Teen Entrepreneurs Line Out For Their Counties at Croke Park !
On 20th April 2016 , over 200 teenage entrepreneurs from 76 companies right across Ireland descended on Croke Park to compete to be named Student Enterprise of the Year . In a jaw dropping display of young entrepreneurial capability , the students - who were aged between 13 years and 18 years of age - showcased their business prowess and indeed silenced any doubters that Ireland ’ s future is in very safe hands indeed .
About the Student Enterprise Awards ( SEAs )
The Student Enterprise Awards ( SEAs ), run by the Local Enterprise Offices , is the largest enterprise competition in the country , boasting participation figures of over 22,000 students annually . The competition gives second level students an invaluable opportunity to set up and run a business while at school and on the way experience all the ups and downs of entrepreneurship . The overall objective of the programme is to promote enterprise to the youth of Ireland and equip them with basic entrepreneurial skills in the event that they may consider working for themselves at some stage in the future .
This year saw an array of creative and inspiring business ideas being developed by the teams that made it all the way to Croke Park to represent their Local Enterprise Offices at the National Final . From a therapeutic activity garden for people with special needs , an online platform that educates young children about computer coding to a highly innovative scrum cap that can sense concussions – the ideas that this year ’ s batch of young entrepreneurs have come up with would rival those of much more seasoned and experienced entrepreneurs twice their age .
Wicklow Teen Wins Top Student Enterprise Award 2016
Patent-pending product for earphones scoops 1st prize in senior category
teenage entrepreneur from Wicklow scooped the
A top award at the Student Enterprise Awards 2016 National Finals in Croke Park , thanks to the support of Local Enterprise Office Wicklow .
16-year-old Luke Byrne from Coláiste Chraobh Abhann in Kilcoole took the overall Senior Category prize for ‘ Headphone Helpers ’ at the National Final on 20th April with a patent-pending silicone band to stop earphones from getting tangled .
Speaking at the awards ceremony in Croke Park , The Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office , Sheelagh Daly congratulated Luke , saying : “ The judges were very impressed with Luke ’ s ability to identify a problem and develop a solution that has real commercial potential . The Student Enterprise Programme was set up to encourage more young people , like Luke , to start a business and to foster a more enterprising culture for start-ups . A record number of students and schools took part in this year ’ s programme , showing a growing interest in enterprise in the classroom .”
Luke Byrne , Coláiste Chraobh Abhann in Kilcoole photo credit : Local Enterprise Office
The Student Enterprise Awards is a great way to bring a taste of real life business into your classroom and to let your students discover first hand for themselves what ’ s involved in being their own boss .
She added : “ I would also like to pay tribute to the Principal of Coláiste Chraobh Abhann , Shane Eivers and to Luke 42 ’ s teacher , Ruairi Farrell and to Luke ’ s family , for all their support for the Student Enterprise Programme .”
To find out more about our 2016 / 17 programme and to get involved , contact us on 021 4662982 or email : nationalcoordinator @ studententerprise . ie