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2025 National Final Winners

By Blog, Media

2025 National Final Winners

 

Junior Category

 

Overall Winner:

Bumblebees
Drumshanbo Vocational School
Leitrim

 

2nd Place:

Grip Geenie
Desmond College
Newcastlewest
Limerick

 

3rd Place:

Stud Savers
St. Oliver’s School, Oldcastle
Meath

 

Best Innovation:

Helpful Hoist
Castleisland Community College
Kerry

 

Best Sales & Marketing:

Brillian Creative
St. Joseph’s Secondary School
Spanish Point
Clare

 

Best Display Stand:

Washing Warriors
Mount Mercy College
Cork

 

Intermediate Category

 

 

Overall Winner:

Suet & Song
St. Kieran’s College
Kilkenny

 

2nd Place:

EASY Stand
St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton
Leitrim

 

3rd Place:

Sea Tan Gone
Desmond College, Newcastlewest
Limerick

 

Best Innovation Award:

FutureDev
St. Patrick’s Classical School, Navan
Meath

 

Best Sales & Marketing Award:

OEC Darts
St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Drogheda
Louth

 

Best Display Stand:

Grainne Whale,
Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh
Mayo

 

Senior Category

Overall Winner:

Cannon PC
Clonkeen College
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown

 

2nd Place:

It’s a Dose
Moyne Community School
Longford

 

3rd Place:

Tie Towel
Colaiste an Spioraid Naoimh
Cork City

 

Best Innovation Award:

Study Tok
Rockwell College
Tipperary

 

Best Sales & Marketing:

ARA Haircare
Colaiste Muire, Ennis
Clare

 

Best Display Stand:

Ean Bia
St. Mary’s Secondary School Macroom Cork

 

Greg Fry Memorial Shining Star Award

Donal Bennis
The Post Plucker
Hazelwood College
Limerick

 

Intellectual Property Awards

Junior Category, Bumblebees, Drumshanbo Vocational School, Leitrim
Intermediate Category, FutureDev, St. Patricks Classical School Meath
Senior Category, Hoody Buddy, Our Lady’s Bower Secondary School, Westmeath

Sustainability Awards

Junior Category, Reading Angels, St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar, Donegal
Intermediate Category, Eco Chew, Hansfield Educate Together School, Fingal
Senior Category, Wild Cards, Mount Sackville Secondary School, Fingal

 

FINALISTS FOR TOP STUDENT ENTERPRISE AWARDS ARE ANNOUNCED

By Blog, Media

FINALISTS FOR TOP STUDENT ENTERPRISE AWARDS ARE ANNOUNCED

The national finalists for Ireland’s largest student entrepreneurial programme were announced today ahead of the finals next month. Over 200 students from 85 school enterprises across the country will compete in the finals of the Student Enterprise Programme from the 30,000 or so who began the programme in September. A selection of the finalists were in Dublin today for the announcement.

The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices has seen almost 450,000 secondary school students take part since it began in 2003. The 85 shortlisted businesses will exhibit at the National Finals on the 8th May in Mullingar where winners will be announced across the three categories of senior, intermediate and junior and one business will be named Student Enterprise of the Year for 2025.

Gareth Evans, Chair of the Local Enterprise Offices’ Enterprise Education Committee, said; “Year on year we see an amazing spread of businesses from across the country in our National Finals. The interest in entrepreneurship and the skills that come with it is increasing all the time and we can see that with the participation levels rising in recent years. This year we have an excellent level of finalist from Junior through to Senior. Again we are seeing some fantastic innovation by students to solve real life problems that they are seeing everyday and they are acutely aware of creating sustainable and competitive businesses. Irrespective of who wins next month these students have skills for life.”

