Student Inc. features business ideas from 70 student entrepreneurs at MTU

Over 70 student entrepreneurs from nine Irish universities recently came together at Munster Technological University’s (MTU) Bishopstown Campus to exhibit the innovative businesses they developed during the Student Inc. summer programme.

Led by MTU and supported by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), the 13-week intense entrepreneurship programme is now in its 12th year. The aim of Student Inc. is to provide students with the necessary skills, funding, and guidance to turn their concepts into viable business ventures.

Participants were granted €4,000 in seed funding, underwent rigorous training, and had the opportunity to collaborate with seasoned entrepreneurs in campus incubators. This year saw a hybrid delivery model that allowed students all over the country to take part in the programme. They received top-notch mentorship online while staying connected to their individual campuses.

Aside from MTU, students from Atlantic Technological University (ATU), South East Technological University (SETU), Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), University College Cork (UCC), University of Limerick (UL), Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT), and Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) also joined the programme this year.

The pinnacle of the programme was a final showcase event attended by over 200 people. Each student had the chance to present their business ideas to judges, trainers, mentors, industry experts, investors, and peers. Businesses from a variety of industries, such as creative, biomedical devices, career development apps, AI customer service platforms, food products, films, and games, were showcased.

During the showcase, awards were presented for Best Poster and Best Pitch. Notable winners included Sam McGrath from SETU for his business, the Draft Drinks Beverage Dispenser, Natasha Myers from MTU for her board game BrightSparks, and Ali Zeeshan from TUS for his sustained release methane mitigation drug.

MTU president Professor Maggie Cusack highlighted that Student Inc. not only focuses on business development but also fosters mindsets, attitudes, and skillsets that are highly sought after by potential employers. Carole O’Leary, the programme manager of Student Inc. at MTU, emphasized the creativity and drive of the students. She praised them for transforming preliminary ideas into robust business plans within just 13 weeks.

Moreover, several participants from this year’s cohort have already been accepted into the New Frontiers programme, illustrating the vital role that initiatives like Student Inc. play in providing regional and national innovation support. The programme has undoubtedly showcased the entrepreneurial strength of students in Ireland.