Deadline: 06-Mar-2026
The Student Entrepreneur Awards are now open, offering third-level students across the island of Ireland the chance to win cash prizes and expert support to turn innovative ideas into viable businesses. With a total prize fund of €35,000 and a €10,000 top prize, the awards combine funding, mentoring, and professional guidance to support student-led entrepreneurship.
The Student Entrepreneur Awards are a competitive entrepreneurship programme designed to help third-level students transform innovative ideas into real-world business ventures.
Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students from all academic disciplines, the awards provide financial incentives, expert mentoring, and specialist support to encourage entrepreneurial thinking, creativity, and ambition.
What Are the Student Entrepreneur Awards?
The Student Entrepreneur Awards are a national student enterprise competition that supports high-potential, student-led business ideas.
The programme combines cash funding with hands-on guidance, helping students develop commercial skills, validate ideas, and gain visibility with employers, investors, and the wider enterprise ecosystem.
Key Objectives of the Awards
The awards aim to:
• Enable students to become entrepreneurs while studying
• Support the development of innovative, student-led start-up ideas
• Help participants stand out to employers and investors
• Provide cash funding to progress early-stage businesses
• Offer mentoring, expert advice, and specialist enterprise support
Prize Fund and Awards Structure
Total Prize Fund
• Total prize fund: €35,000
Main Prizes
• Overall winner: €10,000 first-place cash prize
• Additional prizes: Awarded across shortlisted and finalist categories
The funding is designed to provide a strong foundation for progressing an idea into a commercially viable business.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility is open and inclusive, encouraging participation from students across disciplines and institutions.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be:
• Full-time registered third-level students
• Undergraduate or postgraduate students
• Enrolled at an eligible institution on the island of Ireland
Individual and Team Applications
• Applications are open to individuals and teams
• Joint entries from different colleges are permitted
• One institution must act as the lead college if the entry reaches the final stage
There are no restrictions on academic discipline, encouraging diverse and interdisciplinary ideas.
What Types of Ideas Are Supported?
The awards support a wide range of student enterprise ideas.
Eligible Ideas Include
• Early-stage business concepts
• Innovative products or services
• Technology-based or non-technology ventures
• Social enterprises and commercial start-ups
Ideas must demonstrate innovation, ambition, and potential for development into a viable business.
Why the Student Entrepreneur Awards Matter
The awards play a key role in nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Key Benefits for Participants
• Access to start-up funding
• Practical experience in enterprise development
• Exposure to expert mentors and advisors
• Enhanced employability and investor readiness
• Recognition for innovation and initiative
Participation helps students build skills that are valuable both in entrepreneurship and employment.
How the Awards Work
The competition follows a structured process to support idea development.
Typical Award Process
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Submit an application outlining the business idea
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Shortlisting of high-potential student proposals
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Engagement with mentors and enterprise experts
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Pitching or assessment at later stages
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Selection of winners and prize allocation
Details of assessment criteria and timelines are provided by the organisers.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted according to the official competition guidelines.
Step-by-Step Application Guidance
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Confirm eligibility as a full-time third-level student
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Develop a clear and innovative business idea
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Decide whether to apply individually or as a team
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Complete the official application form
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Submit the application before the stated deadline
Applicants should clearly articulate the problem, solution, and potential impact of their idea.
Tips for a Strong Application
• Clearly explain the innovation behind your idea
• Demonstrate ambition and commercial potential
• Show understanding of your target market
• Highlight your motivation and entrepreneurial mindset
• Keep the application clear, concise, and focused
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Submitting vague or underdeveloped ideas
• Failing to explain the value proposition
• Overcomplicating the business concept
• Missing eligibility or registration requirements
• Submitting incomplete applications
Avoiding these issues improves the chances of being shortlisted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for the Student Entrepreneur Awards?
Full-time registered undergraduate and postgraduate third-level students across the island of Ireland.
Can students from any discipline apply?
Yes. Students from all academic disciplines are eligible.
Are team applications allowed?
Yes. Both individual and team applications are accepted, including teams from different colleges.
What is the total prize fund?
The total prize fund is €35,000.
How much does the overall winner receive?
The overall winner receives a first-place cash prize of €10,000.
Do applicants receive support beyond funding?
Yes. Participants receive expert advice, mentoring, and specialist enterprise support.
Does the idea need to be an existing business?
No. Early-stage ideas and concepts are eligible as long as they show innovation and potential.
Conclusion
The Student Entrepreneur Awards offer third-level students a powerful platform to turn innovative ideas into viable businesses.
By combining cash prizes, mentoring, and professional support, the programme encourages creativity, entrepreneurial ambition, and real-world enterprise skills, helping students take confident steps toward building successful start-ups or enhancing their future careers.
For more information, visit Student Entrepreneur Awards.
