We laid strong foundations during a challenging year, where creativity thrived. We trialled and tested workshop formats, developed programme materials, and mapped out our 2021 ambitions. With the support of 100 passionate creative professionals from across Ireland, we welcomed our first schools who embraced the power of creative thinking and believed in the potential of The B!G Idea.

We kicked off the year with 500 students from Carlow, Limerick, and Clare, alongside a 10,000-student waiting list. Despite a third national lockdown and schools moving online, The B!G Idea team swiftly adapted, launching online workshops with ease. Students chose challenges that affected them: Housing Crisis, Racism, Ageing Population, Health and Wellbeing, and Pandemics. We empowered students with creative skills to tackle these pressing social issues.

In 2022, we welcomed 2,066 students to The B!G Idea, expanding creative capacity across Ireland and gaining our first schools in Northern Ireland. With expert input, we continuously evolved the programme, introducing new learning methodologies to enhance the student experience. We also introduced a mentoring fee, which helped fund student places and raised essential funds to keep our programme free and inclusive, further bridging the gap between industry and education.

In 2023, we registered over 4,000 students with The B!G Idea, helping them expand their innovative thinking, boost their confidence, and develop lifelong creative skills. Our incredible panel of 354 mentors supported students, offering insights into how innovation is driving positive change in Ireland and beyond. With countless awards under our belt, this success is a testament to the dedication and passion of our team, teachers, students, partners, and mentors.

Look out, Ireland! We've introduced a new start date in September alongside our January launch, with 25 award-winning workshops now delivered across the island of Ireland. As we build for scale, phase two of our technology is already underway. By connecting creative industry change-makers with future innovators from secondary schools, Ireland is embracing a new way of thinking—an innovative society working together for a better future for all!