About the Blastbeat ESE Challenge
Take Part in the World's Most Innovative Music, Dance, Arts, Sports & Climate Action Programme for Students
How it works
Secondary/high school students anywhere in the world passionate about music, entrepreneurship, and climate action.
Who Can Participate?
How it Works
Register for the challenge: either as an individual or form a team with up to 14 classmates to collaborate on your music and climate action project.
Identify an environmental issue in your school, workspace, community or globally that needs awareness and action, or discover a unique approach to climate advocacy that you want to try.
Create an innovative Event Social Enterprise (ESE) that combines music, dance, fashion, arts and sports events, developing something that creatively addresses your chosen environmental challenge.
Give you and your peers an opportunity to perform, compete and excel in your musical or arts event. Winners get great prizes that rnage from cash and other prizes. Learn how to organize events properly, sell tickets, create videos and document the fun you are having on this journey.
Show your Events' many impacts including talent, community engagement, climate awareness and moneys raised.
Review our scoring criteria to ensure your project effectively integrates the music-climate framework and meets the Blastbeat Schools Challenge requirements for both digital and in-person components.
Use the AI assisted Blastbeat app and platform to help you succeed in the program and earn Blast Points as you go.
Record a 5-minute video showcase of your project including highlights from your live event, upload it to the Blastbeat app, and submit both the link and video file for evaluation by our global panel.
Prepare your pitch for the judges who will award extra points
to reward the winning Event Social Enterprise (ESE's)
Continue to stage events, make money and have fun on a regular basis, while make some real money.
Facilitate Real-World Learning
Guide students through a full-year entrepreneurship, events, and climate action programme. Comprehensive training and resources provided.
What You'll Facilitate
Three verticals, one complete programme. Students choose their path, you guide the journey.
Students organize concerts, talent shows, and creative events. Terms 1-2.
Students run tournaments, sports days, and athletic competitions. Terms 1-2.
Students execute environmental projects funded by event profits. Terms 3-4.
The Full-Term Solution
A complete year of engagement—events fund climate action.
- MACC & FootBeat ESEs operate
- Students run real events
- Generate actual revenue
- 75% profit to teams
- 25% pooled for climate fund
- CAN ESE activates
- Uses pooled 25% funds
- Executes real climate projects
- Measurable environmental impact
- Full year engagement
The Competition Structure
Guide your students through progressive competition levels.
Your Role as Facilitator
Guide, don't direct. Students make decisions, you provide support.
Curriculum Alignment
Integrates with multiple subject areas across the curriculum.
Training & Support
Everything you need to facilitate with confidence.
Ready to Become a Facilitator?
Register your interest and we'll contact you with next steps for training and programme implementation.
Register as Teacher Preview Foundation Course🎯 SA National Finals: Launching Q3 2026 in Cape Town
How the ESE Challenge Works
Your complete journey from registration to National Showcase
Register Your ESE Team
Begin your transformative journey by registering your Event Social Enterprise team for the world's most innovative music and climate action programme.
Provide your school email and contact information. If your school has email restrictions, use a personal email to ensure you receive all programme communications. Over 500+ students have already joined this global movement!
Complete the ESE Foundation Course
Master the Event Social Enterprise model through our comprehensive 90-minute interactive course covering music, entrepreneurship, and climate action integration.
Learn how to combine musical creativity with business skills and environmental impact. Get certified and receive your official Blastbeat ESE Foundation Certificate to demonstrate your readiness for the challenge.
Watch Past ESE Showcases
Get inspired by previous student teams who successfully created impactful events combining music, entrepreneurship, and climate action.
Explore real examples of how students have organized live music events, engaged their communities, and created measurable environmental impact. Learn from their strategies, creativity, and success stories.
Build Your 14-Role ESE Team
Assemble your Event Social Enterprise team using our proven 14-role framework across Leadership, Marketing, Creative, Operations, and Sustainability areas.
From CEO and Marketing Manager to Ecology Manager and Stage Manager - each role contributes unique skills to your ESE's success. Adapt the structure to fit your school's needs and student interests.
Create Your ESE Project Plan
Use our tiered Bronze, Silver, and Gold achievement framework to develop an innovative event that combines musical expression with meaningful climate action.
