UCD Innovation Academy Year in Review 2024/25

2024 / 25

UCD INNOVATION ACADEMY

A LOOK BACK AT 2024 / 2025

1033

UCD undergraduate students taking our optional electives

5

Years delivering electives in Beijing

350 Student bookings in our MakerSpace

3 Student Hackathons

15

Years of UCD Innovation Academy delivering transformational learning in UCD

162

UCD PhD Students taking our optional electives

629 LifelongLearners

2024/25 At A Glance

3

Years partnering with Deloitte on Creative Thinking & Innovation

29 Participants on the UCD | Dóchas Creative Leadership Programme

250,000

Vietnamese students impacted by UCD Innovation Academy’s VIBE programme with Vietnam National University over 8 years

3 Universities who participated in Global Innovation Challenges, UCD, VNU and the National University of Laos (NUOL)

9

Years partnered with ESB

TRANSFORMING EDUCATION

Cultivating Creative Minds, Critical Thinkers and Belonging in UCD

Delivering Undergraduate General Education

Our world is experiencing historic disruption. Globalisation, technological advances and the era of the Anthropocene have created new challenges, and opportunities, for our students ‘Transforming Learning’, one of three pillars in UCD’s strategy, sets out to enhance the university’s curriculum to deliver the broader set of skills, attributes, competencies and behaviours needed by our graduates to stand out in an increasingly complex world.

In 2024/25, our eleventh year offering undergraduate electives at UCD, 1033 undergraduate students took our optional electives, a 10 percent increase on last year, that span a range of in-demand topics, skills and competencies.

Each UCD Innovation Academy elective integrates multiple intellectual tools rather than focusing on a single field.

Students learn in an active and engaging way by applying these tools across diverse real-world challenges - always exploring for themselves before debriefing and reflecting to ensure curiosity and deep learning.

UCD Innovation Academy undergraduate electives benefit from the 15-year legacy of the UCD Innovation Academy’s iteratively refined pedagogy, known for delivering transformational, interdisciplinary learning which is accessible to all UCD students Undergraduate electives cover essential modern fields including innovation, AI and digital skills, emerging technologies, sustainability and leadership while embedding highly sought-after skills, competencies, and behaviours.

UCD Innovation Academy’s structured elective which students gain after completing three Innovation Academy electives

Undergraduates in the Innovation for Sustainability elective get hands-on in class learning how to make mushroom substrate with Dr Thomas Macagno.

UCD Innovation Academy’s ‘learning from doing’ methodology includes challenge based, experiential learning

Students in the Virtual Reality for Future Skills elective The elective supports students to learn and practice key transversal skills in a highly applied format through virtual reality

Global Innovation Challenges

We live in a time of complex, 'wicked' global challenges that have no easy solutions:. These challenges require unprecedented levels of innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, and radical collaboration across disciplines and across geographies.

UCD Innovation Academy’s Global Innovation Challenges elective includes students from University College Dublin (UCD), Vietnam National University in Hanoi (VNU), and National University of Laos in Vientiane (NUOL) who collaborate in multinational teams to design innovative solutions to a chosen global challenge Guided by international facilitators, they hone their intercultural competencies and entrepreneurial skills.

This year, two students from the class were given the opportunity to travel to Vietnam on a fully funded trip to continue their Global Innovation Challenges journey with counterparts from VNU and NUOL in Hanoi.

Words can hardly capture how transformative this experience was. I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Vietnam and work on a sustainability project. From talking to other students, locals, and even members of the UN house in Hanoi, I have learned so much.

David Gillick

UCD Innovation Academy Global Innovation Challenge Student

3 year, Computer Science rd

Dr. Jakub Urbaniak

UCD Innovation Academy

The Global Innovation Challenges module offered our students a truly transformative experience. Working in multicultural teams with peers from VNU-Hanoi, and NUOL-Vientiane, they explored how to tackle pressing global challenges like food security and social inequality through creativity, empathy, and collaboration.

For two UCD students, this culminated in a fully funded trip to Vietnam in August 2025, where – supported by IA facilitators – they engaged with local partners on sustainability projects and built lifelong connections with their Vietnamese and Laotian peers. Global Innovation Challenges exemplifies how UCD fosters global citizenship, leadership, and innovation beyond borders.

Nina Awobajo 3rd Year Politics, Economics and Philosophy,

Living in Vietnam for almost three weeks was a surreal experience as we truly got to live and breathe our sustainability project. Each morning started early, and most evenings were spent documenting our findings together. However, it never felt repetitive, as some days were spent interviewing people, others visiting campuses, companies, or going on field trips.

This mix of research and adventure helped us bond quickly into a close-knit team that shared so many memories and funny moments together. It was amazing to go from talking to the Laos and VNU students online to actually working alongside them in real life.

Some of them saw me as an older sister, and I truly felt that way, proudly watching my peers gain more confidence in the environment we had created together.

By the end, these students had become genuine friends, and definitely, in some ways, like siblings. Witnessing our field research evolve into something presentable to the Irish Embassy in a week was incredibly rewarding.

Saying goodbye was the hardest part, but I am deeply grateful to UCD and the Innovation Academy for this opportunity, which transformed how I approach teamwork, leadership, and learning. Furthermore, it showed me how empowering it is when supposedly simple ideas can grow into meaningful action.

David Gillick

Our project focused on reducing single-use plastic bags by designing reusable alternatives that matched their convenience and accessibility.

