The 2022 B!G Idea winners showcased an outstanding collection of student innovation projects from across Ireland. From teenage hangout spaces and mental health apps to friendship hubs and youth-led cafés, the creativity on display proved that young people are ready to solve real-world challenges.
There was truly something for everyone.
The overall winning B!G Idea 2022 project, Trash Scan, came from St Leo’s College, Carlow and was sponsored by Creative Ireland.
The team — Isabella, Eva, Jessica and Lily — tackled fast fashion and product waste. Their solution? A barcode system linked to an app that suggests ways to recycle or upcycle items. When users scan a product, they receive sustainable recycling suggestions through QR codes, along with rewards for taking action.
Quite simply, it’s genius.
Kilkenny Youthreach won the Mental Health category with their project, The Lounge.
The team designed a youth centre created “by teens, for teens.” Importantly, they built the concept around a clearly defined Hero, drawing from real-life experiences. As a result, the project felt authentic, practical and deeply personal.
Coláiste Chiaráin, Limerick won the Healthcare category with Dr Disease.
The students built on the structure of the Covid tracker app to develop a more advanced system that maps the spread of illnesses. In addition, the app allows local health authorities to manage and contain outbreaks more effectively.
The project demonstrated systems thinking and smart adaptation of existing technology to improve healthcare delivery.
St Joseph’s College, Tipperary took home the Equality category with Spark Youth.
This website creates a safe online space for LGBTQ+ teenagers to connect. Rather than simply “pandering,” as the team explained, the platform authentically responds to real needs. Furthermore, it links to trusted external supports, strengthening its impact.
Desmond College, Limerick, won the Housing category with Geodesic Homes.
The team focused on low-cost, sustainable dome housing. Their research was thorough, and they developed impressive prototypes to support their concept. Overall, the project combined sustainability, affordability and practical design.
Borris Vocational School, Carlow won the Climate Change category with Portable Wind Turbine.
The students designed a flat-pack wind turbine to generate renewable energy. Notably, they considered countries like Eritrea, where access to stable energy is limited. Their solution addressed both environmental sustainability and global equity.
Every single project from The B!G Idea 2022 demonstrates the power of creative thinking in education.
Over 16 weeks, students explored, researched, tested ideas, developed prototypes and worked with industry mentors. As a result, they produced thoughtful, innovative solutions to real challenges.
The level of engagement, depth of research and confidence shown across the board has been phenomenal.
All student projects from The B!G Idea 2022 are available to view online.
So drop what you’re doing and explore the incredible ideas created by Ireland’s future innovators. The quality, imagination and ambition on display are well worth your time.
