New Cork initiative set to train next generation of cyber security experts 

A new €7m initiative at the Munster Technological University (MTU) in Cork to train a new generation of cyber security experts was launched today by Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney at a Cork City Gaol event.

The MTU Cyber Innovate project is designed to boost cyber security innovation and entrepreneurship in Ireland over the next six years, and spur new company formations and more job creation in the sector.

Over the next six years Cyber Innovate will provide 12-15 participants annually with the necessary skills to evaluate, select and validate ideas for new products and services, which will contribute to the creation of new cybersecurity start-ups and university spin outs nationally. The initiative is grounded in industry needs and backed by academic rigour from MTU.

Skills

Each intake over the initiative’s duration will work intensively over a period of 10 months to identify problems and develop real world cyber security solutions. 

Each participant will be supported with a tax free €38,000 stipend and they will have the opportunity to work with MTU researchers and other universities to develop their solutions, with support from Enterprise Ireland commercialisation funds.

MTU’s cyber security chair, Dr Donna O’Shea, said the Cyber Innovate initiative was an investment in both making MTU a ‘truly great and globally competitive university’ and in making ‘Ireland a global leader in cyber security innovation and entrepreneurship’.

“We believe the realisation of the Cyber Innovate initiative will see an Ireland that is cyber innovative, cyber secure and cyber successful. Graduates of this initiative will have the latest skills and know-how to create new and useful products," said Dr O'Shea.

“These products will help businesses stay secure online, while boosting Ireland's cyber security industry revenue.” 

Enhance

According to Marina Donohue, the Research and Innovation head of Enterprise Ireland, the agency was proud to be investing in the ‘future talent and innovation that will enhance Ireland’s reputation as a global leader in this critical sector’.

“This initiative will deliver a dynamic cohort of high-calibre leaders and entrepreneurs focused on driving innovation in sectors of strategic economic importance to Ireland,” said Ms. O’Donohue.

“It will also help build the next generation of innovative start-ups in key sectors and enhance the level of RD&I in scaling Irish companies.” Cyber Security in Ireland is already a billion euro business and employs more than 7,300 people. 

Figures from Cyber Ireland show there are more than 170 cyber security companies and 470 cyber security related companies generating €2.1 billion in cyber security related revenue and €1.1 billion in GVA (Gross value added) to the Irish economy. 

The median salary for a cyber security role in Ireland is €75k.