All About Cork: MTU students showcase range of business ideas

Participants of Munster Technological University’s Student Inc Programme shared their business ideas with a room of potential investors, members of the business community and support agencies at the Bishopstown Campus this week.

The showcase allowed budding entrepreneurs to pitch their businesses after completing a 13-week entrepreneurial incubator programme.

Student Inc, Ireland's longest running Student Accelerator Programme, is open to all MTU students of all years and disciplines from June to August each year and allows students to explore the first steps in developing their own business.

Student Inc's class of 2024 included participants from across the university whose enterprise ideas included a wide range of topics from cryptocurrency to carpooling and animation to air frying.

Regional Programme Manager for 3rd Level Student Entrepreneurship, Carole O'Leary, said: “We are delighted to see the progress and growth of all the students and their ideas over the last 13 weeks.

“Student Inc is an incredible opportunity for the participants to examine the feasibility of their ideas and launch their business in a safe and nurturing environment.

“Throughout the summer there were 35 training sessions, 30 mentoring days, five 'lunch and learn' events with seasoned entrepreneurs as well as the opportunity to pitch to Angel Investors.

“The programme is enabled by the unwavering support and facilities of the Rubicon Centre and its team, which is part of the Innovation and Enterprise Office, and we are delighted to see three of the 12 student businesses progress to New Frontiers in the Rubicon to continue on their journey.

“The other students are returning to study in September but will continue to work on their businesses.” 

Many past participants of Student Inc have gone on to run successful businesses, with the programme offering vital support in the initial stages of students' entrepreneurial journeys.

Mini-marathon appeal

Marymount University Hospital and Hospice is encouraging people to take part in The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon in aid of its palliative care services.

The 43rd Echo Women’s Mini Marathon will take place on September 22.

The event has been a vital fundraiser for many charities and causes, with participants raising an estimated €1.5m each year for their chosen charities.

Marymount has said that those who choose to run the marathon in aid of the hospice will receive running jerseys made from lightweight sports material to ensure all who run for Marymount can comfortably run to the finish line.

To run for Marymount on mini-marathon day, email fundraising@marymount.ie.

Fundraiser for MTU student

A GoFundMe has been set up for MTU engineering student Rory Motherway (19) who was in a serious car accident earlier this year.

A talented GAA player, Rory was en route to a match in Killeagh when he lost consciousness and was involved in a collision which left him with life-changing injuries.

He suffered permanent spinal cord damage and is now a full-time wheelchair user.

After his accident, Rory weeks in the Spinal Injuries Unit in the Mater Hospital where he underwent three separate operations. In June, he moved to Cork University Hospital and last month he moved to the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire.

Rory is looking forward to building up his independence and returning home to live with his family and resume his education at MTU.

His family said they are most grateful for the support shown by so many people since Rory’s accident and said any funds raised will be used directly for home modifications.

To donate, visit https://tinyurl.com/mrx9tt7n.

Inaugural programme at FET Bishopstown

Cork College of FET - Bishopstown Campus has partnered with ALCON, the global leader in eye care, to launch the inaugural Maintenance Skills Technology Upskilling Programme for ALCON staff.

This innovative programme, fully funded under the Skills to Advance initiative by SOLAS, offers subsidised upskilling and reskilling opportunities for companies and employees.

The programme, conceived by Catherine Browne and Andrew Mahon, provides ALCON staff with the opportunity to enhance their skills in maintenance technology and participants will work towards completing the QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Maintenance Skills Technology over the next two years.

Campus manager at Cork College of FET - Bishopstown Campus, Valerie Cowman, said: “The vision of ALCON for this programme is very clear – to develop career pathways for their staff. I commend all the management for their commitment to investing in their employees and thank them for partnering with us in Bishopstown Campus.”

Concern over ASD classes

A local councillor has raised concerns about second-level students being forced to leave their community to access autism classes.

Sinn Féin councillor for Cork City South West Joe Lynch said students in the southwest of the city, including Bishopstown, are struggling to access ASD classes due to a lack of supply.

In the South West ward, three secondary schools offer ASD classes.

Councillor Joe Lynch said he is “deeply concerned” at the low per-population availability of ASD classes in post-primary schools in the South West.

He said children are forced to leave the community and travel long distances to access schools with appropriate support or remain in mainstream classes.

“That is a very difficult decision to make for a 12-year-old child, and their parents, and undoubtedly prevents them from reaching their full potential,” he said.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education told The Echo that the NCSE has begun forward planning work in relation to providing further special class and special school capacity in Cork for the 2025/2026 school year and beyond.

“The distances that children are travelling to access special school places in particular is a key factor that is considered in relation to forward planning of additional capacity,” the spokesperson said.

Fun day in Wilton

SMA Wilton’s International Fun Day event takes place on Sunday, September 8.

Attendees will have the opportunity to taste different foods and enjoy the festivities.

Those who wish to donate cakes for the tea/coffee stand are welcome to drop their cakes off at the parish centre in the days leading up to the event.

The fun day will take place on the grounds of the SMA, behind St Joseph’s Church, between 2.30pm and 5.30pm.