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Meet the Patrons

Our Meet the Patrons series spotlights the Patron Members of the Learnovate Centre. Each interview offers insights into the innovative organisations that support our mission to advance learning technologies.

Join us as we delve into their visions, challenges, and contributions to the future of learning.

  • 04 Mar 2026

Meet the Patrons interview with Aaron McKenna

For the latest in our Meet the Patrons series, we speak to Aaron McKenna, CEO of Digital Learning Institute, a global digital learning provider with a focus on AI upskilling programmes.

  • 01 Feb 2026

Meet the Patrons interview with Joe Collins

For the latest in our Meet the Patrons series, we speak to Joe Collins, Director of Further Education and Training at ETBI, the national representative body for Ireland’s 16 Education and Training Boards.

  • 13 Jan 2026

Meet the Patrons interview with Karen Wogan, Publishing Director with Folens

For our Meet the Patrons series, we speak to Karen Wogan, Publishing Director with Folens, an Irish-owned company producing schoolbooks and digital products for primary and post-primary subjects.

  • 11 Nov 2025

Meet the Patrons interview with Jason Mayland of Merlyn for Education

In this interview, Jason Mayland of Merlyn for Education discusses how AI is transforming learning, the importance of research and innovation, and the evolving skills needed in education. He also reflects on leadership lessons, work style, and the role of collaboration through Learnovate in driving positive change across the learning landscape.

  • 15 Jul 2025

Meet the Patrons interview with Joe Duignan of Wriggle Learning

With an undergraduate degree in Business Studies and IT from Technological University of the Shannon, Joe Duignan began his work life in sales with computer hardware manufacturer Gateway in 1998. He would go on to become a Training Specialist responsible for training, development and coaching of the retail sales teams in the EMEA region.

  • 7 mins 30 secs
  • 22 Apr 2025

Meet the Patrons interview with Joe Walsh of The Open College

Joe spent more than 20 years in the retail industry with Tesco, beginning on the shop floor in 1992 and departing as Head Office Programme Manager in 2011. He joined The Open College in 2011 as CEO, taking over the role from his father who founded the Irish Training and Educational Centre (ITEC) company as a correspondence learning institution during the 1990s. His father later renamed it OCDL – Open College for Direct Learning.

  • Approx 7 mins
  • 18 Mar 2025

Meet the Patrons interview with Roger Warnock, CEO of Young Social Innovators

As part of Learnovate’s Meet the Patrons series, we speak to Myles Thies, the co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of 186 Digital, a learning technology company that works with universities, colleges and businesses to provide innovative digital education solutions.

  • 14 Feb 2025

Meet the Patrons interview with Myles Thies of 186 Digital

As part of Learnovate’s Meet the Patrons series, we speak to Myles Thies, the co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of 186 Digital, a learning technology company that works with universities, colleges and businesses to provide innovative digital education solutions.

  • 13 minute read
  • 20 Jan 2025

Q&A with Gavin Cooney, CEO of Learnosity

We speak to Gavin Cooney, the co-founder and CEO of Learnosity, a leading provider of AI-powered assessment and learning products for learning institutions.

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