More than 2,000 students from schools across Ireland are reaching the final stage of The B!G Idea programme as they submit their projects to 400 industry mentors and judges this week. Over the past 15 weeks, students have applied critical thinking, creativity and mental agility to tackle five major social issues. Notably, mental health and climate change dominate this year’s projects.
The programme supports Transition Year, Leaving Certificate Applied and Youthreach students. This year, it is also being trialled with neurodivergent learners. Importantly, students themselves select the themes that resonate most with them.
Across 22 counties:
The participants, aged 15–16, consistently choose challenges that reflect both local realities and global concerns.
Now in its second year, the free creative education programme equips young people to address complex problems using structured creative thinking. “Our young people have a tough future ahead of them, carrying some of the biggest problems our world has ever faced,” says Carlow-based Kim Mackenzie-Doyle, CEO and founder of The B!G Idea. Rather than waiting for change, the programme actively prepares students with future-ready skills.
Since launching, The B!G Idea has secured funding under the Creative Ireland Programme (2017–2022). In addition, it has gained strong academic backing from:
Meanwhile, corporate engagement has grown significantly. This year alone, 39 industry partners support the programme, including CJ Fallon, Aerogen, MSD, Netwatch and the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland.
Notably, companies are now signing up entire teams as mentors. “The mentors pay a small fee to participate, and that contribution — alongside corporate funding — ensures the programme remains free for all students,” says Kim. “We want every student to access these skills, not just those whose families can afford it.” Furthermore, companies view mentoring as a powerful team-building and employee engagement opportunity. Mentors now participate from Ireland, the UK, Europe, Australia and the US. Looking ahead, the programme expects to require up to 800 mentors next year to support 4,000 students.
In just one year, The B!G Idea has quadrupled in size — growing from 500 students and 100 mentors to over 2,000 students and 400 mentors. It has also received recognition, winning both the People’s Choice and Overall Award at the Carlow Web Awards, as well as Best Start-up at the Carlow Enterprise Awards. Entrepreneur Ailbhe Keane, founder of Izzy Wheels and Showcase speaker, highlights the programme’s relevance:
“Creativity, imagination, critical thinking and an unconventional mindset helped push me into a creative space to build my business.”
Similarly, mentor and judge Neil O’Connell, Director of New Hardware Development at Microsoft Seattle, believes the programme fills a vital gap:
“I would have benefited enormously from a programme like this. Mentors definitely get as much back as we give.”
Research from the McKinsey Global Institute shows that 87% of companies either face a skills gap or expect one in the coming years. According to McKinsey, foundational cognitive skills include:
“When you look at how we traditionally approach education, we often hope students develop these skills naturally over time,” says Kim. “We don’t want to roll the dice with the future. Instead, we decided to build a programme that teaches these skills intentionally.”
Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, believes The B!G Idea directly supports Ireland’s evolving workforce needs:
“This helps ensure students develop the innovation, creativity and critical thinking skills companies will require in the years ahead.”
Meanwhile, Maria Walsh MEP emphasises the broader European context:
“Creative skills are among the most in-demand competencies recognised by the EU. These transversal skills — collaboration, critical thinking and creative problem-solving — are essential across all professions.”
In addition, Joe Hogan, former EY Entrepreneur of the Year winner, supports the programme’s focus on creative confidence:
“Students learn to measure risk, believe in their solutions and share their ideas with the world.”
The winners will be announced at The B!G Idea Online Showcase on Friday, May 20. Furthermore, more than 500 student projects will feature in the online exhibition, launching the same day. Members of the public can watch the showcase live at www.thebigidea.ie from 11am–1pm.
