MTU Cyber Innovate is open for applications
An innovation and entrepreneurship cybersecurity programme is looking for 2024 applicants.
Successful applicants to MTU Cyber Innovate will be invited to join the 10 month programme where they will receive a tax free scholarship of €38,000 and will be provided with the skills to evaluate, select and validate ideas for new cybersecurity products and services which will contribute to the creation of new start-ups and innovations.
When finished, they will also graduate with a postgraduate qualification in Cyber Security Innovation from MTU.
Participants do not need to have a cyber security or IT background to apply. The purpose of the programme is to form teams with combined abilities to produce the best cyber security innovations/startups. Those from IT, humanities and business are welcome to apply.
12-15 cyber innovation experts are expected to graduate each year from the initiative.
Practical learning
This is a 10 month, full-time specialist programme dedicated to cybersecurity entrepreneurship and innovation. Inspired by the needs-led innovation approach first pioneered by Stanford University, the programme steers multidisciplinary teams through the entire innovation lifecycle. This journey spans the initial identification of cybersecurity needs to the design and prototyping of viable solutions, and ultimately the creation of new startups.
Donna O’Shea, Chair of Cybersecurity in MTU said: “To our potential participants: this is not just another training or startup programme, it's a journey towards becoming pioneers in cybersecurity innovation and for you to make your mark on the world. We have the people, the mentors and some of the most advanced cyber security research infrastructure in Ireland for you to realise your success.”
“Our graduates will be catalysts, educators, and leaders—architecting innovative cyber security solutions that bolster our national security and propel Ireland to the forefront of global cyber entrepreneurship,” she said.
Immersive Environment
Centred around the Cyber Innovate Immersive Environment (CIIE), participants will be immersed in real-world cybersecurity challenges and functions. Teams of individuals from cybersecurity, IT, business, and humanities backgrounds will collaborate to uncover unmet needs within the cybersecurity sector, leveraging their diverse expertise to develop groundbreaking solutions.
Josette O’Mullane is Innovation & Enterprise Manager at MTU: “We are delighted to be working with Enterprise Ireland and our industry partners to deliver this exciting new entrepreneurship training programme. This programme complements our existing suite of enterprise development programmes. Participants will be co-located with many other entrepreneurs in the Rubicon Centre here in MTU.
“In working with leading cyber security educators, researchers, innovators, and industry champions, we envisage the graduates from this programme will initiate a new wave of cyber security innovation and entrepreneurship in the region” she added.
Support
Throughout this process, participants are supported by a robust mentorship network, including industry leaders, cybersecurity experts, venture capitalists, and academics. Participants will also have access to MTU’s world class cyber security infrastructure including the Cyber Range and Q Cloud. This support, coupled with scholarship support from Enterprise Ireland, ensures participants are well-equipped to translate their innovations into successful startups, contributing significantly to the global cybersecurity landscape.
Applications can be made through the Cyber Innovate website www.cyberinnovate.ie and the final date for application is 19 April.