6 days ago
NEIC Start Up Entrepreneur class of 2025 graduate
The NEIC (North East Inner City) Start Up Entrepreneurship programme's graduation ceremony for its 2025 programme at a "Dragon's Den" style event was held at the headquarters of aircraft lessor Avolon today.
Participants pitched their new business ideas to a panel of dragons including former Dublin GAA football player Paddy Andrews and Scale Ireland CEO Martina Fitzgerald.
Business ideas planned by the graduates included the hire and repair of sustainable e-scooters, AI-powered predictive energy management and blockchain-based cybersecurity software solutions.
The NEIC 10-week programme provides the opportunity for young people aged between 18-30 to develop their business idea and build their competencies as an entrepreneur.
The programme was created in a partnership that included the NEIC Initiative, TU Dublin Growth Hub, Inner City Enterprise, Open Doors Initiative, Dogpatch Labs and Avolon.
"We are committed to maximising educational, training and employment opportunities. Through NEIC Start Up, we empower young people to explore self-employment, unlocking business ideas and building a brighter future for the NEIC Community," Jim Gavin, Chairperson of the Programme Implementation Board for the NEIC Initiative, said.
Tom Cooney, Professor of Entrepreneurship at TU Dublin, said the NEIC Start Up Programme is a powerful example of how TU Dublin and community partners are unlocking the entrepreneurial potential of young people in Dublin's inner city.
Fionn Crowley, Chair of Avolon's CARE Committee, said the programme provides participants with tangible skills to succeed as they look to take the brave step of launching their business idea.
"Avolon started its life 15 years ago and has grown to be one of the world's leading lessors, and we welcome the opportunity to celebrate this group of young people on their entrepreneurship journey," he added.
