Start100
Course Summary
Start100 is the University of Galway’s only student incubator programme. 10 Individuals or teams work for 6 weeks on an early stage business idea and develop their skills and competences. Teams are matched with an expert mentor and take part in weekly workshops and meetings to develop their ideas. Start100 is co-curricular and focuses on idea validation and de-risking, skills and talent development, and is based on the principles of challenge based education.
Course Design
The full-time course encompasses a dynamic 6-week co-curricular summer programme, engaging 10 individuals or teams comprising individuals from diverse disciplines and academic years. Focused on cultivating innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset, participants work on their own ideas with the guidance of weekly one-to-one mentorship provided by domain experts.
A distinctive feature of the programme is the financial support it offers, with teams receiving €4,000 upon successful completion of individual key milestones and attendance at workshops.
The course culminates in a pitch day to a panel of industry experts and funders, where teams have the chance to win an additional €5,000 to help advance their idea.
Beyond monetary benefits, participants gain access to the start-up ecosystem an expert community of innovators and entrepreneurs and a diverse network fostering a collaborative environment that enhances both personal and professional development.
Three key learning highlights from the programme include:
1. Skills & Talent Development: Start100 places a strong emphasis on developing key skills such as decision-making, leadership, effective communication, critical analysis, creative thinking, collaboration, and diversity awareness. Throughout the program, participants are guided to enhance these critical competencies, ensuring a well-rounded and comprehensive skill set that will empower them on their journey as the progress their careers.
2. Entrepreneurial Mindset: An entrepreneurial mindset is a set of attitudes, skills, and behaviors that individuals cultivate to navigate and succeed in the world of entrepreneurship and beyond.
3. Collaboration and Recognition: The success of Start100 can be attributed to the synergy between highly talented students and its transparent and direct collaboration with various stakeholders, including industry leaders, entrepreneurs, funders, and the supportive entities within the startup ecosystem. The University Industry Innovation Network (UIIN) has acknowledged Start100 for its excellence in entrepreneurship, while the Galway Chamber of Commerce has recognized it for outstanding achievements in innovation. Additionally, Enlight has also commended Start100 for its excellence in teaching and learning at the annual teaching and learning conference in Bordeaux in November 2023.
Contact
Jenny Mullery, Head of Engagement, IdeasLab: