Scholarship Overview
SETU and Engineering the South East are launching the Autom8 Scholarship for future students of our undergraduate Automation Engineering courses at the University. The scholarship will be delivered in partnership with a number of top manufacturing and automation companies from the south east. Each sponsor company has identified that there is a growing need for this skillset and they are eager to increase the talent base in the region.
Modern automation engineering, and related skillsets, are highly sought after across pharmaceutical, medical device, materials, food and machine-building industries. The discipline offers highly rewarding career development and a diverse range of activity including electronics, interfacing instrumentation, software programming, robotics, networking, databases and data intelligence.
About our Scholarship
Application to the scheme is open to all applicants who have applied to the CAO for first year September 2025 entry to; Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Automation Engineering (SE700) and Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Robotics and Automated systems (SE710).
The concept is a “Multi-Company” scholarship involving a group of companies in the manufacturing/automation sector collaborating with SETU to sponsor students on their undergraduate automation programmes.
- Each partaking company will provide a separate scholarship to a student under this plan
- The intention will be that each student will be supported by their sponsor company for the duration of their undergraduate programme (i.e.. 4 year period)
- Each company will offer the same core benefits to their chosen student:
- company contribution towards student contribution/fees
- options of summer work
- option of 3rd year internship (January - May minimum)
- company mentor
This is stage 1 of the application process. Once an expression of interest form is submitted a member of our team will be in contact via email regarding stage 2 of the application process. The following supporting information will be requested:
- Please include a copy of your most recent CV
- Please ensure that your School Principal provides a reference specifically for this Scholarship
- Junior Certificate results
The closing date for applications is 23 May 2025.
Provisional interview dates for suitable candidates will be held in early July. Interviews may be conducted using video conference.
MSD
MSD is one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, headquartered in Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA. It operates in more than 140 countries, with a strong focus on prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products.
Key areas:
- Oncology (notably Keytruda)
- Vaccines (e.g. Gardasil)
- Infectious diseases (HIV, COVID-19)
- Animal health
Irish Operations:
- Employs over 3,000 people across 7 sites: Carlow, Cork (Brinny), Dublin, Meath (Dunboyne), and Tipperary (Ballydine).
- Operations include biologics, vaccines, and sterile manufacturing, as well as human health and animal health commercial services.
- The Carlow and Dunboyne sites are involved in state-of-the-art biologics and vaccine production.
- MSD Ireland manufactures approximately half of MSD’s top 20 products, exporting to over 60 markets.
Focus areas Ireland:
Biopharmaceutical manufacturing, research & development, vaccines, and oncology treatments.
To learn more about MSD head to their website here.
Teva
Teva is one of the largest generic drug manufacturers in the world, headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel. It has a presence in over 60 countries and markets hundreds of generic and specialty products.
Key Areas:
- Generic medicines (global leader)
- Specialty medicines for CNS (e.g. multiple sclerosis, migraine)
- Biosimilars and respiratory products
Irish Operations:
- Employs around 800 people in Ireland across three sites: Waterford (manufacturing), Dublin and Baldoyle (commercial and distribution).
- The Waterford site focuses on respiratory products and is a key global hub for inhaler device manufacturing.
- The Dublin office handles commercial operations, distribution, and regulatory affairs.
Focus Areas Ireland:
Generic medicines, specialty treatments (e.g. respiratory, CNS), biosimilars, and innovative therapies.
To learn more about Teva head to their website here.
Sanofi
Sanofi is a top 10 global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Paris, France. It operates in more than 100 countries and delivers innovative treatments and vaccines across a wide range of diseases.
Key Areas:
- Immunology, oncology, rare diseases
- Diabetes and cardiovascular
- Consumer healthcare (e.g. allergy, pain relief)
- Vaccines (via Sanofi Pasteur)
Irish Operations:
- Employs approximately 650 people across Ireland.
- Major presence in Waterford (biologics and pharmaceuticals manufacturing) and a commercial office in Dublin.
- Waterford facility produces oral solid dose products and acts as a supply hub to over 70 global markets.
Focus Areas Ireland:
Immunology, oncology, cardiovascular, diabetes, vaccines (through Sanofi Pasteur), and consumer healthcare.
To learn more about Sanofi head to their website here.
Bausch & Lomb
Headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario (Canada), Bausch + Lomb is a global eye health company with a legacy dating back to 1853. It operates in 100+ countries, focusing exclusively on eye care.
Key Areas:
- The company has a long-established presence in Waterford since 1980.
- One of the largest employers in the South East, with over 1,500 employees.
- The Waterford site manufactures a range of contact lenses and solutions, with substantial investment in automation and R&D.
Focus Areas Ireland:
Ophthalmic products, contact lenses, lens care, surgical instruments, and pharmaceuticals for eye health.
To learn more about Bausch & Lomb head to their website here.
Integer Holdings Corporation
Integer is a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) for the medical device industry. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, it operates globally across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Key Areas:
- Devices for cardiovascular, neuromodulation, orthopaedic, and endovascular markets.
- Batteries for medical and non-medical applications.
- Catheters, guidewires, implantable components.
Irish Operations:
- Established in Ireland in 1994 and now employs over 1,700 people across Galway and New Ross.
- Opened a €27 million, 67,000 sq. ft. facility in Parkmore East, Galway in 2024 focused on catheter and delivery system production.
- Also completed a €54 million expansion in New Ross for guidewire manufacturing, increasing capacity by over 70%.
- Acquired Aran Biomedical (Spiddal, Galway) in 2022, enhancing capabilities in implantable devices and biomaterials.
Focus Areas Ireland:
Catheters, guidewires, implantable medical devices, and R&D in cardiovascular, neurovascular, and other therapeutic areas.
To learn more about Integer Holdings Corporation head to their website here.