TECHTIDES YOUTH IS BACK!
PICK A PROBLEM. FIX IT WITH TECHNOLOGY.
Open to 16 to 21 year olds across the North West. Spot a real problem around you, explain it in four short answers and a 90-second video, then show how AI or technology could make it better. No coding or finished product needed.
📅 Monday 26 October 2026
📍 Foyle Theatre, NWRC
FROM IDEA TO IMPACT: EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS
Growing, flexing and building a whole ecosystem of youth-led innovation, where ideas don't just get pitched, they get built and thrive.
HIGHTOP
BUILD DAYS
"Having built and exited a successful, purpose driven company, I'm now backing young founders to build what matters" - Jennifer Neff, Founder, Hightop
Are you ready for Hightop?
HIGHTOP
FUNDING
HIGHTOP
CONSULTANCY
Want to partner with us?
ACCELERATING
YOUNG
ENTREPRENEURS'
SUCCESS
What would our communities look like if every young person had a chance to bring their ideas to life?
Many of our young people have ideas but no real roadmap or dedicated support from proven leaders in business, social impact and technology.
We're changing that at Hightop!
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HIGHTOP BUILD DAYS
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HIGHTOP FUNDING
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HIGHTOP CONSULTANCY
You'll get:
1. Support to build your own solution
2. Hands-on idea accelerating support
2. Access to decision-makers, experts, and mentors
3. Funding to test solutions in the real world
4. Great experience that will help shape your
future careers
IMPACT OF HIGHTOP
WHAT WE DO
WHO IS IT FOR
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16–21 year olds
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Living in Derry~Londonderry and the wider NW region
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Interested in tech, creating social change, or entrepreneurship
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Looking for meaningful experience
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Wanting to start a business
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Looking to boost cv and college/university/ job applications
INSIGHTS
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New belief in yourself and your future
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Better chances of getting experience that you can feel confident about
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A place in college/ university you never thought possible
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Part of a team working on a meaningful project
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Creation of a startup making local and potential global impact
THE HIGHTOP PODCAST
First up in the Hightop Podcast Series! Meet the MORE Team - a bunch of upper 6th students across 4 schools in NI with the BOLD ambition to tackle environmental challenges associated with e-waste.
They secured their place on Hightop's Idea Acceleration Programme, and we set about helping them bring their ideas to life.
Here's some of the cool stuff we got up to together:
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Conducted some hefty market research
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Refined the solution
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Developed a range of products
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Pitched MORE to business, sustainability and civic leaders
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Generated income from product sales
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Got some serious experience for their CVs and applications for jobs and university
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AND....had lots of fun along the way!
A special shout out to this bunch of legends who joined forces with Hightop to support MORE on their journey - The team at The AMP, Deirdre at Stitch Saves Nine, The Founder Labs crew, Foyle College Parent Teacher and Friends Association and Caroline at Repair and Share Foyle.
INSIGHTS