This experience taught me not only how to lead, but how to make teamwork enjoyable and inclusive. It helped me understand that if I am to lead I want to be a leader who brings people together.

I have made unforgettable memories and life-long friends from the other side of the world. I am so grateful for the opportunity given to me and for all the things I have gained from it."

UCD - NUOL - VNU student team visit the UN in Vietnam to discuss their Global Innovation Challenge

Undergraduate Students: 1033 Total

Undergraduate Modules

Top disciplines our undergraduate students come from (%)

UCD Beijing-Dublin International College

UCD Innovation Academy travelled to China for the fifth year of our collaboration with UCD Joint College BDIC in Beijing Innovation Academy facilitators delivered our Creativity Thinking and Innovation module to third year Engineering students.

As part of their first design thinking project, students were tasked with taking to the streets of Beijing to understand the challenges of being a tourist (both Chinese and non-Chinese) in Beijing

The students many who were apprehensive about the exercise described feeling “a great sense of achievement” by the end of the process and enjoyed “the opportunity to grow and develop their confidence”.

Students conduct ‘live’ empathy out and about in Beijing

For week two of the module, the centre piece was an innovation challenge with Huawei, a leading global provider of information and communications technology infrastructure and smart devices.

Baolin Liang, PR Manager at Huawei introduced business challenges ranging from global communications and brand trust to smart home innovation, sustainable impact and promoting Huawei’s digital services in a competitive market.

David Trevitt, Digital Transformation Advisor at Huawei, joined midweek for a lecture on key considerations for telcos developing a sustainable climate response strategy.

This gave students valuable insight into how telcos can align business goals with climate action and how sustainability strategy can be both impactful and commercially viable.

The week ended with students creating videos which showcased their research, process and solutions through prototyping, creative storytelling and role-play David Kenny from Huawei joined us to judge the winning teams

�� First place went to Edo-sense, an AI-powered educational support tool designed to help teachers personalise learning and reduce admin burden, offering smart lesson planning, progress tracking and adaptive support.

�� Second place was awarded to Rec-G, a sustainability-focused AI tool that verifies every unit of green electricity in real time, enabling greater transparency, trust and accountability in energy consumption.

�� In third place came a smart home solution aimed at supporting elderly users with daily routines, safety monitoring and communication

Design a Digital Future

Design a Digital Future

The Design a Digital Future module is a 10-week elective offered to all UCD undergraduate students The module takes on the global challenge of digitalization by equipping students with a digital mindset, essential for future careers Throughout the module, students gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies, including AI, AR/VR, metaverse and blockchain.

UCD Innovation Academy continues its collaboration with industry leaders as part of this module, including the Solana Superteam and SEEBLOCKS an EU-funded initiative supporting blockchain/DLT standardisation. Prof. Knut Blind from the Fraunhofer Institute delivered a guest lecture on blockchain standardisation, policy, and innovation

Jiaqi Zhang, our Technology Integration Manager who facilitates this module also co-authored and presented a paper at IEEE EDUCON 2024, hosted by Queen Mary University of London. The paper, “Ethical Generative Artificial Intelligence in Design Education: A Multi-Stakeholder Framework, ” introduces a Novelty Metric to ensure transparency, fair use of student IP, and responsible AI training practices.

Supporting Student Entrepreneurship - Hult Prize

Student entrepreneurship is about more than new ventures. Fostering student entrepreneurship in UCD cultivates innovation, critical thinking, and problemsolving skills. It encourages risk-taking, creativity, and the real-world application of the world-class knowledge students gain through their studies at UCD.

UCD Innovation Academy supports student entrepreneurship in UCD in different ways, from lending our spaces to societies like the Investors and Entrepreneurs society, to our electives that span a range entrepreneurial topics

This year we sponsored the Hult Prize for a second year running UCD team Anaphero won first place at Ireland's inaugural Hult Prize National Finals at UCD beating 16 other finalists with their wearable device for detecting severe allergic reactions in children.

We also co-sponsored, with UCD Careers, RISE (Real Impact on Society and Environment) a program by Universitas 21 (U21) that showcases and accelerates student-led sustainability and social innovation projects UCD nominee Michael Connolly went on to win the ‘Most Innovative’ category.

Embedding Employability in the Curriculum

Our Third Year Partnering with Deloitte

UCD Innovation Academy collaborated with Deloitte for the third year in a row In March, our Creative Thinking and Innovation classes were hosted by Deloitte for a week Students had the opportunity to learn, and apply, skills, knowledge and competencies in a real-world scenario.

Students experience the same Creativity and Innovation elective facilitated by Innovation Academy facilitators however with the added benefit of applied learning in a real workplace

Students present their work to Deloitte Partners and Subject Matter Experts, and receive feedback in realtime. This immersive, collaborative experience provides students from first to final year with a work integrated learning opportunity, supporting the learning of vital knowledge and skills to support future employability, among other benefits

Students hear feedback directly from a Deloitte consultant on their ideas The elective provides equal access to all UCD students from across disciplines to a structured workplace experience with a global company, while also equipping them with vital knowledge, skills and competencies.

The Deloitte experience is dynamic and hands-on, like any other UCD Innovation Academy elective Students have the opportunity to forge connections with others from outside their discipline and practice interdisciplinary collaboration.

Supporting a Positive Student Experience

When students thrive, universities do too. At UCD Innovation Academy we ’ re working to support a positive student experience for all students in UCD

A positive university experience matters because happy students simply do better. University is a huge time for personal growth - students build confidence, learn to think critically, and make friendships that last a lifetime. We want to help students do all of that and recognise that in today’s environment, it’s not always easy

This year, we hosted multiple student events on campus designed to be fun, collaborative and usually fuelled by pizza.

