Cullybackey College students bloom into Young Enterprise NI final with sustainable business idea

Pictured at the Company Showcase at Queen’s University Belfast Business School, Cullybackey College ahead of their pitch for Seed the Season to Judging Panel.

A team of enterprising students from Cullybackey College is heading to Belfast City Hall with a chance to be crowned Northern Ireland’s top young business — after impressing judges with a sustainability-driven idea that’s already taking root.

Their student company, Seed the Season, has been named among just six finalists in the prestigious Young Enterprise NI 2026 awards, following a standout performance at the regional stage earlier this month.

From classroom idea to award-winning potential

Seed the Season offers a creative range of seeded products designed to promote sustainability while encouraging people to grow their own plants at home — a concept that struck a chord with judges.

Since launching the project in September, the student team has taken full ownership of the business journey, from developing prototypes to carrying out local market research. The result is a venture that blends environmental awareness with real-world commercial thinking.

Their efforts earned them a place at the final after pitching their idea to an expert panel at Queen’s University Belfast Business School.

Recognition for innovation and teamwork

Young Enterprise NI chief executive Carol Fitzsimons MBE praised the calibre of this year’s finalists, highlighting the strength of ideas coming from classrooms across Northern Ireland.

“We are absolutely delighted to reveal this year’s shortlist and to celebrate the exceptional standard of talent, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking shown by students from right across Northern Ireland.

“This year’s finalists have demonstrated real innovation, teamwork and determination in developing products and ideas with genuine commercial potential. Supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs is vital to the future strength of our economy, and the Young Enterprise NI awards play an important role in helping young people build the confidence, skills and ambition they need to succeed.

“We are hugely grateful to the many businesses and partners who continue to support our work and make opportunities like this possible. Congratulations to every student who took part, and especially to our finalists as they prepare for this year’s awards.”

Pride at Cullybackey College

Pictured at the Company Showcase at Queen's University Belfast Business School, Cullybackey College pitching to the Judging panel in front of a packed auditorium.

At Cullybackey College, the achievement has been met with pride, recognising not just the business idea but the dedication behind it.

Mrs Katrina Rodgers, Head of Business Studies and Young Enterprise at the school, said:

“We are delighted to see our students reach the final stage of this year’s Young Enterprise NI awards. Seed the Season reflects not only their entrepreneurial talent, but also their awareness of sustainability and the value of creating something meaningful for today’s consumers.

“The team has worked with great enthusiasm and commitment throughout the process, and this recognition is thoroughly deserved.”

Supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs

Young Enterprise NI, Northern Ireland’s leading enterprise education charity, works to inspire young people to explore business and entrepreneurship, helping them build skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Queen’s University Belfast, the programme’s lead educational partner, hosted this year’s pitches and continues to play a key role in nurturing emerging talent.

Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, said:

“At Queen’s University Belfast, we are proud to support an initiative that gives young people the opportunity to develop these skills and build their confidence. Activities like this play an important role in nurturing early entrepreneurial ambition, encouraging students to think creatively, solve problems and take their ideas further.

“It is hugely encouraging to see so many young people already demonstrating the qualities of the next generation of business leaders, and we are delighted to be part of helping them on that journey.”

All eyes on Belfast City Hall

The final stage now awaits, with winners set to be announced at a special ceremony in Belfast City Hall this April.

Last year’s title went to Omagh Academy students behind Minted Minds, a business focused on helping children develop financial management skills — setting a high bar for this year’s finalists.

For Cullybackey College’s Seed the Season team, the journey from classroom concept to city hall final has already been a major achievement — but the ultimate prize is now within reach.

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At a glance

• Cullybackey College students are finalists in Young Enterprise NI 2026

• Their business, Seed the Season, promotes sustainability through seeded products

• The team progressed after winning a regional competition

• Finalists pitched at Queen’s University Belfast Business School

• Six student companies across Northern Ireland reached the final

• Winners will be announced at Belfast City Hall in April

• The programme builds real-world business and entrepreneurial skills

• Last year’s winners were Omagh Academy with Minted Minds

• The initiative is supported by Young Enterprise NI and Queen’s University Belfast