LIVE: Tipperary students win award for creating innovative new app
A group of forward-thinking students from Roscrea Education Centre in Tipperary have been crowned overall winners at a recent competition.
A group of forward-thinking students from Roscrea Education Centre in Tipperary have been crowned overall winners at The B!G Showcase, held in Dublin last week, for their stand-out concept “FutureWork AI”—an innovative app designed to help young people navigate the future of work in an AI-driven world.
The FutureWork AI’s, facilitator Aisling Kate Ryan, from Roscrea Education Centre was also one of three mentors who received a Creativity Champion Award.
There was further Tipp success for ‘Team Hermosa’ from St Joseph’s College, Borrisoleigh, who were named the winner of the Tackling Poverty Award for their project – a free tutoring programme designed to help young people get access to academic support and build confidence.
The B!G Showcase marked the end of this year’s B!G Idea programme, which equips young people with creative problem-solving skills to address real-world challenges. Now in its fifth year, The B!G Idea continues to bridge education, industry, and community by encouraging innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration across Ireland.
Commenting on success for Tipp, Kim Mackenzie-Doyle, CEO of The B!G Idea, said: “This year’s winning ideas don’t just raise awareness—they inspires action, giving young people the knowledge, tools, and confidence to shape their own future. They demonstrate exactly why The B!G Idea programme is so vital for Ireland’s future. Our young people are facing unprecedented challenges – from AI to climate change – and creative thinking is the skill that will equip them to tackle the unknown.
“In addition to the innovation shown by the students from Roscrea Education Centre and St Joseph’s College, we have seen inspiring creativity and passion from all students this year. It’s fantastic to see such a wide range of fresh ideas tackling complex issues—from sustainability to social justice—and it gives me real hope for the future.”
Sean Mahon, President, of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, which supported the Tackling Poverty Award, said: “Team Hermosa’s idea combines big thinking, empathy, and teamwork to tackle educational inequality. Their project shows how creative thinking can open doors and build opportunities for others. It’s an idea that aligns seamlessly with the RIAI’s commitment to designing inclusive, equitable spaces and empowering the next generation to build a fairer future.
“Their mentors—Shane McCabe (Dolmen Design & Innovation), Benjamin McManus (University College Cork), Hilary Goudie (Deloitte Digital), and Caoimhe Mulhall (Linesight)—provided valuable guidance throughout their creative journey and their teacher, Mary Gorey, supported their work every step of the way. Congratulations to all!”
Further information about The B!G Idea is available at: www.thebigidea.ie