Young Enterprise NI Meet the Finalists Event: Showcasing Student Innovation at Invest NI
The Invest NI venue buzzed with excitement as six innovative student companies from across Northern Ireland came together for the Young Enterprise Meet the Finalists event on 1 April 2025. With the opportunity to pitch their business to a panel of judges and an audience of Young Enterprise Business Backers, these students demonstrated remarkable entrepreneurial spirit and creativity.
The judging panel included Young Enterprise Leader Partner and alumni, Adam Ewart, CEO and Founder of Send My Bag as well as Iain Joannides, Invest NI, Vera McWilliam Institute of Export, Eighrean Horner, Bank of Ireland, Jonathan Williamson, EY and John McLean, OBE, Radius Housing. Each judge brought a wealth of experience and insight, eager to hear the inventive pitches from young entrepreneurs. The event provided a valuable platform for these students to showcase their business, highlighting the potential and innovation present in Northern Ireland’s future leaders.
Throughout the event, each student company impressed the audience with their unique offerings, ranging from sustainability-focused products to a book designed to designed to teach children about finance. The passion and dedication of the participants were evident, underlining the importance of programmes like Young Enterprise in nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Looking ahead, the anticipation builds as the winner of this year’s competition will be announced at the Young Enterprise Awards – YEA25, on 1 May at Belfast City Hall. This prestigious event promises to celebrate not just the winner but also the hard work and creativity of all participants. With their participation in events like the Meet the Finalists, these students are not only honing their business skills but are also contributing to a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northern Ireland.
As we await the announcement of the winner, the impact of the Young Enterprise initiative continues to resonate, empowering young minds to pursue their business aspirations and make significant contributions to the community.
