Ideas Academy

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

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:

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.

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.

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.

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