This included Hackathons, a fast-paced problem solving session where teams design solutions to a specific challenge together. We hosted three sponsored Hackathons in 2024/25 that spanned a range of challenges from AI to sustainability. One Hackathon was sponsored by an industry partner EXL

In our Sustainability SDG Challenge Hackathon, a selection of participants were chosen to represent UCD in Notre Dame University in the US for a tri-continental sustainability Hackathon.

Nearly 200 UCD students participated in UCD Innovation Academy Hackathons in 24/25

The events are designed to foster new connections between students. Teams are designed on the night and students are encouraged to attend solo so there is no pressure to come with a group of people.

Partnering with Student Societies

UCD Innovation Academy partners with student societies to support a positive student experience in UCD. These include Women+ in STEM, NetSoc, and the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Society.

This year we hosted a Galentine’s Day Chocolate Making Workshop, where 35 students designed and moulded custom chocolates using vacuum forming and digital fabrication tools.

For an outreach event with Women+ in STEM, students from St Raphaela's Secondary School, St Tiernan's Community School and Our Lady's Grove Secondary School visited the UCD Innovation Academy MakerSpace and learnt about the basis of 3D printing and collaborated on 3D printer puzzle challenges.

For UCD Science Day, students experienced Virtual Reality games many for the first time through an interactive showcase co-hosted with NetSoc. A creative outreach event with the Sci-Fi Society brought imaginative storytelling and maker skills together to explore world-building through 3D printing and design

These initiatives make emerging technologies accessible, creative, and community-driven.

Learning for Life Postgraduate Learning

This year 479 students participated in our postgraduate accredited programmes that include Graduate Certificates, Professional Diplomas and an MSc spanning creativity, innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial education and sustainability.

In keeping with UCD’s commitment to Learning for Life, we engage and empower a diverse community of learners to fulfil their potential and advance our society through disruptive times.

In total this year, UCD Innovation Academy delivered programmes to 629 lifelong learners across a range of accredited and executive (non-accredited) programmes.

In 2024/2025 we delivered the following accredited programmes:

Graduate Certificate in Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Professional Diploma in Innovation for Sustainability

Professional Diploma in Creativity, Innovation and Leadership

MSc in Design Thinking for Sustainability

Professional Cert/Diploma in Creativity and Innovation for Educators

Lifelong Learning in Numbers

Lifelong learners programme breakdown

626 lifelong learners

Graduate Certificate in Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Professional Diploma in Creativity, Innovation and Leadership

Professional Diploma in Innovation for Sustainability

Graduate Diploma Design Thinking for Sustainability

MSc Design Thinking for Sustainability

Professional Cert/Diploma in Creativity and Innovation for Education

Professional (Unaccredited) Programmes

STUDENT VOICE

Graduate Certificate Creativity, Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Niall Maher Head of Digital and Innovation

Fusion Events

As a mature student I really enjoyed taking part in the Graduate Certificate in Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UCD. It was genuinely one of the most refreshing and inspiring learning experiences I have ever had.

Coming from a background in tech and business, I’ve done a lot of structured programmes over the years but this one was different. It reminded me why I enjoy creating, building ideas, and working with people who think differently. It gave me the space to slow down, reflect, and reframe how I approach challenges not just in work, but in life

The sessions weren’t lectures; they were immersive, energising, and full of realworld tools that I actually use now in my businesses. I launched a new venture during the course and found the support and feedback from both the facilitators and my peers incredibly helpful. It gave me momentum and clarity when I needed it most

What really stood out for me was the focus on purpose, not just profit. I came away with a stronger sense of who I am as an entrepreneur, what I stand for, and how I want to lead. If you ’ re someone who enjoys thinking big, working creatively, and wants to challenge the status quo, I’d highly recommend this course.

STUDENT PROJECTS

PROFESSIONAL

DIPLOMA

CREATIVITY, INNOVATION & LEADERSHIP

In the final module, students work on an Action Learning Project where they apply the mindset, knowledge and skills learned to date to a real world challenge of their choice.

Project Name: WildFuture

www.wildfuture.ie

Student: Oliver Farrell

What it's about:

Located on a stunning 74-acre rewilding site in West Cork that overlooks Roaringwater Bay, this innovative off-site experience takes place within a beautiful mosaic of biodiverse habitats that have been carefully cultivated since rewilding began in 1999.

The mature landscape features established trees, wetlands, ponds, and 3km of trails that provide the perfect backdrop for creative problem-solving and strategic thinking.

Oliver facilitates "rewilded thinking" sessions on the hill, helping teams break free from conventional thought patterns and discover fresh perspectives in this inspiring natural environment

PROJECTS

Project Name: Trusty & Mona, Crafting a Better World Student: Laura Sillero

What it's about:

Trusty (a cheeky dog) and Mona (a clever girl) are two handmade puppets, created from old clothes that might have ended up in the bin Together, they explore the world of textile waste in a playful way, teaching children and families that nothing is rubbish and everything has potential

What it seeks to do:

Spark curiosity and encourage creative ways to reduce waste. Each episode includes a short story, a simple craft using unwanted textiles (sometimes mixed with other reused materials), and a “fact of the day” to gently invite reflection on waste

How it’s going:

Two episodes have been launched so far. New episodes will follow every two weeks, with funny behind-the-scenes photos and short clips on social media in between It’s still early days, but the response so far has been really positive, especially from children! Sometimes, it’s the small things like a puppet show or a recycled craft that help start bigger ideas and new habits.

