Non-profit science and technology hub Catalyst has appointed Patrick McIlveen as its new head of entrepreneurship.
McIlveen, who has held various roles at the Belfast-based organisation over the past five years, will now be responsible for overseeing its entrepreneurship support programmes.
The appointment marks a significant moment for Catalyst, which has a vision of 鈥榦pportunity for all from world-leading innovation鈥� and supporting entrepreneurship in Northern Ireland from its hubs in Belfast and Derry.
McIlveen joined as manager of a digital hub project before moving to become programme associate for the company鈥檚 co-founders programme.
He was recently an innovation lead in Catalyst鈥檚 open innovation team.聽
Prior to Catalyst, he co-founded a property technology focused startup operating in the London market.
He is currently a Department of Education appointed director at the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education.
鈥淐atalyst鈥檚 vision is ‘opportunity for all from world-leading innovation’, and I鈥檓 excited to drive that forward by strengthening the entrepreneurship landscape in Northern Ireland,鈥� said McIlveen.
鈥淔ounders at all stages face real challenges, and my focus is on ensuring they have the right support, networks, and resources to build ambitious, globally competitive businesses – while making entrepreneurship accessible to all.鈥�
Steve Orr, chief executive of Catalyst added: 鈥淚鈥檓 really pleased to have Patrick taking up the role of Head of Entrepreneurship. He brings a great understanding of Catalyst鈥檚 programmes and a passion for making entrepreneurship accessible to everyone in Northern Ireland, no matter their background.聽
鈥淗e has also been an entrepreneur himself, so he has a great understanding of some of the challenges the founders of innovative companies in our ecosystem face on a daily basis.鈥