ENFUSE
Connecting Master’s Students with Local Enterprises
ENFUSE is a free, award-winning programme that connects local enterprises with teams of Master’s students from Dublin’s universities.
Running over Semester 2 (January to May), the programme pairs enterprises with student teams to address a specific business challenge or opportunity. The collaboration culminates at the ENFUSE Finals in May, where student teams present their work and innovative solutions.
What Can Student Teams Help With?
ENFUSE teams come from a variety of Master’s programs, bringing expertise in areas such as:
- Digital Marketing
- Marketing
- Business Strategy
- Sustainability
- Finance & Data Analysis
- Tourism
- Human Resources
....and more
No matter the sector or type of challenge, there’s likely a student team with the right expertise to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
How Does ENFUSE Work?
1) Apply to ENFUSE: Enterprises complete a short online application outlining a challenge or opportunity they’d like support with.
2) Matching: Once applications are received, ENFUSE coordinators pair each selected enterprise with a team of 4–6 Master’s students from a relevant academic discipline.
3) Collaboration: Between February and April, enterprises and student teams collaborate through approximately four meetings (in person or online) to exchange information, track progress, and provide feedback. During this time, students research your business context and develop a practical, tailored action plan.
4) Plan Presentation: By April, student teams present their completed plans to you (the enterprise) and their lecturer.
5) ENFUSE Finals: Once all plans are submitted, lecturers and ENFUSE organisers review the projects and shortlist the most innovative and impactful collaborations. If your enterprise’s project is selected, your student team will represent your organisation and their university at the ENFUSE Finals in May.
Role of Enterprises
- Complete the ENFUSE Application Form.
- Propose a challenge or opportunity for the student team to develop a plan.
- Nominate a representative to liaise with.
- Meet with your student team approx. 4 times (online or in person).
- Rate the student team.
- Participate in an evaluation survey.
- Approve presentation content if your student team is selected to compete at the ENFUSE Finals!
- View & agree the terms and conditions (link below)
Who Can Apply?
ENFUSE is open to all kinds of enterprises and entrepreneurs — including private businesses, social enterprises, not-for-profits, and sole traders. Whether you are running a small local business or leading a community-focused initiative, if you have a challenge that could benefit from new ideas and perspectives, you’re welcome to apply.
- Location: Preference is given to enterprises operating in County Dublin; however enterprises located outside Dublin are welcome to apply.
- Suitable Projects: When applying, propose a project or problem that a team of students can tackle in a few months (typically 8-12 weeks).
- Limited Places: Please note that space is limited – submitting an application does not guarantee a match.
ENFUSE is now open 2026 / 2027 Academic year: Fill | ENFUSE 2027 - Enterprise Application Form
Benefits for Participating Enterprises
- Fresh Insights at No Cost: Access market research, analysis, and innovative ideas for your enterprise — completely free of charge.
- Innovative Solutions: Receive a tailored action plan developed by the student team, offering practical strategies and creative solutions to your specific business challenge.
- Talent Pipeline: Work closely with bright Master’s students and identify potential future employees in action.
- Promotion & Recognition: Outstanding projects may be featured in ENFUSE promotional materials and events, highlighting your enterprise’s participation and success.
- Protected Collaboration: All student teams sign confidentiality agreements, ensuring your intellectual property and business information remain fully protected throughout the process.
Ready to Join ENFUSE?
Applications for the 2026/2027 Academic Year are live now: Fill | ENFUSE 2027 - Enterprise Application Form
Questions?
If you have any questions about the programme or the application process, please contact us at economicdevelopment@dublincity.ie. We’re happy to help.
Take a look at the ENFUSE Finals 2026
ENFUSE 2026 highlights v4
Further Information
ENFUSE is led by Dublin City Council (DCC) / Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Dublin City in collaboration with Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin); Dublin City University (DCU); National College of Ireland (NCI); University College Dublin (UCD), Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and National College of Art and Designed (NCAD).
It is supported by and operated in alignment with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, South Dublin and Fingal County Councils and their respective Local Enterprise Offices, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER); Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Enterprise Ireland; GradStart; Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; Dublin Regional Skills (DRS); and the Dublin Brand.
ENFUSE is managed in alignment with and towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) in particular: 4 Quality Education; 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth; 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; 10 Reduced Inequalities; 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities; 12 Responsible Consumption and Production.
