TY Programme Awards 2024

Ideas Made Real TY Programme Awards Event 2024

TY Programme Awards 2024

Transition Year (TY) Students Showcased Innovations at ‘Ideas Made Real’ Event in Mullingar

On Monday, 13th May 2024, the Mullingar Park Hotel was the venue for the “Ideas Made Real” TY Programme Showcase and Awards Ceremony, hosted by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR). The event, sponsored by Decotek Automotive with additional support from strategic partners Fastrack into Information Technology (FIT) and the Engineering Technology Teachers’ Association (E.T.T.A.), featured participation from over 150 students from a range of schools, including Coláiste Mhuire, St. Finian’s College, Loreto College, Summerhill College Sligo, Tallaght Community School, and Griffeen Community College, Lucan.

These students presented their innovative projects developed using advanced manufacturing technologies. The projects, which ranged from custom 3D-printed parts to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities to devices integrated into sports equipment for safety, highlighted their potential to address local community challenges.

The “Ideas Made Real” programme, launched in September 2023, integrates STEM principles with practical projects like the 3D Printing Challenge to empower students creatively and practically.

Barry Kennedy, CEO of Irish Manufacturing Research, remarked, “Dreaming up a great idea is the easy part. The real challenge, and what we celebrate today, lies in bringing those ideas to life. These young innovators have not only produced prototypes but also demonstrated the ability to apply theoretical knowledge practically in a team setting, signalling the future of manufacturing.”

Lauren McDermott-Smith, Programme Lead, stated, “Our commitment is in empowering the makers of tomorrow; we are actively crafting the next wave of creators. This event was a platform for these talented students to showcase real-world solutions that tackle genuine community issues, demonstrating innovation with purpose.”

Ideas Made Real TY Programme Winners

The event culminated in an awards ceremony that celebrated the innovative spirit and hard work of all participants:

  • 1st Place: CSL Autos from Loreto College – Ciara Ballesty; Shenice Groome; Linda Raeside
  • 2nd Place: The Candy by Griffeen Community College – Jamie Roe; Alexander Bilei; Cian O Neil; James Farrell
  • 3rd Place: Hand Caddy by Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar – Pádraig Casey; Rory O Brien; Cian Egan; Sean Hanlon
  • Creativity Award: The Pic Protectors by St Finian’s – Eimear Peters; Jenna Mangan; Lauren Kavanagh; Martyna Kowolik
  • Innovation Award: Aurisafe by Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar – Seán Murphy; Shane Martin; James Baird; Jamie Wallace
  • Enthusiasm Award: The Waters by Tallaght Community School – Hadassah Ime Kadira; Holleigh Delaney; Sarah Jane Johnston; Elisha Whelan

 

Judges for the event included John Enright from Irish Manufacturing Research, Samantha Bakir from Prodieco, Peter Davitt from FIT, James Brady from Abbott, Mallika Singh from KPMG, and Paul Bergin from Decotek Automotive.

For information on how to get involved with Ideas Made Real, whether you are a school or a Business, please contact Lauren McDermott-Smith, Education Programme Coordinator – ideasmadereal@imr.ie