RegenoMac is the winner of this year’s IDEATE Ireland competition, claiming a €10K prize fund. Led by Dr Cormac Flynn of the University of Galway, RegenoMac is developing an innovative gel injection for patients with macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy who experience significant vision loss.
The first runner-up was Neuropause Medical, led by Dr Maria Galve Villa of University College Galway who won a prize fund of €7K.
Joint second runners-up were NutraTreat, founded by Dr Ronan Bergin and Dr John Stephens of Maynooth University and Lion’s Reign a team from University College Cork (Sean O’Sullivan and Giana Nuncia) who share a €3K prize.
L-R Peter Keane Each and Other, Dr John Stephens and Dr Ronan Bergen Nutra Treat
Speaking about his experience of the programme, Dr Cormac Flynn, Founder and Commercial Lead of of RegenoMac said: “IDEATE Ireland transformed RegenoMac’s journey, clarifying our value proposition and creating a compelling, investor-ready pitch. The inspiring sessions and the energised cohort kept us motivated and brought all projects closer to commercial readiness and investable status.”
L-R Peter Keane Each and Other, Sean O Sullivan and Giana Nuncio Lions Reign
IDEATE Ireland is a third-level start-up competition committed to enhancing cooperation, connection, and mutual understanding on the island of Ireland, engaging with all communities and traditions around a shared passion for entrepreneurship and new venture development. IDEATE Ireland seeks to uncover and empower Ireland’s next generation of entrepreneurs, helping to turn their brilliant ideas into thriving international businesses. The ten best submissions participated in a ten-week mentoring and support programme.
Congratulating the finalists, IDEATE Ireland Chair David Moffitt said: “IDEATE Ireland represents an exceptional shared island initiative that is actively shaping the future of start-ups emerging from higher education. The competition’s notable success underscores the significance of consistently providing aspiring entrepreneurs from Ireland and Northern Ireland with invaluable educational resources, mentorship, and a thriving business network. IDEATE Ireland has become a source of inspiration for the brightest minds, fostering their ability to make a lasting impact on the global economy, employment, and society as a whole.”
Co-founder of IDEATE Ireland, Helen Fullen, said: “Once again, the quality of submissions this year has exceeded expectations, showcasing an exceptionally high standard. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners! We are committed to supporting them on their entrepreneurial journey and proudly welcome them to the IDEATE Ireland alumni community.”
Website: www.ideateireland.ie
IDEATE IRELAND 2024 COHORT
AgriNaviTech is a GPS-enabled livestock management system designed to address the challenges of tracking and managing livestock. It offers precision tracking, health monitoring and data analytics through a user-friendly mobile app interface, revolutionizing traditional farming practices for improved efficiency, sustainability and security. Ulster University
Clean Kicks specializes in creating hand-painted footwear to express customers’ unique styles. Blending artistry with functionality and offering a spectrum of colours and designs, from detailed brushstrokes to effortless colour transformations, each pair of shoes is a true reflection of personal flair. Ulster University
Lion’s Reign is Europe’s only producer of mushroom-based jerky, uniquely crafted from Lion’s Mane mushrooms. This innovative snack offers a flavourful and meat-like texture, specifically designed to appeal to the expanding market of vegans, vegetarians, and those conscious of their environmental impact. University College Cork
Neuropause Medical’s revolutionary ultrasound-based device offers a non-invasive, medication-free solution for severe hot flushes and night sweats, designed for menopause healthcare professionals to transform symptom management safely and effectively. University of Galway/UCD
NutraTreat offers a non-pharmaceutical solution for alleviating arthritis symptoms in dogs through a nutritious treat made with innovative, science-backed ingredients. Using a computer-driven discovery platform, NutraTreat plans to develop various products to address multiple health conditions. Maynooth University
RegenoMac is an innovative gel injection designed for patients with macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy who experience significant vision loss. It integrates into existing care pathways and features a unique, slow-releasing drug mechanism, providing effective treatment where other therapies have failed.
University of Galway.
Renovate Pharma is developing various repurposed drugs in novel nebulized formulations for inhalable antifibrotic treatments. These therapies seek to manage idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other interstitial lung diseases, reducing lung
function loss and mortality in conditions currently without a cure. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Shergard is a digital platform for horse racing training businesses, enhancing organizational efficiency and professional standards. It focuses on the well-being of horses and their owners, helping trainers streamline operations and excel in the digital age. University of Galway
VioFeel’s Augmented Vestibular Assistant helps individuals with vestibular disorders by using wrist vibrations to transmit orientation data from movement sensors. This device aims to enhance the vestibular sense, improve balance and well-being, and offer an affordable, efficient path to a better quality of life. Queen’s University Belfast
Wild Thinkers is a digital product providing sustainability education and consultancy through a unique blend of design thinking, storytelling, play, and creativity. Their digital tools inspire individuals to engage intellectually and emotionally, promoting a hands-on approach to the transformative actions necessary to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. University College Cork