Limerick, Ireland – On 23 May, Dogpatch Labs announced a strategic partnership with the University of Limerick (UL) aimed at providing students in the Immersive Software Engineering (ISE) programme with invaluable real-world experience. This collaboration will allow ISE students to work closely with start-ups affiliated with Dogpatch Labs, including those in the Founders accelerator and NDRC, Ireland’s national accelerator.
The ISE programme at UL is renowned as one of Europe’s leading courses in software engineering. It emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of the field, offering students numerous opportunities to gain practical experience. The partnership with Dogpatch Labs aligns with the programme’s mission to cultivate top-tier software engineers through hands-on learning and industry engagement.
Real-World Experience for Future Engineers
Through this innovative partnership, ISE students will have the chance to engage with dynamic start-up environments, bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application. This initiative is designed to help students forge meaningful industry connections, develop new skills, and apply their knowledge in real-world settings, effectively stepping outside the traditional classroom environment.
Building the Best Software Engineers
Prof Stephen Kinsella, co-director of the ISE programme and head of the Department of Economics at the Kemmy Business School in UL, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “The ISE programme is about creating Europe’s best software engineers. Some of them will work in the best companies. Some of them will create the best companies, and that is what our partnership with Dogpatch Labs will help to build,” he said. Prof Kinsella emphasized the potential for this collaboration to transform students into innovators and entrepreneurs, highlighting the programme’s commitment to excellence and real-world readiness.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Forefront
Patrick Walsh, CEO of Dogpatch Labs, echoed Prof Kinsella’s sentiments. “We are excited to work with University of Limerick and the ISE programme to open up the dynamic world of start-ups to future software engineers,” Walsh stated. He underscored the value of the collaboration in providing a holistic education that transcends traditional lectures and corporate internships. “Our collaboration is set to provide these students with a well-rounded education that spans beyond traditional lectures and corporate internships, delving deep into the heart of innovation and entrepreneurship,” Walsh added.
A Proven Track Record of Success
Many ISE students have previously participated in Patch, a youth-focused accelerator programme run at Dogpatch Labs and backed by industry leaders like Stripe and NDRC. This existing relationship lays a strong foundation for the new partnership, ensuring that students receive high-quality mentorship and support as they embark on their professional journeys.
The partnership between Dogpatch Labs and the University of Limerick marks a significant step forward in the education of software engineers, combining academic rigor with practical industry experience. By working with start-ups and participating in accelerator programmes, ISE students will be well-equipped to become leaders in their field, whether by joining top companies or founding their own.
This initiative highlights UL’s commitment to providing cutting-edge education and Dogpatch Labs’ dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among the next generation of software engineers. The collaboration is poised to produce graduates who are not only technically proficient but also adept at navigating and shaping the future landscape of technology and business.
Contact Information
For more details on the ISE programme and the partnership with Dogpatch Labs, please visit the University of Limerick’s website or Dogpatch Labs’ official page.
