We are delighted to announce that the National College of Art & Design (NCAD) was awarded first place at the ENFUSE Finals 2026 on Wednesday 27 May! The team, which included MA Circular by Design students Alma O Donoghue, Eva Kerley, and Georgia Connolly, collaborated with the social enterprise Fibreshed Ireland. Their project involved conducting research, generating insights, and developing prototypes, which resulted in a strategic plan to support the enterprise’s growth and expansion into new markets.

This is the second year in a row that CFA @ NCAD students have won the award!

ENFUSE is an initiative driven by Dublin City Council. It works in collaboration with universities, colleges, local enterprises and students enrolled in master’s programmes. Recognising the challenges faced by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a competitive market, ENFUSE aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry. This programme leverages the expertise of students while providing valuable support to local businesses.

The project was developed in response to concerns highlighted by the OECD regarding Irish SMEs. These businesses often struggle with innovation, limited resources and difficulty adapting to changing market conditions. Additionally, recent graduates face an uncertain job market, making practical experience even more crucial. Thank you to the Dublin Regional Skills Forum for their support with this award.

Huge congratulations to staff and students!

Learn more about the MA in Circular by Design at CFA@ NCAD here