Participants in a Wild Future early prototype Testing and iteration is a key part of the Design Thinking methodology and students are required to develop and test a prototype before the final Pitch Day.

Prototyping can employ a range of technologies. from video - seen here - to other online and offline formats

Professional Diploma students apply the mindset, knowledge and skills they have developed throughout the programme in their Action Learning Project The project helps students to refine their Entrepreneurial Mindset competencies including a bias to action, opportunity recognition, comfort with ambiguity, risk taking and more Students work in Action Learning Sets, practicing a specific methodology that can be applied by them in the future.

PROJECTS

Project Name: Pointless Creativity

Student: Megan Killeen and Shane McElveen

Students have the opportunity to partner with a fellow classmate on their project as Megan and Shane did.

What it’s about:

A playful workshop in the style of a game show that introduces students to the basics of design thinking through a series of silly, creative challenges.

PROJECTS

Project Name: Career GPS

Student: Karl Conway

What it’s about:

When I started the Professional Diploma, I was struggling to re-enter the workforce after a career break Despite extensive multinational experience, the tech job market's supply issues made it difficult to gain traction I turned to the Irish startup scene by cold-emailing interesting companies, several responded positively Career GPS aims to replicate and formalize this approach for others facing similar circumstances in their job search.

What it seeks to do:

Career GPS provides three primary channels to help people who might have Big Tech experience pivot toward the world of startups in Ireland:

1) An AI Chatbot that is built to coach people on this journey: so advising on tailoring CVs, how to approach "cold-emailing", news about the startup scene, information on "fractional" working etc.

2) An Online Community based on a platform like Slack where people on this journey can come together to chat, advise, commiserate, and encourage 3) Live Online Workshops built around specific individual themes to educate people on the Irish startup landscape and how to land jobs

PROJECTS

AI is integrated throughout the Professional Diploma as a learning aid and creative tool Hand in hand with using AI, students apply their critical thinking skills, testing and discussing the possibilities, and limits, of AI as part of the learning experience

PROJECTS

Project Name: Techie Support

Student: Ahmed Etman

What it’s about:

Techie Support is a platform created to support tech professionals facing career instability, burnout, and job loss, especially during industry-wide layoffs It offers career coaching, financial guidance, and mental health support all in one place

What it seeks to do:

The project aims to provide a psychologically safe space for tech workers navigating uncertainty. It focuses on practical tools like job search help and budgeting advice, while also building a community of peer support through a platform that blends empathy and action

How it’s going:

Techie Support started as a prototype, and it is gaining interest for its timely relevance and social impact. I am considering the opportunity to develop it into a full startup after.

This journey wasn’t just about solving a problem; it was about learning to believe in the value of lived experiences.

My classmates constantly inspired me — their creativity, openness, and support pushed me to think bigger and go further than I thought I could.

Learning for Life MSc Design Thinking for Sustainability

This year 60 students participated in our Grad Dip / MSc in Design Thinking for Sustainability.

The MSc is a unique masters programme that bridges sustainability knowledge and skills, ensuring students are ready to quickly transition to new roles and opportunities upon graduation. Everything students learn is put into practice with real world projects and challenges By the end of the MSc students are ready for the emerging green economy

Mid-way through the year, MSc students apply their latest knowledge and skills to a challenge assigned by an external organisation.

Challenge-based learning engages MSc students in real-world problem-solving, developing critical thinking, collaboration, and practical skills. It increases motivation through authentic projects, bridges theory-practice gaps, builds resilience, and prepares students for dealing with challenges upon graduation This active approach promotes deeper understanding and learning.

On pitch day, representatives from each host organisation attend and share live feedback with teams on their proposals.

Spotlight on MSc Design Thinking for Sustainability PROJECTS

Host Organisation: STAND - a non-profit organisation that mobilises third-level students to stand up for global justice, equality and sustainability

Team: Kevin Murphy, Madeline Schmidt, Mykola Palkin, Maria Hamadto

Challenge:

Grow awareness of STAND among third level students in Ireland.

Solution:

SEAS AMACH is a creative promotional strategy plan that helps STAND increase students' awareness & engagement with their organization by providing innovative marketing strategies that offer physical, engaging and memorable teasers. It develops STAND's identity while continually building the community and legacy through storytelling, guerrilla marketing, & ground-breaking campaign styles.

Spotlight on MSc Design Thinking for Sustainability

PROJECTS

Host Organisation: Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)

Team:

Siddharth Patel, Siobhan Comerford, Vivaan Sharma, Callum O'Dwyer

Challenge:

Identify the most effective methods to encourage SMEs to translate sustainability audit findings into actionable steps

Solution:

WattNext? is a dashboard application that helps SEAI make better decisions on financial support and reporting to stimulate post-energy audit actions. Using our dashboard and energy experience survey, WattNext? provides SEAI with valuable audit data, filling the gap of missing information and SME feedback

SEAI gathers feedback with the experience survey The dashboard thematically displays the data of the experience survey and be targeted better

Name: Melanie MSc Design Thinking for Sustainability

ht that the facilitation of the ng was world class standards we much fun ust great dynamic teamwork and a expansive experience.

