RIAI Supporting The B!G iDEA 2025
The RIAI is delighted to continue our partnership with The B!G iDEA, empowering young people across Ireland through creative problem-solving, supporting 100 schools, 4,000 students, and bringing hundreds of innovative B!G Ideas to the world.
_and_Kim_Mackenzie_Doyle_(CEO_and_Founder_at_the_Big_Idea)_Presenting_Hermosa_(St._Josephs_College_Borrisoleigh)_with_the_Tackling_Poverty_Category_Winner_Trophy_(Onl__1300_867_60.jpg)
RIAI President Sean Mahon FRIAI and CEO and Founder of the B!G iDEA Kim Mackenzie Doyle presenting Hermosa from St Joseph’s College, Borrisoleigh with the Tackling Poverty Category Winner Trophy.
RIAI President Sean Mahon FRIAI attended the showcase and presented the Tackling Poverty Category Winner Trophy to Team Hermosa from St Joseph’s College, Borrisoleigh. Speaking at the event, Sean said:
I’m honoured to be here today on behalf of the RIAI. Tackling poverty remains one of Ireland’s most pressing challenges—and the projects we’re celebrating today are a powerful example of how creativity can drive real impact. These students have shown that innovative thinking can be a force for change.
On the winning project:
This winning idea tackles one of the most persistent challenges in society: how to break the cycle of poverty by improving access to education. This team combined big thinking, empathy, and teamwork to design a concept that connects students with free tutoring support—funded through grants and donations from businesses committed to education, diversity, and inclusion. Their idea shows how creative thinking can open doors for others and build a more equal future.
Two projects were recognised for their creativity and compassion, the commended projects in the Tackling Poverty category are:
- Team Hope for the Homeless from Borris Vocational School, Carlow
- Team United Minions From Limerick Educate Together Secondary School
This collaboration closely aligns with the RIAI’s commitment to fostering positive and inclusive social impact across the built environment through innovation and design thinking.
With 40% of participants coming from disadvantaged schools—including Youthreach centres, Leaving Cert Applied (LCA) programmes, and Northern Ireland schools—the programme’s impact is far-reaching and deeply inclusive.
As a B!G iDEA partner, the RIAI provides sponsorship and facilitates mentorship opportunities.
For further information on the B!G iDEA, click here.