Ciaran Fitzgerald

Class of 2025

University College Cork
Bachelor of Commerce - Consulting & Business Development

Why did you choose ESTEEM?

I was drawn to ESTEEM by the hands-on approach, fast-paced environment and opportunity to connect with the amazing Notre Dame community. I previously worked at an amazing AI start-up called FYLD where I was able to dive into all things entrepreneurial on the GTM team and learn from best in class mentors and leaders. ESTEEM will allow me to diversify my skill set in areas like product management, venture capital and design, while giving me the chance to work and collaborate with many innovative, like-minded people to create products, teams and systems that users love and businesses need.

What is your capstone project?

Universities, institutions and corporations invest massive sums in research every year to identify solutions for the agri-food & energy industries. There is minimal output in the form of commercialization with the creation of spin out companies. At the same time, the industry desperately needs solutions to ensure food security, enhance nutrition and drastically decrease its carbon footprint which currently accounts for 22% of all GHG emissions globally. However, with the recent proliferation of AI, there is a new opportunity to answer these challenges and accelerate successful outcomes. This capstone project involves partnering with SVG Ventures | THRIVE, a leading AgriTech venture capital firm headquartered in Silicon Valley, to develop a venture studio for the agriculture, food supply chain, and energy sectors. The objective is to create a venture studio model and business plan that leverages university research, corporate IP, and industry challenges to form B2B software companies focused on efficiency and sustainability.

What do you hope to do after ESTEEM?

After ESTEEM, I want to work at a fast-paced company that aligns with my values. Venture Capital, Tech (Early Stage or Big Tech) and Consulting are all industries of interest to me given my background. I want to work on projects that are technologically progressive with strong commercial aspects to make a real impact on a large scale in their given problem space.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, you can find me listening to a lot of country music, playing or watching pretty much any sport, and spending time with the people that matter to me!