Create authentic entrepreneurial experiences while addressing environmental challenges. Access event planning guides, business templates, and assessment criteria to structure your project for maximum impact.
Execute Your Live Event
Put your planning into action with a real-world live music event that engages your community while raising awareness about climate issues.
Coordinate venues, artists, marketing, and logistics while implementing sustainable practices. Generate real revenue, measure environmental impact, and create meaningful community engagement through your event.
Prepare Your Showcase Presentation
Document your ESE's financial performance, creative excellence, community engagement, and environmental impact for industry professional evaluation.
Create compelling presentations demonstrating your business success, artistic achievements, and climate action results. Prepare for live presentations to industry judges at regional and national levels.
Submit to National Showcase
Submit your completed ESE for evaluation and compete for recognition, prizes, and ongoing support from industry professionals.
Top ESEs receive seed funding (€1,000+), recording studio opportunities, and continued mentorship. All participants benefit from professional feedback, portfolio development, and access to the global Blastbeat alumni network.
🎉 Ready to Start Your ESE Journey!
You've explored all 8 steps of the ESE Challenge. Now it's time to register and begin creating your Event Social Enterprise that will make a real impact!
2025-2026 Programme Timeline
2025-2026 Achievement Recognition
Bronze Level Achievement
- 12,000 points (4,000 per month across 3 months + 4,000 additional points for Video and ESEs pitching) = 16.000 Blastpoints
- Mandatory foundation tasks including business planning, market research, event coordination
- Certificate of Participation for all team members
- Digital badges for each specialized role
- ESE project portfolio for academic recognition
Silver Level Achievement
- 14,000 points (Bronze 12,000 + Silver 2,000 )+ 4,000 additional points for Video and ESEs pitching) = 18,000 Blastpoints
- Enhanced challenges including mentor relationships, innovative campaigns, advanced documentation
- Certificate of Excellence for all team members
- Enhanced digital credentials for specialised roles
- Regional showcase participation opportunity
- School recognition for supporting entrepreneurship education
- Advanced MCPs with industry endorsement
Gold Level Achievement
- 6,000 points (Bronze 12,000 + Silver 2,000 + Gold 2,000 additional points + 4,000 additional points for Video and ESEs pitching) = 20,000 Blastpoints
- Highest achievement standards including AI integration, professional protocols, mentorship of others
- Certificate of Outstanding Achievement for all team members
- Premium digital credentials with industry endorsement
- National showcase qualification (guaranteed entry)
- School recognition and programme resources
- Leadership MCPs and ongoing mentorship opportunities
- Micro-Credential Certifications (MCPs) aligned with EQF/WEF frameworks
Final Presentation Judging
ESE Assessment Framework
Comprehensive Evaluation Criteria • Bronze, Silver, Gold Standards
| Assessment Category | Weight | Gold Level (5) | Silver Level (3-4) | Bronze Level (1-2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESE Business Performance | 20% | GOLD
Exceptional financial management with significant profit generation, comprehensive documentation, and innovative revenue streams. |
SILVER
Strong financial performance with clear profit generation, good documentation, and standard revenue approaches. |
BRONZE
Basic financial management with minimal profit generation, limited documentation, and simple revenue streams. |
| Creative & Musical Excellence | 20% | GOLD
Outstanding integration of music and event production with innovative approaches, exceptional quality, and professional-level execution. |
SILVER
Good quality musical and event elements with some creative approaches, solid execution, and competent delivery. |
BRONZE
Basic musical and event elements with standard approaches, acceptable execution, and fundamental delivery. |
| Climate Action Integration | 20% | GOLD
Transformative environmental impact with innovative approaches, measurable outcomes, and advanced sustainability projects funded by 25% profit allocation. |
SILVER
Meaningful environmental initiatives with clear climate messaging, some measurable impact, and standard sustainability practices. |
BRONZE
Basic environmental awareness components with standard climate messaging and minimal measurable impact. |
| Community Engagement | 20% | GOLD
Exceptional community participation with widespread impact, strong stakeholder relationships, and comprehensive volunteer coordination. |
SILVER
Good community involvement with positive local impact, established stakeholder connections, and active volunteer management. |
BRONZE
Basic community participation with limited local impact, few stakeholder relationships, and minimal volunteer involvement. |
| Role Specialization & Teamwork | 20% | GOLD
Exemplary performance across all 14 specialized roles with outstanding collaboration, professional-level execution, and peer mentorship. |
SILVER
Strong performance across most roles with good collaboration, competent execution, and effective teamwork. |
BRONZE
Acceptable performance across essential roles with basic collaboration, standard execution, and fundamental teamwork. |
Ready to be Assessed?
