Learnovate secures €9.6m funding to support firms addressing skills gaps

Posted on: 13 March 2024

(pictured l to r are Marina Donohoe, Nessa McEniff, Minister Simon Coveney, Michelle Olmstead and Melissa O'Connor, VP Content, Consumer & Business Services, IDA Ireland.)

The Learnovate Centre is delighted to announce that it has secured €9.6m funding from Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland as the technology centre focuses on supporting Irish companies develop technology solutions to address Ireland’s emerging skills gaps.

Learnovate are global experts in learning technology helping organisations navigate the complexity of the evolving future of work and learning. Based at Trinity College Dublin, Learnovate helps organisations transform learning experiences in the workplace, schools, universities, and at home. It has led more than ten years of research in learning technologies.

The announcement of €9.6 million funding means the Centre can expand its research and innovation agenda into the future.

The Centre will continue increasing its membership substantially with research suggesting that Learnovate will generate €50m for the Irish economy by 2025 and €100m by 2035.

Learnovate’s research is helping companies address the emerging gaps in skills development so that organisations can evolve to respond to the future of work.

Learnovate currently 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 supported by a team of learning technology experts from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, including technology, innovation, learning 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.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney T.D. said:

“The emerging gaps in skills development is one of the most important issues we are dealing with in Ireland at present as the landscape of work and learning is changing at such a fast pace. The work Learnovate is doing in working with, and supporting, companies in addressing those gaps is essential for our future economy.

“I am delighted to be with Learnovate today to announce the funding of €9.6m that will help Learnovate continue with this work that is so vital to our continued success on a global stage.”

Learnovate Centre Director Nessa McEniff said:

"We are thrilled to be announcing this €9.6m 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.”

Chief Innovation and Enterprise Officer at Trinity College Dublin Michelle Olmstead said:

"The Innovation and Enterprise Community here in Trinity College Dublin provides a Portal that ensures the University builds deep connections within and between academia and industry. As a member of this vibrant community, Learnovate continues to flourish in its delivery of excellent research, partnerships, collaboration, and support to Irish organisations on the future of work and skills, through funding from Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland."

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.”

Dónal Travers, Global Head of Technology, IDA Ireland said:

“IDA Ireland is delighted to be supporting Learnovate in building upon the great work they do helping organisations to transform learning experiences and ensuring that Ireland remains competitive and responsive in its approach to skills development. Upskilling and transformation will continue to be core to IDA Ireland’s strategy as we address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.’’

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