Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) has confirmed a new partnership agreement with food processor ABP Food Group (ABP). The agreement, which will run for three years, will include the development of a new DkIT talent upskilling pathway and increased research collaboration across the science, engineering and business disciplines.
Building on their existing long-standing relationship, the new multi-annual partnership between ABP and DkIT will focus on collaboration through academic programme development, joint-research initiatives, and co-operative marketing and sponsorship opportunities.
Dedicated meat industry R&D facility at DkIT
The partnership will also explore the feasibility of developing a new public-private venture to create a dedicated meat industry R&D facility at DkIT. The agreement was announced recently at the DkIT Industry Showcase, which was inaugurated by Minister for Business, Enterprise, and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, and was attended by Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland.
Minister Humphreys said: “I am delighted to launch this partnership between Dundalk Institute of Technology and ABP Food Group. The agri-food sector is a cornerstone of the Irish economy and innovation is crucial to ensuring that it continues to thrive.
“Partnerships between Higher Education and industry create valuable opportunities for economic growth in our regions, bringing new opportunities for our graduates and skilled professionals who wish to live and work locally.
ABP Food Group: Evolving Needs of Industry
Julie Sinnamon, CEO at Enterprise Ireland, said: “The continuous development of relevant skills capable of meeting the evolving needs of industry is vital. DkIT has a significant role to play in partnership with Enterprise Ireland in ensuring the success of industry in the northeast region by helping companies develop their R&D and capabilities through access to new technologies, innovations and skills.
“Today’s partnership announcement with ABP Food Group is welcome news and I encourage all local and regional businesses to engage with DkIT to investigate how third level research can help drive their own innovation agenda and achieve their global ambition.”
DkIT President, Michael Mulvey PhD said: “We are proud to embark on an exciting new partnership with ABP Food Group. As one of the leading Irish multinationals operating in our region, ABP already employs many of our graduates and also shares our ethos of practice-based education and the many pathways to graduation we offer, from Apprenticeship to PhD.”
Dynamic International Environment’
The DkIT Industry Showcase was organised by the Regional Development Centre and the Research Office at DkIT and involved participation from more than 100 industry from across the north Leinster and south Ulster region.
The event included a variety of presentations and workshops from leaders from across industry and academia who demonstrated how engagement has worked in practice and outline how businesses can avail of supports for investment in research and innovation.
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