English
Gaeilge
ATU students shine at AIB Student Impact Awards
Students from Atlantic Technological University (ATU) have been recognised on the national stage at the AIB Student Impact Awards, an annual celebration of student-led innovation, activism, and community impact across Ireland.
Brought by AMLÉ, the awards highlight the work of students and Students’ Unions who are driving meaningful change—whether through sustainability initiatives, social impact projects, or leadership in student life. With a total prize fund of €15,500, the awards are among the most significant national recognitions of student achievement beyond the classroom.
This year, ATU students and representatives secured multiple awards across key categories, while also achieving an impressive eight shortlist nominations, underlining the university’s growing reputation for fostering innovation, creativity, and real-world impact.
Celebrating ATU’s Award Winners
Among the standout winners was Emanuel Covasa, a student of Computer Networks and Cyber Security at ATU’s Sligo campus, who received the AIB Small Budget Project of the Year Award (€500). This category recognises projects that achieve significant impact through resourcefulness and efficiency—demonstrating that meaningful change does not require large budgets.
From ATU’s Galway City campus, sisters Rebeka and Radka Kotulakova, students of Business Information Systems, were honoured with the Sustainable Travel and Transport Project of the Year Award (€500). Their work focused on promoting greener travel behaviours and reducing carbon footprints—an area of growing importance for campuses and communities alike.
Harish Sampathkumar, a Master’s student in Engineering Management from ATU’s Donegal campus, received the Circular Economy Project of the Year Award (€500). His initiative demonstrated innovative approaches to reducing waste and embedding sustainable, circular practices into everyday systems.
ATU’s impact was also recognised at an institutional level, with ATU Sligo Students’ Union awarded Small Students’ Union of the Year (€750)—a testament to their continued delivery of high-quality student representation, services, and campaigns.
Dr Orla Flynn, President of Atlantic Technological University, said:
“I congratulate our students on their success at the AIB Student Impact Awards. These achievements highlight the initiative, creativity and commitment shown by students across ATU, who are using their knowledge and skills to address real challenges in their communities. Their work demonstrates the value of practical, student‑led projects that have relevance and impact beyond the university.”
These achievements are a testament to the dedication, creativity and drive of ATU students, who are stepping up, taking initiative, and delivering far beyond what is expected of them. Behind each award is a significant commitment of time, energy and ideas, resulting in projects that are creating meaningful and lasting change. The AIB Student Impact Awards celebrate a wide range of student achievements, from grassroots campaigns and sustainability projects to leadership in student representation. Increasingly, these initiatives reflect skills associated with entrepreneurship and innovation—such as problem-solving, collaboration, and the ability to turn ideas into tangible outcomes.
More information AIB Student Impact Awards, brought to you by AMLÉ 2026.
Photo caption: (L-R): Radka and Rebeka Kotulakova, Emil Kindl, Harish Sampathkumar and Jesus Quaye Saya.
For media enquiries, contact:
Aidan Haughey
Communications Manager
Tel: 086 086 6913
E: aidan.haughey@atu.ie
