IBM has provided an €11.5m technology system, including an IBM z17 mainframe, to South East Technological University (SETU) through an educational loan agreement, as reported by IBM Newsroom, marking the company's 70th anniversary in Ireland with a significant investment in enterprise technology education.

The IBM z17 mainframe, which underpins approximately 70% of global transactions by value, will be installed at SETU to support teaching, learning and research across computer science, engineering, cybersecurity, data and AI disciplines, benefitting more than 1,000 computing students.

More than 60 existing research and student resource servers at SETU will be consolidated onto the single mainframe system, streamlining infrastructure while enhancing how students learn systems administration, programming and AI in a practical, enterprise-class environment.

The initiative will support the introduction of Level 9 Certificates in Mainframe Technologies and Artificial Intelligence at SETU, creating new postgraduate pathways in areas typically only accessible within large commercial organisations.

SETU President Professor Veronica Campbell said the provision will be transformative for students and researchers alike. "By providing direct, hands-on access to this enterprise-grade technology, we are creating an invaluable student opportunity that bridges the gap between academic study and real-world practical skills within high-demand professional domains," she said.

Nathan Cullen, General Manager of IBM Ireland, said the collaboration reflects the company's long-term commitment to practical skills development. "Providing students access to enterprise-class systems, like the IBM z17, is part of a wider programme of education and research engagement across the country, all focused on helping people develop practical capabilities for the technologies shaping modern enterprise," he said.

Researchers across SETU will also benefit from enhanced computing capacity for modelling, simulation and secure data management, while student-led technology societies will gain access to dedicated enterprise-class learning environments.

Discover the full scope of IBM's education initiative at SETU in the original announcement.