MTU - Case for Support by Munster Technological University

SUCCEEDING TOGETHER

Opportunities to Invest in Ireland’s Top-ranked Technological University

An investment in MTU is an investment in a university on the rise that is creating the next generation of thought leaders, researchers and entrepreneurs. Let’s succeed together.

FOREWORD BY THE PRESIDENT OF MTU The formal establishment of Munster Technological University (MTU) on 1-Jan-2021 represented a new dawn for higher education in Ireland. The first new university to be established in the South West since 1845, MTU is an agile, ambitious, creative and entrepreneurial university which is set to expand rapidly and play a central role in the strategic development of the South West Region and Ireland more generally. MTU will work in a manner which is complementary to the role played by Ireland’s traditional universities. We will remain strongly connected with the world of work and with the communities in which we are embedded. We will provide higher education opportunities for all and, in so doing, we will ensure that equality, equity, diversity and inclusion (EEDI) feature in every aspect of our work. We will expand our research and innovation portfolio in line with the needs of our stakeholders, and we will build on the 500+ start-up companies that we have supported to date. We will ensure that our six campuses in the South West are made available to support the communities in which we operate and we will ensure that our facilities are best-in-class. MTU will continue to play a leadership role in the strategic development of the South West Region, and, in so doing, will adopt a global outlook and a civic-centric value system. MTU will continue to anchor the development of the South West Region, while participating fully on both the national and international stages. We will play a central and strategic role in ensuring that there are fantastic opportunities for all to achieve their full potential in education, in life and in their careers. The establishment of MTU has been an unqualified success to date. Demand from CAO applicants has surged, with first-preference honours degree applications for MTU courses rising by more than 16%, almost twice the national average. In addition, the KTI Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey 2020 indicated that total research expenditure in MTU exceeded €22M, the highest total achieved across Ireland’s Technological Universities and Institutes of Technology. In addition, MTU was Ireland’s top-ranked Technological University in the Sunday Times Good University Guide for 2022, and was also University of the Year for COVID Impact. MTU has a student enrolment of more than 18,000 across 6 campuses and offers more than 140 programmes of study. As we embark on the next leg of our journey, we welcome support from all quarters. We need to raise funds for capital development, student bursaries and scholarships, EEDI, research and innovation, and student entrepreneurship. In return, we offer our supporters the opportunity to be associated with the development of a new university on the rise, a once-in-a-176-year opportunity! Let’s continue to succeed together!

Professor Maggie Cusack, President of MTU

OVERVIEW OF MTU SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES We have structured opportunities to support MTU around a range of prioritised areas. In addition, our supporters may wish to specify that their contribution should be used on a MTU-wide basis or for specific campus locations. The provision of philanthropic support for individual campuses will help to ensure that MTU’s services will be distributed strategically across the region to provide educational opportunities for the maximum number of students and other stakeholders. In return, our supporters will receive public recognition for their support at all relevant events, through signage (where appropriate), on the MTU website and through all relevant media channels. Details of our high priority support areas and campus options are provided below.

HIGH PRIORITY SUPPORT AREAS FOR MTU 1. CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT MTU is proceeding currently with €100M of investment in upgrading existing buildings and developing new state-ofthe-art facilities for teaching and learning, research and innovation, industry and community engagement, and sport. However, such is the level of growth in demand for MTU’s services that an additional €150M will need to be invested over coming years to cope. We will seek to raise a significant share of this amount through private sector support. 2. STUDENT BURSARIES AND SCHOLARSHIPS MTU is committed to providing access to higher education for all. Research has shown time and again that lack of funding is a major reason why talented individuals either do not pursue or continue with their studies. Here at MTU, we believe that everyone should have access to high-quality higher education regardless of their background or financial circumstances, and we aim to address this by increasing the number of undergraduate scholarships awarded. Currently, we provide a very wide range of scholarships to students but wish to increase opportunities across the region and beyond. 3. EQUALITY, EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION (EEDI)

