Start-ups IGNITE a bright future
A startup developing a diagnostic medical device for the early detection and monitoring of brain injuries in newborns was among the big winners at the recent IGNITE programme awards and showcase.
The winner of Best Business was Mark O’Sullivan of Neurobell which is developing the diagnostic medical device. Best Business Plan was won by Willian Nolan of Addaptiv, which is developing new products using both plastic and metal 3D printing.
The IGNITE programme at UCC nurtures startups from ideas to commercial reality, has supported 120 new start-ups since its inception. The IGNITE Awards and Showcase Autumn 2020 took place by webinar last week.
Among the other start-ups showcased were PowerThruGolf developing a golf club administration management platform and Setlist, a group music sharing platform. Other companies featured help to relieve unnecessary anxiety - COMH and a social network for game developers - IndieLink.
The IGNITE Graduate Business Innovation Programme is hosted by University College Cork and supported by Bank of Ireland, the Local Enterprise Offices of Cork City, South Cork and North & West Cork, Cork City Council and Cork County Council.
IGNITE director Eamon Curtin said: “In what have been challenging circumstances for many businesses we are very proud of the IGNITE graduates this year. This has certainly been an unusual year but we have seen how hard work and dedication is vital to ensuring a business grows and develops.
“As with many aspects of society, IGNITE has moved online and so too has our Awards and Showcase. We are delighted that the IGNITE startups were able to pitch their business ideas straight to the screen.”
Derek Horgan, Manager with Bank of Ireland said: “Once again we at Bank of Ireland are delighted to be part of the IGNITE programme again this year. We are always inspired by the founders, their ideas and the quality of their pitches and business plans. IGNITE is a fantastic programme that helps to support entrepreneurs and we are very proud to be a part of it.”
The finalists included: Conor Organ, COMH; Aidan Power, PowerThru Golf; David Killoughy and Jordan Morrison, Setlist; Jen Martin, AUTHOR International; Cian O’Shea, IndieLink; Alex Thomas, TechWalk.io and Mafalda Hruskova, Pair Share.