Natalie Walsh
Director of Entrepreneurial Development
Natalie Walsh
Natalie Walsh is an award-winning leader in innovation, entrepreneurship, and higher education, with over a decade of experience driving strategic initiatives across academia, industry, and the public sector. As Director of Entrepreneurial Development at the University of Galway, she has secured over €11M in funding and founded IdeasLab and the Empathy Studio, pioneering programs at the intersection of human-centered design and technology. A Stanford Faculty Innovation Fellow and EntreComp Champion, Natalie is recognised for her expertise in fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems, supporting youth and female founders, and embedding empathy as a strategic capability in innovation.
Natalie Walsh is Director of Entrepreneurial Development at the University of Galway, where she leads transformative initiatives to cultivate innovation and entrepreneurship. She is the founder of IdeasLab and the Empathy Studio, delivering award-winning programs that blend human-centered design, technology, and societal impact. With a Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship in Academia from Trinity College Dublin and €11M+ secured in funding, Natalie is also a Stanford Faculty Innovation Fellow and EU EntreComp Champion. Her work focuses on activating entrepreneurial skills, advancing inclusive innovation, and building ecosystems that empower the next generation of changemakers.
