Commerce students Oisín Mallon and Oisín Walsh from University College Dublin (UCD) have been crowned the 2024 Red Bull Basement National Champions, earning the opportunity to represent Ireland at the global finals in Tokyo next month.
Their winning pitch, StepAhead, is a platform designed to connect young people with mentors who have recently navigated similar career and educational paths. This idea, aimed at providing practical advice and support, impressed judges at the national final held at TUD Grangegorman on Thursday evening last.
The event marked the culmination of a nationwide search, with over 1,800 applicants vying for the top spot. Finalists from across Ireland showcased their ideas, many supported by AI-driven technology, to a panel of judges drawn from the Irish tech, media, and creative industries.
Reflecting on their success, Oisin Mallon, 22, from Meath, Co. Louth, said: “We are delighted to win the Red Bull Basement National Final with StepAhead and represent Ireland on a global stage in Tokyo with our idea.”
His teammate, Oisin Walsh, 22, from Killarney, Co. Kerry, added: “Seeing an idea of ours come to life is an amazing feeling. We can’t wait to bring StepAhead to Tokyo and see where it takes us.”
The global finals in Tokyo will take place from December 2nd to December 5th. The pair will join innovators from over 40 countries to attend workshops, participate in AI educational sessions, and network with leading entrepreneurs and business experts. The competition will culminate in the presentation of their project to a global panel of judges.
The overall winner will secure a three-week accelerator programme in Silicon Valley and Los Angeles in 2025. This all-expenses-paid opportunity includes hands-on mentorship, access to top industry leaders, and insights from Red Bull Basement’s global partners, including Microsoft.
