Idea Coaching

Book an Appointment

Portal offers year-round support and guidance for individuals interested in developing ideas into startup businesses or social enterprises. You can book an appointment with a dedicated coach for confidential advice on your business idea or social enterprise. Please read more on our coaches below and when you're ready, feel free to book an appointment below!

Alison Treacy - Student Startup & Innovation Manager

I’m passionate about empowering student founders, fostering mentorship, and solving real-world problems. With over a decade of experience in innovation and strategic projects within higher education, I’m currently the Student Startup & Innovation Manager at Portal here in Trinity.

A significant part of my role involves managing LaunchBox, where I have the privilege of designing impactful accelerators for exceptional student startups every year. I founded the Women Who Wow mentorship programme and led the Provost’s Innovation Challenge and others. I love exploring new innovative ideas and designing programmes that pack a punch. I’m here to help you transform your idea—no matter how early-stage—into a reality.

Want to know more about me? Visit my LinkedIn page and let’s connect!

Zaur Samadov - Unsizada | Student Entrepreneurship Programme Manager & Director @Open Incubator

Got an idea? Whether it’s just a scribble or something more developed, I’m here to help you shape it, challenge it, and take it to the next level. For 30 minutes, I’ll be your co-founder, your investor, or your toughest critic—whatever you need to make real progress. With over eight years in startup support, running LaunchBox student summer acceleration programme, hackathons, innovation challenges and building Open Incubator, Ireland’s digital student innovation hub, I can guide you, connect you to the right resources, and help you uncover the best next steps.

Want to know more about me? Visit my LinkedIn page and let’s connect!