Solutions to Industry Problems Pitched at Innovation Academy Event

Posted on: 01 April 2011

The closing event of this year’s Creative Thinking and Innovation module, run by the Innovation Academy, saw students from TCD and UCD present unique solutions to industry problems to an audience of external organisations, academics and classmates.  The project called The Pitch gave students an opportunity to work in multidisciplinary teams where they benefitted from various technical expertise to develop their ideas.

Working in groups that spanned both institutions, students made video and interactive presentations that focused on innovative solutions to real-world problems.  The challenges were set by host organisations which included IBM, Citibank, Debra Ireland, Rough Magic Theatre Company, HP and Dublin City Council.  The teams delivered a completely unique set of outcomes and their innovative ideas were highly acclaimed by the host organisations for their dynamic approach.

Innovation Academy Cohort 2 with sponsors Grant Thornton and host companies. 

The project enabled students connect through central themes like networking, connectivity and teamwork where the sharing of information and good communication skills were vital to their success.  To see how the students responded to the challenges that were set go to the Innovation Academy website where there are a number of videos and testimonials.

The Innovation Academy was officially opened in November 2010 and is the educational centrepiece of the TCD-UCD Innovation Alliance.  The Academy’s mission is to transform the PhD experience by imbuing graduate research and education with creative thinking and innovation.  The Academy aims to develop a new breed of graduate, where a disciplinary and technical expertise is fused with an ambition to create new enterprises, enhance public service and further harness Ireland’s cultural heritage.