Big News: Mary McKenna MBE Named First Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence at Ulster University
We’re absolutely delighted to share a major milestone for our Chair and Cofounder, Mary McKenna MBE, who has been named the first-ever Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) at Ulster University Business School.
This prestigious appointment, awarded by The Royal Society, marks not only a personal achievement for Mary, but also a significant step forward for the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem across Northern Ireland and beyond.
Why this matters
As the very first Entrepreneur in Residence at Ulster University, Mary will be working closely with academics, students, and emerging founders to help translate research and intellectual property into real-world commercial solutions. It’s about building a stronger bridge between academia and industry—and Mary is the perfect person to lead that charge.
With over 10,000 students and 200 staff, Ulster University Business School (UUBS) is one of the largest and most dynamic business schools in the UK and Ireland. Mary’s appointment will help drive innovation, empower future entrepreneurs, and bring new ideas to market—especially those that might otherwise be overlooked.
Why Mary?
If you know her, you already understand what an incredible force she is.
Awarded UK Business Angels Association Angel of the Year and European Female Business Angel of the Year 2023/24
Currently also a Visiting Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Oxford
Co-founder of AwakenHub and AwakenAngels, where she champions investment, access, and equity for women founders across the island
Tireless advocate for breaking down barriers and creating space for inclusive innovation
Her leadership has been transformative for so many founders in our community, and this new role will amplify that impact across an even broader audience.
In Mary’s words
“To have been chosen as an Entrepreneur in Residence by the Royal Society and the first at Ulster University is an incredible honour. Having spent many years as an advocate for entrepreneurship, women founders, angel investing, and innovation, this is an exciting new opportunity to enable Ulster University’s talented researchers and students to bridge the gap between academia and industry. I can’t wait to get started alongside the team at UUBS and look forward to supporting their advances, helping to foster their spinouts, and inspiring the next generation of our entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland.”
From our community
Clare McGee, CEO and Co-founder of AwakenHub and AwakenAngels, shared:
“Mary’s appointment as a Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence at Ulster University is a huge win for the entrepreneurial landscape across Northern Ireland and beyond. At AwakenHub and AwakenAngels we see the incredible impact her leadership and mentoring have on our women founders and early-stage businesses every week. This new role means she will now be able to bring her expertise and network to an even wider audience.”
About the programme
The Royal Society’s Entrepreneur in Residence scheme was created to strengthen the relationship between academic research and commercial application by placing experienced entrepreneurs inside UK universities. Only 15 new EiRs were selected this year, and Mary’s appointment is just the third ever in Northern Ireland.
Looking ahead
At AwakenHub and AwakenAngels, we already know the power of Mary’s guidance, vision, and values. Her new role at Ulster University is another opportunity for her to lift up the next generation of innovators—and we’re proud to support her every step of the way.
Congratulations Mary, and thank you to The Royal Society and Ulster University for recognising and enabling this kind of leadership and collaboration.
