Big Idea rises to the top in Co Carlow Web Awards
The initiative wants to bridge the gap between industry and education, by teaching students to find creative solutions to industry and societal problems
Founded by social entrepreneur and Carlow-based industrial design expert Kim Mackenzie-Doyle, The Big Idea (thebigidea.ie) seeks to bridge the gap between industry and education by teaching students the process of thinking creatively to solve industry and societal problems.
The company mission is to empower the next generation to tackle the big challenges that they will face using creative thinking. “We believe that every student deserves to learn the skills of the future and to unlock their inner potential,” she said.
The Big Idea kicked off last year with just 500 students across eight schools, but soaring demand for the programme will see it delivered to 2,000 students across 20 counties in the 2021/2022 school year. There were 100 mentors last year including Dermot Bannon, Diarmuid Gavin, Timi Ogunyemi, Lorna Ross and Roisin Lafferty.
Speaking about the Big Idea, Kim Mackenzie-Doyle said: “We equip transition year students with the creative mindset to tackle the biggest problems society faces, in other words, to change their world. We work collaboratively with schools and students to create, experiment, invent, take risks, make mistakes, and have fun.
“Our inclusively designed programme empowers students with creative tools that will expand their capabilities, building confidence and a knowledge base connecting them with their communities and bridging the gap with Industry.”
“The best of the best work with us as judges and mentors,” said Mackenzie-Doyle. “They give real-world advice directly to the students, sharing their knowledge and connecting the students and their communities with Industry. We will celebrate students’ work in a virtual exhibition in May 2022.”
Speaking about creating an experience online and winning the inaugural Co Carlow Web Awards, Mackenzie-Doyle said: “To be recognised at home is such an honour: we have had exceptional support from Carlow LEO and it’s made such an impact to our growth. This is wonderful recognition for the team’s hard work and to have the backing of our county behind our national and international plans makes all the difference.
“We want to change the world with creative thinking, empowering the next generation with critical creative skills to tackle local and global issues.”
“Congratulations to the Kim and the Team and the Team in the Big Idea,” said Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise with Carlow County Councils – Local Enterprise Offices.
“The judges were impressed not just by their digital marketing and web development, but also with the business behind it, which is driven by forward-thinking innovators who have worked on bringing this idea to life using creative problem-solving.”
Comerford said that the company has built a network to support the next generation. “It is so brilliant to see creatives, educators, consultants, designers, entrepreneurs, engineers, innovators, tech innovators and more coming together for this unique social enterprise,” he said.
