Queen’s University Belfast Receives Largest In-Kind Donation from US Tech Company

[dailyeducation]

Alteryx will initially provide 3,000 licences to support Queen’s students and staff to access free software, training and accreditation in data analytics.

As the demand for digital transformation powered by data analytics and artificial intelligence increases, this game-changing partnership will enable Queen’s to infuse data skills into all degree programs generating new career opportunities and allowing our students to be more competitive in the workplace on day one.

At the signing of the memorandum of understanding today (March 19) in New York City to formalise this commitment, Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor at Queen’s University Belfast, said: “Philanthropy is a vital tool that allows Queen’s to make a difference, change lives and continue to be at the leading edge of global innovation.

“This exceptionally generous donation from Alteryx will make a huge difference to the lives of our students and staff. Data analytics skills are no longer reserved for a few data-focused jobs or companies – they are now in high demand and relevant for every industry. Employers eagerly seek professionals with data skills, and thanks to this $15 million donation, our students will benefit from the training and certification provided by Alteryx, making them even more future-ready when they graduate from Queen’s.”

The Alteryx SparkED Education programme helps learners at every stage become data literate with employability skills to start on exciting careers at no cost. The programme has a vast global reach with over 180,000 learners from universities in over 50 countries.

Alteryx Co-founder and Chief Advocacy Officer, Libby Duane Adams, who attended today’s signing, added: “We are extremely excited to partner with Queen’s University Belfast and I want to thank Vice Chancellor Greer for presenting such a unique opportunity for Alteryx to contribute to the lives of students in Northern Ireland. Alteryx is built on the principle that data skills should be democratized, and when we empower students to work with data, we democratize opportunity in a global economy.”

“Our journey with Queen’s University was catalysed by our participation in U.S. Special Envoy Joe Kennedy’s recent business delegation to Northern Ireland. I’d also like to thank the Special Envoy for his leadership and support throughout this process.”

Support from political leaders​

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “This is a significant announcement and highlights just how successful we are at international collaboration. The impact of this will be long-lasting and very beneficial for students, their future careers and our economy. I want to thank Joe Kennedy, the U.S. Special Envoy for the role he played in securing this major donation and congratulate Queen’s University for delivering this key partnership with Alteryx.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “This announcement, which comes days after our successful visit to Washington, further highlights the significance of U.S. support when it comes to transforming our economy.

“Congratulations to Queen’s University for delivering this partnership which will undoubtedly lead to significant outcomes for all involved. Special thanks must also go to U.S. Special Envoy Joe Kennedy who has been instrumental in securing this donation.”

U.S. Special Envoy Joe Kennedy added: “I’m very pleased to see this extremely generous donation from Alteryx to Queen’s university. It will have a significant impact on thousands of students, and I am exceptionally grateful that our business delegation in October played a part in bringing about this historic donation.”

Economy Minister Conor Murphy MLA added: “It was clear from my recent visit to the United States that major companies recognise the quality of our local universities and the calibre of our students. This amazing donation by Alteryx will further strengthen our talent pool, equipping thousands of Queen’s students with the cutting-edge data skills that are so sought after by employers.”

The multi-year partnership includes a proof of concept with the Queen’s Business School and select Undergraduate and Graduate programs, with an initial goal of providing access to 3000 Queen’s students and an ability to scale, as needed.