Winners

Sean O'Sullivan:
"The Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards has been huge for Lion’s Reign. We had the chance to run through our business model with the leaders in innovation across Ireland. Having won the Local Enterprise Office High Achieving Merit Award has provided us with much needed funding and exposure that will be of huge benefit."
 

Sponsored by: Local Enterprise Office
Award name: Local Enterprise Office - High Achieving Merit Award
Winning institution: University College Cork (UCC)

Ryan Ormonde:

“I am delighted to win the Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur of the Year award alongside Jonathan Hoffman, for Saor Water. Saor has taken me on an incredible journey the last few years, and moments like this really allow you take a step back and realize what we have achieved, and be excited for what’s to come.  We are already seeing the benefits this competition has brought us, with press recognition bringing us in new customer enquiries for our product, and we look forward to using the prize money to tackle our next phase of growth. The competition was fantastic opportunity for us to sit down ourselves, my college (Technological University Dublin), my family and friends and really refine our value proposition, and develop a clear pitch. I look forward to continuing this journey over many more years.”
 

Sponsored by: Enterprise Ireland
Award name: Student Entrepreneur of the Year 2025
Winning institution: Technological University Dublin (TUD)

Team - Jonathan Hoffman and Ryan Ormonde

David Cashman:
"Winning the Grant Thornton Achieving Merit Award has been a powerful milestone in what’s been a whirlwind few months. When I started developing The WellSchools Network, I had no idea how far it could go. This recognition not only validates the potential of the project, but also opens new doors for scaling impact through The WellSchools Network. It’s energised me to keep pushing forward — with bigger ambitions and a stronger foundation."
 

Sponsored by: Grant Thornton 
Award name: Grant Thornton - High Achieving Merit Award
Winning institution: University College Cork (UCC)

Max Crinion-Morgan:
"So far it's been a very exciting journey since I started working on RespÉire just four months ago and discovered this amazing world of support for Irish Entrepreneurs like the Student Entrepreneur Awards. Entrepreneurship wasn't something that I was contemplating when I was focused on my Nursing studies. So, you can imagine my surprise, when RespÉire was chosen from over 1000 students then narrowed down to 50 to the final 10. Receiving the Cruickshank High Achieving Merit Award was an absolute honour, and I am so grateful for this recognition. To any of my fellow Student Nurses and anyone else who thinks they have a great idea, don't be afraid to explore it, as you never know what you might achieve."

Sponsored by: Cruickshank
Award name: Cruickshank - High Achieving Merit Award
Winning institution: Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT)

James Fahy:
“The student entrepreneur awards was a brilliant platform for myself and Ciara to expand our business. We have been growing JustTip since 2020 and winning the award is great recognition for all the hard work we have put in.”
 

Sponsored by: Enterprise Ireland
Award name: 2024 Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur of the Year
Winning institution: Technological University Dublin/University Galway

Seamus Cummins:
"The student entrepreneur awards provided me with an opportunity to refine and build up my business. Each stage of the competition requires in-depth reflection and offers a chance to improve your company. The application process is simple and Enterprise Ireland offers assistance throughout, making this competition a must-enter for any student with an idea."
 

Sponsored by: Grant Thornton
Award name: 2024 Grant Thornton High Achieving Merit Award
Winning institution: Dublin City University

"The Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards has been an amazing experience for me from start to finish. The entire process of applying and putting structure to my business was fantastic and it allowed me the opportunity to think about the future of my business as well."

Sponsored by: Enterprise Ireland
Award name: 2022 Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur of the Year
Winning institution: University College Cork

"I am so grateful for the opportunities and experience that Enterprise Ireland has opened up for me. Taking part in the competition really opened my eyes to believe that success is not final, failure is not fatal and that it is the courage to continue that counts. Winning this award and funds has allowed me to continue my journey and successfully launch my business. It was a privilege to be apart of such an amazing event."

Sponsored by: Grant Thornton
Award name: 2022 Grant Thornton High Achiever Winner
Winning institution: South East Technological University