Ireland's cybersecurity landscape is set for a major shift with a €7 million investment in Cyber Innovate, launched by Minister Simon Coveney at MTU on February 23rd, signalling a pivotal moment in digital defence and innovation. Supported by Enterprise Ireland's Innovators’ Initiative, this initiative is part of a broader €30M funding aimed at boosting cybersecurity innovation and entrepreneurship over six years.

Speakers at the event included Marina Donohue, Enterprise Ireland’s Head of Research and Innovation, and Prof. Maggie Cusack, MTU's President. Cyber Innovate aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in Irish cybersecurity, annually equipping participants with skills to develop new products and services, supported by a tax-free €38,000 stipend and a Postgraduate Diploma in Cyber Security Innovation.

The program spans six years, with each intake intensively developing real-world solutions in collaboration with researchers using Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation funds. The approach mirrors Bio Innovate, focusing on needs-led innovation, with the aim of creating numerous cybersecurity companies and jobs. Dr. Donna O’Shea, Chair of Cybersecurity in MTU, emphasized the initiative's role in positioning Ireland as a global leader in cybersecurity, echoed by MTU Enterprise & Innovation Manager Josette O’Mullane. With Ireland'sestablished leadership in Medtech, pharmaceuticals, and technology, indigenous cybersecurity firms are poised to make their mark on the global stage.