Meet Dylan Walsh, a M.S. in Entrepreneurship, Technology, & Innovation (ESTEEM) graduate student in the class of 2024. Prior to his enrollment in the program, he completed a Computer and Electronic Engineering Masters at the University College of Dublin. Dylan is a passionate engineer who discovered his love for entrepreneurship during his undergraduate studies. This led him to the ESTEEM program, where he saw the opportunity to further develop his entrepreneurial abilities. Dylan was particularly drawn to the program after hearing about the strong sense of community at Notre Dame, as conveyed by individuals like David Murphy, who came to campus to discuss the program. Knowing he made the right choice, Dylan is now thriving in the program and grateful for the supportive and special Notre Dame community.
A Bridge Between Disciplines
ESTEEM isn't just a regular program. To Dylan, it blended tech and business. He didn't have to pick one; he could use both to tackle today's issues. What made it special was its mix of classroom teaching and real-world practice.This is where the capstone project comes into play. Working on a big project with SpaceX, like Starlink, is a big deal. Starlink aims to change how the world connects. Dylan's job was to figure out how it fits in different international markets, especially in Latin America and Europe. By diving deep into satellite internet, Dylan saw its power to connect the whole world.
“My Capstone project is working with SpaceX on their Starlink project. My job specifically is looking to generate strategic insights for them in new international markets,” Dylan explained. “I'm looking into what kind of industries need satellite internet to accomplish their business goals. It's a lot of talking to different industries, learning about how they actually operate, what their business needs are. And then a lot of work behind the scenes looking at how much the product matches those needs and how big the market is. How does Starlink strategically sell to that market?”
Dylan’s capstone project is focused on generating international B2B expansion insights for SpaceX’s Starlink. Specifically, it investigates opportunities for Starlink in Latin American and European markets. Starlink's revolutionary Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Internet technology has the potential to bridge the digital divide by extending high-speed internet connectivity to even the most remote regions worldwide, in addition to providing robust backup internet solutions for critical business operations. This project will provide actionable insights to inform and guide Starlink's regional expansion approach. To accomplish this objective, Dylan will conduct comprehensive research across various industries within Latin America and Europe. Moreover, Dylan will explore potential distribution models to provide businesses with seamless Starlink connectivity and contribute to building a more connected future.
The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
While projects like Starlink provide an invaluable learning experience, ESTEEM's real magic lies in its ecosystem. Mentorship sessions, networking opportunities, and business idea competitions at the IDEA Center all form the bedrock of ESTEEM's holistic education model. Dylan’s recounting of late-night brainstorming sessions, invaluable feedback from industry leaders, and the thrill of turning ideas into prototypes captures the exhilarating ESTEEM experience.
“Here at ESTEEM, the entrepreneurial ecosystem is really preparing me to launch my own startup, not only through the skills they're teaching me, but also just through the network available here and the resources that are just so important for getting something like this off the ground,” said Dylan. “It really feels like I'm empowered to give it my all and have the maximum chance of succeeding because of Notre Dame and ESTEEM.”
Dylan Walsh's journey through ESTEEM offers a testament to the transformative potential of bridging technical prowess with entrepreneurial ambition. This program, nestled within the nurturing environment of Notre Dame, serves as a catalyst, allowing passionate individuals like Dylan to tap into a unique blend of academic and real-world experiences. Whether it's collaborating with tech giants like SpaceX or nurturing the seeds of one's own startup, ESTEEM stands as a beacon for aspiring innovators in the realm of STEM. As we delve deep into the compelling narratives of students such as Dylan, we're reminded of the boundless possibilities that emerge when one is equipped with the right tools, community, and drive.
To join us on the journey of innovation and entrepreneurship, discover more about the ESTEEM program and take the first step toward a rewarding future today.