Innovation Leader & Entrepreneurial Advocate!I am motivated by a deep-seated passion for nurturing talent and fostering innovation. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of collaborating with hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs, guiding them on their path to success and helping turn their bold ideas into thriving ventures bringing value to local economies. Having led a varierty of innovative programmes at DCU, along with my involvement in EI New Frontiers, I'm dedicated to providing invaluable support and resources to fuel the growth of promising startups.With 18 years experience spearheading innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives at DCU, I'm on a mission to empower the next generation of tech pioneers and startups. As a former entrepreneur myself, I bring a unique blend of hands-on experience and strategic insight to the table, having navigated the challenges and triumphs of business firsthand.At the heart of my work lies a commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry. By promoting knowledge transfer and fostering meaningful collaborations between the humanities & social sciences and the Institute of Education at DCU, I strive to catalyse advancements that positively impact both realms.Prior to my current role, I spent 13 years at the helm of DCU's business incubation facility, where I had the privilege of nurturing over 500 startups and early-stage ventures. Specialising in high-tech, knowledge-intensive enterprises, I've honed my expertise in guiding companies through the critical startup phase, equipping them with the tools and support they need to thrive in today's competitive landscape.Let's connect and collaborate to drive innovation, empower entrepreneurs and shape the future of technology together! maria.johnston@dcu.ie + 353 1 700 7597http://dcuinvent.ie/