12 July, 2022

The O'Regan Scholarship programme is supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs on Ireland’s longest-running student accelerator programme, MTU's Student Inc.

The Scholarship is funded by MTU alumnus and entrepreneur Brendan O Regan, founder and executive chairman of the life sciences manufacturing software firm Zenith Technologies, acquired by Cognizant in 2019.

Speaking at the launch of the scholarship programme, Mr O’Regan said he was delighted to support the next generation of MTU entrepreneurs and looks forward to seeing their ideas translating into new businesses, driving employment and regional development over the years to come.

"I built an international business based in Cork, but it wouldn't have been such a success without having MTU on our doorstep. We had twelve people in the management team at the time of selling Zenith to Cognizant, including those leading our operations in the US and Asia, and they were all ex-MTU graduates. It would be great to see this year's Student Inc participants enjoying similar levels of success,” he said.

Thanking Brendan for his generous support of MTU student entrepreneurs Michael Loftus, Vice President for External Affairs at MTU, said, "It is fitting that one of the most entrepreneurial members of our alumni would now support the development of the next generation of entrepreneurs in MTU, an area of strategic focus and differentiation for our university".

Running annually from the beginning of June to the end of August, Student Inc. is a full-time immersive programme providing students with seed funding and access to a network of entrepreneurs, trainers, mentors and investors across the South-West region.

Students with a business idea from any year/course in MTU, UCC, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, UL and Atlantic Technological University can apply for a place in the Student Inc. programme.In addition to receiving €4,000 in cash, student entrepreneurs receive expert mentoring, training, and free office space in their respective university start-up incubators. 

Pictured with participants of Student Inc. 2022. L - R : Idowu Akinyimika, Carole O’Leary (MTU), Divya Shree Srinivas, Kyle Tenkrooden, Brendan O Regan,  Ethan Morrissey, Daineadh Power,  Conor Hall, Michael Loftus (MTU)

If you feel your organisation could benefit from a collaboration with MTU students, lecturers or researchers email the Extended Campus at extended.campusCork@mtu.ie to explore your options.

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