Participants in Munster Technological University’s Student Inc. Programme shared their business ideas with a room of potential investors, members of the business community and support agencies at the University’s Bishopstown Campus. The showcase gave the budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their businesses, having completed the 13-week entrepreneurial incubator programme.
Student Inc., which is Ireland’s longest running Student Accelerator Programme, is open to all MTU students of all years and disciplines. Running from June to August each year, it allows students to explore the first steps in developing their own business. The Student Inc. environment allows students to assess the feasibility of their enterprise idea in a supportive, student-focused setting. Participants are provided with seed funding and access to a network of entrepreneurs, trainers, mentors and investors across the south west region.
Student Inc.’s class of 2024 includes participants from across the university and the projects are just as diverse. The students’ enterprise ideas cover a wide range of topics from cryptocurrency to carpooling and animation to air frying. Many past participants of Student Inc. have gone on to run successful businesses, with the programme offering vital support in the initial stages of students’ entrepreneurial journeys.
‘NURTURING ENVIRONMENT’
Carole O’Leary, Regional Programme Manager for 3rd Level Student Entrepreneurship, said it was great to see the progress and growth of all the students and their ideas over the last 13 weeks.
“Student Inc is an incredible opportunity for the participants to examine the feasibility of their ideas and launch their business in a safe and nurturing environment. Throughout the summer there were 35 training sessions, 30 mentoring days, 5 ‘lunch and learn’ events with seasoned entrepreneurs as well as the opportunity to pitch to Angel Investors. The programme is enabled by the unwavering support and facilities of the Rubicon Centre and its team, which is part of the Innovation and Enterprise Office, and we are delighted to see 3 of the 12 student businesses progress to New Frontiers in the Rubicon to continue on their journey. The other students are returning to study in September, but will continue to work on their businesses.”
For more information, see the Student Inc. website – https://www.studentinc.ie/