Use this framework to understand exactly what judges will evaluate in your ESE
Blastbeat Program
Blastbeat is an award winning multi-disciplinary International Social Enterprise & Music Business program and competition for second level or High Schools. Blastbeat has Music as its core product and also its hook, as music and multimedia is a key interest for the majority of teenagers. Pupils from each of the schools will form their own Events Social Enterprise or ESE for short.
Main Job Positions within the ESE
There are several very important jobs required to run successful Music and Multimedia business.
- CEO
- Vice CEO / Secretary
- IT and Multimedia Manager
- Sales / Marketing Manager
- Finance and Company Secretary
- Event / Security Manager
- Public Relations (PR) and Community Outreach Manager
- Social Media Manager
- Talent Scout / Artist Liaison / Hospitality
- Journalist / Multimedia Manager
- Ecology, ESG, CSR Manager
- Art & Design Manager
- Content Creation Manager
- Photographer / Videographer
14 ESE Roles Framework
Build your Event Social Enterprise team across 5 specialized areas
Complete ESE Team Structure
Explore all 14 specialized roles that make up a successful Event Social Enterprise team. Each role contributes unique skills and responsibilities to create impactful music events with climate action integration.
Leadership & Strategic Roles
Executive leadership positions responsible for overall ESE vision, strategy, and operational coordination.
CEO (Chief Executive Officer)
Overall leadership responsibility for ESE vision, strategy, and team coordination. Leads business plan development and stakeholder relationships.
Vice CEO / Finance / Company Secretary
Financial systems management, legal compliance, and administrative support. Handles budget tracking and profit-sharing implementation.
Marketing & Communications Team
Comprehensive promotional strategy, sponsor relationships, and media outreach for maximum event impact and attendance.
Marketing & Sponsor Liaison Manager
Market research, sponsor relationships, and campaign development. Builds value propositions and maintains partner relationships.
Sales / Promotion Manager
Ticket sales optimization, merchandise management, and revenue generation through multiple channels and pricing strategies.
PR (Public Relations) Manager
Media outreach, crisis communication, and community messaging. Manages public image and media relationships.
Creative & Content Development
Digital brand development, visual identity, and multimedia content creation for professional marketing and documentation.
IT / Social Media Manager
Digital platforms management, content calendars, and online engagement across social media channels and technical systems.
Content Creation / Art & Design Manager
Visual identity development, marketing materials design, and brand consistency across all creative outputs and materials.
Video Creation / Editing / Journalism / Blogging
Documentary production, promotional content creation, and storytelling for impact and audience engagement through multimedia.
Event Operations & Management
Professional event production, technical coordination, and customer experience management for successful live events.
Talent Acquisition & Event Hospitality Manager
Artist booking, technical coordination, and performer relations. Manages talent contracts and hospitality arrangements.
Event / Health & Safety Manager
Venue management, risk assessment, and compliance protocols. Ensures safe environment for all participants and attendees.
Stage & Backstage Manager
Technical systems, equipment management, and production coordination. Oversees all technical aspects of live performance.
Front of House Manager
Customer experience design, audience flow, and accessibility planning. Ensures excellent attendee experience and satisfaction.
Sustainability & Community Engagement
Environmental impact measurement, climate action projects, and community partnership development for meaningful social impact.
Ecology Manager (ESG, CSR focus)
Environmental impact assessment, sustainability measures, and climate action project coordination using 25% profit allocation.
Community Outreach Manager
Stakeholder engagement, volunteer coordination, and partnership development for community involvement and social impact.
Ready to Build Your ESE Team?
Download our comprehensive role guides and start assembling your 14-person Event Social Enterprise team today!
