SoStart
Empowering the next generation of social innovators
Have you got an idea that could make a real difference in your community, but aren’t sure how to take it further? Then take the first step with SoStart this summer. SoStart is designed to help young people explore entrepreneurship, build confidence, and develop socially innovative ideas. You’ll learn key skills to help you stand out, create meaningful impact, and begin your journey as a changemaker.
We provide an energetic co-working environment, hands‑on workshops, mentorship from social innovation experts, and the chance to showcase your idea at the end of the programme.
SoStart is a student-focused social innovation and entrepreneurship accelerator delivered by TU Dublin Enterprise Engagement and University of Galway IdeasLab.
Across a compact, high‑impact programme, you and your team will:
- Learn how to design solutions that create social value
- Understand systems thinking and how to approach complex problems
- Develop business and impact models suited to social enterprises
- Receive guidance from experienced mentors and practitioners
- Build your confidence through presentations, pitching, and peer collaboration
SoStart is open to students from all backgrounds, especially those who may not have engaged with entrepreneurship programmes before. All that matters is your passion to create change and your willingness to learn.
During SoStart you will learn how to:
- Turn a social challenge into a viable entrepreneurial idea
- Think creatively and apply design-thinking principles
- Analyse problems through empathy and systems thinking
- Build a socially innovative business or project model
- Develop confidence in presenting, pitching, and storytelling
- Connect with peers, mentors, and start-up communities
- Understand how to measure and communicate social impact
In‑person sessions delivered across TU Dublin Grangegorman and University of Galway campuses.
SoStart runs in two cycles: Summer 2026 and 2027
Key Dates (subject to change)
- May 25th: Design Thinking
- May 26th: Ideation, Social Value Creation
- June 2nd: Business Model Canvas & Financial Basics
- June 3rd: Understanding Market Fit, Sales & Marketing Strategy
- June 8th (online): Social Innovation Business Models
- June 17th: Social Innovation Impact Cases (at the Wayfinding Centre Dublin)
- June 23rd: Implentation
- June 24th: Scaling Social Innovation
- July 2nd: Pitch Event
Apply now by completing this application form.
Applications closing by Thursday, 19 March 2026 at 5 pm.