Ideas Academy

 

Supporting budding social entrepreneurs to move from idea to action

Applications to the 2023 Ideas Academy are now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied.

Do you have an innovative idea to solve a social problem? Are you ambitious, entrepreneurial, and passionate about social change?

Overview

This three-month programme will provide you with the support and direction you need to help you to kick-start your idea and take the next steps to start tackling the problem.

Participants on the Ideas Academy are supported to clearly articulate,
refine and progress their solution, to build skills and accelerate learning in core areas of importance to social entrepreneurs, and to move from idea to action.

We have 30 places available on our 2023 programme which will be made up of 15 social entrepreneur-led projects across two groups.

The programme will be delivered remotely. If Covid-19 restrictions in Ireland allow for it, we will consider holding an in-person session towards the end of the programme if it is safe and appropriate to do so, but this will be communicated with participants on the programme.

Together will a small community of fellow innovators, participants on the Ideas Academy will receive:

Training & Support

Over several core learning days, you will be supported to deepen your understanding of the problem you’ve identified, refine your solution, and develop an action plan to pilot your idea post-programme.

Peer Support & Networking Opportunities

We know that that it can be lonely being a social entrepreneur. On the Ideas Academy you will receive peer support and access to networking opportunities to help build your confidence and network, and gain insight into the social entrepreneur journey.

Funding Available

Each project selected for the Ideas Academy programme will also receive a €500 bursary.

At the end of the programme all participants will have the opportunity to apply to pitch for a portion of €20,000 seed funding to further pilot your idea.

Important Information & Announcements

  • Applications to the Ideas Academy open once per year
  • We will open for applications for our 2023 programme in April 2023

More information about the Ideas Academy can be found in the Application Guide, including eligibility criteria, key dates, and FAQs.

Supported by:

Who is it for?

People from all backgrounds with early-stage innovative ideas to solve social problems in Ireland

What we offer

Group training in areas such as Understanding the Problem, Refining the Solution, Storytelling, Piloting and more.
Peer Support
SEI consultancy & advice
Networking opportunities
€500 Programme bursary
Opportunity to pitch for portion of €20,000 seed funding

Key Dates

1

Upcoming Callout:

We will open for applications for our 2023 programme in April 2023
Online delivery
30 idea-stage social entrepreneurs
20,000 Seed fund available

Be the change you seek

Ready to take the next step?

APPLY HERE

Who is eligible?

The Ideas Academy is for everybody

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and we are committed to providing equal opportunities regardless of gender identity, marital status, family status, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity or religion. (The Equal Status Acts 2000-2018)

Corporate Partner
The Ideas Academy is kindly supported by Bank of America

Our other STEP programmes

Spark Programme

Providing the spark to set early-stage ideas alight

Action Lab

For Social Entrepreneurs Who Have Completed The Ideas Academy