All of MTU’s activities and programmes are framed by our holistic approach to EEDI. We organise a range of activities for underrepresented groups in primary and post primary school settings, as well as in higher education. We eliminate barriers to higher education, encourage and motivate young people to study at university, and provide support to students, teachers and parents in preparing students for success in higher education and beyond. We also provide a wide range of disability support services. In addition, MTU has the distinct honour of holding one of just two UNESCO chairs in the country. The UNESCO chair office works to create a world in which EVERYONE is included and can participate in physical education, sport, fitness and recreation regardless of their ability, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic background or creed. MTU is making strides continuously in ensuring that our university is inclusive of all as evidenced by the MTU Cork Campus receiving the Bronze Athena SWAN Award in 2019. The award recognises that the University has a solid foundation for eliminating gender bias and developing an inclusive culture that values all of our stakeholders. With more funds, MTU can continue to develop all of these areas of central importance to the University and the communities we serve. 4

4. RESEARCH AND INNOVATION The KTI Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey 2020 indicated that total research expenditure in MTU exceeded €22M, the highest total achieved across Ireland’s Technological Universities and Institutes of Technology. Over the next ten years, MTU plans to double its research output. We will aim to be world class in areas of greatest impact for the South West and, by extension, for the very large number of regions and communities with similar needs across the globe. To help achieve our goals in this area, we will seek to raise private sector support for the appointment of research chairs, the expansion of highpriority research activities and the development of new research infrastructure. 5. STUDENT ENTREPRENEURSHIP To date, MTU has incubated an excess of 500 start-up companies which currently employ approx. 3,000 people across the South West, and which have raised in excess of €100M in investment. On an annual basis, we provide entrepreneurship training to approx. 1,500 students. As the region and Ireland seek to develop indigenous industry to new levels of scale and impact, as well as maximising the entrepreneurship skills of our graduates who will work in multinationals, SMEs, start-ups and the world of education, we wish to increase the numbers of students who we can fund to develop their business ideas through to completion. To achieve this end, we will also need to employ more staff who have the experience to mentor and guide our students. The contribution of additional funding will make a very significant impact on our work in this context.

MTU is committed to providing access to higher education for all.

CAMPUS SELECTION OPTIONS FOR MTU SUPPORTERS 1. MTU-WIDE

5. MTU CORK SCHOOL OF MUSIC (MTU CSM

Contributions to be used at the discretion of the MTU Executive Board on a MTU-wide basis to support the MTU CSM provides honours degree programmes in Music, Theatre and Drama, and Popular Music. Since high-priority area specified by the supporter. its inception, MTU CSM has solidified its reputation as 2. MTU BISHOPSTOWN CAMPUS a top-level centre of learning, and has produced numerous award-winning bands, chamber music MTU’s largest centre of teaching and learning, ensembles, choirs, drama groups, opera groups and research and innovation, and engagement with orchestras. It is also Ireland’s largest conservatory of industry and community. Covers major STEM, music and drama. Additional funds for bursaries, business and humanities disciplines, in addition to masterclasses and a PhD program are needed to ensure incorporating the Rubicon Centre and a that many more students can pursue their studies at comprehensive range of facilities for sport and MTU CSM. athletics. 3. MTU KERRY NORTH CAMPUS MTU’s most significant facility in Kerry which covers teaching and learning, research and innovation, and engagement with industry and community. Covers major STEM, business and humanities disciplines, in addition to incorporating the Tom Crean Business Centre and the Kerry Sports Academy.

