Education
Limerick teens invited to free ‘Empower AI’ Entrepreneurship Camp running Monday, 28 to Thursday, 31 July
Limerick teens invited to free ‘Empower AI’ Entrepreneurship Camp running Monday, 28 to Thursday, 31 July. Photo: Alan Place
The Empower AI four-day Innovation and Entrepreneurship Camp with TUS and MIC is open to students from transition year to 6th year for a free programme promising future-focused skill development
Technological University of the Shannon and Mary Immaculate College are joining together to deliver an ‘Empower AI’ summer camp aimed at transition year, 5th year, and 6th year students to deliver an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Camp which will blend fun with future-focused skills development.
The hands-on summer camp, which offers a unique opportunity to Limerick teens, runs from Monday, July 28, to Thursday, July 31 is delivered by TUS and MIC with support from the Higher Education Authority.
Working in teams, students will tackle meaningful problems using cutting-edge AI tools, while building creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.
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Dr Gillian Barry, one of the camp organisers, said, “Young people will work in teams to explore real-world challenges, build their creativity and critical thinking skills, and use the latest in AI software to help define problems, develop solutions, and bring their ideas to life. By the end of the week, they’ll present a digital concept or prototype to peers and mentors – and there are some brilliant prizes up for grabs too!.”
The programme encourages active learning through practical workshops, Dr Barry explained, “It’s not all screens – just real collaboration, fresh thinking, and future-ready skills, and yes, we get to play with really cool new tech!!”
Importantly, the programme is designed to be fun and creatively challenging and will prepare young students for real world success, building their innovative, creative, design and entrepreneurial skills and mindset through activity based learning! Always a rewarding week for the students and all involved.
Dr Eleanor Walsh, MIC Coordinator for STEM and Future Technologies added that “next week we’re empowering young people to experiment with AI, think like entrepreneurs, and prove that STEM can be bold, fun, and world-changing”
EMPOWER is a HEA (Higher Education Authority) funded programme designed to support potential young innovators and entrepreneurs. EMPOWER will focus on helping young people to build a powerful toolkit that, through support, will enable them to build creative, innovative and entrepreneurial skills for life.
EMPOWER has been designed by The Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS) & Mary Immaculate College (MIC) together with advisors in business and technology including young entrepreneurs, academia, national and global youth organisations, teachers, investors, incubation and acceleration teams and informed by some of the best models globally. This is our 9th year running this programme and our second with an AI focus but we have been running entrepreneurship programmes for more than 15 years!
Empower AI also brings together local organisations in support with Narrative 4 and Learning Hub Limerick backing the summer camp as well as support from local entrepreneurs. Participating teens will also be treated to daily breakfast and lunch and it is open to solo attendees or with friends, although all those interested must register in advance.
Dr Barry added, “This is a HEA-funded programme, so it is free to the students. A breakfast and lunch will also be provided each day. We will be using a computer lab during the week for any tech work, so no need to bring a device for the techie piece!”
The camp will run from Monday 28th to Thursday 31st of July from 9:30am to 3:30pm each day in the Computer Centre, TUS Moylish. Max 22 students. You must be a current secondary school student (senior cycle TY, 5th, 6th). Those just finished 3rd or 6th year this year can also apply.
Registration is essentially and is now open online for teens looking to make the most of their summer while preparing for the world of the future.
Sample Schedule Over The Four Days
09:30 – 10:00 Welcome & Breakfast
10:00 – 12:30 Session 1
12:30 – 13:15 Lunch
13:15 – 14: 30 Session 2
14:30 – 15:30 Group Work
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