This year marks ten years of the Autodesk Foundation and four years of partnership with us at The B!G Idea. Together, we’ve built something truly special — supporting students across Ireland while inspiring mentors within Autodesk. And this is only the beginning.
Last week, our Head of Development & Sustainability, Niamh Cooney, joined the Autodesk Dublin team to celebrate the Autodesk Foundation’s 10th anniversary. The occasion marked more than a milestone. It reflected a shared way of working that has created meaningful, long-term impact.
From the beginning, the Autodesk Foundation’s support has gone far beyond funding. As one team member explained, it offers “not only expert mentorship and practical guidance, but also a community that encourages bold thinking and creative problem-solving.”
This collaborative approach has shaped our work together. Autodesk team members have:
Mentored hundreds of young people
Opened their Dublin offices for student accelerator workshops
Championed creative thinking as a core workforce skill
They have shown what a truly collaborative partnership looks like in action.
This belief in our work has enabled us to reach more young people and continually test and refine new models. Together, we are building what we believe is Ireland’s most inclusive creative innovation pipeline.
What truly sets the Autodesk Foundation apart is its commitment to systems change. The focus is not just on funding programmes, but on building lasting infrastructure. It is about staying engaged for the long haul. From championing Growth & Belonging to Catalyzing Innovation, Autodesk is deeply aligned with the mission of The B!G Idea.
As the Autodesk Foundation enters its next decade, we’re proud to be part of their story and excited about what lies ahead.
To the Autodesk team and the Foundation: thank you for believing in the potential of young people, and in the partners working alongside them.
