YSI Den Day 1

The first day of the 2026 YSI Den brought together young changemakers from across Ireland to pitch bold, creative solutions to real social challenges. The YSI Den is designed as a supportive space where students can grow their ideas into action, and the energy on the day reflected that. Confidence, passion and purpose filled every presentation.

Young Social Innovators continues its commitment to sustaining youth-led social entrepreneurship through the Social Impact Fund, which helps teams move from idea to impact. This year’s pitches explored powerful themes, including mental health and wellbeing, equality in sport, community inclusion, healthy habits, and tackling stigma. Each team demonstrated not only innovation but a deep understanding of the communities they want to serve.

Our YSI Den Panel: Yvonne Brennan (Jigsaw), and YSI Youth Panel members Chelsea Nokutenda Choto and Adithi Vijayakumar, listened closely as students presented their visions. In true Den spirit, the focus was on encouraging students to shine, celebrating their work, and supporting the next steps of their journey. 

Read more about the teams that pitched on the first day of the YSI Den 2026: 

The Road Not Taken, St Brendan's College, Killarney
This project challenges the stigma around apprenticeships by promoting them as a valuable and respected career path. Through careers fairs, research, and social media campaigns, the team is helping students see apprenticeships as a real opportunity while also supporting skills development that can benefit the wider community.
The team was awarded €550

Oldie Friends, Old Bawn Community School, Tallaght

Oldie Friends focuses on tackling loneliness among older people by building meaningful connections between students and care home residents. The group visits a local care home, runs awareness campaigns, and is developing a garden space to brighten residents’ daily lives and strengthen community ties.

The team was awarded €300

Sligo CTC Connecting Through Community, Sligo Community Training Centre

This project promotes inclusion and wellbeing by creating social opportunities for adults who may experience isolation. By hosting community events and expanding participation, the team aims to support mental health and build lasting connections across their community.

The team was awarded €200

The Dream Project, St. Brigid’s Secondary School
The Dream Project raises awareness about the importance of sleep for young people and highlights how poor sleep habits impact health and learning. Through surveys, educational materials, sleep support packs, and guest speakers, the group encourages healthier routines among their peers.

The team was awarded €550

Level The Pitch, St Louis Secondary School, Monaghan

Level The Pitch advocates for gender equality in ladies’ Gaelic football by challenging stereotypes and highlighting unequal treatment in sport. Through campaigns, interviews, and a planned documentary and sports event, the project pushes for equal respect, visibility, and opportunities for female athletes.

The team was awarded €550

It’s Not Weak to Speak, Castleknock Community College, Dublin

This project raises awareness of domestic and gender-based violence while encouraging victims to seek help. Through posters, storytelling, social media campaigns, and a planned children’s book, the team is creating resources that empower young people to speak up safely.

The team was awarded €300

Nourish to Flourish, St Brigid's Presentation Secondary School, Killarney

Nourish to Flourish promotes awareness of eating disorders and encourages healthier relationships with food. By sharing survey findings, organising breakfast initiatives, and bringing in expert speakers, the group is helping students develop positive and informed attitudes toward nutrition and wellbeing.

The team was awarded €550

YSI Den Day 2

Day 2 of the YSI Den showcased the incredible breadth of ideas young people are developing when given the tools and encouragement to lead change. From education reform to creative platforms, mental health supports to life-saving technology, the projects pitched reflected both imagination and practical impact.

The YSI Den Social Impact Fund exists to help teams bring their projects beyond the classroom and into their communities. Students pitching on Day 2 demonstrated how youth leadership can tackle systemic challenges while creating solutions that are accessible, inclusive and forward-thinking. Many projects combined digital innovation with social awareness, proving that technology and empathy can work hand in hand.

Our YSI Den Panel: Claire Halliday (YSI / Ormeau Labs), Peter Baxter (Create School), and Noreen Murphy (See My Skills) brought expertise from across the public, education, and community sectors. Their role was to champion young people’s ambition and guide their ideas toward sustainable growth, and we want to thank them for their support, encouragement, and time. 

Read more about the teams that pitched on Day 2 of the YSI Den 2026:

The Amateur,  Student Art Magazine, Cork Educate Together Secondary School

This project creates a platform for student artists by publishing a monthly art magazine made by students, for students. Through a website, printed editions, and outreach across Cork, the team is building a creative space where young artists can share their work and gain visibility within their community.

The team was awarded €400

Grounded, Youthreach Wicklow Town

Grounded supports young people’s mental health by teaching practical tools for managing anxiety through creative and physical activities. The project includes workshops, peer learning, and community partnerships that help reduce stigma and give young people accessible ways to care for their wellbeing.

The team was awarded €700

Project Prometheus,  Beara Community School, Castletownbere

Project Prometheus is developing an AI-powered wearable assistant designed to support students with learning disabilities or language barriers. By creating a working prototype, the team aims to make education more accessible and ensure that everyone has equal opportunities to learn.

The team was awarded €500

The Driver’s Choice, Coláiste an Chroí Naofa, Cork

This project works to prevent drink driving by promoting the use of breathalyser technology that can stop a car from starting if alcohol is detected. Through awareness campaigns and community engagement, the team is advocating for practical solutions that make roads safer for everyone.

The team was awarded €400

Camán na Cailíní, Coláiste Muire, Ennis

Camán na Cailíní encourages girls to stay involved in sport by tackling the high dropout rate between primary and secondary school. Through sports days, school outreach, and female role models, the project promotes confidence, inclusion, and equal opportunities in sport.

The team was awarded €450

Code4Life, Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí, Cork

Code4Life aims to save lives by improving access to defibrillators through a real-time mapping app and public awareness campaign. By combining technology, training, and community partnerships, the project empowers people to respond quickly and confidently in cardiac emergencies.

The team was awarded €750

YSI Den Day 3

The final day of pitching at the 2026 YSI Den highlighted the strong connection between youth-led innovation, sustainability and social justice. Students presented projects rooted in environmental responsibility, accessibility, inclusion and community care, showing how local action can ripple outward into long-term change.

The YSI Den continues to invest in ideas that are not only creative but sustainable and scalable. Day 3 teams demonstrated how young people are rethinking consumption, restoring shared spaces, supporting wellbeing and advocating for equality. Their work reflects a generation determined to build communities that are safer, greener and more inclusive.

Our YSI Den Panel: Sarah Keating (RDS), Alison McCarthy (The Alzheimer Society of Ireland), and YSI Youth Panel member Rohan Cooney supported teams with encouragement and insight. The YSI Den remains a space where student voices are amplified, confidence is built, and the next wave of social innovators is given room to grow. It wouldn’t be possible without the Den panellists, and we are incredibly grateful for their time and expertise. 

Read more about the teams below:

Craft It Forward,  St. David's Holy Faith Secondary School, Greystones

Craft It Forward tackles child poverty and sustainability by turning scrap wood into handcrafted toys for children in need. Students are producing hundreds of safe, painted toys and working with local charities to distribute them, transforming waste materials into meaningful gifts for disadvantaged families.

The team was awarded €400

Knot Wasted,  Tullamore College

This project addresses deforestation and waste by teaching communities how to upcycle discarded wood. Through awareness campaigns and practical learning, the team is encouraging sustainable habits and helping people see the environmental value of reusing materials.

The team was awarded €600

Ovary-Acting, Tullamore College

Ovary-Acting raises awareness about endometriosis and period pain by educating students on what is normal and when to seek medical help. Through surveys, products designed to ease pain, and awareness campaigns, the project aims to break stigma and improve understanding of menstrual health.

The team was awarded €500

Sustainability Squad, Tullamore College

Sustainability Squad is working toward a more carbon-neutral school by promoting energy saving, recycling, and biodiversity. Their campaigns encourage everyday environmental responsibility, while projects like wildflower gardens and LED lighting aim to reduce the school’s footprint long-term.

The team was awarded €600

Mill River Rising, Scoil Mhuire Buncrana

Mill River Rising focuses on conservation, accessibility, and local heritage by restoring a community river path and preserving the history of a historic mill. The project combines environmental care with community inclusion, ensuring the space is safer and accessible for everyone.

The team was awarded €700

Planet Before Profit, St. Conleth’s Community College, Kildare

This project tackles overconsumption by encouraging repair, reuse, and donation instead of waste. Through upcycling workshops, clothing drives, and community collection initiatives, the team is helping people reduce environmental harm while supporting charities and social inclusion.

The team was awarded €500

Her Turn to Play, St. David's Holy Faith Secondary School, Greystones

Her Turn to Play promotes girls’ participation in sport by creating supportive spaces and celebrating female athletes. Through inclusive sports initiatives, guest speakers, and a book highlighting local sportswomen, the project encourages young girls to stay active and confident in sport.

The team was awarded €500