9th April 2026
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) hosted its Spring Conferring Ceremonies on Friday 20th March 2026 at the University’s Tallaght Campus, marking a landmark moment for Ireland’s tech sector.
The graduation event celebrated, amongst other programmes, the achievements of professionals from three flagship programmes co-delivered by Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet and TU Dublin: the MSc in Leadership, Innovation and Technology, the MSc in Software Solutions Architecture, and the MSc in DevOps.
This graduation marks a significant moment in the 20th anniversary year for both Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet and the MSc in Leadership, Innovation and Technology. Since the inception of Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet as a Skillnet Business Network, the MSc in Leadership, Innovation and Technology has remained a flagship programme, representing one of the longest standing and successful collaborations between a University and the Skillnet network.
A Partnership Built on Professional Impact
At the core of these programme graduations is the strong, enduring relationship between TU Dublin and Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet. This collaboration is specifically designed to deliver training that meets the high-pressure demands of the modern tech sector while remaining accessible to working professionals.
Addressing the graduates, Dr. Deirdre Lillis, President of TU Dublin, praised the resilience of the cohort, many of whom balanced intensive study with full-time professional and family responsibilities.
“Graduation is a day of achievement, pride, and joy. Each of you has travelled your own path, persevering and adapting to reach this moment,” said Dr. Lillis. “You are now proud graduates of TU Dublin, and that achievement will stay with you for life”.
The impact of this educational partnership is reflected in national rankings; for the second consecutive year, TU Dublin is ranked number one in Dublin for graduate employability across both undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes. Furthermore, over seven in ten graduates secure employment within nine months of completing their studies.
Perspectives from the Partnership Leaders
To mark the occasion, representatives from both organisations reflected on the depth of the partnership and the quality of the graduating cohort.
Susan Kelly, Network Director at Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, remarked on the strategic importance of the collaboration: “This year is particularly special as we celebrate two decades of both our own network and the MSc in Leadership, Innovation and Technology programme. Our partnership with TU Dublin has always been about more than just education; it’s about building a resilient pipeline of leaders who can navigate disruption. Seeing this many high-calibre professionals graduate today across leadership, architecture, and DevOps proves that the Irish tech ecosystem is stronger than ever.”
Jamie Meegan, Programme Lead at Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, added: “The dedication shown by these graduates is inspiring. These programmes are intentionally rigorous and applied, designed to solve real-world problems within their organisations. To see them move from the classroom to graduation with such clear confidence in their skills is why we do what we do.”
Dr. Barry Feeney, Head of the School of Enterprise Computing and Digital Transformation at TU Dublin, representing the MSc in Software Solutions Architecture and MSc in DevOps delivery, stated: “Our goal has always been to help technologists formalise the ad-hoc skills they’ve gathered on the job. In fields like Software Architecture and DevOps, being a technical expert is no longer enough; you must be able to communicate, influence, and align technical decisions with broader organisational goals. These graduates have demonstrated the capacity to make high-impact strategic decisions that create long-term advantages for their companies.”
Dr. Hugh O’Donnell, Head of Business Technology for the School of Business Technology, Retail & Supply Chain at TU Dublin, representing the MSc in Leadership, Innovation and Technology, stated “Our goal has always been to move beyond theoretical management to help professionals lead through disruption. By focusing on research ‘in’ the organisation rather than ‘on’ it, our graduates become subject matter experts who can drive meaningful innovation within their own companies from day one.”
Voices of Achievement: The Class of 2026
The ceremony highlighted the personal and professional transformations experienced by the graduates:
- Mohammed Azharuddin Khan – Project Manager at Dell Technologies (MSc in Leadership, Innovation and Technology Class of ‘25): “To the team at TU Dublin and Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, thank you for building a programme that genuinely works for working professionals. I’m stepping into the next chapter with a clear head, stronger skills, and a lot more confidence”.
- Benjamin Murray – Software Engineering Manager at Smartbox Group (MSc in Software Solutions Architecture Class of ‘26): “The programme allowed me to formalise and consolidate architectural concepts I had previously learned only in an ad hoc manner. It ensured I was well-equipped to make the high-impact decisions that create long-term advantages”.
- Sian O’Briain – DevOps Manager and Product Owner at Merative (MSc in DevOps Class of ‘26): “The course and the capstone project have fundamentally changed how I approach, plan, and deliver real value. It gave me the skills I needed to lead and the confidence to overcome ‘imposter syndrome'”.
As the tech landscape continues to evolve through Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation, the need for specialised, accredited upskilling has never been greater.
Expressions of interest for the next intakes of these co-delivered programmes are now open: