Build Something Great gives young people from across Derry~Londonderry, Donegal, and Tyrone the chance to design apps, games, and AI tools, whether in school, training, work, or taking a break between paths.
Young people aged 16–21 are invited to build real tech solutions in one day at The AMP on Saturday 28 March.
For the first time, Patch is coming to the North West of Ireland, and is partnering with Derry based Hightop, The AMP Growth Incubator and Young Social Innovators to host Build Something Great on Saturday 28th March at The AMP in Ebrington Square.
Young people aged 16–21 will go from blank page to working prototype in a single day, using AI tools to build real products: games, apps and solutions to problems that actually matter to them, with hands-on support from founders, engineers, and builders who have done it themselves.
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A Defining Moment for the North West
This marks the first time Patch has delivered this style of rapid build event in the region, working with local entrepreneur Jennifer Neff and her new venture, Hightop, to increase access to national-level tools for our young people, building on the current technology and entrepreneurship momentum in the city and region.
Open to young people across Derry, Donegal and Tyrone, the event is designed for any young person curious about creating solutions.
Why This Matters
Jennifer Neff, Hightop:
“This event is for anyone who believes the best solutions haven’t been built yet. You don’t need to be technical, that’s the power of today’s AI builder tools. We’re trying to remove every barrier: holding it on a Saturday, laptops provided, an accessible city-centre venue, free lunch, and no cost to attend. If you’ve got ideas, want to try something new, we’ve created the space for you.”
Lucy Daly, Patch:
“Patch exists to back ambitious young people wherever they are. When we connected with Jennifer and saw the energy around Hightop in the North West, we knew we had to support it. There is huge potential in this region. Build Something Great is about making it easier for young people to access the tools, confidence and practical skills to start building now, not someday and to learn more about our 7 week fully funded summer programme”
Aoife Heaney, The AMP:
“At The AMP, we’re serious about supporting young people in our city to stay creative and back themselves. There’s so much talent here, and when young people are given the right space, support and encouragement, they do incredible things. We want them to see that they don’t have to leave to find opportunity, they can start building it right here. I’m really looking forward to welcoming everyone to The AMP and seeing the ideas and energy that come from this event .”
Claire Halliday, Young Social Innovators:
“There is no shortage of talent or ambition in the North West. What young people need is the space, the support and the belief that they can build something meaningful right here, right now. That's what Build Day is about. It's about removing the barriers that have held too many back for too long and replacing them with real tools, real skills and real confidence. We want every young person who walks through the door to leave knowing that innovation doesn't happen somewhere else – it happens here, and it starts with them.”
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The AMP Derry, Saturday 28th March 2026, 10.00am – 6.00pm. The day includes:
● Problem-hunting workshops
● Product–problem fit training
● Rapid AI prototyping sessions
● Guided build time
● Live demos and prize awards
Who Should Apply?
Open to all young people aged 16 - 21 across the North West whether you are in school, further education, training, working, between paths, technical, creative or simply curious.
To register please click on Build Something Great: North West Edition · Luma
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