In 2023, 4,000 students across the island of Ireland developed life-changing skills through the power of creative thinking. Together, they showed how creativity can change our world for the better.
Of these students, 32% came from DEIS schools, and 152 participated through Youthreach centres. Along the way, we worked with 354 incredible mentors, 22 diverse partners, and 6 dynamic universities. Each one brought experience, insight, and encouragement to help empower young people.
Looking back, this was a year that didn’t just pass us by — it truly rocked our socks off, B!G Idea style.
We supported 4,000 students on their journey toward success, staying true to our mission to democratise creativity.
A huge thank you to 354 amazing mentors who shared their expertise, enthusiasm, and belief in our students.
We were proud to receive major recognition, including:
Social Impact Award at the Irish Diversity in Tech Awards
ICAD Silver Bell
Best Use of Technology at the IDI Awards 2023
We were featured in an OECD report recognising our work in promoting creative thinking in formal education. Being highlighted as part of Ireland’s strategy for improving assessment approaches was a truly B!G moment.
Our annual Showcase remains a highlight every year. In 2023, we welcomed 100 guests to an in-person watch party at Dogpatch Labs, Dublin, alongside students, mentors, partners, and supporters.
For the first time, students joined us at the Showcase. A class from Synge Street CBS took part in a creative workshop with B!G Idea mentors, applying their skills to a Dragon’s Den–style challenge.
Once again, we celebrated hundreds of student ideas through our online B!G Idea Exhibition.
Our Student Accelerator brought together six standout teams for a one-day sprint guided by industry professionals, helping them develop their ideas further.
Through the EU BANG and KA2 projects, we partnered with education providers in Denmark, Greece, Italy, and Croatia to develop an open-source learning framework for educators and learners across Europe.
Five classes from a school in Limerick tested a new programme model running from September to May, supported by a dedicated group of mentors.
We launched B!G Bites, a new lunchtime “share and learn” series for mentors. Each session explored creative thinking through real-world problem-solving experiences.
We completed our second Impact Report, capturing The B!G Idea journey in one place. It was a major milestone, and we can’t wait to share it with you in the New Year.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Every contribution — big or small — matters to us.
Wishing you a very Happy Christmas, and we’re already excited about everything 2024 will bring.
