Huawei Ireland launches 2024 Seeds for the Future Student Programme

Huawei Ireland has launched the 2024 edition of its flagship talent programme, ‘Seeds for the Future’. Third-level students studying STEM subjects or Leaving Certificate students considering a third-level course in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) are eligible to apply.

Seeds for the Future is Huawei’s globally-recognised Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) flagship programme, the longest-running CSR initiative across the world. This program seeks to develop local talent, share knowledge, increase ICT sector awareness & enthusiasm, and foster digital community building.

This year, the programme will take place over five days in Rome (July 1-6), where students will meet and work on their ‘Tech4Good’ projects as well as availing of leadership courses and ICT courses on AI, 5G, Cloud computing and digital power. At the end of their stay, the teams will pitch their ideas, and the regional champions will join the Tech4Good Global Final in China in 2025. The students from Irish universities selected for this year’s programme will each be awarded a 1000-euro bursary.

To apply for the programme, students should send their CV, a transcript of their academic records, and a cover letter of 400-600 words and/or a three-minute personal video reflecting their objectives to participate to seedsireland@huawei.com. Students can also find more information about the programme through the Seeds for the Future official website. The deadline for submissions is June 5, with selected students informed by June 10.

Announcing the 2024 Seeds for the Future Programme, Luke McDonnell, Head of PR, Huawei Ireland, said: “Since its inception in 2015, over 280 students from Irish universities have benefited from this unique learning and culture experience. This year, students from all over Europe will meet up in Rome in an atmosphere of learning and development. We focus on the development of their ideas and allowing the students to think of how their projects can help society in our ever-changing world.

“This year marks Huawei’s 20th year in Ireland, and the company is committed to creating value for the communities in which we operate. The programmes that we are involved in – Seeds for the Future and TECH4GOOD – demonstrate our commitment to nurturing and developing today’s students to think about the future of our society. We continue to invest in Ireland’s future ICT workforce, and we see this student opportunity as another way to help these students to enhance their capabilities as they continue their studies in STEM subjects”.

In 2023, the top 50 Seeds for the Future graduates came from nine universities around the country, with the bulk hailing from TU Dublin, UCD, Trinity College Dublin, UCC and NUIG. Last year’s programme received 500 applications from STEM students across Ireland. In total, there were 88 graduates, of which 31 were female students. In both 2023 and 2024, students with top performance in the projects were given the opportunity to visit China and explore cutting-edge technology development and culture exchange.

For more details, go to Huawei – Seeds for The Future – PROGRAMME.