6. MTU CRAWFORD COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN (MTU CCAD

MTU CCAD is a diverse and creative community with a strong focus on exploring art, design, technology, culture, visual arts education and media. Our students whether studying Fine Art, Contemporary Applied Art, Photography with New Media, Visual Communications or Creative Digital Media – share a very special experience where a large proportion of their learning is 4. NATIONAL MARITIME COLLEGE OF focused on doing and making. Investment in IRELAND (NMCI) infrastructure is needed in MTU CCAD to ensure that The NMCI is Ireland’s sole professional education and the next generation of creatives have the facilities they training institution for maritime professionals, need to achieve their full potential. providing programmes for both civilian and naval seafarers. We also provide programmes for supply 7. MTU KERRY SOUTH CAMPUS chain and logistics professionals. The NMCI provides MTU Kerry South Campus hosts the School of globally unique education services of the highest Business, Computing & Humanities; the School of quality and includes degree programmes in Nautical Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics; and Science, Marine Engineering and Marine Electrotechnology. Funds are now needed to upgrade the School of Health & Social Sciences. This campus offers an extensive range of full-time degree courses the simulators at NMCI to allow us to expand our across all higher education levels in conjunction with a capacity and support economic and social growth wide range of craft, apprentice, ACCS and life-long through maritime research and education. learning part-time programmes. It is now seeking to expand its capacity to accommodate increasing numbers of craft apprentices.

Area can be specified by the supporter.

EXAMPLES OF SUPPORT RECEIVED TO DATE THE O’REGAN SCHOLARSHIPS Brendan O’Regan is a graduate of the Department of Physical Sciences in Cork Regional Technical College, an antecedent of MTU. Brendan used his entrepreneurial talents to develop Zenith Technologies, an incredibly successful life sciences technology business which became a Cognizant company in 2019. Over the entirety of his career, Brendan has consistently supported Cork RTC, CIT and MTU as he wished to “give back” and provide opportunities for students and graduates to fulfil their potential and maximise their contribution to the region and their communities. In 2021, amongst a number of initiatives he supported, Brendan donated €100,000 to provide twenty five student entrepreneurship scholarships for 2022, with each scholarship worth €4,000. Through a competitive application process, this funding will ensure that MTU students will be supported to develop their start-up businesses on a fulltime basis in the summer of 2022, instead of having to seek alternative employment opportunities. Brendan’s contribution is a wonderful example of a graduate from times past supporting the graduates and entrepreneurs of the future. The O’Regan Scholarships will be offered on a MTU-wide basis.

THE KERRY SPORTS ACADEMY The Tralee Foundation Board raised approximately €5 million to build the Kerry Sports Academy. A universally accessible sports complex with state-ofthe-art facilities, Kerry Sports Academy opened its doors to students, staff and various groups within the community in September 2019. The focus of the Academy’s activities is to provide lifelong opportunities for all the community, covering the range from recreation, rehabilitation, health and fitness, through to elite performance. The building is a Centre for Universal Inclusive Sport Health & Leisure Education and has a particular focus on

opening up physical activity, sport and recreation opportunities for people with disabilities where the facilities, equipment and expertise are specifically adapted for their needs. The Academy is home to Health and Leisure Programmes at MTU Kerry Campus; the UNESCO Chair in Inclusive Physical Education, Sport, Fitness, and Recreation; the CARA National Centre for Adapted Physical Activity; the Kerry GAA Centre of Excellence ;and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in Kerry.

MTU BLACKROCK CASTLE OBSERVATORY MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory was established in 2007 and, to date, has welcomed approx. 1,200,000 visitors. It is inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals in the region as well as providing a major tourist attraction in Cork city. Its development has been based on a very successful partnership between MTU and Cork City Council. Its initial development required significant capital investment. Private donations totalling €750,000 were pivotal in ensuring that the project could proceed and deliver on its ambitious remit. An additional donation of €500,000 has been secured recently to help fund upgrading works to be completed to provide an enhanced visitor experience at this facility.

NIMBUS RESEARCH CENTRE The Nimbus Research Centre is at the forefront of cyber-physical systems (CPS) and Internet of Things (IoT) research, innovation and learning. The Centre develops technologies that address the real needs of industry, people and society. It enhances and supports a multiplicity of stakeholders through excellence in research, industry engagement and education. It is dedicated to providing economic value to industry and sustainable solutions to societal problems. The initial development of the Nimbus Research Centre required significant capital investment and seed investment for research projects. Private donations totalling in excess of €600,000 were pivotal in ensuring that the project could proceed and deliver on its ambitious remit.

Provision of philanthropic support for individual campuses will help to ensure that MTU’s services will be distributed strategically.

MTU INDUSTRY-FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS MTU provides hundreds of scholarship opportunities for its students, including the list of industry-sponsored options detailed below.

MTU - MCKESSON “WOMEN IN COMPUTER SCIENCE” SCHOLARSHIP An undergraduate scholarship for women studying a Computer Science course at MTU. MTU - CDK GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS BURSARY For students of the BSc in Automotive Business Management and Technology. MTU - DEPUY SYNTHES BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIP Funding by DePuy Synthes for MTU students of the BEng (Hons) in Biomedical Engineering. MTU – DEPUY SYNTHES MECHANICAL ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIP Funding by DePuy Synthes for students of the BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering.

MTU - ARUP STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIP Funding contribution by ARUP for students of the BEng (Hons) in Structural Engineering at MTU.

MTU - ESENTIRE “SEAN HENNESSY” CYBERSECURITY BURSARY eSentire Bursary provides the award recipient with financial aid that can be applied towards their second, third and fourth year at MTU. MTU - ESENTIRE “YVES BERETTA” CYBERSECURITY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP For Department of Computer Science students studying the BSc (Hons) in IT Management programme and, specifically, pursuing a security forensics focus.

VMWARE SPONSORSHIP OF MTU GAA TEAMS VMware became sponsors of all CIT GAA teams in 2014. Following many years of successful support, VMware continued to support MTU Cork Campus GAA teams from MTU establishment day on 1Jan-2021. These photos mark the commencement of VMware support in 2014, as well as showcasing MTU Senior Ladies Football Team (the winning team at the LGFA Moynihan Cup competition) wearing the newly designed jersey in 2022. MTU – MCAFEE “ALEJANDRO DE LA FLOR” COMPUTER SCIENCE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP For students of the Department of Computer Science

A perpetual scholarship funded in memory of Alejandro de la Flor who passed away in 2008. Alejandro was an Erasmus exchange student who studied in the Department of Computing during the 2007/08 academic year.

HOW TO SUPPORT MTU If you would like to (a) associate your organisation with supporting MTU or (b) support MTU on a personal basis, we would be delighted to hear from you. Currently, there are many support opportunities available, including the following:

Naming rights for sports facilities, individual buildings, lecture theatres, laboratories, studios and workshops. Bursaries for student entrepreneurs. Scholarships by disciplinary area and specific programmes of study. Research scholarships for Masters and PhD students in areas of relevance to your organisation and/or society more generally. Specific supports for inclusive access to education.

We eliminate barriers to higher education, encourage and motivate young people to study at university level, and provide ongoing support to help students fulfil their potential.

We are open to all options and happy to discuss your specific requirements. As long as your needs support the realisation of MTU’s vision and mission, and comply with ethical and legal norms, we will be delighted to engage with you. An investment in MTU is an investment in a university on the rise that is creating the next generation of thought leaders, researchers and entrepreneurs. Let’s succeed together Please feel free to make contact in confidence at any time with Elise Hennebry, our Fundraising Executive, by email at SupportMTU@mtu.ie . 11

MTU’S DISTRIBUTION OF CAMPUSES ACROSS THE SOUTH WEST With over 18,000 learners on six campuses across the Cork and Kerry region, MTU makes it easier for people to learn in place. Our unique presence in the South West enables us to work with stakeholders and social groups to assess community needs and to increase the social capital of the region.

BISHOPSTOWN CAMPUS The Bishopstown Campus is the largest of MTU’s campuses. It hosts courses, research and innovation in Business, Science, Computer Science, Engineering and Humanities. It also hosts major sports facilities and the Rubicon Centre.