Name: Laura MSc Design Thinking for Sustainability

If I could summarise in three words, I’d say the course is collaborative, creative, and insightful. I’m learning a lot, and it’s not just academic or theoretical it’s life skills It’s shaping the way I think and work, and I can see myself using what I’ve learned, whether in my job or when solving a problem. It’s something I can apply both professionally and personally.

Enhancing Teaching & Learning Through Creative Technologies

In September 2024, the UCD Innovation Academy proudly launched its inaugural Maker Residency Programme, an eight-week immersive experience designed to empower students through creativity, collaboration, and cutting-edge technology. Open to students from across UCD, the programme championed inclusivity and accessibility, guided by the principles of Universal Design. Participants worked in interdisciplinary teams using advanced tools including 3D printing, VR, and AR to tackle real-world campus challenges

With support from the University for ALL Initiative, each of the five selected teams received €1,000 to develop and prototype their ideas. The Innovation Academy’s MakerSpace served as a creative hub, offering hands-on training, mentorship, and open access to state-of-the-art equipment

The programme culminated in a vibrant Showcase Event attended by over 100 guests, where standout projects such as Silent Clocks – Reservo, MakerQuest, and Collapsible Tables were unveiled. All teams shared their design files openly, inspiring the next generation of makers at UCD.

[Image Left] Reservo: An accessible silent clocks for the library to free up unused seats and improve fair access to study spaces [Image Right:] MakerQuest: An AR experience that guides new makers through bite-sized quests to learn 3D printing, making what might seem like daunting technology accessible and engaging

UCD Innovation Academy MakerSpace

UCD Innovation Academy provides an open space open for students to learn, create, and innovate.

Students

In the past year we welcomed over 350 students for bookings. These students come from all over UCD - specifically from over 23 sub-departments, covering the Colleges of Engineering and Architecture, Science, Social Sciences and Law, Business, Health and Agricultural Sciences, and Arts and Humanities - as well as of course the Innovation Academy itself

We provided a space for these students to learn about 3D printing, vacuum forming, and laser cutting - facilitating a huge range of projects, including:

Aircraft parts for the UCD Unmanned Aerial Vehicle engineering team.

Segmented soil samplers for studying underground life

Furniture and architectural models for an architecture thesis project

Projects for students in Engineering modules.

Resin printing high-detail models

MakerSpace

Staff

We’ve also carried out a selection of projects for UCD Staff and departments, including:

Laser engraving for multiple UCD Award ceremonies.

Drawer parts for the Loop - UCD’s new library repair café

3D models and video presentations for the School of Archaeology

Enterprise Collaboration

This year we also opened new collaboration opportunities with 123-3D ie who generously provide printing materials and 3D Printer parts to maintain the space, enabling opportunities that would not have otherwise been possible.

Beyond Education: Creating Belonging in Challenging Times

Explorers

Ireland’s housing crisis and high cost of living are forcing students into long commutes and exhausting part-time jobs The number of third level students in Ireland who did not progress from first to second year has risen to 15%, according to the latest data from the Higher Education Authority released last year.

UCD recognises in its new strategy that the university experience must be more than a programme of study – it is about personal development within a vibrant and supportive community However economic pressures undermine students' ability to develop the connections that create true belonging and are fundamental to a transformative education and positive student experience.

UCD Innovation Academy is working to address this challenge by transforming student experience through meaningful campus employment.

Explorers

UCD Innovation Academy’s EXPLORERS programme breaks this cycle by offering students meaningful, flexible employment opportunities directly on campus, supported by a wrap-around social and community building programme.

Already thriving at UCD Innovation Academy, student explorers are making significant contributions by:

Improving recruitment processes with AI solutions.

Supporting peers with advanced technology in the MakerSpace.

Contributing to campus sustainability initiatives.

Creating compelling marketing content.

Designing teaching aides with augmented technologies

ADVANCING RESEARCH & INNOVATION

FOSTERING COLLABORATION ACROSS DISCIPLINES

Advancing Research & Innovation

PhD Electives

UCD Innovation Academy began in 2012 as a project to support PhD students learn the knowledge, skills and mindset to thrive after they completed their PhDs. Fifteen years later, we continue our work with PhDs and researchers.

This year 162 PhDs joined our electives from a range of backgrounds

I would highly recommend Design Your Life as a module to help ground and reflect on your current trajectory. The module is practical, applicable and enables you to learn from others in the class. I came out of the module with a renewed sense of direction and focus.

I continue to implement the skills that I acquired from the experienced tutors.

Philip Doran Teaching Fellow School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy

PHD & MASTERS MODULES 2024/25

Creative Thinking & Innovation

Design Thinking

Communicating for Impact

Design Your Life

Advancing Research & Innovation Student Voice

Jack Eoin Rua O'Neill, IRC PhD Scholar

Having completed several outstanding modules from the Innovation Academy, I can confidently say that "Design Your Life - IA50005" has been truly lifechanging. Unlike any other course I’ve taken at UCD, this module wasn’t just about passing exams, gaining knowledge, or learning skills for a future career. Instead, it offered a rare and invaluable space for reflection - on where we are in life and, more importantly, where we want to go.

This was far from a subjective exercise. We were equipped with practical tools and strategies that allowed us to truly reflect on our lives, not just academically or professionally, but in terms of our families, our health, and most importantly, our personal well-being. The insights gained through this process have helped me reshape my perspective and create a clearer vision for my future.

For any PhD student in their final years in UCD, I strongly recommend this module. It has provided me with a sense of direction and clarity that has been instrumental as I approach the final stages of my PhD and prepare for my thesis submission.