Explore Detailed Role Guides Start ESE Foundation Course
Teachers do not need any prior knowledge of the programme, business, the arts, climate awareness or the workings of a company.
The role of the teacher is as an enabler / facilitator to the students involved as well as a facilitator of a weekly company meeting within the school or online.
The programme works best when the students themselves are doing most of the work either in or outside of school hours.
This programme is very engaging so students mustn’t see this as “homework” but they do the work as they are driven to succeed and be the best they can be - working together, making all the decisions around their own enterprise.
The programme is also very flexible and must work ins a way that conforms to whatever the school or clubs rules and regulations are.
Teachers or whoever becomes the facilitator will be trained by Blastbeat mentors as to how to work the platform and app before we stat the programme. The training will be a few hours and that can be split into 45 minutes segments and will be online training for the most part.
The Blastbeat team will provide the framework for the students work, and full support for the school in the form of an interactive website, helpline, and school visits by key Blastbeat team leaders. Ideally a teacher will attend the school ESE music or sport commotion and event The National Final.
TEACHERS : EMPOWER YOUR STUDENTS, change their lives for the better
Become a Blastbeat V2 Facilitator / Mentor
Facilitate Real-World Learning
Guide students through a full-year entrepreneurship, events, and climate action programme. Comprehensive training and resources provided.
What You'll Facilitate
Three verticals, one complete programme. Students choose their path, you guide the journey.
Students organize concerts, talent shows, and creative events. Terms 1-2.
Students run tournaments, sports days, and athletic competitions. Terms 1-2.
Students execute environmental projects funded by event profits. Terms 3-4.
The Full-Term Solution
A complete year of engagement—events fund climate action.
- MACC & FootBeat ESEs operate
- Students run real events
- Generate actual revenue
- 75% profit to teams
- 25% pooled for climate fund
- CAN ESE activates
- Uses pooled 25% funds
- Executes real climate projects
- Measurable environmental impact
- Full year engagement
The Competition Structure
Guide your students through progressive competition levels.
Your Role as Facilitator
Guide, don't direct. Students make decisions, you provide support.
Curriculum Alignment
Integrates with multiple subject areas across the curriculum.
Training & Support
Everything you need to facilitate with confidence.
Ready to Become a Facilitator?
Register your interest and we'll contact you with next steps for training and programme implementation.
Register as Teacher Preview Foundation Course🎯 SA National Finals: Launching Q3 2026 in Cape Town
Each ESE (Events Social Enterprise) chooses at least six acts to perform at their concert, each act get to perform 3 tracks or songs or fifteen minutes, whichever is the shorter.
Winning acts from the school heats qualify for the National Final.
Wildcard acts are also chosen by Blastbeat throughout the competition, so even if an act does not win in the schools heat there is still a chance they may qualify for the National Final. Acts will be judged based on the quality of their original performances and material.
Original Artists, Bands, Songwriters, Producers, DJ’s
Blastbeat is open to all types of acts / musicians looking to make a mark on the local, national or even international music scene. The final decision rests with the EEC and their Talent / Artists scout team.
How do I get Involved?
The support and approval of parents is vital to us and to the success of our program. As a parent you can spread the good word of Blastbeat to other parents, teachers and teenagers, so that we can bring the program to schools in your community
PARENTS/COMMUNITY
As a parent your support is vital! You can be an Ambassador for Blastbeat and encourage teachers and students to take up the Challenge.
Give Your Child a Head Start
BlastBeat combines entrepreneurship, music/sports, and climate action into one powerful programme. Real business skills. Real money. Real impact.
What Your Child Will Do
Three pathways to success. Your child chooses their passion, we provide the structure.
Organize concerts and creative events. Perfect for artistic, creative children.
Run tournaments and sports events. Great for sporty, competitive children.
Execute environmental projects. Ideal for eco-conscious changemakers.
The Competition Journey
From classroom to national stage—building confidence at every step.
Real Money, Real Impact
Not a Simulation—Real Business
Your child's team earns real money from ticket sales, sponsorships, and merchandise. They'll learn to budget, manage finances, and see the direct results of their work. 75% stays with the team, 25% funds climate action projects in Terms 3-4.
