TU Dublin Student Wins Enterprise Ireland’s 2025 Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Congratulations to TU Dublin’s Ryan Ormonde and his co-founder, Jonathan Hoffman of Saor Water, who were crowned Enterprise Ireland’s 2025 Student Entrepreneurs of the Year at a ceremony in TU Dublin - Blanchardstown.
The Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards are focused on supporting students in turning their smart ideas into commercial businesses. It aims to encourage and stimulate entrepreneurship by helping students take what are often their first steps towards commercial success.
Ten cutting-edge innovations addressing a range of global challenges were shortlisted for the 44th annual Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards final. These include cutting-edge medtech devices, sustainable solutions, and pioneering sports tech-focused innovations.
Saor Water, created by Business & Management student Ryan Ormonde, provides a bespoke canned water solution for brands seeking a sustainable alternative to plastic bottles. They offer custom-branded aluminium cans and a low minimum order service that includes design, compliance, and logistics. Saor Water is already working with high-profile clients such as Mercedes-Benz and Sculpted by Aimee.
As the overall winners of this year’s competition, Ryan and his co-founder, Jonathan, have won a €10,000 prize, as well as mentoring support from Enterprise Ireland experts and advisors, focused on supporting them to develop their products and explore new market opportunities.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Kevin Sherry, Interim CEO of Enterprise Ireland, said: "The Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards is an important annual event that honours students who are delivering innovative solutions which have the potential to drive real and positive change in society.
“At Enterprise Ireland, Irish entrepreneurs and businesses are at the heart of everything we do. They are economic cornerstones in communities across the country. Our key objective is to Accelerate Sustainable Irish Business so that, in time, exporting Irish companies can become the primary driver of our economy. Key to this is strengthening our pipeline of early-stage companies with global potential, such as these innovators we are honouring in this year’s Student Entrepreneur Awards. These Awards are a powerful example of how we can foster ambition, innovation, and international success from the very beginning of the entrepreneurial journey.
“I would like to congratulate all of the finalists in this year’s competition. You are the leaders of tomorrow - we look forward to supporting your journey and wish you every success.”
Also speaking at the event, Teri Smith, Manager, Local Enterprise Centre of Excellence & Enterprise Europe Network, Enterprise Ireland, said: "The Student Entrepreneur Awards continue to provide third-level students with a vital platform to explore the feasibility of their business ideas, supported by experienced mentors and their academic institutions.
“At Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices, fostering the next generation of Irish entrepreneurs is a top priority. These Awards mark a significant milestone in the entrepreneurial journey of students, offering them the resources, guidance, and recognition needed to transform innovative concepts into thriving businesses. The 44th year of the competition showcases the ambition, creativity, and potential of Ireland’s future business leaders."