Sustainable water company beats cutting-edge medtech and sports tech innovations to claim top prize.
A sustainable water company founded by two Technological University Dublin students has been crowned winner of Enterprise Ireland’s 2025 Student Entrepreneur Awards, taking home €10,000 and mentoring support to develop their business.
Saor Water, which provides bespoke canned water as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bottles, was announced as the overall winner at a ceremony held at TUD Blanchardstown on Friday.
“Irish entrepreneurs and businesses are at the heart of everything we do. They are economic cornerstones in communities across the country. Our key objective is to accelerate sustainable Irish business so that, in time, exporting Irish companies can become the primary driver of our economy”
The company, founded by Ryan Ormonde and Jonathan Hoffman, already works with high-profile clients including Mercedes-Benz and Sculpted by Aimee.
The victory came after a competitive field of ten finalists presented cutting-edge innovations addressing global challenges, including medtech devices, sustainable solutions, and sports technology innovations.
Saor Water offers custom-branded aluminium cans with a low-minimum order service that includes design, compliance, and logistics support for brands seeking sustainable packaging alternatives.
Encouraging entrepreneurship
The 44th annual competition, co-sponsored by Cruickshank, Grant Thornton and the Local Enterprise Offices, aims to encourage entrepreneurship by helping students take their first steps toward commercial success.
Three additional €5,000 merit awards were presented:
- Max Crinion-Morgan received the Cruickshank High Achieving Merit Award for RespÉire
- David Cashman won the Grant Thornton High Achieving Merit Award for The WellSchools Network
- Sean O’Sullivan claimed the Local Enterprise Office High Achieving Merit Award for Lion’s Reign
Dr Margaret Tynan from South East Technological University received the Enterprise Ireland Academic Award for her contribution as a project supervisor. The remaining six finalists each received €1,500 from the Enterprise Ireland Merit Awards Fund.
All winners will benefit from comprehensive business advice and mentoring from Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Office, intellectual property consultancy from Cruickshank, and business plan development support from Grant Thornton.
Supporting future entrepreneurs
The finalists at the 2025 Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards
Kevin Sherry, interim CEO of Enterprise Ireland, emphasised the awards’ importance in fostering innovation.
“The Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards is an important annual event that honours students who are delivering innovative solutions which have the potential to drive real and positive change in society,” he said.
“At Enterprise Ireland, Irish entrepreneurs and businesses are at the heart of everything we do. They are economic cornerstones in communities across the country. Our key objective is to accelerate sustainable Irish business so that, in time, exporting Irish companies can become the primary driver of our economy.”
Sherry highlighted the strategic importance of developing early-stage companies: “Key to this is strengthening our pipeline of early-stage companies with global potential, such as these innovators we are honouring in this year’s Student Entrepreneur Awards.
“These Awards are a powerful example of how we can foster ambition, innovation, and international success from the very beginning of the entrepreneurial journey.
“I would like to congratulate all of the finalists in this year’s competition. You are the leaders of tomorrow – we look forward to supporting your journey and wish you every success,” he concluded.
Teri Smith, manager of Local Enterprise Centre of Excellence & Enterprise Europe Network at Enterprise Ireland, stressed the platform’s vital role for students.
“The Student Entrepreneur Awards continue to provide third-level students with a vital platform to explore the feasibility of their business ideas, supported by experienced mentors and their academic institutions,” she said.
“At Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices, fostering the next generation of Irish entrepreneurs is a top priority. These Awards mark a significant milestone in the entrepreneurial journey of students, offering them the resources, guidance, and recognition needed to transform innovative concepts into thriving businesses. The 44th year of the competition showcases the ambition, creativity, and potential of Ireland’s future business leaders.”
Main image at top: Kevin Sherry, interim CEO of Enterprise Ireland; Ryan Ormonde and Jonathan Hoffman from Saor Water; and Teri Smith, manager of Local Enterprise Centre of Excellence & Enterprise Europe Network at Enterprise Ireland
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