MTU KERRY NORTH CAMPUS Munster Technological University Kerry North Campus hosts courses, research and innovation, and engagement activities in several areas including Agriculture, Biological & Pharmaceutical, Business and Management, Construction, Creative Media, Engineering, Environmental, Food, Culinary Arts and Cookery, Health, Leisure and Fitness, Hospitality and Hotel Management, Information Science/Systems, Music, TV and Radio, Nursing, Outdoor Activity, Renewable / Energy, Social Sciences, Computing and Technology,and Tourism and Wildlife.

NATIONAL MARITIME COLLEGE OF IRELAND The National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) is Ireland’s national and only professional maritime education and training institution for maritime professionals, both civilian and naval seafarers. The NMCI provides globally unique education services of the highest quality and includes degree programmes in Nautical Science, Marine, Engineering, and Marine Electrotechnology. As part of an inclusive and immersive educational experience, the NMCI provides specialist spaces including survival facilities, seamanship and shipwrights’ workshops, bridge simulators, firefighting/ damage control, jetty and lifeboat facilities, and engine rooms for training purposes. As we continue to educate and train the South West Region’s supply chain and logistics professionals, vital funds are needed to upgrade the simulators at NMCI to allow us to expand our capacity and support economic and social growth through maritime research and education.

MTU CORK SCHOOL OF MUSIC The MTU Cork School of Music (MTU CSM) provides Honours Degree programmes in Music, Theatre & Drama, and Popular Music. Since its inception, MTU CSM has solidified its reputation as a top-level centre of learning and has produced many award-winning bands, chamber music ensembles, choirs, drama groups, opera groups and orchestras as part of its repertoire, in addition to being Ireland’s largest conservatory of music and drama. Additional funds for bursaries, masterclasses and a PhD program are needed to ensure that many more students can pursue their studies at MTU CSM.

MTU CRAWFORD COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN The MTU Crawford College of Art and Design (MTU CCAD) hosts the Department of Fine Art & Applied

Art and offers Honours Degree programmes in Fine Art and in Contemporary Applied Art (Ceramics, Glass, Textiles). The Department of Media Communications, based at the Bishopstown campus, offers Honours Degree programmes in Creative Digital Media and Visual Communications.

MTU KERRY SOUTH CAMPUS Munster Technological University’s Kerry South Campus hosts the School of Business, Computing & Humanities; the School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics; and the School of Health & Social Sciences. The campus offers an extensive range of full-time degree courses across all higher education levels in conjunction with a wide range of craft, apprentice, ACCS and life-long learning parttime programmes.

With over 18,000 learners on six campuses across the Cork and Kerry region, MTU makes it easier for people to learn in place.

“In my first and second year at MTU, I was a Student Alumni Ambassador and Careers Ambassador. I participated in the MTU Joint Mentorship Programme in my second year of college. It was an amazing opportunity which led me to gaining a part-time job as a Marketing Executive at my mentor’s business. I think it is brilliant that Munster Technological University provides opportunities like the ones I have mentioned to get students involved and grow as individuals, as future employees and as business people.” Estefani Hanley, Bachelor of Business (Marketing) Year 3 and MTU Student Leader

“As a scientist and researcher, the most satisfying part of working with the MTU research community is the feeling of being engaged with people who really want to make a difference. Whether its long-term fundamental research, or research with an immediate impact, success is ultimately measured by improving the world, our world, now and for the future." Dr. Niall Smith, Head of Research and Head of Blackrock Castle Observatory

“The Exxcel programme, provided by the Rubicon Centre, was an exceptional programme, covering every aspect of establishing a new business and providing a clear roadmap for success as female entrepreneurs. The content was of an incredibly high standard, with engaging mentors who openly shared their invaluable experience. My sincere gratitude to the Rubicon for providing this programme and sharing valuable knowledge we’ll keep with us throughout our careers.” Therese (Tess) Cully and Aoife Dooley, of 1AppTravel

Please feel free to make contact in confidence at any time with Elise Hennebry, our Fundraising Executive, by email at SupportMTU@mtu.ie 16