Recently at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) iHubs, we were delighted to welcome a group of MBA students from the University of Notre Dame to Galway as part of the highly regarded Grow Irish experiential learning programme.
Delivered in collaboration with leading organisations across Ireland, Grow Irish is an intensive, week-long consulting initiative that connects MBA students with mission-driven companies and organisations. The programme is designed to bridge academic insight with real-world application, giving participants the opportunity to work closely with leadership teams while delivering meaningful, actionable outcomes.
During their time in Galway, the Notre Dame MBA students were hosted by ATU iHubs client Aztec Medical. Throughout the week, they engaged directly with the company’s leadership team to explore strategic growth opportunities, applying advanced MBA frameworks, analytical tools, and global perspectives to address real business challenges. This hands-on collaboration enabled both the students and the company to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and uncover new opportunities for innovation and development.
Beyond their work with Aztec Medical, the visiting cohort also collaborated with a range of organisations across the region, including Galway Chamber, COPE Galway, and Galway City Council. This cross-sector engagement provided the students with a comprehensive view of Galway’s dynamic economic, social, and civic landscape, while also supporting local organisations with fresh thinking and strategic insight.
Programmes like Grow Irish play an important role in strengthening connections between Ireland’s innovation ecosystem and international networks of talent. For ATU iHubs, it represents a valuable opportunity to showcase the strength of our startup community while introducing global perspectives that can help drive growth, competitiveness, and long-term impact.
Hosting initiatives like this also reinforces Galway’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and enterprise. By bringing together ambitious companies, civic organisations, and internationally recognised institutions, the region continues to position itself as a place where ideas can be tested, partnerships can flourish, and meaningful challenges can be addressed collectively.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the University of Notre Dame MBA students for their enthusiasm, professionalism, and curiosity throughout the programme. Their contribution brought real value to the organisations they engaged with and left a lasting positive impression.
We also thank Aztec Medical for their openness in hosting the students and sharing their journey, as well as all partner organisations involved in making the week such a success.
ATU iHubs looks forward to building on this momentum and continuing to foster partnerships that connect Ireland’s innovation ecosystem with global expertise, insight, and opportunity.