Enterprise Ireland has selected 10 finalists with an innovative business idea, technology or solution to compete for this year’s 39th Student Entrepreneur Awards, which are co-sponsored by Cruickshank, Grant Thornton and the Local Enterprise Offices. The finalists from third level institutions nationwide, will compete for several awards such as the Cruickshank High Achieving Merit Award, the Grant Thornton Emerging Business Award and the Local Enterprise Office ICT Award.
The overall winner will share in a €35,000 prize fund as well as receive mentoring from Enterprise Ireland to develop the commercial viability of their concept. The winners will also share in a €30,000 consultancy fund that will enable them to turn their ideas into a commercial reality. This year’s winners will be announced during a live virtual event on Friday June 12th.
Richard Murphy, Manager LEO Support, Policy & Co-ordination Unit, Enterprise Ireland said, “For almost forty years, the Student Entrepreneur Awards have been recognising young innovators and helping to nurture their talent by extending access to the supports necessary to achieve entrepreneurial success. “We are so pleased with the quality of the applications that we received this year and to whittle it down to 10 finalists was a challenge. It is clear that students in Ireland are continuing to become more focused and ambitious. The Irish third level institutions are doing tremendous work to support these students abilities. “A great number of this year’s applicants have identified challenges across a range of sectors and provided solutions to overcome them. Nurturing this talent and helping to foster that entrepreneurship is essential not just to turn ideas into thriving businesses but to help drive Ireland’s global reputation in business. “I encourage all those that didn’t reach the final this year and those that may be interested in coming forward for next year’s awards to tune into the event on June 12th to get some valuable insights. It could be the first step on the way to becoming a business leader in 2021.”One finalist is from TU Dublin Enso – The Guided Play Toolkit by Vinh Truong. There’s a growing call for an evaluation of Ireland’s current education system. Beneficial methods of learning in the developmental stages of a child have been stunted due to the current teaching methods and curriculum regime. Our product can provide young learners with the ability to use and analyse knowledge in a new and creative way. Enso is a toolkit that combines 3D printing education with guided play lessons, providing fully 3D printed collaborative tools that will operate alongside materials that are available within a classroom. Enso aims to allow children to create experiences by engaging in three design thinking tasks with their peers, enhancing their 21st-century skills and ready them for the changing nature of the workplace and the future.
More information on the Student Entrepreneur Awards can be found on www.studententrepreneurawards.com
