Professor Thomas Cooney of TU Dublin Awarded European Entrepreneurship Education Award 2026
TU Dublin is pleased to announce that Professor Thomas M. Cooney has been named the recipient of the European Entrepreneurship Education Award (EEEA) 2026, a prestigious honour presented annually by the Sten K. Johnson Centre for Entrepreneurship.
Professor Cooney is Professor of Entrepreneurship at TU Dublin and Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Behaviour, Inclusion and Innovation (CEBII). He was recognised for his significant contribution to entrepreneurship education across Europe, particularly his commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship and the empowerment of marginalised and underrepresented groups.
The award committee praised his leadership in academia and policy, as well as his collaborations with international organisations, including the OECD, the European Commission and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, which have helped deliver impactful entrepreneurship education initiatives across diverse communities. His innovative teaching has also generated a strong social impact, with TU Dublin undergraduate students raising approximately €1 million for charitable causes through coursework.
The award includes a diploma and a monetary prize of 100,000 SEK and will be presented at the 3E Conference in Bodø, Norway, taking place from 20–22 May 2026.
TU Dublin warmly congratulates Professor Cooney on this outstanding international achievement, which reflects the University’s strong commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship. Supporting diverse entrepreneurial pathways is central to TU Dublin’s mission, ensuring that learners from all backgrounds have equitable access to education, skills development and opportunity.