About
The B!G Idea is an award-winning education programme that empowers students to think creatively, take ownership, and develop solutions to real-world challenges that matter to them. Working with schools across Ireland, students engage with key themes including Climate Action, Mental Health, Achieving Equality, Tackling Poverty, and AI for Humanity. Through a hands-on, project-based approach, they build essential skills such as creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.
A key strength of the programme is its direct connection to industry. Students are supported by mentors who provide real-world insight, challenge their thinking, and guide them in developing meaningful and practical solutions. This bridges the gap between education and industry, while building confidence, agency, and future-focused skills. The B!G Idea is fully funded through industry partnerships, ensuring the programme remains accessible and inclusive for all students and schools.
The B!g Idea’s mentors are there to give real-world advice directly to the students, sharing their knowledge and connecting the students and their communities with Industry.
The B!g Idea’s mentors are there to give real-world advice directly to the students, sharing their knowledge and connecting the students and their communities with Industry.
Email:
hello@thebigidea.ie
Website:
https://www.thebigidea.ie
Challenge Area Activities
Personal Skill:
Students develop personal and social skills by working collaboratively on projects that address real and relevant challenges in their communities and beyond, aligned with key themes such as Climate Action, Mental Health, Equality, Poverty, and AI.
Programme Breakdown
At the beginning of the programme, students explore and select one of five core challenge areas:
Climate Action
Mental Health
Achieving Equality
Tackling Poverty
AI for Humanity
Students work in teams through a series of structured, interactive workshops. They are introduced to creative thinking frameworks and guided through research, ideation, and solution development. Flexi-workshops provide opportunities to deepen learning in areas such as communication, presentation skills, and innovation, supporting students in bringing their ideas to life. Each team is supported by an industry mentor who provides feedback and guidance at key stages of the project. This real-world connection strengthens the learning experience and helps students develop practical, transferable skills.
The programme is delivered through a dedicated online platform, where students can track progress, connect with mentors, and receive structured feedback throughout. All teaching and learning materials are provided through the Think B!G class pack, which is delivered to all participating schools at the start of the academic year, with additional support available for teachers and mentors through tailored CPD. Students can participate from September to May finishing with a live interactive event in May. The Think B!G Fest is an opportunity for students to bring their high potential ideas to the next level in an accelerator type event before finishing the day with a ceremony and prizes for the most innovative ideas.
Students work in teams through a series of structured, interactive workshops. They are introduced to creative thinking frameworks and guided through research, ideation, and solution development. Flexi-workshops provide opportunities to deepen learning in areas such as communication, presentation skills, and innovation, supporting students in bringing their ideas to life. Each team is supported by an industry mentor who provides feedback and guidance at key stages of the project. This real-world connection strengthens the learning experience and helps students develop practical, transferable skills.
The programme is delivered through a dedicated online platform, where students can track progress, connect with mentors, and receive structured feedback throughout. All teaching and learning materials are provided through the Think B!G class pack, which is delivered to all participating schools at the start of the academic year, with additional support available for teachers and mentors through tailored CPD. Students can participate from September to May finishing with a live interactive event in May. The Think B!G Fest is an opportunity for students to bring their high potential ideas to the next level in an accelerator type event before finishing the day with a ceremony and prizes for the most innovative ideas.
