Trinity Entrepreneurial Society Presents
2026
Trinity's flagship startup competition. Pitch your venture to industry experts, secure funding up to €2,500, and accelerate your entrepreneurial journey.
📅 March 19th, 2026 | 18:00-20:00
Trinity Business School - Dargan Lecture Theatre
Dragons' Den is the flagship startup competition of the Trinity Entrepreneurial Society, where Trinity College Dublin's most innovative student entrepreneurs pitch their ventures to a panel of judges from world-leading organisations. With high-stakes pitches, rigorous Q&A sessions, and an electric atmosphere, this event offers participants a unique opportunity to gain exposure, secure funding, and receive invaluable feedback from industry experts.
The Trinity Entrepreneurial Society (TES) is a multidisciplinary society at Trinity College Dublin dedicated to educating students about technology, startups, and venture capital. TES' mission is simple: to equip Trinity students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to build impactful global startups. Dragons' Den was created as a cornerstone of this mission, providing a high-profile platform where students can pitch their ideas, gain real-world experience, and accelerate their entrepreneurial journeys.
Applications open February 16th and close at 5:00 PM on February 27th
Complete the application form with all required information and submit a 1-minute video pitch explaining your idea. If you have a partner, you can pitch together.
Your video should clearly outline your idea, hook, problem & solution, market opportunity, unique advantage (USP), traction, and a call to action. It won't be made public.
Teams must have between 1 and 6 members and include at least one current Trinity College Dublin student. Solo applications are welcome!
Teams must not have previously applied to TES Dragons' Den. All applications are considered equally.
A final product isn't necessary, but you should have something to showcase, such as a website, prototype, or other tangible representation of your idea.
Successful applicants will be contacted by email on March 1st. Unsuccessful applicants retain the right to request feedback.
Compete for prize money to accelerate your startup journey
€2,500
€1,500
€500
€500
Thursday, March 19th, 2026
Venue
Trinity Business School
Dargan Lecture Theatre
Duration
18:00 - 20:00
(2 hours)
Each team will have 3 minutes to pitch using their pitch deck on the Dargan stage.
2-minute Q&A session with the judges following each pitch.
A short break will take place between the first four and the final four teams.
Once judges have selected winners, an audience vote determines the €500 Audience Favourite prize.
16 February
Applications Open
18 February
Info Session (Open to All Students)
27 February
Applications Close (5:00 PM)
1 March
Competitors Notified
11 March
Competitors' Info Session
19 March, 18:00
Dragons' Den Event
Applications open February 16th. Don't miss your chance to pitch at Trinity's premier startup competition.