Making an impact @Crann
Niamh Áine Ryan
A unique space for inclusive employment and enterprise called The Impact Hub@Crann is just one of the focuses of a new partnership on Leeside.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) been signed by Munster Technological University (MTU) and the Crann Centre with the aim of advancing inclusive enterprise, innovation, and research. This collaboration aims to create opportunities for individuals of all abilities to excel in business and academia. This will include developing The Impact Hub@Crann, joint initiatives such as programmes, events, and mentoring, collaboration between the Crann Centre and MTU’s innovation ecosystem, including the Rubicon Centre and academic departments as well as knowledge-sharing on inclusivity and support for entrepreneurs and employees of all abilities.
Building on a strong history of collaboration, MTU and the Crann Centre have previously undertaken a research review of wheelchair skills training, developed the Crann Centre’s first website, partnered for over five years on the MTU Innovation Challenge, and worked together on the planning and development of the Impact Hub through the Rubicon Centre at MTU.
Prof. Maggie Cusack, President of MTU, said: “MTU and the Crann Centre have a long history of working together on research and innovation. This MOU is an exciting opportunity to increase the collaboration between our academic departments and centres like the Rubicon Centre to support further joint research initiatives and knowledge transfer.”
Crann Board Chair and Founder, Kate Jarvey said: “Having MTU as a partner was a major contributor to the development of The Impact Hub@ Crann. Their willingness to share their expertise and knowledge, support our team, and actively look for opportunities to collaborate has a real value for a relatively new organisation like ours that is looking to scale. I am delighted that we share a vision for how people with disabilities experience better health & wellbeing and increased opportunities for participation in leisure, education, work and careers.”The MOU spans an initial 24 months, with annual reviews to ensure progress and explore further opportunities.