The 85 Finalists cover all sectors of business from a gamified AI study app (StudyTok) and a sea salt hair spray (Tramore Sea Salt Spray) to an online directory for renovating or building a home (Mooving.ie) and a protein enhanced straw (ProSip). The full list of finalists can be viewed at www.StudentEnterprise.ie

The Student Enterprise Programme is open to students of all ages at second level, with three separate categories – Junior (1st year), Intermediate (2nd and 3rd year) and Senior (4th, 5th and 6th year, LVA, LCA and Youth Outreach). There are also prizes awarded for excellence in sustainability and intellectual property.

The Student Enterprise of the Year for 2024 was “High Lift” from St. Patrick’s Classical School in Navan, Co. Meath. The idea, created by Sean Finnegan and his business Finnegan Fabrication, manufactures portable cranes that can be fitted to the interior of commercial vans to help those in construction and similar industries to lift heavy materials in and out.

The Student Enterprise Programme is funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland and delivered by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities throughout the country. Since the Student Enterprise Programme began in 2003, over 450,000 students have taken part, learning key skills on how to create a business idea, start a business and grow a business. The Student Enterprise Programme also has new range of online resources for 2024 / 2025 at www.StudentEnterprise.ie, which will feature regular blogs and houses a full range of Student Enterprise resources for students and teachers.

The Student Enterprise Programme is one of a number of initiatives that the Local Enterprise Offices run, to foster entrepreneurship across the country. Others include Local Enterprise Week, the National Enterprise Awards, National Women’s Enterprise Day and Local Enterprise Showcase. The Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland.

Ends

For further information:
Rachel Kilbane – Drury – 083 339 8587 / Rachel.Kilbane@drury.ie
Declan Lee – Enterprise Ireland – 087 695 7451 / Declan.Lee@enterprise-ireland.com

Well done to all 85 National Finalists!

By Blog

Well done to all 85 National Finalists!

 

Junior Category Finalists:

