Gallery: Week two of the AIB Start-up Academy

The finalists are removed from the classroom and their comfort zones

The finalists were introduced to design thinking by mentor Dr. Johnny Ryan (Head of Ecosystem at Pagefair). The design thinking method is useful in reducing the risk of new projects and presenting a compelling proposition, while also helping to differentiate your start-up from your competitors.

The finalists were split into teams and sent out into the streets of Dublin to conduct market research before tackling this week's challenge, to design the perfect umbrella.

The finalists will be back in the classroom for business writing and critical thinking modules next week.