Cork students all business at intensive four-day bootcamp

A QUARTÉT of Cork students recently took part in the BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp, pitching their innovative projects to a panel of expert judges.

The bootcamp was set up to support BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) finalists in developing their project ideas into commercial enterprises under the guidance of BTYSTE alumni, BT Ireland mentors, and the judges.

Fifth-year students Anne O’Donovan from Coláiste Choilm, Alex Neff from Gaelcholáiste Charraig Uí Leighin, and Ian Cullinane from Kinsale Community School, along with fourth-year student Philippa McIntosh from Bandon Grammar School, were among 26 students representing 10 counties taking part in the bootcamp.

They were shortlisted from the prize winners at BTYSTE 2024, with six projects selected from the exhibition for the students to work on and develop during the bootcamp.

The students engaged in a four-day intensive programme that included workshops on business development, marketing, and commercialisation.

On the final day, students pitched their project to the panel of judges, which included the managing director of BT Ireland, Shay Walsh; co-founder of the BTYSTE, Dr Tony Scott; vice president of technology at IDA Ireland, Catherine Howard, and work and technology correspondent at RTÉ, Brian O’Donovan.

“Now in its 15th year, the BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp provides finalists at the exhibition with the skills and insights to encourage them to turn their projects into commercial enterprises,” said Mr Walsh.

“As the demand for STEM skills continues to grow each year, we know that the skills and advice that the students receive here will be instrumental in the development of Ireland’s future workforce, ensuring that Ireland continues to drive innovation as a market leader.”

The winning project, developed by Ava Gaffney, a fourth-year student from Ballinamore Community School in Leitrim, examined the local bus routes to school to see whether or not they are operating in the most efficient way.

Members of the winning group also included Alec Hannan, a fifth-year student from Gonzaga College in Dublin; Caragh Killeen, a sixth-year student from St Joseph’s Community College in Clare, and Séan Murphy, a fourth year student from Coláiste Mhuire in Westmeath.

Gonzaga College fifth-year student Harry O’Leary was named ‘best individual’.

Since the bootcamp began, several participants have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs, including Protex AI, betterexaminations.ie, and Evervault.