114 Young People from 5 Schools & After Schools Group have completed the inaugural Student Innovation & Technology Challenge hosted by Carlow County Council’s – Local Enterprise Office. The Student Innovation & Technology Challenge was a project based programme which asked young people to engage in collective projects based on real life innovation challenges presented by County Carlow companies. 

Participating groups included Cill an Oir Afterschool , Askea Afterschool  , Carlow National School , Presentation College Carlow , Scoil Naomh Peader's Pól 

& St Mary's Academy CBS

Speaking about the importance of innovation , Aine Carey , Graduate with the Local Enterprise Office in Carlow County Coundil said “Innovation is about taking two things that already exist and putting them together in a new way” and “Student Innovation & Technology Challenge is an initiative designed to encourage creativity, innovation, and collaboration among County Carlow primary and post primary students in a bid to promote the spirit of enterprise and creativity in the County”

Kieran Comerford, Head of Enterprise with the Carlow County Council – Local Enterprise Office said “We are delighted with the initial support for this new programme which contributes to the innovative and creative abilities in young people and encourage participation in the application of acquired knowledge and skills to solve problems relating to industry. Comerford continued to say, “I am delighted that this pilot programme has engaged with over 100 young people and we will aim to build on this during 2019 prior to relaunching the challenges in September 2019”. 

Speaking about the importance of the initiative, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council Cllr. Brian O’Donoghue said, “Inspiring innovative thinking in our young people is vital and we in Carlow County Council are delighted to play our part in developing and supporting this programme.” The Cathaoirleach continued to say, “I’d like to acknowledge everyone who will play their part in the success of this programme, including school principals, teachers, youth workers and the entrepreneurs who have set the challenges and I hope that schools from all around the county will take part in the inCarlow Student Innovation & Technology Challenge.”

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For further information contact Kieran Comerford on 086-8252037 or e-mail kcomerford@carlowcoco.ie