Learnovate secures €9.6m to support companies addressing the skills gaps

Research centre expects to generate €50m for the economy by 2025

Life

Pictured: Melissa O'Connor, IDA Ireland; Michelle Olmstead, Trinity College Dublin; Marina Donohoe, Enterprise Ireland; Nessa McEniff, The Learnovate Centre; Simon Coveney, Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment

The Learnovate Centre has secured €9.6 million from Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland to continue its work supporting Irish companies working on solutions to Ireland’s emerging skills gaps.

Learnovate is based at Trinity College Dublin and has led more than 10 years of research in learning and skills development supported by a team of technology experts from a variety of disciplines, including science, psychology, cognitive science and user experience. 

These experts are all dedicated to investigating how to engage and motivate learners, and how to create innovative learning experiences and skills enhancement tailored for individual needs. Ongoing learning is crucial for the development of an organisation as it leads to behavioural change that can impact its success. 

Learnovate has 75 member organisations from around the world including Zoom, Mastercard, Cisco, YUM! Brands and The University of the Sunshine Coast Australia. Some of its Irish members include LearnUpon, Folens, SoapBox Labs, Skillnet Ireland, SOLAS and The Department of Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science.

The centre is expected to increase its membership with research suggesting that it will generate €50 million for the economy by 2025 and €100 million by 2035.

Learnovate Centre director Nessa McEniff said: “We are thrilled to be announcing this €9.6 million in funding from Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland which is a huge vote of confidence in the work we are doing at Learnovate and our importance to the future of Ireland’s economy. It will greatly assist us in delivering on our mission to deliver competitive advantage to Irish industry and help Irish companies to address evident gaps in skills development.”

Marina Donohoe, head of research & innovation at Enterprise Ireland said: “The Learnovate team has fully embraced the need for a fundamental change in how we approach learning to prepare for the future of work. This significant investment in the Learnovate Centre from Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland will help to ensure that Irish businesses are equipped with the necessary skills to excel in the rapidly evolving technological landscape, leveraging skills to drive innovation and deliver competitive advantage.”

TechCentral Reporters

Read More: Education Learnovate