Catalyst and Ulster University announce new partnership to empower future innovators in Northern Ireland

Catalyst, Northern Ireland’s science and technology hub, has announced a new partnership with Ulster University that will embed entrepreneurial thinking and innovation into the academic experience of more than 450 second year and final-year students across the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.

The initiative, known as IDE Lab @ CEBE, will be delivered by Catalyst in collaboration with Ulster University’s Research & Innovation, School of Engineering (Belfast Campus) and School of Computing, Engineering & Intelligent Systems (Derry-Londonderry Campus).

It will incorporate Design Thinking and Disciplined Entrepreneurship workshops into final-year project modules, alongside Innovation Driven Enterprise (IDE) start-up hackathons and guest lectures. All elements have been co-designed with academic staff to ensure they are relevant and impactful.

This partnership represents a significant step forward in preparing students for the innovation economy. By embedding entrepreneurial skills from an early stage, the programme enables students to explore the commercial potential of their academic work, consider venture creation and develop the mindset needed to succeed in a fast-changing global environment.

Committed to fostering entrepreneurship and inclusive innovation in Northern Ireland, IDE Lab @ CEBE is the latest partnership initiative by Catalyst. The not-for-profit organisation delivers a range of programmes throughout the year for all ages and levels of ability including Springboard, Co-builders, INVENT and Inbound Investors.

Joe Wilson, Partner Relationship Manager, Catalyst said: “We are delighted to be working with Ulster University to deliver a programme that brings entrepreneurship to life. By integrating innovation into the curriculum, we are helping students become creators, problem-solvers and future business leaders. This initiative is about building a strong pipeline of talent that will shape Northern Ireland’s innovation landscape for years to come.”

Professor Colin Turner, PVC & Executive Dean of Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment at Ulster University said: “Our support for and engagement in the IDE Lab reflects CEBE’s dedication to innovation and partnership, empowering our students to create solutions that matter for industry and society whilst developing entrepreneurial skills relevant to the work place and venture creation. 

Emma Donnelly, Enterprise Officer within Innovation & Enterprise at Ulster University said: “This collaboration with Catalyst is a major opportunity for our students. It brings real-world entrepreneurial thinking into the classroom and equips students with the tools to turn ideas into impact. We look forward to seeing how this programme will influence the next generation once they finish education and enter the world of work.”