Cipher Partners with Mercyhurst University to Support Next Generation of Competitive Intelligence Professionals with Industry-Leading Tools

Cipher, a global provider of competitive intelligence and technology solutions, has partnered with Mercyhurst University to provide competitive intelligence and market intelligence students with access to its Knowledge360^® competitive intelligence software.

Through this partnership, students in Mercyhurst’s Business & Competitive Intelligence degree program benefit from access to:

• A custom, university-specific Knowledge360^® portal with all of the features of an award-winning intelligence platform 
• Training and support from Cipher’s dedicated Customer Success Team on how to use Knowledge360^® for advanced market and competitive research
• Engagement with, and periodic guest lectures from, Cipher’s expert intelligence strategists and researchers

“This collaboration between Cipher and Mercyhurst University provides students with invaluable experience using a world-class intelligence platform for advanced research and analytical projects early in their careers, giving them an advantage post-graduation,” said Peter Grimm, CEO of Cipher Systems. “Knowledge360^® is a widely-recognized intelligence platform and many of the students will likely encounter it when they join the workforce.”

“Since day one, Mercyhurst University Intelligence Studies programs have incorporated opportunities for real-world experience,” said Shelly L. Freyn, DBA, Assistant Professor, Program Director of Business & Competitive Intelligence Studies, Mercyhurst University. “The partnership with Cipher enables our students to use leading-edge software in assisting with company projects, building robust research, and developing career-ready skills valued by today’s top competitive intelligence employers.” 

Grimm noted how Cipher partners with select universities and membership associations to drive innovation and professional expertise in the competitive intelligence space. “Mercyhurst University is a perfect fit for our university partners program. Within the competitive intelligence industry, Mercyhurst University has an established, and outstanding, reputation for producing talented and capable competitive and marketing intelligence practitioners through their Business & Competitive Intelligence degree program. Hands-on experience using a purpose-built intelligence platform like Knowledge360^® will further enhance Mercyhurst graduates’ attractiveness to prospective employers.”

For more information about partnership opportunities, contact us or view the press release of this announcement online here. 

About Cipher
Cipher is a full-service competitive strategy and technology firm. We provide world-class consulting services and technology solutions that help our clients gain and maintain a competitive edge. Cipher’s Knowledge360^® is an all-in-one, cloud-based competitive intelligence solution that automates the collection and organization of information from a multitude of sources, allowing users to collaborate in real-time to develop strategic insights that provide a competitive edge.

About Mercyhurst University

Mercyhurst University, founded in 1926 by the Sisters of Mercy, is a fully accredited, four-year, Catholic comprehensive institution in Erie, Pennsylvania. The university is home to an estimated 3,000 students and offers more than 50 undergraduate majors with nearly 70 concentrations and pre-professional tracks, as well as nine graduate programs. In addition, Mercyhurst provides certificate and associate degree offerings at three regional branch campuses. Learn more at www.mercyhurst.edu.

About Mercyhurst University’s Business & Competitive Intelligence Bachelor of Arts Program

Mercyhurst University graduates in-demand research analysts skilled in data extraction, data analysis, and data interpretation, who are also adept at presenting findings to decision makers in business and industry. With a curriculum rooted in the functional areas of business and data analytics, graduates of this program are capable of discovering future growth opportunities for organizations, identifying competitive advantages, and predicting industry trends and market demands.