The Silicon Valley Mentorship Programme has been launched at the University of Limerick (UL), bringing with it senior Silicon Valley executives to Ireland for a series of tie-building events.
The event – organised by The Irish Technology Leadership Group (ITLG) and Silicon Valley Bank – will see Silicon Valley executives take part in the programme, which has been designed to strengthen the developmental bond between Ireland and the US home of technology.
The mentorship programme offers participants access to Silicon Valley executives such as former chairman of Intel, Craig Barrett, as well as offer an opportunity for participants to receive hands-on experience working at a US technology corporation.
Programme objective
The objective of the programme is to position participants to return to Ireland with the skills and experience to start businesses, and to foster the growth and development of tomorrow’s executives in their native communities.
Applicants that perform well will be drawn from a range of academic disciplines, such as computer science, business and entrepreneurship, engineering and software development.
“Entrepreneurship and the passion to innovate and create are qualities that must be encouraged and supported in young professionals around the world,” said Ken Wilcox, CEO of SVB Financial Group.
“The ITLG Silicon Valley Mentorship Programme provides a unique opportunity for Irish students to experience the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit in Silicon Valley and learn from some of the best companies in the technology and venture capital communities. Silicon Valley Bank is honoured to be a part of the programme and help foster the next generation of entrepreneurs. We look forward to welcoming the first class of applicants to Silicon Valley in 2011.”
