Commercialising your Research

Research Week 2026

Researchers will be provided with a practical, insider’s view of how to bring university research to market.

Join Alan Dunne from Enterprise Ireland who will outline the full suite of funding supports available to help researchers progress their technologies toward commercial application - including feasibility grants, proof‑of‑concept funding, and commercialisation supports.

This will be followed by Declan Fox of AxisBIC, an experienced entrepreneur and early‑stage investor, who will speak on “What Makes a Technology Investable.” His insights will help researchers understand how investors evaluate opportunities and what strengthens the pathway to creating a successful spin‑out company.

The session will conclude with a Q&A and an opportunity for one‑to‑one discussions with the speakers, giving attendees direct, practical guidance on advancing their research towards real‑world impact.

This event is brought to you by UL Technology Transfer Office.

This event may be recorded for future promotional use by University of Limerick.

All venues are wheelchair accessible but should you have any specific accessibility queries, please contact us at: research@ul.ie

Speakers

John Gleeson

John is a technology transfer professional with over 30 years’ experience in technology development, commercialisation and industry engagement. He has spent more than 15 years at UL supporting researchers and founders to bring new technologies to market — from licensing deals and industry collaborations to the creation of spin‑out companies. His background spans engineering, product management and business development roles across the electronics, materials and manufacturing sectors in Ireland and the US. John is RTTP‑accredited and holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from UL, an MBA from UCD, and a Diploma in Technology and IP Law from the Law Society of Ireland.

Alan Dunne

Alan is a Senior Commercialisation Specialist at Enterprise Ireland, supporting researchers in developing strong commercial pathways for ICT and deep‑tech innovations. He brings over 30 years’ experience across R&D, semiconductor start‑ups, and national research support roles, including senior positions within Enterprise Ireland and the University of Limerick. Alan previously co‑founded Powervation Ltd., a UL spin‑out in the semiconductor sector, giving him hands‑on insight into scaling research‑driven companies. He now guides research teams through feasibility, proof‑of‑concept, and commercialisation funding to accelerate impact from publicly funded research.

Declan Fox

Declan is a serial entrepreneur, technologist, digital marketer and business coach, co-founded Comnitel Technologies in 1999 and as CEO, grew the company from start-up, raising €30M from leading institutional investors. Comnitel later merged with a US Telco and was acquired by IBM in 2007. Founder of Magellan Partners, a venture and entrepreneurial advisory consultancy, with a focus on innovative technology companies across different sectors. Co-Founded OmniVend, a successful network, revenue and service management company. Declan is actively involved with a number of high achieving early-stage technology companies assisting them scale internationally. Declan is working closely with third level institutions right across our region and creating synergies with AxisBIC.