Ciarán Marron, Founder and CEO of Activ8 Solar Energies, has been awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership by UCD Engineering Society in recognition of his outstanding contribution to engineering, entrepreneurship and Ireland's renewable energy sector.
This honour is one of the Society's highest forms of recognition, celebrating individuals whose achievements have made a significant impact on engineering, industry and enterprise. For Ciarán, it marks an important milestone, recognising a career that has helped shape Ireland's renewable energy landscape and inspire future generations of engineers.
Having graduated with a degree in Electronic Engineering, Ciarán has built his career around combining technical expertise with entrepreneurial ambition and a practical approach to business. Over the past two decades, he has grown Activ8 Solar Energies from a small business into Ireland's leading renewable energy company, expanding its operations across the UK and mainland Europe and delivering innovative energy solutions for homes, businesses and large-scale commercial projects.
The UCD Engineering Society honour reflects not only Ciarán's success in business but also his ongoing commitment to advancing engineering and supporting the next generation of talent. Throughout his career, he has championed practical learning, apprenticeships and skills development. This includes the launch of Activ8's new traineeship programme with CMETB this year, helping create pathways into careers in the renewable energy sector.
As part of the recognition, Ciarán visited University College Dublin to take part in a discussion hosted by UCD Engineering Society. During the event, he shared insights into his career journey, the growth of Activ8, leadership, company culture, and the opportunities and challenges facing the engineering profession today. Students had the opportunity to hear first-hand about the realities of building and growing an engineering-led business.
Speaking about the honour, Ciarán said:
"Receiving this recognition from UCD Engineering Society is a real honour. My time studying engineering helped shape the foundations of my career, so it's particularly meaningful to come here and share some of my experiences with the next generation of engineers."
Receiving an Honorary Lifetime Membership places Ciarán among a select group of individuals recognised by UCD Engineering Society for their contributions to engineering and enterprise. The award acknowledges not only his achievements in building Activ8 but also his commitment to sharing knowledge, supporting emerging talent and promoting the value of engineering beyond the classroom.
From his early career as an engineer to becoming a leader in Ireland's renewable energy sector, Ciarán's journey demonstrates the lasting impact engineering can have on business, innovation and society. This recognition celebrates his achievements to date and the influence he continues to have on the next generation of engineers.
