Irish Student Entrepreneurship Forum

The Irish Student Entrepreneurship Forum (ISEF) is a student-run, non-profit initiative which provides a platform for student entrepreneurs in Ireland to launch and grow their businesses. This is achieved by means of an annual, multi-stage competition, where the finalists gain the opportunity to present their startups to a judging panel of established business leaders, as well as potential investors at a showcase event. Contestants can also participate in workshops with companies such as Web Summit, Broadlake and Dublin BIC in the lead up to the event.

For more information go to: isef.ie

U21

Universitas 21 (U21) is a unique global network that brings together 28 universities who share a common belief in the value of collaboration and internationalisation.The programmes of U21 are designed to benefit students by sharing resources, learning together and co-designing solutions to SDG common challenges via a number of competitions:

U21 Aspire Hub

U21 Aspire is an online development micro-programme for aspiring social entrepreneurs and change makers. The free, online hub provides on demand access to videos from successful social entrepreneurs and leaders and fellow students who have set up their own social projects.Through the suggested exercises, Aspire allows you to explore their next steps to becoming a social change maker.

Global Citizens Programme

Global Citizens Programme is a three week online learning programme,delivered by Common Purpose, a global not-for-profit organisation that specialises in Cross-Boundary-Leadership,with 75 student spaces available per institution. Applications open in January with the programme taking place in March.

Sustainable Micro-internships

Sustainable Micro-Internships are an exclusive opportunity for U21 students to come together and work in small groups across the globe, sharing knowledge to make change on behalf of an organisation. This real-world project tests your ability to deliver results, pitch your results to stakeholders while working with a diverse, international team and building key enterprise skills. Applications will open in October.

Rise

Are you a student with a sustainability venture or social enterprise? Enter RISE to make global connections and scale up your project. RISE (Real Impact on Society and Environment) is U21’s international showcase of student achievement in sustainability and social innovation designed to accelerate the scale and impact of student-led projects by connecting them with a network of experts in academia and industry. Applications open in July.

U21/PWC Innovation Challenge

The competition is designed to encourage international collaboration and networking between students across borders and allow them to work individually and in teams on real-world challenges via a short three-minute video. The videos are judged by PwC and their clients. Students taking part will:

- Develop strong communication skills

- Create their own professional networks

- Take on real-world challenges

- Connect with other students across the globe Applications for this challenge opens in January every year.