75 students across Ireland will be able to avail of the opportunity to turn their entrepreneurial ideas into reality in summer 2025, as the 13-week student accelerator summer programme from Ireland’s leading entrepreneurship accelerator, Student Inc., launched on Friday last.
The programme, originally developed by Munster Technological University and the Rubicon Centre, offers €4,000 in seed funding, intensive coaching from seasoned entrepreneurs and investors, and a hands-on learning experience. Throughout the summer, students will engage in workshops and mentoring sessions aimed at developing practical innovation skills and navigating the complexities of the business world.
The overall accelerator programme is backed by a network of 9 Irish universities, an international university, and the Higher Education Authority (HEA). For the 2025 iteration there is a specific strand of the programme geared to the creative sector, Creative Student Inc., spearheaded by IADT Media Cube.
Student Inc. has already supported the launch of over 30 student start-ups, including notable ventures like Gasgon Medical, founded by MTU alumnus Vincent Forde, whose company has transformed safety in intravenous infusion within hospitals.
Through a hybrid delivery model, Student Inc. ensures broad geographical reach, allowing students to stay at their home universities and campus incubators, surrounded by experienced entrepreneurs, while benefiting from world-class mentoring and training online. This approach promotes nationwide participation and connects students from various disciplines with industry leaders, mentors, and like-minded peers.
A recent enhancement to the programme includes the integration of Universal Design (UD) principles, providing participants with the tools to incorporate accessibility and inclusivity into product development from the outset, thus ensuring that Student Inc. continues to lead in fostering innovation that benefits all.
COLLABORATION
An external evaluation has awarded the programme an exceptional Net Promoter Score of 85, placing it among the top entrepreneurial programmes worldwide.
“We are thrilled to see the continued growth and success of Student Inc., as the programme gains momentum and delivers even greater impact each year,” stated Carole O’Leary, Student Inc. Programme Manager. “With 41% of alumni launching businesses after completing the accelerator and an additional 36% planning to start a business in the future, the programme has clearly had a transformative effect. Students consistently emphasize the value of collaborating in multidisciplinary teams and cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets as some of the key benefits of their participation.”
The upcoming campaign will spotlight the success stories of Student Inc. alumni, feature inspiring testimonials, and showcase engaging events aimed at attracting Ireland’s next generation of student innovators.
Applications for the summer 2025 programme are now open to all students from the partner universities, welcoming applicants from any discipline or year of study. For more information, visit https://www.studentinc.ie/