BusinessDescription SchoolStudentsTeacher LEO
1Grip GeenieLid openerDesmond College, NewcastlewestHolly Quinn, Daniel DohertyDonal EnrightLimerick
2Furrbidden PawetryHoodies with orginial poetry created for students with sensory needsColáiste Réalt na MaraCaoilann O'DonovanClaire O'BrienSouth Cork
3Bits n' BobsCustom-made pin/badgesLargy College, ClonesLily DuffyCiaran CurranMonaghan
4Crochet CraftsHandmade crochet gloves, keyrings, bees and coastersLoreto Secondary SchoolKayla PetersHilary SmythWexford
5Helpful HoistA hoist for calves and lambsCastleisland Community CollegeJack O'SullivanÁine CullotyKerry
6NP Medal and Key HoldersHandcrafted wooden and metal key holders that combine functionality with unique craftsmanshipCBS ThurlesPaul Brett, Noah HackettFergus O'BrienTipperary
7Reading AngelsHandmade Christmas angels and trees made from repurposed books, offering unique, sentimental and eco-friendly decorationsSt. Columbas College, StranorlarSophie Coulter, Cara CoulterCatherine CookeDonegal
8Buiz QuizWebsite with quizes on local businessesSt. Gerald's CastlebarCayo Krieg, Rian Staunton, Harry CoadyRegina CaseyMayo
9Brillian CreativePersonalised sustainable products including keychains, phone holders, ipad holders and money tubesSt. Joseph's Secondary School, Spanish PointBrion Dennehy, Cillian SextonCollette CollinsClare
10All Boxed UpBoxes - wrapping giftsColáiste IascaighHannah Fleming, Alex Keaveny, Katie Conway, Jack RolstonCiara MoranSligo
11Crazy KnotsDog toys made from natural hemp rope with biodegradable fibres. As the dog chews the toy helps clean their teeth.Greystones Community CollegeLeonardo O’Sullivan, Louis Dalton, Bastien Zapletal, Donnchadh Eager O’BrienIsabel MurphyWicklow
12Protein Pro'sProtein balls in a variety of shapes and flavours including biscoff, dairy milk and peanutMercy Secondary SchoolSophie Wall, Emily O’Regan, Casey Wyse, Layla CostelloSeamus RusheWaterford
13Washing WarriorsHand made washing organisersMount Mercy CollegeNoon Eldjack: MAJA WASKOWSKA: MALIKA MEKKI : AGIBHIN OI MAHONYRita KelleherCork City
14Koala DesignsHeartfelt handmade cards and grave memorial keepsakes, delivering messages of love to heavenColáiste Pobail BheanntraíMary MinehaneTara O'NeillWest Cork
15EL Horse ShoesUpcycled horseshoes crafted into a decorative device for removing your shoes at the doorArd Scoil Phádraig, GrandardElla Brennan, Lucy Mc HaleLinda ReillyLongford
16Stud SaversProtective covers for studs on sports footwearSt. Oliver's School, OldcastleBen Smith, Nathan Mc Enroe, Aidan ClarkeElaine SmithMeath
17Rachel and Isla's Self careSelf-care baskets and eucalyptus bouquets/productsLoreto Secondary School, BalbrigganRachel Dore, Isla TannerCatherine Mc Cabe, Paula GartlandFingal
18Atlantic Coast CreationsSeaweed bathbags and jewelleryMercy College CoolockLily Ryan, Alannah FolanRachel ShaughnessyDublin City
19Darragh Grimes DroneDrone videos and aerial photography of farming and local eventsScoil Uí Mhúirí, DunleerDarragh GrimesMartina FarrellLouth
20Key & Clay Co.Handmade magnets, bookmarks, keychains and phone charmsPortlaoise CollegeJulia Koper, Kate SareenMichelle DugganLaois
21Nyah F JewelleryUnique handmade jewelleryDe La Salle College, ChurchtownNyah FurlongElaine O'SullivanDún Laoghaire-Rathdown
22Sweet TreatsFreshly baked goods, homemade crumble cookies, sweet bags and cake popsRoyal School, CavanZoe Molloy, Emma Lynch, Lauren Mc EnteeDale Robertson, Tanya ArgueCavan
23ResinateEco friendly resin productsMoate Community SchoolRachel Pillion, Emma Kelly, Florence CaseyPatrice SmythWestmeath
24Jewels FantasyHandmade jewelleryOld Bawn Community SchoolEma PaulauskaiteDarren CareySouth Dublin
25Global SportsGAA sports glovesGallen Community School, FerbaneSenan Dunne, Joey Butler, Eanna CarrollMarilyn Mc DonaghOffaly
26BumblebeesWASP safety device that helps farmers and hikers cross electric fences safelyDrumshanbo Vocational CollegeAntonia O'Looney, Sophie Gilard, Guiliana Keane, Katelyn MurtaghSharon Feeney, Yvonne TrainorLeitrim

 

Intermediate Category Finalists:

