What is the TU Dublin Student Enterprise Competition?
Now in its 33rd year, the TU Dublin Student Enterprise Competition has established itself as Ireland’s premier university entrepreneurship program. Organized in partnership with the Bolton Trust, this annual initiative provides undergraduate and postgraduate students across all disciplines with a platform to develop business concepts into viable ventures.
Submit your entry before the deadline to compete for a share of the €9,000 prize fund.
Competition Structure and Key Dates
Entry Requirements
Participants must submit a video pitch (maximum 3 minutes) addressing these key elements:
- Clear explanation of the business concept
- Identification of target market segments
- Revenue generation strategy
- Growth potential analysis
Submission Timeline
The competition follows a structured timeline:
- Entry portal opens: February 9, 2026
- Submission deadline: April 15, 2026
- Finalist announcement: May 2026
- Awards ceremony: June 2026
Prize Categories and Funding Opportunities
The 2026 competition features multiple award categories:
| Category | Prize Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Winner | €2,500 |
| Technology Innovation | €1,500 |
| Social Enterprise | €1,500 |
| Best First-Year Entry | €1,000 |
Additional prizes include mentorship packages and incubation space at TU Dublin’s innovation hubs. Review complete prize details on the official competition portal.
Eligibility and Participation Guidelines
Who Can Apply?
The competition welcomes:
- Current TU Dublin students at all academic levels
- Individual entrants and multidisciplinary teams
- Projects at any development stage (concept to prototype)
Team Composition
While individual entries are accepted, teams of 2-4 members from different academic backgrounds often demonstrate stronger business concepts. The competition particularly encourages collaborations between business, engineering, and creative arts students.
Confirm your eligibility before starting your application.
Why Participate? Career Benefits for Students
Beyond financial prizes, participants gain:
- Practical experience in business model development
- Professional pitch training from industry experts
- Networking opportunities with Irish entrepreneurs
- Portfolio enhancement for graduate employment
Past winners have secured venture funding, established successful startups, and accelerated their careers through competition exposure.
Preparing a Winning Submission
Video Pitch Essentials
Successful entries typically include:
- Concise problem-solution statement
- Market validation data
- Competitive advantage analysis
- Financial projections overview
Common Evaluation Criteria
Judges assess submissions based on:
- Innovation level (30%)
- Market potential (25%)
- Execution feasibility (25%)
- Presentation quality (20%)
Access competition resources including pitch templates and judging rubrics.
Support Services for Participants
TU Dublin provides extensive support through:
- Entrepreneurship workshops (February-March 2026)
- One-on-one mentoring sessions
- Prototyping lab access
- Legal and IP advisory services
Next Steps for Interested Students
The TU Dublin Student Enterprise Competition represents a significant opportunity to transform academic knowledge into practical business solutions. With over three decades of successful ventures launched through the program, participants join a distinguished network of Irish entrepreneurs.
Start your application today to develop your entrepreneurial skills, gain industry recognition, and potentially launch your business concept with institutional support.