The Design Your Life module isn’t just another class - it’s an experience that guides you toward the life you truly want to lead.

Living Labs

UCD Greenacre Sustainability Hub

UCD Greenacre is UCD’s new experiential sustainability hub, located on an acre of UCD’s woodland campus in Belfield and supported by our HEA Human Capital Initiative project, Convene.

A first of its kind in Ireland, UCD Greenacre makes immersive, hands-on sustainability experiences accessible to the UCD community and those who partner with us to explore, experiment and learn how to take meaningful actions for a sustainable planet

UCD Greenacre is grounded in the creative problem solving ethos of UCD Innovation Academy. UCD Greenacre serves as a catalyst for collaborative innovation in sustainability and a safe space in which to try, test, fail and iterate to solve humanity’s greatest challenges

Living Labs

UCD Greenacre Sustainability Hub

As well as research, UCD Greenacre also serves as an important place for education in UCD Undergraduate students are actively involved in the Living Lab in different ways, from tending to the community garden to managing the mushroom farm.

The Living Labs includes a Plastic Recycling project where can practice the Circular Economy, minimize waste and maximize resource reuse, recycling, and repurposing. Initiatives include recycling plastic bottle caps into furniture

Smart Mushroom Farming

UCD Greenacre is partnered with Dr Dimitrios Argyropoulos, Assistant Professor in the UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, a multi-disciplinary school and Ireland’s premier agri-food related research entity. Dimitrios leads the Digital AgTech Lab, with focus on the application of "smart systems" to the agri-food and bio-resource sectors.

Dimitrios uses Greenacre’s mushroom farm (where students grown oyster mushrooms from coffee grounds collected on campus) to test his Smart Mushroom Farming tool. It offers an integrated solution for the continuous, automated and real-time crop growth monitoring. Data analysis of temporal and spatial data, in turn, allows mushroom farmers to perform precise crop scouting and yield mapping.

This enables farmers to monitor growth and environmental parameters more accurately, ensuring uniform yield and reducing resource input.

ENGAGING FOR IMPACT

TRANSFORMATION THROUGH GLOBAL

ENGAGEMENT AND COLLABORATIVE

INNOVATION

Engaging for Impact Partnering with VNU and NUOL

UCD Innovation Academy is partnered with Vietnam National University, Hanoi and National University of Laos in a project that aims to transform faculty of both higher education institutions through 21st century teaching and learning pedagogies into catalysts for innovation and change within their classes, universities and societies.

As part of the VIBE collaboration, faculty members from VNU and NUOL visited UCD this year to co-facilitate undergraduate modules alongside UCD Innovation Academy facilitators, learning and applying active and collaborative teaching methods and practices.

UCD Innovation Academy team members also undertook missions to Vietnam and Laos, working with educators in both countries and advocating on behalf of the programme and its goals.

This collaboration comes at a time when UCD is strengthening its ties with Vietnam National University, including a formal partnership agreement signed with VNU in 2024.

An MOU Agreement between UCD and VNU was signed in October 2024 by UCD President Orla Feely and VNU President Lê Quân

The VIBE (Vietnam Ireland Bilateral Exchange) programme has significantly impacted the educational system of Vietnam and Laos to date, with an estimated 2500 individual participating university educators (so-called VIBERs) experiencing a transformation in mindsets, competencies, capacities, wellbeing and behaviours inside and outside academia Throughout the seven-year project timeline, this transformation of educators has had a cascading impact on an estimated 250,000 students.

The project also extended its impact beyond VNU and NUOL, fostering an innovative culture in 18 universities across Vietnam and Laos and encouraging educators and students to address challenge based learning (often with a sustainability focus) via hundreds of projects with communities and SMEs. In recognition, Prof Suzi Jarvis, UCD Innovation Academy Director, received the Development Cause Medal from former VNU President Son, the current Minister for Education.

UCD Innovation Academy team meet with VNU President Lê Quân, July 2025

The project initially aimed to transform the higher education system of Vietnam by working with faculty from Vietnam’s top national university to upskill in innovative teaching methodologies and move away from lecture based content delivery with the purpose of improving learning and enhancing life outcomes for students.

The project spread beyond its initial focus on higher education due to the influence and engagement of the VNU faculty across communities, enterprise and the wider education system (VNU leads curriculum development and teacher training for schools).

This has been supported by the current Minister for Education, who championed the project in his former role as President of VNU Hanoi. These successes are now being replicated in Laos and Cambodia

Engaging for Impact Partnering with OMO

In 2024, UCD Innovation Academy partnered with OMO, an association of secondary schools in the Netherlands, in a new collaboration to transform education The collaboration will equip hundreds of educators with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to deliver transformative learning experiences for students in the 21st century.

The heart of this initiative is a series of bespoke innovation programmes designed for educational changemakers from OMO, a network of 68 secondary schools founded in 1916 that educates over 61,000 students with the support of 6,800 staff.

To date, 40 OMO school leaders have completed the Creative Leadership for Education microcredential and 53 OMO educators have completed the Professional Certificate in Creativity and Innovation for Education, with many continuing to pursue a Diploma.

“The entrepreneurial mindset with teachers, I think it gives them the opportunity to think and act in a different way than they previously have. It helps teachers get more selfconfidence to start taking action.”

Susan Timmermans OMO School Director De Overlaat Creative Leadership for Education

“Education should be a mirror of our society. Our societies are developing rapidly and we should develop ourselves as well through innovation.”

