The people who hold us to a higher standard.

Michelle Olmstead is a strategic innovation leader and board advisor with more than 25 years of international experience spanning venture capital, research commercialisation, higher education, law, and public policy. Most recently as Chief Innovation and Enterprise Officer at Trinity College Dublin, she drove significant growth in research impact, spin-out formation, industry collaboration, and multinational research partnerships. Her career also includes senior leadership at Leiden University and Oxford University Press, underpinned by expertise in intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, and venture investment. Today, Michelle holds a portfolio of independent board and advisory roles, supporting founders, venture funds, universities, and public institutions in developing and scaling innovation-driven ventures. She holds a J.D. in Law, an MBA, and a Bachelor's degree in Business and Public Administration, with professional certifications in mediation and arbitration.