BusinessDescriptionSchoolStudentsTeacherLEO
27We Make Eco SenseWooden keyring with sensory stickerCasleisland Community CollegePadraig Murphy, Adam SinnotCastleisland Community CollegeKerry
28Gráinne WhaleHandmade craft itemsSancta Maria College, LouisburghAnn TolandMaria MaloneMayo
29S & K GiftsStylish hand-drawn greetingsColáiste IascaighSlone Irwin, Kayeligh RuaneCiara MoranSligo
30Everything DogsRange of dog products including healthy dog treats and a 'Find Me' dog collarCBS ThurlesPatrick Carr, Cathal O'GormanFergus O'BrienTipperary
31Perfect PawsBalm for dog paws to protect them from becoming hard and chappedColáiste Muire Réalt na MaraBess O'Leary, Olivia Connolly, Ella MatthewsClaire O'BrienCork South
32Scents Crafts & Co.Unique scented candles, lip balms & hand creamsHigh Cross College, TuamNiamh Ryan, Aoife ClearyClodagh ClarkeGalway
33BowtiqueHandmade bows and scrunchiesSt. Anne's Community School, KillaloeRuby O'Donovan, Ana Bella de SwortGeraldine MaddenClare
34Birdy By DA fashion brand specialising in handcrafted, stylish, and comfortable clothing, designed with quality materials and a unique personal touchLoretto Convent, LetterkennyDarcie BoyleLisa Mc GowanDonegal
35CubikuloA unique Rubik's Cube teaching businessWexford CBSArsen Hereta, Eoghan RochfordAnn BarryWexford
36AL Craft ShackHigh quality craft productsBoherbue Comprehensive SchoolAaron LoftsMichael LenihanNorth Cork
37Sea Tan GoneNaturally made fake tan removerDesmond College, NewcastlewestKinga Tobianska, Paulina Varuyeva, Caitlin McMahonDonal EnrightLimerick
38Suet & SongHigh quality, nutrient-rich suet cakes that provide energy, nourishment and sustenance for a variety of birds during the colder monthsSt. Kieran's CollegeMichael O'KeeffeJennie BrennanKilkenny
39Dapper Dogz Stylish dog bandanas that clip on and have a hidden pocket for carrying dog waste bagsMoyne Community SchoolÁine Maher, Niamh MaherPadraig DohertyLongford
40FutureDevFutureDev is a chat bot app similar to Chat GPTSt. Patrick's Classical School, NavanRohaan BhatnagarGareth Mc MahonMeath
41Cozy CreationsHandmade products made from locally sourced wool and yarnOur Lady's Secondary School, CastleblayneyLiliana Hudson, Megan MonaghanSinéad BradyMonaghan
42TheiaHandmade earringsHoly Child Secondary School, KillineyHarriett EvisonEmma QuinnDun Laoghaire-Rathdown
43Nails By LibbyNail technician businessTullamore CollegeLibby LynchJohn LowndesOffaly
44EcoChewA portable, eco-friendly keychain for gum disposal, reducing litter and pollutionHansfield Educate Together Secondary SchoolMaida-Fatima Riaz, Angelin Bijoye, Abi Sai SolaiAisling SammonFingal
45ReHeartEco-friendly mini backpacks, shoulder bags, tote bags, phone bags and pencil cases made from recycled denim and customisable pinsScoil Chríost RíAine M. BarrettLorraine ConroyLaois
46Gemstone TreesHandcrafted TreesSt. Dominic's CollegeSarah Aylward, Katherine FlynnTaylor HigginsDublin City
47Glow & Grow ComicsComic booksSt. Finian's CollegeAisling Kilmurray, Mia Muldarry, Emily Hannick, Lillie NolanShauna KeenanWestmeath
48Kingswood CreationsBath bombs and bliss bagsKingswood Community CollegeGrace Martin, Owen Kelly, Noah Nelson, Angelika LichorowiecJodi WatersSouth Dublin
49EASY StandPersonalised wooden phone and tablet standsSt. Clare's Comprehensive School, ManorhamiltonFaolán FeeleyClaire GallagherLeitrim
50The Tree GnomesHandmade wooden ornaments made from locally sourced woodSt. Clare's College, BallyjamesduffAdam Briody, Nathan O'Reilly, Fionn GalliganNiall DonohoeCavan
51OEC Darts3D printed custom mounts for an automatic darts board score tracking systemSt. Joseph's Secondary School, DroghedaÓran CassidyNicole KiernanLouth
52LavendaA range of eco-friendly candles, soothing lip balms and aromatic scent sachets, all lovingly created with natural ingredients including homegrown lavenderTullow Community SchoolKatie Wilson, Julia BerezanskaDavie MurphyCarlow
53NeurolingoAn app developed by a student with a stutter for others with a stutterGreystones Community CollegeOisín WardIsabel MurphyWicklow

 

Senior Category Finalists:

