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Sustainability

Future Makers

Published: Thursday 3 September 2026 - 15:07

students around a table workshopping
Unlocking Migrant Talent for Ireland's Innovation and Climate Future

TU Dublin is pleased to support Future Makers, a three-day innovation programme delivered as part of Ireland's SDG Week 2026. Taking place on TU Dublin's Aungier Street campus, between 22-24 September 2026. This innovation and enterprise programme is for people who want to create positive change in their communities, explore self-employment, and develop practical responses to social, environmental and  economic challenges. Through facilitated workshops, real-world examples and collaborative activities, participants will build connections, test ideas and identify achievable next steps.

The programme is organised by Dublin South City Partnership (DSCP) in partnership with TU Dublin, the Centre for Entrepreneurial Behaviour, Inclusion and Innovation (CEBII) and with support from TU Dublin Enterprise Academy. The event focuses on unlocking migrant talent through collaboration, entrepreneurship, sustainability and climate action. Across three day-long workshops, participants will work together to develop innovative ideas, explore real-world challenges and build connections that support inclusive and sustainable development.

Attend one day, two days or all three. A Certificate of Attendance is available upon successful completion of all three workshop days. Tea, coffee and lunch will be provided.

Event Information and Registration

Who can attend?

The programme welcomes a mixed and diverse group, including aspiring entrepreneurs, people with lived and international experience, IPAS participants, community members, local organisations, public-sector partners and anyone interested in sustainability, social innovation or community action. No previous business or innovation experience is required.

 

Programme Highlights

Reconnect

Day 1: Reconnect the Disconnected

Reconnect with yourself, other people and the places we share. Day 1 creates space to recognise the strengths, experiences and ideas participants bring, while exploring how sustainability, community action and entrepreneurial thinking can contribute to a thriving and inclusive Dublin.

Time  Activity Facilitator

9.30–11.00 

Welcome and interactive morning workshop: Step into the Doughnut 

Michelle Licciardi (DSCP), Dr Lucia Walsh & Dr Olivia Freeman, TU Dublin 

11.00–11.15 

Tea / coffee break 

 

11.15–12.45 

Unrolling the Doughnut: exploring local and global social and ecological perspectives 

Dr Lucia Walsh & Dr Olivia Freeman, TU Dublin 

12.45–13.30 

Lunch 

 

1.30–14.15 

Not My Bag: documentary screening and conversation with the director and a local environmental activist

Beta Bajgart, See the Light Production Co 

14.15–15.00 

Outdoor microgarden activity: environmental storytelling and connection to place 

Beta Bajgart, See the Light Production Co 

15.00–16.00 

Reflection, ideas exchange and formation of action groups around shared interests 

 

16.00 hrs 

Close 

DSCP 

Day 1 Facilitators

 

Imagine

Day 2: From Good Idea to Real Opportunity

Day 2 focuses on testing whether an idea responds to a real need and exploring how it could become a viable project, social enterprise or business. The sessions combine practical enterprise guidance, commercial thinking and accessible technology tools.

Time  Activity Facilitator

9.30–10.00  

Welcome and introduction to DSCP supports and pathways  

Michelle Licciardi, DSCP  

10.00–11.15  

Reality check: understanding the problem, the people affected and the opportunity  

Noel Davidson, Entrepreneurs Academy  

11.15–11.30  

Tea / coffee break  

  

11.30–13.00  

Commercial viability: value, customers, income and sustainability  

Noel Davidson, Entrepreneurs Academy  

13.00–14.00  

Lunch  

  

14.00–15.00 

Technology and next steps: practical tools to develop and test an idea  

Noel Davidson, Entrepreneurs Academy  

15.00 – 15.45  

From student projects to local impact and scaling –  

BiaBox and S'port for Grief

Ethan Levins & Giada Franzolini 

15.45 – 16.00  

Reflections, supports and close  

Michelle Licciardi, DSCP  

 

Day 2 contributors  

Create

Day 3: From Opportunity to Action

Day 3 presents a hands-on innovation challenge focused on public transport, safety, connection and user experience. Participants will hear short inspiration bursts, explore the Luas experience and work collaboratively to design practical ideas for a safer and more social Luas stop.

Time  Activity Facilitator

9.30–10.30  

Inspiration bursts: recent projects in sustainable mobility, inclusion, customer experience and Luas operations  

Transport Infrastructure Ireland team 

10.30–10.45  

Hands-on design-thinking challenge: “Make Luas More Safe and More Social”  

Transport Infrastructure Ireland team 

10.45 – 11.00  

Tea / coffee break  

  

11.30–13.00  

Facilitated design-thinking challenge – hands-on working in groups 

Gavan Cleary, TU Dublin  

13.00–14.00  

Lunch and opportunity to finalise ideas 

  

14.00–15.00  

Facilitated design-thinking challenge – pitching of ideas  

Gavan Cleary, TU Dublin  

15.00–15.40  

Motivational talk and programme reflection  

Pearl Olesitse  

15.40–16.00  

Ideas, next steps, connections and close  

DSCP & programme contributors  

Day 3 facilitators and contributors  

 

Building Inclusive and Sustainable Futures

Future Makers demonstrates the power of collaboration, diversity and lived experience in addressing today's sustainability challenges. By bringing together people from different backgrounds and perspectives, the programme aims to foster innovation, strengthen communities and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive Ireland.

TU Dublin's commitment to sustainable events