Skills They'll Develop
14 business roles, real responsibilities, skills that last a lifetime.
Safety & Supervision
Your child's wellbeing is our top priority.
Common Questions
Want to Learn More?
Register your interest and we'll send you updates about the programme, plus information on how to encourage your child's school to participate.
Register Interest Preview Foundation Course🎯 SA National Finals: Launching Q3 2026 in Cape Town
Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change
Yesterday I opened my eyes on the side where my dreams were taken as a joke—where poverty was my enemy. But one day I realized my soul, my passion, is richer than the richest people according to my economy. Blastbeat became a journey that brought joy to my heart, recognition to my school, and happiness to my soul. You brought me the world."
— Student, Cape Town (Blastbeat South Africa)
360,000+
10 million
80%
75%
Transformative Experiences with BlastBeat
Empowering Youth Through Music and Action
ESE Challenge for Schools
Transform Education Through Innovation
Quick Setup
Ready-to-implement programme with zero setup costs and minimal administrative overhead.
- Digital platform activation in 24 hours
- Pre-built curriculum resources
- Automated student registration
- Instant access to training materials
Curriculum Perfect Fit
Seamlessly integrates with existing Irish curriculum frameworks and learning objectives.
- Junior Cycle Business Studies alignment
- CSPE and climate action integration
- Digital literacy development
- Assessment rubrics provided
Teacher Empowerment
Comprehensive training and ongoing support ensure teacher confidence and success.
- Professional development certification
- Peer network access
- 24/7 technical support
- Best practice sharing platform
Data & Insights
Real-time analytics and automated reporting simplify progress tracking and outcomes measurement.
- Student progress dashboards
- Automated parent communications
- Outcome reports for inspections
- Skills development tracking
National Recognition
Showcase your school at regional and national events with media coverage and industry recognition.
Enhanced Reputation
Stand out as an innovative school offering cutting-edge programmes that prepare students for the future.
Improved Outcomes
Measurable improvements in student confidence, creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Future-Ready Students
Develop 21st-century skills in digital literacy, sustainability, creativity, and business acumen.
Industry Connections
Connect students with music industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and business mentors.
Innovation Leadership
Lead educational innovation by integrating music, business, and climate action in unique ways.
Complete Implementation Support Journey
Pre-Launch Preparation
Dedicated coordinator assigns your school, technical setup completed, teacher training scheduled, and custom resources prepared for your context.
Teacher Training & Certification
Comprehensive professional development with online and in-person options, certification upon completion, and access to teacher community network.
Programme Launch
Coordinated student onboarding, technical support during first week, real-time problem solving, and progress monitoring activation.
Ongoing Support
24/7 technical helpdesk, regular check-ins with coordinators, peer school networking, and continuous resource updates.
Event Coordination
Regional showcase preparation, national final logistics, industry mentor connections, and media coverage coordination.
Recognition & Growth
Certificate distribution, success story documentation, next year planning, and advanced programme options exploration.
24/7 Technical Support
Dedicated helpdesk ensures no technical issues disrupt learning.
Educational Coordinators
Experienced education professionals provide pedagogical guidance.
Return on Investment Analysis
Setup Costs
Software Licensing
Training Fees
Support Included
Awards & Recognition
Potential for school awards, teacher recognition, and student achievements at national level.
Media Coverage
National showcase events provide valuable media exposure and positive publicity for participating schools.
Industry Partnerships
Connect with corporate sponsors, music industry professionals, and potential future partners.
Measurable Impact
Clear metrics for school reporting, inspection evidence, and continuous improvement documentation.
Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change
"You can see children changing in front of your eyes. Blastbeat doesn’t teach business in a classroom—it teaches it in real life, through something they love. It’s transformative for students and staff alike."
- Principal, Northwood School
Faq
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
1 - What is an ESE?
- “ESE” means an Events Social Enterprise mini company that students create in order to participate in the new Ai empowered App / Platform of the Blastbeat V2 programme.
- Between 4 and 14 students can create their own ESE(mini company)
- Each student takes on a role fundamental to the running of the ESE.
- They are structured into 4 sub ESE management teams, a)Business b)Event, c)Creative and d)Community.
