16 May Future Innovators Shine at ‘Ideas Made Real’ Showcase 2025
Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) proudly hosted the 2025 Ideas Made Real Transition Year Showcase and Awards on May 9th at the Mullingar Park Hotel—welcoming over 360 students from 14 schools across Ireland. The event marked the biggest year yet for the programme, highlighting the growing impact of this national STEM initiative.
Designed and delivered by IMR, Ideas Made Real empowers students to solve real-world problems using creativity, design thinking, and advanced manufacturing technologies. The event showcased student-led solutions addressing issues such as road safety, sustainability, accessibility, and health through 3D-printed prototypes.
“Ideas Made Real represents the next generation of innovators. This programme bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world manufacturing, and the students’ creativity gives great hope for the future of our industry,” said Barry Kennedy, CEO of IMR.
Projects were judged across multiple categories, including innovation, feasibility, communication, and impact. The Overall Winner was Road Safety Speed Limiter by Ballyhaunis Community School. Other winning entries ranged from blood sugar monitoring aids to power banks and sports safety devices.
“This programme has grown from 6 to 14 schools in just one year. It engages all talents—technical, creative, communicative—making STEM fun, inclusive, and future-focused,” said Liz Carroll, IMR Learning and Development Director.
The judging panel featured leaders from industry and education, including representatives from IMR, FIT, Decotek Automotive, Glennon Brothers, and Westmeath County Council. Their collective insights helped honour the most promising student innovations of 2025.
The programme’s success is made possible by the support of our incredible sponsors—Decotek Automotive, EPS, ALPS, Glennon Brothers, Inspiring Education DAC, and Factory Exchange (FXC)—and our valued partners FIT, ETTA, and TUS.
“What makes this programme special is how it moves students from idea to impact. They’re not just designing—they’re solving real problems for real people,” said Luana Raggi, Programme Coordinator.
IMR extends sincere thanks to all participating schools, teachers, students, sponsors, and judges for bringing Ideas Made Real to life. We look forward to growing the programme even further in 2026.
To learn more or get involved in Ideas Made Real, visit www.imr.ie/what-we-do/ideasmadereal.
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