Helping to Create the Next Generation of Social Innovators

Over the last five months 900 students from schools across Northern Ireland have been competing in the Young Enterprise NI Company Programme 2019/20. Over 120 student companies have been creating, promoting and selling their own unique products and services to the general public at venues throughout the country. After competing in their own regional competitions we can now announce the top eight student company winners who will go head to head and compete at the Dragon’s Den style final in March! The eight finalists now have the chance to become the Young Enterprise Northern Ireland Company of the Year and represent NI at the UK finals in June.

Although all finalists have created very different company concepts, the common theme to all is Social Innovation, highlighting how important social problems are to our young people and their desire to tackle those challenges. Issues included are global warming, poverty and mental health.

Speaking about the finalists Carol Fitzsimons MBE, Young Enterprise NI CEO said: 

“We have always encouraged our Company Programme students to think about how their business can ‘do good’ for society, whether that be in relation to education, community development or health. This year in particular highlights the issues our young people really care about. The challenges facing the world today are fast-moving and we need our next generation to be social innovators. This year’s fi nalists demonstrate a combination of fresh thinking, passion, vision and creativity. Good luck to all!”

Our 8 Finalists are:

• Beyond Green – Lurgan College, Craigavon
• Toasteez – Banbridge Academy, Banbridge
• The Green Defenders – St. Cecilia’s College, L`Derry
• Drifted – Bloomfield Collegiate, Belfast
• Offshore – Belfast High School, Newtownabbey
• Zippin’ it – Sacred Heart, Omagh
• Red Enigma – Glenlola Collegiate, Bangor
• Life Cycle – Wallace High School, Lisburn