Nimbus Research Centre, through Cyber Futures Project Secures Over €300,000 in Funding to Promote Careers in Advanced Digital Technologies
Cyber Futures has been awarded more than €300,000 in funding as part of a national initiative supported by Research Ireland. The initiative, which is one of 40 innovative projects across the country to receive funding, aims to raise awareness and inspire the next generation of professionals to pursue careers in advanced digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), and Cyber Security.
The funding will be used to enhance and expand Cyber Futures’ programs, which are designed to expose students to the rapidly evolving tech landscape and foster interest in fields that are integral to Ireland’s growing digital economy. Through a series of engaging workshops, awareness campaigns, and hands-on activities, Cyber Futures will provide students with practical experience and insights into these cutting-edge technologies, which are shaping the future of industries worldwide.
“We are thrilled to receive this significant funding, which will allow us to scale up our efforts in promoting awareness and interest in these vital digital sectors,” said Dr Cliodhna Sargent, Nimbus Centre EPE manager and Cyber Futures project lead. “With the rapid pace of digital transformation, it’s more important than ever to ensure that young people understand the career opportunities available in areas like AI, IoT, DLT, and cyber security. This funding will enable us to reach even more students and inspire them to pursue rewarding careers in these fields.”
Cyber Futures plans to use the grant to develop a series of initiatives aimed at primary and secondary school students, including interactive workshops, career fairs, and digital bootcamps. These activities will be designed to give students hands-on exposure to emerging technologies and provide them with the skills needed to succeed in the rapidly growing digital economy. The project also aims to link the worlds of technology and art, through the creation of engaging and immersive installations, aimed at individuals who don’t normally focus on the digital landscape.
Research Ireland’s funding initiative is part of a wider government strategy to invest in technology-focused research and education to tackle the skills gap in advanced digital sectors. As demand for qualified professionals in areas like AI, cyber security, and blockchain continues to grow, Cyber Futures’ efforts to inspire and train the next generation of tech talent are more important than ever.
This funding award follows a growing recognition of Cyber Futures’ contributions to shaping the future of digital education in Ireland. The organisation has already impacted hundreds of students through its innovative programs, including its popular Cyber Futures Escape Room activity, which challenges students to tackle simulated cyber threats in real-time.
“We are thrilled to receive this significant funding, which will allow us to scale up our efforts in promoting awareness and interest in these vital digital sectors”
Cyber Futures plans to use the grant to develop a series of initiatives aimed at primary and secondary school students, including interactive workshops, career fairs, and digital bootcamps. These activities will be designed to give students hands-on exposure to emerging technologies and provide them with the skills needed to succeed in the rapidly growing digital economy. The project also aims to link the worlds of technology and art, through the creation of engaging and immersive installations, aimed at individuals who don’t normally focus on the digital landscape.
Research Ireland’s funding initiative is part of a wider government strategy to invest in technology-focused research and education to tackle the skills gap in advanced digital sectors. As demand for qualified professionals in areas like AI, cyber security, and blockchain continues to grow, Cyber Futures’ efforts to inspire and train the next generation of tech talent are more important than ever.
This funding award follows a growing recognition of Cyber Futures’ contributions to shaping the future of digital education in Ireland. The organisation has already impacted hundreds of students through its innovative programs, including its popular Cyber Futures Escape Room activity, which challenges students to tackle simulated cyber threats in real-time.



