Catalyst and Ulster University partner to empower Northern Ireland innovators
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 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 second and 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 Driven Enterprise 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 workplace and venture creation.”
Emma Donnelly, Enterprise Officer within Research & Innovation at Ulster University said: “This R&I, CEBE Faculty and Catalyst collaboration creates a fantastic opportunity for our students. Integrating real-world entrepreneurial thinking into academic modules and providing the tools, connections and support to explore Innovation Driven Enterprise will encourage, nurture and accelerate future student and Graduate startups. We look forward to exploring potential roll out of the UU IDE Labs across further schools and faculties in 2026 and welcome expressions of interest from our academic colleagues.”
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