Do you have a creative flair, a passion for innovation and would you like to develop a career in the Irish food and drink industry? If so, Bord Bia and Maynooth University want you, as they have teamed up to offer an MSc in Design Innovation (Food). The programme aims to enhance the innovation capabilities within the Irish food, drink and horticultural sector in order to help meet the growth targets in this sector. Those who receive a place on this course will have their fees paid and will receive a bursary of €20,000 per year as the programme is financially supported by Bord Bia and industry. Placements and industry projects are a key part of the programme and in this vein the MSc may also be of interest to Irish food and drinks companies with an interest in accelerating new product development, who can benefit from having a programme participant join their team for the duration of the course.

Padraig Brennan, director of markets at Bord Bia said: “In order for the Irish food and drink industry to achieve our ambitious growth targets, we need to proactively attract, develop and retain new talent with a range of strategic capabilities. Novel, insight-led innovations and a creative way of thinking for the food, beverage and horticulture industry are essential in order to maintain our competitive edge. This new collaboration with Maynooth University will allow us to build world-class talent in the area of innovation and design thinking.”

Dr Peter Robbins, head of the department of design innovation, Maynooth University said: “Here in Maynoth University we have been steadily building a capability in design innovation for some years … we’ve built a comprehensive programme that will help food and drink businesses go from the heartbeat of a new idea to the high street.”

Applications are currently being sought from individuals and companies interested in participating in the programme. The closing date is Friday 15 September 2017. Those interested in applying should visit www.maynoothuniversity.ie/mscdif for more information.