Ireland is witnessing a significant step forward in technology education with South East Technological University (SETU) obtaining a new IBM z17 mainframe system worth €11.5 million. This acquisition, made possible through an educational loan agreement with IBM, aims to enhance students' and researchers' skills in the rapidly evolving field of technology. The IBM z17 is essential as it supports around 70% of global transactions by value, a testament to its capacity and reliability in managing extensive data processes. The new mainframe system will replace 60 existing resource servers, consolidating them into a single robust platform that will streamline operations and reduce overhead. There is a focus on education and research engagement with the objective of equipping students with practical skills specifically for the artificial intelligence (AI) era. These efforts come at a crucial time as Ireland seeks to strengthen its position as a hub for advanced enterprise technology. Support from IBM is part of a broader commitment to educational initiatives across the country. Notably, SETU is also launching level 9 certificates in mainframe technologies and AI, which will benefit more than 1,000 computing students. The hands-on access to enterprise-grade technology provided by the IBM z17 system will create an invaluable learning experience, bridging the gap between academic study and real-world applications. This partnership marks IBM's recognition of its 70 years of operation in Ireland, showcasing its long-term investment in the region's workforce development. In recent years, IBM has expanded its presence in Ireland, announcing over 850 new roles in various cities, along with the establishment of a global development lab in Waterford. However, they have also faced challenges, including plans to reduce their global workforce by thousands, emphasizing the need for entry-level hiring to fill critical positions in the technology sector.