Inspire Impact Innovation Challenge
Oct 15 – Nov 20, 2024
demo day
Key Highlights
A one-month hybrid ideathon funded by the Shared Island Fund, bringing together students from Queen’s University Belfast and Trinity College Dublin to co-create inclusive and creative solutions for pressing social issues.
Universities represented: TCD, QUB, UL
15
Projects Submitted
4
Finalist Projects
80
Unique Attendees
Winners
Meet the talented illustrators who brought Chapter 1 to life and claimed the top prizes.
1st Place
Senseye
€2,000 EURO
2nd Place
Fibre Health Ltd
€1,000 EURO
3rd Place
Green Lab Heroes
€500 EURO
4th Place
Vita Green
€500 EURO
Judges
Get to know the creatives and experts who selected the finalists and winning illustrations.
Judges
Judging Criteria
Desirability
◦ Does the project clearly respond to a meaningful social or environmental need?
◦ Judges will evaluate how well the idea connects with real user or community pain points.
◦ Judges will evaluate how well the idea connects with real user or community pain points.
Feasibility
◦ Can the idea be realistically implemented within existing constraints (time, team, resources)?
◦ The judges will assess how well the team has scoped the project and whether they have the right capabilities to move it forward.
◦ The judges will assess how well the team has scoped the project and whether they have the right capabilities to move it forward.
Impact
◦ What is the potential positive effect of the idea on people or the planet?
◦ Impact includes depth, inclusivity, and alignment with values such as equity, accessibility, or sustainability.
◦ Impact includes depth, inclusivity, and alignment with values such as equity, accessibility, or sustainability.
Viability
◦ Is the idea sustainable in the long term, either as a solution, initiative, or platform for further development?
◦ Viability includes both practical implementation and future potential.
◦ Viability includes both practical implementation and future potential.
Presentation
◦ How clearly and convincingly did the team communicate their idea?
◦ Judges will consider storytelling, use of visuals, teamwork, and how well the solution was explained during the pitch.
◦ Judges will consider storytelling, use of visuals, teamwork, and how well the solution was explained during the pitch.
Timeline
Application Deadline
October 9, 2024
Kick-off & Workshop
Design Thinking
October 15, 2024
Lean Canvas
October 23, 2024
Pitch Deck A to Z
October 30, 2024
Idea Submission Deadline
November 13, 2024
Demo Day
November 20, 2024
Demo Day Agenda
A look back at the key moments, workshops, and showcase that shaped the competition.
November 20
12:00 – 12:05
Welcome and Introduction of Judging Panel
Location:
TCD: room 102 (Main space) First Floor, Trinity Business School, Pearse St, Dublin 2, D02 H308QUB: Training Room 6, The Graduate School, University Rd, Belfast BT7 1NN
Location:
TCD: room 102 (Main space) First Floor, Trinity Business School, Pearse St, Dublin 2, D02 H308QUB: Training Room 6, The Graduate School, University Rd, Belfast BT7 1NN
12:05 – 13:01
Queen’s University Belfast Team Pitches
13:01 – 13:06
Short Break
13:06 – 13:55
Trinity College Dublin Team Pitches
13:55 – 14:10
Judges’ Deliberation Break
14:10 – 14:15
Winners Announcement
14:15 – 15:00
Pizza Party Celebration
Organizers
Learn more about the team behind Once Upon an Idea and the vision that inspired it.
FAQ
A month-long innovation programme designed to help students collaborate across borders and disciplines to solve real-world social challenges.
Students from Trinity College Dublin and Queen’s University Belfast from diverse academic backgrounds.
They received training on design thinking, business modelling, and pitching to co-create and present impactful ideas.
◦ Creative student-led solutions
◦ Enhanced entrepreneurial competencies
◦ Open Incubator participation badge
◦ Enhanced entrepreneurial competencies
◦ Open Incubator participation badge
Future opportunities
Explore our latest programs designed to spark innovation, nurture ideas, and support your journey from concept to impactful venture.
Social Innovation Challenge 2.0
Calling all students across Ireland! Got an idea that can tackle a pressing social challenge? This is your chance to innovate for impact! Submit your idea, collaborate with changemakers, and get the support you need to turn your vision into reality. Ready to make a difference?
Apply now
Last Call:
May 5, 2025
May 5, 2025
Start building your idea now
Our Idea Builder allows you to develop your ideas, access playbooks, connect with mentors, and participate in our programmes. Build your future with us.
SUPPORTED BY THE HUMAN CAPITAL INITIATIVE
Follow us
© 2025 Open Incubator. All rights reserved.
Built @Trinity College Dublin for the benefit of all Irish Innovators.
Built @Trinity College Dublin for the benefit of all Irish Innovators.