Student Placements in Deep Tech AI Sustainable Manufacturing

Remote / Hybrid (Ireland) 12 Weeks JanApr 2026 Unpaid (with future paid opportunities)

Mesh Bioplastics is rethinking how the world makes and uses plastic.

Were developing VariControl a cutting-edge AI platform for smart circular plastics manufacturing and launching a line of sustainable bioplastics designed to reduce waste meet strict regulatory standards and support a zero-waste future.

This is an opportunity to work inside a real Irish deep-tech startup build tangible portfolio projects and be part of something genuinely impactful.

Were looking for motivated curious and ambitious students who want to learn fast contribute meaningfully and grow alongside a company positioned at the frontier of sustainability technology and manufacturing.

Tasks

Computing / Computer Science Student (1 Role)

Focus: Revamp our website & digital experience improve mobile UX/UI and integrate light tech functionality.

• Modernise website and improve mobile responsiveness
• Build landing pages & analytics to track engagement
• Optional: Explore lightweight AI integrations and automation

Ideal skills: HTML/CSS/JS UX/UI CMS (WordPress/Webflow) curiosity to build real things.

Software / AI / Data Science Student (1 Role)

Focus: Support the development of VariControl real-time AI for circular manufacturing.

• Assist in prototyping data models and dashboards
• Clean and structure manufacturing and sensor data
• Build lightweight tools to support pilot testing and reporting

Ideal skills: Python data science fundamentals analytics or AI/ML interest.

Engineering / Manufacturing Technology Student (1 Role)

Focus: Help bridge digital tech and shop-floor manufacturing.

• Map injection moulding and plastics processing workflows
• Define machine integration requirements for VariControl
• Support ESG documentation and process mapping for pilots

Ideal backgrounds: Manufacturing mechanical polymer or mechatronics.

Business Student (1 Role)

Focus: Commercial structure investor readiness market intelligence.

• Build and structure our investor data room
• Support financial model refinement and benchmarking
• Help prepare pitch decks summaries and structured reporting

Ideal skills: Excel/Sheets market analysis structured thinking clear communication.

Marketing / Creative Media Student (1 Role)

Focus: Brand voice visual identity storytelling campaigns.

• Define company brand tone colours and style guides
• Create content for LinkedIn website and campaigns
• Help launch awareness initiatives for VariControl and sustainable medical devices

Ideal skills: Canva/Adobe creative storytelling brand building.

Regulatory / Environmental Science Student (1 Role)

Focus: Support ESG and compliance strategy as we scale.

• Track and summarise relevant regulatory developments (e.g. Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation)
• Assist in building ESG and sustainability reporting frameworks
• Research international regulatory pathways for market expansion

Ideal backgrounds: Environmental science regulatory affairs policy ESG.

Requirements

• A can-do attitude and eagerness to take ownership of real projects.
• Willingness to challenge yourself learn quickly and work in a fast-paced evolving startup.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Interest in at least one of the following areas: AI sustainability manufacturing innovation product design or business strategy.
• Comfortable with problem-solving and experimentation perfection is less important than progress and initiative.
• Reliable self-motivated and able to deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Eligible for a 12-week placement (JanuaryApril 2026).

Previous experience isnt required what matters is curiosity drive and a willingness to grow.

Benefits

Why Join Us

• Work on real problems with real-world impact in a fast-moving deep-tech startup.
• Build portfolio-ready work that stands out to future employers.
• Experience AI sustainability and manufacturing innovation from the inside.
• Flexible remote work with optional group meetups (Tom Crean Centre / Cork).
• Future opportunities for paid work or employment as the company grows.

Applications are welcome from all Irish universities and technical institutions. We especially encourage students in:

• Computer Science / Software Engineering
• Data Science / AI / ML
• Mechanical Manufacturing Mechatronics or Polymer Engineering
• Business / Finance / Marketing / Communications
• Environmental Science / Sustainability / Regulatory Studies

Placements: January April 2026

Remote with optional meetups

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