As part of Science Week, the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) hosted an engaging “Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day” designed to inspire secondary school students.

Over 65 students attended the event, where they were introduced to the world of innovation and entrepreneurship.

The session commenced with a warm welcome and an insightful introduction to RUN-EU, alongside an overview of the latest innovation and entrepreneurship practices at TUS, delivered by Dr Tony Johnston (Director of Research Development & RUN-EU Coordinator). This set the stage for a captivating presentation by PhD student Reda Jouaibi, who shared valuable insights from his research on human behaviour in cybercrime and discussed innovative techniques to help prevent such crimes.

Participants explored creative ideas and transformative practices in entrepreneurship through several exciting topics, including:

Innovative Tourism Approaches: A spotlight was placed on ventures like transforming historic ruins into unique accommodation experiences, offering fresh perspectives on tourism.

Sustainable Solutions: Students learned about innovative projects, including the conversion of food waste into burnable gas through anaerobic digestion—a process that generates renewable energy for cooking, heating, and electricity. They also learned about a smart fridge device (Shelfy) designed to combat food spoilage by reducing bacteria, monitoring fridge conditions, and tracking usage patterns to encourage more efficient food storage.

Entrepreneurial Success Stories: The event celebrated young entrepreneurs, including a memorable story of a student who created a small business selling homemade jam, earning €200 in just two hours.

Expert Insights: Two postgraduate students offered insightful perspectives on fostering innovation, underscoring the significance of creativity in driving entrepreneurial initiatives.

The day concluded with an interactive activity, where students collaborated to develop their own entrepreneurial ideas, submitting written plans. This exercise encouraged critical thinking and creativity, leaving participants inspired to explore bold new ideas in innovation and entrepreneurship.

This dynamic event not only showcased cutting-edge innovations but also equipped students with the tools and inspiration to shape the future through creative thinking and sustainable practices, empowering them to become future leaders in driving positive change, fostering innovation, and contributing to the progress of the European Union, making it a better place for all.

These students weren’t just visitors; they played an active and central role. In the morning, they collaborated with companies and organisations at the event to develop challenging design questions for pupils. In the afternoon, they guided children with enthusiasm in exploring technology, helping them brainstorm solutions and develop creative ideas during hands-on sessions.

The event highlighted the crucial role (future) teachers play in motivating and inspiring young children to engage with technology. The students left with fresh insights, practical tools, and a wealth of inspiration to integrate meaningful tech education into their future classrooms.