A total of 44 students from the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Agricultural Science programme at South East Technological University (SETU) recently took part in an innovative Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) coffee shop simulation game, designed to strengthen entrepreneurial skills while promoting sustainability-driven business thinking.

The activity formed part of the Rural Entrepreneurship module, led by lecturer Rachel O’Dowd, and was delivered under a Higher Education Authority (HEA)-funded initiative. The programme is part of the wider Developing SDG-Driven Entrepreneurship Culture across Ireland project, implemented in collaboration with University College Cork (UCC). In addition, the initiative contributes to the objectives of the Balanced and Enhanced Collaboration for an Entrepreneurship Ecosystem (BECEE) project, which aims to foster entrepreneurial talent and enhance innovation capacity across Europe.

A Hands-on Business simulation experience

During the simulation, students worked in teams to establish, manage, and operate their own virtual coffee shops. Each team was responsible for all aspects of running a business, including strategic planning, financial management, operations, and leadership.

The simulation required students to balance profitability with sustainability, placing strong emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. Teams focused on delivering high-quality customer service, making informed business decisions, and responding to real-world challenges in a competitive environment. This immersive, practical approach enabled students to experience entrepreneurship in a realistic and engaging way.

Recognising excellence

The simulation concluded with a prizegiving ceremony celebrating the outstanding achievements of participating teams. Awards were presented by Eleanor Kent, Head of the Department of Land Sciences, with Prof. Helen Hughes, Academic Enterprise Liaison, also in attendance.

The winning teams were:

• 1st Place: Sugar and Grind – Abbie Graham, Kayanna Greene, Claire Doyle, and Niamh Lambert
• 2nd Place: Live4Coffee – Niamh Furlong, Sean Clery, Diarmuid Kinane, David Prendergast, and Cathal King
• 3rd Place: Pilatte – Ava Caplice, Kate Whelton, Sinead Coakley, Olivia Malone, and Maeve O’Flynn

These teams demonstrated exceptional performance in managing their businesses, combining innovation, teamwork, and sustainability-focused decision-making.

Driving SDG-Focused Entrepreneurship

The initiative was coordinated by Jane Foster, Rural Hubs Programme Support Officer, and supported by Brian Ogilvie, Head of Entrepreneurship and Rural Engagement at SETU. It forms part of a broader set of activities aimed at embedding sustainability and entrepreneurship across the university.

The wider project includes several complementary initiatives, such as an SDG-focused hackathon series, the coffee shop simulation game, a digital badge in SDG Entrepreneurship for both staff and students, and a dedicated masterclass in SDG Entrepreneurship. SETU’s sustainability department has also played a key role in supporting these efforts, recognising their importance in advancing innovation and aligning with the university’s sustainability goals.

SDG coffee shop simulation represents a valuable step in equipping students with the practical skills, mindset, and awareness needed to become future entrepreneurs capable of addressing global sustainability challenges.

For more information, please contact Jane Foster at jane.foster@setu.ie