Are there opportunities for students to explore entrepreneurship while studying?

Universities in Ireland are increasingly fostering student entrepreneurship, providing opportunities for students across all disciplines to develop ideas and launch start-ups while still studying. Programs such as University College Dublin’s NovaUCD and University College Cork’s Ignite offer workshops, mentoring, and practical support to help students transform concepts into viable businesses. These initiatives have supported hundreds of students, some of whom have created ventures that operate internationally and generate employment. This trend reflects a broader shift in higher education, where entrepreneurship is no longer limited to business students or those with fully formed ideas. Instead, students from fields including science, engineering, arts, health, and social sciences are encouraged to apply creative problem-solving to real-world challenges such as climate action and healthcare. The skills gained—creative thinking, communication, teamwork, and adaptability—are valuable across all career paths, especially as artificial intelligence reshapes the workforce. Notable success stories highlight the impact of these programs. For example, a former participant’s e-scooter concept evolved into Zipp Mobility, a company now operating beyond Ireland. More recently, a student-led start-up called Athena has developed an AI tool to assist job candidates in interview preparation. Even doctoral students are engaging in entrepreneurship; Joseph Tannian, a PhD researcher at the University of Galway, is translating his work on drug delivery systems into a potential medical device through university innovation supports. The growing emphasis on student entrepreneurship signals a transformation in how universities prepare graduates for the future. By combining academic research with practical enterprise experience, institutions are equipping students to create solutions that address societal needs while enhancing their own career prospects.