Edwin Verlangen,

OMO Principal Schoolgroup De Langstraat Creative Leadership for Education

“Our world is always changing and always innovating, our education system should prepare our students for the future. You need to learn at school how you’re going to adapt to those changes. Otherwise our students won’t know how to change with the world.”

Bart van den Broek OMO Teacher Sondervick College Prof Cert in Creativity and Innovation for Education

“The program brought me my awareness of the ripple effect, the small things I can do on a daily basis, in my classroom with my students, and the effect that has on them. And I hope on the bigger picture and the real world

So the positive effect of this program is my awareness of my impact and also my value, that I can bring to my students and I hope the students will feel that they are valued as well.”

Marlou Mellendijk OMO Teacher Metameer Prof Cert Creativity and Innovation for Education

“The UCD programme teaches us to act and not just to think about innovation. It gives us a common language to innovate through design thinking but also through action. Feel the fear and do it anyway is one of the mantras. We need to do that in education.”

Bram Paulissen

OMO Transition Ambassador Creative Leadership for Education

In February 2025, we delivered the Dóchas | UCD Innovation Academy Creative Leadership Programme to 29 international development leaders from across the world.

Dóchas connects, strengthens and represents a network of international development and humanitarian organisations who have a shared vision of a just, sustainable and equal world. Its network includes 58 organisations in 104 countries. Members include Trocaire, Goal, Concern and Sightsavers, among others

The Dóchas | UCD Innovation Academy Creative Leadership Programme began at a time of great turmoil for the development sector against the backdrop of attacks on USAID and the rowing back of international aid from other governments

Suddenly, the question of leadership in the humanitarian and development sector was cast into a new and urgent light

The programme was devised to empower leaders, at all levels locally within Ireland and globally, emerging and experienced, within humanitarian aid agencies, large and small. It offered a bespoke, learning programme aimed at unlocking leadership capacity for creativity and innovation.

This interactive learning experience seeks to build and enhance the creative leadership skills of existing and emerging leaders in the INGO sector; to explore participants’ personal strengths, weaknesses, mindsets and values as a creative, innovative leader; to acquire the skills to strengthen capacity for self awareness, self reflection and resilience; to learn how to enable change in participants’ organisation and beyond; and to develop the skills and tools needed to cultivate an innovative environment in participants’ organisation.

With leaders and emerging leaders in the international aid and humanitarian sector participating from over 11 different countries from all across Europe, Asia and Africa, we had such an incredible array of perspectives and experience in the group.

For me what was most special though, was how open the group were to exploring an approach to leadership that was much more inward looking and reflective, and that really required a deep self awareness and vulnerability. So many of the participants remarked that they were so used to the focus being on the people they were leading or managing, that it was very refreshing and valuable to slow down and really look at their own values, and how well their leadership behaviours, attitudes and practices were in alignment with these.

Niall Walsh, UCD Innovation Academy

STUDENT VOICE

Dóchas | UCD Creative Leadership Programme

Edward Makoni

Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods

Programme Advisor

Trócaire, Harare, Zimbabwe

Participating in the Dóchas | UCD Innovation Academy

Creative Leadership Programme was a genuinely transformative experience. What resonated most with me was the emphasis on experiential learning, the interactive sessions and the diversity of real-life experiences shared by participants from different countries created a rich and inspiring environment for reflection and growth.

The programme didn’t just offer concepts; it challenged us to apply them. One practical outcome was my commitment to fostering a culture of experimentation within my team Since the training, I’ve initiated collaborative brainstorming sessions where team members are encouraged to share ideas freely, and we ’ re already implementing the first idea that emerged. This shift is helping to create a more open, creative, and empowered team culture.

The two-module format allowed space for real-time application, peer feedback, and deep reflection I found it tailored perfectly to the challenges and needs of those working in the INGO sector. I would highly recommend the programme to any current or aspiring leader who wants to unlock new ways of thinking and embed creativity and innovation into their leadership practice.

Engaging for Impact UCD in the Community

Sheila Tinney, born in 1918, is Ireland’s most famous mathematician. She became a UCD lecturer at the age of 23 During her career she worked alongside several famous scientists like Paul Dirac, Erwin Schrödinger and Albert Einstein. Yet few people in Ireland have heard of Sheila.

UCD Innovation Academy partnered with Dr. Christiana Pantelidou to promote Ireland’s Maths Superwomen, funded by the Royal Society. In keeping with our mission to equip learners with the mindset needed for continuous learning, Ireland’s Maths Superwomen, designed by Christiana, aims to inform and inspire young girls to participate in Maths

Christiana and fellow researchers met with students to talk about the seven Irish female mathematicians showcase in the project

70 primary school students attended an event in UCD Innovation Academy to see the ‘Ireland Maths Superwomen’ project

Engaging for Impact Partnering with Enterprise: EXL

Two years after UCD Innovation and EXL first began its collaboration, EXL this year opened a new headquarters for international business in Dublin. The new location includes an AI Innovation Lab, a dedicated centre for the research and development of cutting-edge, industry-specific AI solutions. The AI Innovation Lab will initially employ 60 highly skilled professionals

The AI Innovation Lab comes on foot of UCD’s own UCD | EXL Innovation and AI programme, which launched in 2023 and is set to engage its third intake in Autumn 2025. In addition, the UCD and EXL partnership has grown to include sponsorship of student events and the exploration of internship opportunities

An Tánaiste Simon Harris TD hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony with EXL Chairman and CEO Rohit Kapoor, Professor Colin Scott, Deputy President and Vice President of Academic Affairs, UCD and Mary Buckley, Executive Director, IDA also attended

By investing in local talent and fostering strong partnerships with Ireland’s world-class academic institutions, EXL is helping to position Dublin as a global centre of excellence for AI.