BusinessDescriptionSchoolStudentsTeacherLEO
54Puc ProtectorsPersonalised range of sports piecesSt. Ciaran's Community SchoolConor Finn, Jack Mc Cormack, Lucas Smith, Seán MartinSandra O'Reilly, Joanne ClancyMeath
55Elle's CupcakesConfectionary businessMercy College, CoolockEllie Bird, Georgia MansfieldRachel ShaughnessyDublin City
56Mooving.ieAn online directory of local business services related to buying, building or renovating a homeSt. Mary's CBS, PortlaoiseRoss Dunne, Conor DunneDeirdre Moore, Emma LynchLaois
57Squeak ShieldAn eco-friendly innovative solution to repel rodents using natural ingredients without causing harmScoil Uí MhúiríRiley FineganMartina FarrellLouth
58ProsipProtein enhanced strawRockbrook Park SchoolMathew Kelly, Alan Berly, Roshan KuzhippillilNiamh O'ReillySouth Dublin
59Blackwood Bait & TackleFishing AcessoriesTullamore CollegeJack Keenahan, Nikita GreidansJohn LowndesOffaly
60Farm AlertGPS Tracker and bracelet for emergenciesColaiste ChiarainDylan Conway and Stephen WardeJane DoyleRoscommon
61Wild CardsHand-painted, handcrafted seed paper cards that grow into wildflowersMount Sackville Secondary SchoolEmily O'Donnell, Aaliyah Heeze, Sarah ForbesOlga OwensFingal
62Hoody BuddyDetachable hoodOur Lady's Bower, AthloneEmma Fallon, Saoirse O'DriscollVanessa WalshWestmeath
63It's a DoseBespoke shoulder straps to aid with animal medical treament application. Improving animal handling and user safety.Moyne Community SchoolMia Kiernan, Emma Brennan, Aoife Cadam, Emma Gantley, Kelly Davis, Kate Mc KeonPadraig DohertyLongford
64Cannon PCPCs and components for gaming machinesClonkeen CollegeJack CannonJack BehanDún Laoghaire-Rathdown
65Tidy ToolsCustom tool storage solution in woodSt. Clare's Comprhensive School, ManorhamiltonMichael Byrne, Killian Jenkins, Nathan Stuart, Luuk AkkermansClaire GallagherLeitrim
66Triple C CraftsHigh quality handmade luxury chopping boardsBailieborough Community SchoolBrían ClarkeAnne Marie O'NeillCavan
67DuffmeisterComics telling important talesBallinode Community CollegeConor Duffy, Finn Lee, Jayden Mulligan, Kristofers PetrosusRuth TigheSligo
68AKA WoodcraftHandcrafted, decorative, wooden keyholders with a built in letter holderRamsgrange Community SchoolAmy Duffin, Katie Foley, Alison DuffinLouise WalshWexford
69StudyTokA gamified AI study app that generates a personalised feed of quiz style questions and motivates users through streaks and XP-based levellingRockwell CollegePaddry Corcoran, Sean CahillDavid CollinsTipperary
70Vest ProSportswear company supplying club branded clothing.Coláiste Bhríde, CarnewDominic O’Loughlin and Daniel DuffyJulie LambertWicklow
71Seacláid SaibhirHandcrafted chocolate made by artisans who take pride in every detail, ensuring the perfect balance of taste, texture, and aesthetic appealColáiste EoinCathal Cullen, Saoirse Tyrrell, Jessica Doyle, Lilly MurphyPadraig FogartyCarlow
72MW SportsHigh quality, long lasting, affordable and customisable GAA glovesLargy College, ClonesJamie McCarville, Jamie Wiggins, Patrick SmythCiaran CurranMonaghan
73Bounce BackInjury Recovery Journal designed as a support tool to assist in tracking progress and maintaining a positive mindset during the recovery processPresentation Secondary SchoolAmy Bergin, Mathilde BeubryEileen O'BrienKilkenny
74Medieval Mayhem’ A strategy-based card game where players collect sword cards and item cards to battle and defeat a range of medieval-themed monstersSalesian College CelbridgeEmmett Villing, Kyerin Hunter, Charlie Kavanagh, Henley ChackoMichael GreeneKildare
75Cúl CardsAn interactive Irish card game that aims to promote Irish in the classroom, at home and in daily lifeHoly Rosary College, MountbellewKatylyn HylandSarah StephensGalway
76ARAOrganic and natural rosemary hair oils and coconut hair masksColáiste Muire, EnnisAmy Killeen, Róisín Hogan, Aoife KeaneDavid BarrettClare
77Calv EasyCalving KitCBS MitchelstownConor Noonan, Adam McNamara, Seán KeaneKatie BrowneNorth Cork
78Léamh LámhLámh board game for children with additional needsPobal Scoil Corca DhuibhneMakayla Ní Bhrosnachain, Anna Ní Chobcnúir, Caroline Ní LaighéisTrish Uí EonachainKerry
79The Post PluckerBuilding/DIY/Agri post removal toolHazelwood CollegeDónal BennisMiriam GarrihyLimerick
80Tie Towel Locally handcrafted towel designed to address the common issues of traditional towels, slipping falling down and becoming loose. It features an integrated draw stringColáiste an Spioraid NaoimhMichael Sweeney Heffernan: Abraham Kurian : Ahroon Cyriac Santhosh : Mamoun Mirghani : Tom MckeownRichard O'ReganCork City
81The Wine WaiterUnique wine bottle holdersOur Lady's Secondary School, BelmulletJosh Levelle, Michael McGowanShauna CarolanMayo
82Ean BiaA wild garden bird feed and feederSt. Mary's Secondary School, MacroomMuireann Kerry, Sinéad D'souzaArlene O'DonoghueSouth Cork
83Deborah's Customised GiftsA personalised gift business creating custom laser-engraved items, with a focus on sentimental value and unique designsLoretto Convent, LetterkennyDeborah DiazMáiréad BoyleDonegal
84Pawfect TreatsPure, delicious dog treats with simple high-quality ingredients - no junk. Just tail-wagging goodness!Kinsale Community SchoolEliana Hosford, Thea TobinCaitriona Leahy, Máire FlemingWest Cork
85Tramore Sea Salt SprayA unique product to enhance hair texture and volume by using natural mineral-rich sea salt. This product gives hair a beachy, tousled look while also nourishing and strengthening.Ard Scoil na Mara, TramoreBen Phelan, Arlo Barron, Donnacha Flannery and Sam AhernRobert KennyWaterford

