Call for Applications: New Solutions Social Innovation Lab Program (Ireland)

The New Solutions Lab is a national social innovation programme in Ireland that helps individuals, groups, and organisations develop and test innovative solutions to social challenges. The programme provides workshops, mentoring, peer learning, and access to potential seed funding of up to €5,000 for selected participants to advance their ideas.

The initiative supports early-stage social innovators, community activists, students, organisations, and people with lived experience who want to create positive social change. Participants do not need a fully developed idea or previous social innovation experience to apply.

What is the New Solutions Lab?

The New Solutions Lab is an Ireland-based social innovation development programme that supports people and organisations in identifying social problems, designing practical solutions, and testing new approaches.

The programme aims to strengthen Ireland’s social innovation ecosystem by helping participants:

• Understand complex social challenges
• Develop innovative and practical solutions
• Learn social innovation methods and tools
• Collaborate with other changemakers
• Test and improve ideas through real-world approaches
• Connect with future funding and support opportunities

The Lab provides a structured environment where participants can transform early ideas into actionable projects that address community and societal challenges.

Objectives of the New Solutions Lab

The programme focuses on several key areas of social innovation development:

Understanding Social Challenges

Participants learn how to:

• Identify and define social problems clearly
• Explore the root causes of challenges
• Understand community needs and perspectives
• Map stakeholders involved in social issues

Designing Innovative Solutions

The programme helps participants develop solutions through:

• Participatory design methods
• Systems thinking approaches
• Theory of change development
• Testing and refining ideas

Building Social Innovation Skills

Participants gain practical skills in:

• Problem-solving
• Collaboration
• Storytelling and pitching
• Impact measurement
• Project development

Creating Connections and Networks

The Lab encourages:

• Peer learning
• Knowledge sharing
• Collaboration among innovators
• Access to future support opportunities

Who Can Apply?

The New Solutions Lab is open to individuals, groups, and organisations based in the Republic of Ireland.

Eligible applicants include:

• Early-stage social innovators
• Community activists
• Students
• Individuals with lived experience of social challenges
• Community groups
• Social organisations
• Organisations interested in social change

Applicants do not need:

• Previous social innovation experience
• A registered organisation
• A fully developed project idea

The programme welcomes people who have an interest in creating solutions to social challenges and are willing to actively participate.

Why It Matters

Social challenges often require new approaches that involve communities, innovation, and collaboration.

The New Solutions Lab helps participants move from identifying problems to creating meaningful solutions by providing:

• Practical learning opportunities
• Expert guidance
• Innovation tools and frameworks
• Opportunities to test ideas
• Connections with other social innovators

The programme strengthens community-led approaches and supports the development of sustainable solutions for social issues in Ireland.

Programme Structure and Timeline

The New Solutions Lab will be delivered through eight workshops.

Programme Format

The workshops will follow a blended learning model combining:

• Online sessions
• In-person workshops

The programme is expected to begin in late September or October 2026.

Sessions will take place approximately every two weeks.

Workshop Topics

Participants will complete workshops covering key areas of social innovation:

1. Introduction to Social Innovation

Participants will learn:

• What social innovation means
• How innovative approaches can address social problems
• Examples of successful social solutions

2. Problem Definition and Stakeholder Mapping

Participants will explore:

• Identifying social needs
• Understanding affected communities
• Mapping key stakeholders

3. Systems Thinking

This session focuses on:

• Understanding connections between social issues
• Analysing complex challenges
• Identifying opportunities for change

4. Theory of Change

Participants will develop:

• Clear goals
• Expected outcomes
• Pathways from activities to impact

5. Participatory Design

Participants will learn how to:

• Involve communities in solution development
• Co-create ideas with stakeholders
• Design user-focused solutions

6. Testing and Piloting

This workshop covers:

• Developing prototypes
• Testing ideas
• Learning from feedback
• Improving solutions

7. Pitching and Storytelling

Participants will develop skills in:

• Communicating their ideas effectively
• Presenting solutions to audiences
• Building support for their projects

8. Evaluation and Impact Measurement

Participants will learn:

• Measuring project outcomes
• Assessing social impact
• Improving future interventions

Funding Support and Seed Grants

A limited number of participants may have the opportunity to apply for a competitive seed grant.

Seed Grant Amount

Selected participants may receive:

• Up to €5,000

The funding is intended to support further development and testing of social innovation solutions.

How the New Solutions Lab Works

The programme follows a step-by-step innovation process:

Step 1: Apply to Join the Programme

Applicants submit their interest and demonstrate their commitment to participating.

Step 2: Participate in Workshops

Participants attend eight learning sessions focused on social innovation methods.

Step 3: Develop a Solution Idea

During the programme, participants refine their ideas by:

• Understanding the problem
• Designing solutions
• Testing approaches
• Measuring possible impact

Step 4: Receive Feedback and Support

Participants gain:

• Expert feedback
• Peer support
• Practical guidance

Step 5: Apply for Further Support

Eligible participants may apply for seed funding to continue developing their solutions.

Benefits for Participants

Participants completing the programme can gain:

• Social innovation knowledge
• Problem-solving skills
• Project development experience
• Networking opportunities
• Confidence in presenting ideas
• Access to potential funding support

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying without commitment to attend workshops
• Expecting the programme to provide funding only
• Submitting ideas without considering community needs
• Developing solutions without testing assumptions
• Ignoring feedback from participants and stakeholders

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve chances of selection:

• Clearly explain the social challenge you want to address
• Show your motivation for creating change
• Highlight your connection to the issue
• Demonstrate willingness to learn and collaborate
• Be open to improving your idea during the programme

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the New Solutions Lab?

The New Solutions Lab is a social innovation programme in Ireland that helps individuals and organisations develop, test, and improve solutions to social challenges.

2. Do I need an existing project idea to apply?

No. Applicants do not need a fully developed idea. The programme supports participants in exploring problems and developing solutions during the workshops.

3. Who can participate in the programme?

The programme is open to individuals, groups, students, community activists, social innovators, and organisations living or operating in the Republic of Ireland.

4. Is previous social innovation experience required?

No. The Lab welcomes beginners as well as participants with experience in social change initiatives.

5. How long is the programme?

The programme includes eight workshops delivered fortnightly, starting in late September or October 2026.

6. Is funding available through the programme?

Yes. A small number of participants may apply for competitive seed grants of up to €5,000 to support further development of their solutions.

7. What skills will participants gain?

Participants will learn social innovation methods, problem definition, stakeholder engagement, solution design, testing, pitching, and impact measurement.

Conclusion

The New Solutions Lab provides an opportunity for people across Ireland to turn ideas into practical solutions for social challenges. Through training, collaboration, expert support, and potential seed funding, the programme helps emerging innovators build stronger communities and create lasting social impact.