FUTURE MAKERS Global Experience. Local Innovation. Shared Future.

DAY 1 – RECONNECT THE DISCONNECTED

Understanding Today’s Challenges Through a Sustainability Lens

22nd September

Many of society’s biggest challenges are interconnected. On Day 1, participants will explore how local and global issues impact people, communities and the environment.

You will explore:

✅ The Doughnut Economics 4 Lenses Framework

• Local Social
• Local Ecological
• Global Social
• Global Ecological

✅ The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

✅ Key climate, social and community challenges affecting Ireland and the wider world

✅ Circular economy and regenerative business concepts

✅ How innovation can address real-world problems

Activities include:

• Interactive workshops and group discussions
• Sustainability challenge mapping
• Documentary screening and facilitated reflection
• Team exercises to identify opportunities for positive impact

By the end of Day 1 you will:

💡 Understand important social and environmental challenges
💡 Identify problems worth solving
💡 Explore opportunities for innovation and enterprise
💡 Gain a framework for sustainable thinking

DAY 2 – FROM GOOD IDEA TO REAL OPPORTUNITY

Testing Ideas and Exploring Enterprise

23rd September

Day 2 is focused on turning ideas into realistic opportunities. Participants will learn how to validate ideas, understand potential customers and explore routes to income and impact.

Together we’ll explore:

✅ Is there a real problem to solve?

✅ Who experiences the problem?

✅ Who would benefit from a solution?

✅ Who would pay for the solution?

✅ How can technology help test and develop ideas?

✅ Can a business, social enterprise or project become sustainable?

✅ How can social impact and financial sustainability work together?

Practical tools covered:

• Customer and problem validation
• Value proposition development
• Introduction to AI and digital tools
• Market research techniques
• Pricing and income models
• Social enterprise and business model basics

By the end of Day 2 you will have:

💡 A clearer and more focused idea
💡 A reality-tested opportunity
💡 A basic income and sustainability model
💡 Practical ideas for using technology to support your project or business
💡 One clear next step to move forward

DAY 3 – PITCH. CONNECT. GROW.

Innovation Challenge and Future Pathways

24th September

The final day brings everything together through a hands-on innovation challenge focused on real-world sustainability and mobility issues.

Activities include:

⭐ Sustainable Mobility and Transport Challenge

⭐ Design Thinking Workshop

⭐ Customer Journey Mapping

⭐ Team Collaboration and Problem Solving

⭐ Pitch Development and Presentation Skills

⭐ Entrepreneur and Innovator Insights

⭐ Innovation Support and Enterprise Pathways

⭐ Inspirational Keynote Speaker

Learn about:

• Enterprise supports available in Ireland
• Innovation and start-up pathways
• Business mentoring and training opportunities
• Funding and support programmes
• Developing confidence as an innovator and entrepreneur

By the end of Day 3 you will:

💡 Present and communicate your ideas with confidence
💡 Understand available enterprise and innovation supports
💡 Build valuable networks and connections
💡 Have a clear pathway for future development
💡 Leave with practical actions to continue your journey

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

✅ Innovation and problem-solving skills

✅ Practical experience using digital and AI tools

✅ Greater understanding of sustainability and climate-conscious innovation

✅ Experience of Design Thinking and customer-focused innovation

✅ Connections with entrepreneurs, innovators and support organisations

✅ Increased confidence in exploring self-employment and enterprise

✅ Clear next steps for turning ideas into opportunities