The positive impact has been significant: not only has it accelerated the transformation of EXL’s operations and leadership capabilities, but it has also contributed to Ireland’s broader innovation ecosystem, as evidenced by plans for further job creation and enhanced competitiveness in AIdriven digital operations.

Professor Colin Scott, Deputy President and Vice President of Academic Affairs shares remarks at the opening of EXL’s new Innovation and AI Lab in Dublin

Fostering Public Sector Innovation

Dept of Enterprise, Tourism & Employment

UCD Innovation Academy won a competitive tender in 2025 to partner with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in a multiyear collaboration to foster a culture of innovation across the department The new partnership me for a group of DETE mindset, knowledge and skills to so includes a workshop series orking on with the application of gy.

DETE Secretary General Declan Hughes speaks to DETE participants during an Innovation Academy workshop.

Nominee Civil Service Excellence and Innovation Awards

Innovative thinking is crucial to develop and implement better and more effective public services UCD Innovation Academy was nominated for a Civil Service Excellence and Innovation Award in 2025 alongside its partner the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment for its co-designed programme which sought to equip DETE staff with an innovation mindset and skills.

Over 300 staff learned practical innovation tools to help deliver better work practices, supports and customer service for all stakeholders

There was an inspiring range of nominees, all putting their expertise and knowledge in service to our communities and country.

Some other projects nominated include:

Expanding courtroom video technology and increasing remote appearance, transforming the delivery of justice for prisoners in Ireland

Establishing an independent, confidential election pro l i i f all political parties

A debt warehousing scheme allowing businesses to p interest free, during and after the pandemic

The Irish people value what you do.

An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, speaking at the Awards Ceremony.

Partnering with ESB, Ireland’s Foremost Energy Provider

2025 is our ninth year partnering with ESB in their flagship innovation programme The programme has designed and delivered innovations on some of the most urgent issues we face today, benefiting Irish society and our economy as a result.

Participants leave with tangible innovations to take forward and just as importantly, an innovation mindset backed up by innovation skills and tools, to apply now and in the future.

After six months of hard work in interdisciplinary teams, participants pitch solutions to real business challenges on pitch day in front of an audience of senior leadership and colleagues.

Mark Fowler ESB Innovation Capability Manager

ESB Innovation Academy Projects 2025

In 2025, five teams comprising participants from across business units in ESB worked on specific challenges. The challenges are designed by senior leadership and teams receive support from a senior Business Sponsor, ensuring solutions are relevant and have a greater chance of continuing after the programme.

Thermal Generation in the Net Zero Future Mix

How digital tools can inform stakeholders of how and when thermal generation is needed to support the Irish electricity system, as the level of renewables increase through 2030 and onward to deliver our Net Zero 2040 target

Supporting Behavioural Change for Heat Pump Adoption

Examining levels of Heat Pump adoption across Ireland and what ESB Networks can do to influence transition to electric heating for different customer groupings. The solution proposition is a shared platform where owners can opt-in to showing local people their Heat Pump installations, leveraging social proof as a positive local influence

ESB is committed to reach net zero by 2040 – an ambitious and challenging target, which is ten years ahead of the legally binding Government targets for Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain

Opportunities to Support Fuel Poor Customers

Identifying fuel poor customers in debt and referring them to social partners like MABS and SVP The solution was a live trial with agents in Capita, allowing time on calls to assess real need and advise on appropriate financial supports and energy measures

Circularity and Resource Use of ESB Assets

Taking a wide view of asset resource use across ESB Networks and life-cycle management. The solution proposition focused on systems to record assets for reuse and make them available for any local areas for re-use

Capturing Scope Three Emissions with our Suppliers

Examining best practice or alternative ways to identify and capture Scope three emissions with ESB supplier base. The team’s proposition was to build supplier engagement with a co-creation community.

Work begins on the Ardnacrusha Shannon Hydroelectric Scheme in 1925 This year ESB celebrates 100 years of this historic innovation for the Irish state

In understanding innovation in ESB we drew on the story of Ardnacrusha which happened nearly 100 years ago (the Shannon hydro-electric scheme that took just four years, 1925 to 1929, to build). The project transformed the nation and so we drew on that story to explain how ESB has always been innovative. All of this helped us to understand that actually innovation wasn’t new in ESB. We’ve always been problem solvers.

Mark Fowler, Innovation Capability Manager, ESB

In addition to Innovation Academy@ESB, a mainstay of ESB’s innovation programming, we also delivered a range of short workshops to everyone from new graduate recruits to ESB senior leadership. For a third year, we delivered ESB Ignition, a two day design sprint with newly recruited graduates from across ESB.

Engaging for Impact UCD Festival

Every UCD Festival our long-time team member Pepper the Robot comes into their own and this year was no different. Twenty UCD Innovation Academy team members participated in the Festival on the day facilitating exhibits at two sites, the Innovation Academy and UCD Greenacre, and engaging with thousands of visitors who came to see us and participate in our activities

We're particularly passionate about inspiring the next generation of innovators at UCD Innovation Academy Through interactive demonstrations, workshops, and exhibits we ignite curiosity and demonstrate how innovation thinking can be applied in ways great and small