Unveiling the Future: Inside the Bold Business Ventures of 70 Young Entrepreneurs Shaking Up MTU’s Startup Scene

What if the next big idea in Ireland isn’t coming from a boardroom, but from a buzzing campus packed with bright-eyed students armed with nothing but grit, a killer idea, and €4,000 in seed funding? Last week, over 70 student entrepreneurs from nine universities converged at Munster Technological University’s Bishopstown Campus, turning their visions into tangible ventures through the 13-week Student Inc. summer programme. Now in its 12th year, this initiative isn’t just about launching startups—it’s a mastermind bootcamp shaping mindsets, fine-tuning skillsets, and lighting fireworks under future industry leaders. These students didn’t just dream; they built, pitched, and networked—backed by heavy hitters like the Higher Education Authority and mentorship from seasoned pros—all from a hybrid setup that blends online brilliance with hands-on campus hustle. Curious to see how innovation, ambition, and youthful tenacity collide on the home turf of Irish academia? Dive into the stories and successes shaking up the entrepreneurial scene across the country. LEARN MORE

More than 70 student entrepreneurs from nine Irish universities gathered at Munster Technological University’s (MTU) Bishopstown Campus on last week to showcase innovative businesses developed during the Student Inc. summer programme. 

The 13-week immersive entrepreneurship programme, now in its 12th year, is led by MTU and backed both internationally and by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

Student Inc. is designed to equip students with the skills, funding, and mentorship to transform their ideas into viable businesses. 

Students received €4,000 in seed funding, intensive training, and the opportunity to work in campus incubators, alongside established entrepreneurs.

A hybrid delivery model enabled nationwide participation with students benefiting from world-class mentorship online, while still being connected to their home campuses.

In addition to MTU, this year’s group included 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). 

The programme culminated in a final showcase with over 200 attendees, where each student was given the opportunity to present their businesses to judges, trainers, mentors, industry professionals, investors, and peers.

The businesses covered a range of sectors, including creative, biomedical devices, career development apps, AI-assisted customer service platforms, food products, films, and games.

At the showcase, awards were given for Best Poster and Best Pitch, which included: Sam McGrath from SETU for his business, Draft Drinks Beverage Dispenser, Natasha Myers from MTU for her board game BrightSparks; and Ali Zeeshan from TUS for his business, which is a sustained release drug for methane mitigation.

Commenting on the programme, MTU president Professor Maggie Cusack said: “Student Inc. is more than just developing businesses, it develops mindsets, attitudes, and skill sets, and students with these skills are in high demand by future employers.”

Carole O’Leary, programme manager of Student Inc. at MTU, added: “Student Inc. continues to demonstrate the strength of student entrepreneurship in Ireland. This year’s showcase highlighted the creativity and ambition of our students, who transformed early-stage ideas into fully developed business plans in just 13 weeks.

“I want to warmly congratulate the award winners and commend every participant for their hard work and determination.

“We are especially proud that a number of this year’s cohort have already been accepted onto the New Frontiers programme, proving the invaluable pipeline that student entrepreneurship initiatives like Student Inc. provide to both regional and national innovation supports.”

Photo: (l-r) Natasha Myers, Sam McGrath and Zeeshan Ali, winners at the Student Inc Showcase, The Arena, MTU Bishopstown Campus. (Pic: Supplied)