- Roles include team a)CEO, Vice CEO/ Finance/Secretary, Marketing, b) COM, Event Director, Sales, Promoters. c) CTO, Film/ Content Creators, Bloggers, Art & Design, PR, d)Sustainability/Ecology, CSR, Social Media Manager.
- There are a number of more part-time positions available like ticket Sales, Photographer, Journalist, Influencers etc
- Students in full time management positions in the ESE will need to attend at least one meeting per week in person or online and undertake specific tasks which attract ‘BlastPoints’ as they complete each task.
- Tasks include: Creating a business plan, setting up the ESE website, social media accounts, scouting for artist / performers / players/ gamers, producing & promoting their school/ sports/ gaming/ dance/ fashion events.
- The team must work together and manage their time effectively in order to achieve the overall objective of creating and running a successful events company organising an event.
- If the event is music focused, they will need to have at least 6 acts on stage to be judged by professional in a knock out music competition
- If it is sports or gaming, similarly the best qualify to move forward in the competition.
2 - What are the rules of selection for the bands?
- A max of three music acts can be in the majority from the ESE's school itself, the rest must come from other schools or the community.
- The focus should be on original pieces of music and content.
- At least one significant member of the act or team involved must be currently in second level education at the time of selection
- Acts or teams cannot perform in any more than one ESE event.
- An individual performer can be in more than one act or team at the same time.
- The performers must not be already signed to a record or publishing company or be fully sponsored by any brand.
- The acts must not play more than one cover song in their performance.
- The acts will have a set or 3 songs / tracks or sets of 15 minutes whichever is shortest.
- All types or styles of music are permissible
- All judges decisions are FINAL and no debate will be entered into over the judge’s decision.
3 - What do ESEsdo for the Regional Finals?
- ESEs will continue to promote their winning acts for the Regional Finals (where applicable) and
- National Finals.
- ESEs will pre-sell tickets and make a commission on sales for the regional or national event and promote the event in their schools &
- communities.
4 - Who Judges the Blastbeat Events?
- The ESE concert will be judged by industry experts.
- There will be 3 judges present at each ESE concert. 1 representative from Blastbeat.
- The other 2 judges will be sourced by the ESE, ideally a well known music / sports rep from the local community, like a relevant media or radio network
- Judges for the Regional & National Finals will be chosen by Blastbeat and will be relevant industry experts as well as a representative from Blastbeat.
5 - How do I know how well my ESE is performing in relation to other ESE’s?
- Each ESE is appraised in real time, winning “BlastPoints” on completion of each of the various takes they are assigned in the programme
- The Blastbeat V2 platform will display the points of each ESEs of on their dashboard in real time and on a league table at the end of each month of the 4 stages in the competition.
- This way ESE’s will know where they stand each month or stage as they work towards the National Finals of Blastbeat V2
- At that event, judges will allocate the last 20% or 4,000 points, then winners are announced and the final league table is posted on this website post event.
6 - How does the Exhibition work at the National Final?
- All participating ESEs will attend the Blastbeat ESE exhibition / showcase and will present all the work that they have done at a display stand they will be allocated.
- Up to 4 of each team should be present to displayed would include the business plan, their social media profile, artwork, photographs, interviews with artists and articles. This will be edited by the ESE to a 5 minute video that shows their journey from start to finish.
- This Video is very important and it is also part a video competition with prizes for the best story that depicts the ups and downs and roundabouts of their Blastbeat V2 journey
- Each ESE should have at least 2 good speakers present at their stand available at all times to represent their ESE to pitch to the judges.
- 20% of the marks will go for this pitch presentation, judged by representatives from Blastbeat and a variety of independent judges from various different business backgrounds.
7 - How many bands qualify for the Regional & National Finals?
- Up to 12 acts can perform if the event is around music. If it is gaming or sports then that will be decided as fits the occasion and locations country by country
8 - What are the prizes for the Winning Bands & ESEs??
- To be updated
Get Involved with BlastBeat
Join the Movement
Become a part of the BlastBeat community! Whether through donations, partnerships, or active participation, your involvement can help empower youth to tackle climate challenges, express their creativity through music, and develop entrepreneurial skills. Together, we can inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.
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