer.

Dr Christian Stafford, the recently appointed Head of Knowledge Transfer Ireland will also address the conference to discuss progress to date in building a national KT system and future challenges and opportunities.

The event will also feature panel discussions on emerging models of research commercialisation and attendees will hear case studies from spinout companies that have emerged from across the Irish University system.

"We are excited to host the IKTA Annual Conference, bringing together key stakeholders to explore the evolving landscape of knowledge transfer," said Dr James O’Sullivan, Vice Chair of IKTA.

"This event offers a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, foster collaboration, and drive innovation that will shape the future of knowledge transfer in Ireland and beyond,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr Stafford, expressed delight at being invited to speak at the event.

“The event itself marks the maturation of the knowledge transfer ecosystem and KTI and EI are very happy to support the conference,” he said.

“The state, through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) and EI has invested significant resources in the KT ecosystem to deliver impact for the economy and society,” he added.

He went on to comment: “A significant and successful system has been built up but as an open and high-growth knowledge economy, it is critical that the innovation ecosystem continues to evolve and be challenged to be more effective and impactful.” 

The most recent announcement of funding for the KT system via KT Boost, will see over €30M invested, co-funded by ERDF, over the next four years with the aim of delivering significantly enhanced impact via the creation of high-performing start-ups from research and increases in industry-academic collaboration, particularly involving SMEs.

“We look forward to collaborating with IKTA members to support the successful delivery of KT Boost objectives and maximise impact for all stakeholders,” said Mr Stafford.

The conference is supported by Knowledge Transfer Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.