On 14 May, we gathered in the inspiring Autodesk venue for our B!G Showcase 2025 — and what a celebration it was! This year’s programme highlighted the power of creative thinking to tackle real-world challenges, and the students truly delivered. From AI and mental health to poverty and inclusion, the ideas on display were nothing short of extraordinary. Here’s a look at our incredible winners:
Overall Winner – Dept of Education and Youth
Team LCA ICT CLASS 24 from Roscrea Education Centre, Tipperary took the top honour with WorkFuture AI, a powerful, scalable app designed to help young people understand how artificial intelligence could impact future careers. The app connects users with skills, courses, and colleges to help them prepare for an AI-driven world. This winning idea doesn’t just raise awareness — it empowers young people to take charge of their futures. A shining example of creativity in action.
UD School of the Year – Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD)
Castletroy College, Limerick has been recognised as our first-ever Universal Design Award winner for fully embedding inclusivity into every B!G Idea. Their projects demonstrated empathy, co-creation, and accessibility — from dementia-friendly designs to inclusive sports days and calm spaces for neurodivergent students. They exemplified what it means to be truly inclusive innovators.
Achieving Equality – Autodesk
Team Aro from St. Mogue’s College, Cavan tackled racism and promoted inclusion through a powerful visual campaign. Their posters, badges, and everyday items empower students to stand up for equality and bring visibility to inclusive values in school life. A creative, action-driven solution to foster change.
Mental Health – Rethink Ireland
Team Kreative Krew from Scoil Bernadette, Cork developed an inclusive approach to supporting mental health. Their winning idea blended a physical sensory toolkit with a digital app to help young people manage anxiety, access support, and build confidence. It’s a meaningful solution created with heart, empathy, and innovation.
Tackling Poverty – Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI)
Team Hermosa from St Joseph’s College, Borrisoleigh tackled educational inequality by designing a tutoring platform supported by business-funded grants and donations. Their concept aims to break the cycle of poverty by improving access to free educational support — a bold step toward a more equitable future.
AI for Humanity – EPAM Systems
Team A.L.W.A from Borris Vocational School, Carlow impressed with Red Apple A.I, an ethical chatbot that supports rather than replaces student learning. Instead of giving answers, it helps students work through problems — a hopeful and responsible approach to AI in education.
Creativity Champions 2025
We are proud to honour the remarkable creativity and leadership of our 2025 Creativity Champions:
Your passion and innovation inspire us all!
Mentor of the Year
And finally, this year’s Mentor of the Year award goes to someone who has consistently gone above and beyond. Cormac Donnelly has been a dedicated force within The B!G Idea community — always stepping up, always encouraging, and always helping students unlock their full creative potential. His boundless enthusiasm and thoughtful guidance have made a lasting impact. Congratulations, Cormac — and thank you for being a true mentor and champion of creativity!
We’re incredibly proud of every student, teacher, and mentor who participated in The B!G Idea 2025. Your bold ideas and big hearts are shaping a brighter, more inclusive future — and we can’t wait to see what you do next.
#ThinkBigger #B!GIdea2025
