DCU Business student Aisling Wood on her entrepreneurial journey
Third year Business student Aisling Wood is an inspiring entrepreneur passionate about sustainability and innovation. Aisling and her sister Sadhbh co-founded Bean Around, a student-led, circular economy enterprise focused on repurposing used coffee grounds into revitalising exfoliating bars, body scrubs and other value-added products.
This year Bean Around made it through to the Global Finals of the Hult Prize Competition, the largest student-led social entrepreneurship competition in the world with the goal of encouraging students to create world-changing, sustainable businesses that are in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Bean Around was one of only 6 teams from an initial 20,000 to make it through to the final round in London!
We asked Aisling to share that experience with us, and any advice she would have for other aspiring entrepreneurs:
1. What inspired you to apply for the Hult Prize and how does it feel to know you reached the final round?
We first heard about the Hult Prize competition back in January. Initially, I didn’t know much about it, but after researching the competition and learning about its alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we knew it was something we had to be part of. Looking back now, it’s surreal to think about how far we’ve come, from that initial application to making it to the finals. So much hard work went into reaching the final, yet the journey from applying in January to pitching at the finals in London feels like it flew by. There hasn’t been much time to pause and reflect, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see our efforts pay off.
2. Can you tell us about your journey leading up to the finals? What were some of the key challenges and milestones?
The journey to the finals was anything but easy. Every stage of the competition, from the on-campus round to the global accelerator, brought new challenges. The global accelerator, where we lived with 15 other sustainable start-ups in London for a month, was one of the most intense and rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. Surrounded by mentors with vast experience in the business world, we gained invaluable insights that helped us refine our approach.
Every Friday, we presented our business in front of a panel of judges and fellow start-ups as if it were the final pitch. Despite not placing in the top 6 during any of these Pitch Fridays, we knew we had to give everything we had when the final pitch of the accelerator came around, deciding who would pitch in London. It was an unforgettable moment when they called our name and we realised we’d made it to the finals. That feeling of accomplishment and relief was incredible, knowing all the hard work had paid off.
3. What has been your biggest takeaway from the competition?
The biggest takeaway from the Hult Prize competition has been the incredible value of resilience and adaptability. Throughout the process, we faced numerous challenges and moments where things didn’t go as planned. But each setback taught us to pivot, reassess, and push forward with renewed determination. The experience has shown me that while having a solid plan is important, it’s just as crucial to remain flexible and open to new ideas.
Another key lesson, as cliché as it sounds, was the power of community. Being surrounded by like-minded entrepreneurs who are equally passionate about creating positive change was incredibly motivating. It reinforced the idea that while we are all working on our own ventures, collaboration and learning from one another make us all stronger.
4. How has your experience in the competition shaped or evolved your vision for your company, Bean Around?
The Hult Prize competition, particularly the global accelerator, encouraged us to take a more holistic view of sustainability – not just as an add-on but as an integral part of everything we do. We’ve started thinking more deeply about how we can amplify our impact, not only within our local community but also on a global scale. This experience has been invaluable in shaping Bean Around into a company that aims to be both a force for good and a sustainable, scalable business.
5. What did you learn from other finalists and competitors during the Hult Prize process?
One of the most inspiring aspects of the Hult Prize process was seeing the incredible potential for a brighter future through the work of so many talented start-ups. Being surrounded by teams that were all committed to addressing global challenges gave me a lot of hope and excitement for the future.
I also learned just how willing people are to lend a hand when they believe in your vision, even if they’re technically in competition with you. Throughout the process, we experienced an overwhelming sense of support and encouragement from other teams. They shared insights, offered feedback, and helped us see our challenges from new angles. This willingness to collaborate, despite the competitive environment, proved that we’re all in this together, striving to make a positive impact. It showed me that when you’re genuinely passionate about what you’re doing, you’ll find allies and supporters in the most unexpected places.
6. Do you have any advice for other aspiring entrepreneurs? And what has been the best advice ever given to you?
My advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to leverage your network. Building strong connections is one of the most valuable things you can do in business. Once you have a network of people who believe in your vision, opportunities will start to flow. You’ll find that people are often more willing to help than you might expect, so don’t hesitate to ask for support whenever you encounter a challenge. Remember, no one succeeds in business alone. By focusing on building your network, you’ll gain access to resources, insights, and collaborations that can propel your business forward.
The best advice I’ve ever received is, “Fall in love with the problem, not the solution.” It’s a reminder that while your initial idea might be great, it’s more important to stay focused on the bigger issue you’re trying to solve. This mindset helps you stay flexible and committed to finding the best way to create impact, even if it means reimagining your original concept. It has taught me to put the needs of our mission first and let that drive our business.
