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Meet the 30 changemakers on this year’s Ideas Academy

This year's ideas academy group photo
This year’s participants meeting at the launch of the 2024 Ideas Academy

Imagine a group of people with ideas to solve a social problem, coming together with mentorship and training to create positive change – that’s the essence of our Ideas Academy.

On Thursday the 9th of May 2024, a bright and sunny morning was made even brighter, as we officially launched our 2024 Ideas Academy, bringing together this year’s 30 successful participants. The Ideas Academy is a part of our €500,000 investment into early-stage social entrepreneurship each year!

Eabha speaking at the launch in LinkedIn's Community SPace
Programme Manager Éabha speaking at the launch of this year’s Ideas Academy in LinkedIn’s Community Space in Dublin 2.

What is included in this year’s Ideas Academy

Specifically designed to provide budding changemakers with the support and direction needed to turn an idea into action. As part of the Ideas Academy, participants will receive training and support to:

  • Deepen their understanding of the problem they have identified,
  • Refine and validate their solution,
  • Develop an action plan to pilot their idea post-programme,
  • Increase their network,
  • Grow in confidence as a social entrepreneur,
  • Gain an insight into the social entrepreneur journey,
  • Apply for seed funding and further support from Social Entrepreneurs Ireland at the end of the programme.
Some of the Ideas Academy Participants, pictured with Lucy, Éabha and Glen at the launch
Selfie Time!

Meet this year’s 30 projects

There were 98 applicants for this year’s programme, of those 98, 30 were selected to join the Ideas Academy. This year’s successful participants come from all around Ireland and are tackling social problems such as mental health, the environment, education and reducing inequality.

What funding is available?

Each project selected receives a €500 bursary to help subsidise costs while taking part in the programme. At the end of the programme, participants can pitch for a portion of a €25,000 seed fund to pilot in their idea.

Keep up to date

Keep up to date on our social media channels over the next three months to meet the 30 projects and see the Ideas Academy in action!

Huge congratulations to this year’s changemakers – the future is in good hands.

Thank you to Bank of America who kindly support the Ideas Academy.

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