Student Goodie Bags!!!

By Blog

Student Goodie Bags

With thanks to our sponsors .IE – the Irish Domain Reigistry, every participating student at our National Final in Mullingar on Thursday 8th May will receive a Goodie Bag!

 

Each bag will be packed with a range of fun and useful items for our hard working students.

With just 64 days to go to the BIG EVENT, the countdown is well and truly on!

NEW Accelerator Bootcamp Launched for 2025

By Blog, Case Studies, Media

 
 

NEW Innovation Accelerator Camp

– in collaboration with Patch

 

Five lucky student enterprise teams will be hanging out at the Patch Accelerator Innovation Hub this Summer thanks to a very exciting new initiative at the Student Enterprise Programme (SEP).

 

A brand-new element to the SEP for 2025, this new initiative gives students an incredible opportunity to accelerate the potential of their business ideas with guidance from a team of world class entrepreneurs. Patch is a business accelerator programme for talented young people who want to work on impactful projects and creative business ideas. Located in the heart of Dublin’s digital docklands, it is located in a unique and thriving community of Irish start-ups, international companies and innovative social enterprises.

Our mission at the Student Enterprise Programme is to foster a spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation in second level schools across the country. Year on year we are truly amazed at the creative thinking and business acumen shown by our participants. We understand that it is not always possible, with the confines of time and resources, for students to bring a highly innovative business idea to market within the 8 months of the Programme. Our new accelerator programme will give students who have come up with a particularly innovative idea this year the opportunity to see just where their idea can go! Regardless of whether they made it to their County Finals or National Final.

Each of the 31 LEO regions have been invited to nominate one student enterprise to be put forward for consideration for the accelerator programme and a special selection committee will shortlist nominations to the Final 5 lucky winners.

Winners will be announced in April.