The Patch Summer Programme is a fully funded, full-time, in-person programme for exceptional people aged 16–21 who want to build, research, or explore ambitious ideas seriously — alongside peers who care just as much as they do.
It's free to attend. We cover accommodation, meals, and core costs so you can focus entirely on the work. This programme is the main gateway into the wider Patch community — a long-term network of builders, scientists, technologists, and founders who continue to support each other long after the summer ends.
Seven weeks of building, learning, and growing
Work on something real
Spend the summer working in a small team on a project you care about — anything from software or hardware to research, science, biotech, or social initiatives. Most projects are not startups. The goal is learning by building.
Learn by doing
Patch is unstructured by design. You'll set your own goals, run your own experiments, and push past your previous limits — with support when you need it.
Learn from people who've done it
Throughout the summer, you'll meet founders, researchers, engineers, and leaders who share practical advice and hard-won lessons through talks, workshops, and informal conversations.
Join a community for the long term
After the summer, you become part of the Patch alumni community — a tight-knit, growing network that stays connected through meetups, mentorship, collaborations, and new opportunities.
"Patch showed me that big ideas don't have to stay ideas. You can actually make them real."— Tara Mulhall, Patch 2024
From application to Demo Day
We cover everything so you can focus on what matters — building. That means accommodation in Dublin near Dogpatch Labs, food, a hardware budget, and stipends for those who need them.
Apply
Tell us about what you've built or explored before — a science experiment, a game, a blog, a robot, a community, a curiosity you followed. We care far more about initiative than credentials.
Bootcamp
The programme starts with a three-day bootcamp. You'll meet the cohort, form teams, explore ideas, and set the direction for the summer.
Build
For the next seven weeks, you'll work full-time on your project — building, researching, talking to users, and learning fast. Each week includes workshops, talks, and mentor sessions.
Demo Day
The programme ends with Patch Demo Day, where teams present what they built and what they learned to the wider Patch community.
John Collison visit 
Building together Mentors & speakers
Patch participants learn directly from Ireland's top founders, scientists, executives, and older Patch alumni who share their experience and advice.
Patrick Collison
Co-founder and CEO of Stripe
Sarah Friar
CFO of OpenAI & Co-Launcher of Ladies Who Launch
Prof. Luke O'Neil
Professor of Biology at Trinity College Dublin
Niamh Donnelly
Co-Founder & CTO of Akara Robotics
Áine Kerr
Co-Founder and COO at Kinzen, previously Facebook
Patrick Walsh
Founder of Dogpatch Labs
Celine Halioua
Founder of Loyal, helping dogs live longer
James Whelton
Founder of CoderDojo
Everything you need to know
Location
Patch is full-time and in-person, based in Dublin. Day-to-day work happens in Dogpatch Labs, with visits to other startups and hubs.
Dates
The 2026 programme runs from early July to mid-August — seven weeks of focused building.
Cost
Patch is completely free. We cover accommodation, weekday meals, and programme costs. Stipends available so finances never prevent participation.
Is this for you?
Requirements
- Aged 16–21 (soft upper limit)
- Based in or studying in Ireland
- Curious, ambitious, and motivated to build or explore something seriously
You don't need
- A startup idea
- A team
- Coding experience
You do need
- A track record of following your interests
- Willingness to learn, collaborate, and take things seriously
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an idea or a team?
No. Teams and ideas form during bootcamp. You'll meet the cohort, explore directions together, and find collaborators naturally.
Does my project have to be a startup?
No. Most projects aren't. Research, hardware, science, software, and social projects are all welcome. The goal is learning by building.
Will Patch take equity or IP?
No. Patch is a non-profit. You keep everything you build.
Can I apply again if I'm not accepted?
Yes — and many participants were accepted on their second or third application. If you're serious, keep applying.
Do I need to know how to code?
No. We value builders of all kinds: designers, scientists, organisers, leaders, and generalists. What matters is curiosity and initiative.
Is there a cost to attend?
No. Patch is completely free. We cover accommodation, meals, and programme costs. Stipends are available for those who need them.
The programme is just the beginning
Alumni stay involved through:
- Meetups and events
- Mentorship and collaboration
- Fellowships and grants
- Alumni-led projects and initiatives
Patch is built for the long term.
Alumni fireside 
"Patch exists to give curious, ambitious young people a space and community where they can realise their potential."
Ready to build something great?
Applications for Summer Programme 2026 close in early February.
If you're curious, passionate about learning, and love to create things — we'd love to hear from you.
Questions? team@joinpatch.org