ABOUT US
OUR STORY
O’Brien Hughes Consulting was founded at the University of Galway, when Ethan and Sarah Jane—two ambitious Electronic and Computer Engineering students—combined their technical expertise with a bold entrepreneurial vision. What began as a university collaboration quickly evolved into a cutting-edge consulting firm focused on delivering smart, scalable software and IT solutions for real-world business problems.
Their partnership is grounded in a shared belief that technology should empower, not overwhelm. As both Stanford University-named University Innovation Fellows, Ethan and Sarah Jane have mastered design thinking, innovation strategy, and systems-level problem-solving. Their work brings a fresh, human-centered approach to industries traditionally burdened by outdated tools and inefficient workflows.
At OBH Consulting, they channel this mindset into the development of custom software platforms, automation systems, and managed IT services—designed to help clients work smarter, reduce inefficiencies, and scale with confidence.
WHAT WE'VE ACHIEVED TOGETHER
- Named Stanford University Innovation Fellows, representing the University of Galway on a global stage of change-makers.
- Co-led EcoShift Engineers, a student-led team that earned 2nd place at EirGrid’s CleanerGrid 2025 competition with a concept for a peer-to-peer renewable energy trading app—promoting decentralised, community-led energy innovation.
- Invited as guest speakers at the President’s Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship hosted by IdeasLab, sharing their entrepreneurial journey with the next generation of student innovators.
- Maintain a close, ongoing relationship with IdeasLab, collaborating with its network of innovators and contributing to the university’s broader culture of entrepreneurship.
SARAH JANE HUGHES
Sarah Jane Hughes is an award-winning innovator, technologist, and co-founder of OBH Consulting. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic and Computer Engineering at the University of Galway, where she combines a passion for problem-solving with a focus on sustainable, human-centered digital systems.
She is the creator of Ascert Pro, a compliance and inspection platform built to modernise the construction industry’s approach to regulatory reporting under Ireland’s BCAR system. The project earned her a finalist spot in the Siemens Innovative Student Engineer of the Year Award, and won her national recognition as Innovation Undergraduate of the Year in Ireland.
Sarah Jane’s contributions to entrepreneurship and innovation have also been recognised with the President’s Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and she has represented Leinster at the European Youth Parliament.
Beyond her technical achievements, Sarah Jane is fluent in Irish, proficient in German, and active in the arts and sports—featuring on a Spotify album with local artists and playing competitive basketball and golf. Her work is driven by a commitment to inclusivity, sustainable development, and accessible technology.
ETHAN O'BRIEN
Ethan O’Brien is a systems architect, entrepreneur, and co-founder of OBH Consulting. He is currently studying Electronic and Computer Engineering at the University of Galway, where he focuses on developing secure, scalable IT systems that serve real-world business needs.
Ethan is the founder of Quantum Harbour IT Systems, a Managed Service Provider (MSP) based in Galway. Through this venture, he has delivered tailored IT solutions—from cybersecurity infrastructure to disaster recovery—for SMEs and logistics firms. He is also the creator of Quantum Mechanics, a digital job card and inspection platform that enhances compliance and operational efficiency in the HGV and transport sector.
In 2024, Ethan was named Ireland’s Global Student Entrepreneur of the Year, representing the country at the European semi-finals in Berlin. He also won the LibertyIT Hackathon and completed the competitive Start100 Accelerator Programme, sharpening his leadership and startup execution skills.
Known for his hands-on approach and systems thinking, Ethan brings a balance of technical expertise and entrepreneurial acumen to every OBH Consulting project. He is also a strong advocate for client empowerment, digital literacy, and collaborative development practices.
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Let’s Build Something Great Together!
Your business deserves solutions that work for you, not against you. Whether you need custom software, a modern website, or automation to streamline operations, we’re here to help.
Let’s start with a free consultation – no commitments, just expert insights.
✅ Get a clear roadmap for your business’s digital transformation
✅ Discover ways to save time and cut inefficiencies
✅ Work with a team that understands business-first technology