Transition Year Students Showcase Innovations at ‘Ideas Made Real’ Event in Mullingar

The Mullingar Park Hotel was the venue for the “Ideas Made Real” Transition Year Programme Showcase and Awards Ceremony, hosted by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR), Mullingar. The event, sponsored by Decotek Automotive with additional support from strategic partners Fastrack into Information Technology (FIT) and the Engineering Technology Teachers’ Association (E.T.T.A.), featured participation from over 150 students from a range of schools, including Coláiste Mhuire, St. Finian’s College and Loreto College in Mullingar, Summerhill College Sligo, Tallaght Community School, and Griffeen Community College, Lucan.

These students presented their innovative projects developed using advanced manufacturing technologies. The projects, which ranged from custom 3D-printed parts to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities to devices integrated into sports equipment for safety, highlighted their potential to address local community challenges.

*1st Place Winners – Loreto College, Mullingar*

The “Ideas Made Real” programme, launched in September 2023, integrates STEM principles with practical projects like the 3D Printing Challenge to empower students creatively and practically.

“Ideas Made Real” is an initiative by Irish Manufacturing Research, aimed at empowering the makers of tomorrow by introducing them to the tools and technologies that are shaping the future of manufacturing. With a focus on turning concepts into reality, the outreach programme offers many resources, opportunities, and platforms designed to support and nurture the brilliant minds of tomorrow. Their motto, “EMPOWERING THE MAKERS OF TOMORROW”, captures the brand’s essence and unwavering commitment to progress and innovation.
The programme connects students with industry, enhancing their understanding of advanced manufacturing and opening new pathways for future careers in STEM.

Barry Kennedy, CEO of Irish Manufacturing Research, remarked, “Dreaming up a great idea is the easy part. The real challenge, and what we celebrated today, lies in bringing those ideas to life. These young innovators have not only produced prototypes but also demonstrated the ability to apply theoretical knowledge practically in a team setting, signaling the future of manufacturing.”

Lauren McDermott-Smith, Programme Lead, stated, “Our commitment is in empowering the makers of tomorrow; we are actively crafting the next wave of creators. This event was a platform for these talented students to showcase real-world solutions that tackle genuine community issues, demonstrating innovation with purpose.”

*Participants from Colaiste Mhuire Mullingar, including 3rd Place and Innovation Awards*

The event culminated in an awards ceremony that celebrated the innovative spirit and hard work of all participants:

1st Place: CSL Autos from Loreto College, Mullingar – Ciara Ballesty; Shenice Groome; Linda Raeside
2nd Place: The Candy by Griffeen Community College – Jamie Roe; Alexander Bilei; Cian O Neil; James Farrell
3rd Place: Hand Caddy by Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar – Pádraig Casey; Rory O Brien; Cian Egan; Sean Hanlon
Creativity Award: The Pic Protectors by St Finian’s, Mullingar- Eimear Peters; Jenna Mangan; Lauren Kavanagh; Martyna Kowolik
Innovation Award: Aurisafe by Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar – Seán Murphy; Shane Martin; James Baird; Jamie Wallace
Enthusiasm Award: The Waters by Tallaght Community School – Hadassah Ime Kadira; Holleigh Delaney; Sarah Jane Johnston; Elisha Whelan

Judges for the event included John Enright from Irish Manufacturing Research, Samantha Bakir from Prodieco, Peter Davitt from FIT, James Brady from Abbott, Mallika Singh from KPMG, and Paul Bergin from Decotek Automotive.