Category: start-up

Guinness Enterprise Centre welcomes its 1,500th resident start-up

Guinness Enterprise Centre, the not-for-profit entrepreneurial superhub, today announces that it has surpassed the 1,500 resident companies mark as it welcomes QuizWizards to its five-storey start-up campus in The Liberties, Dublin 8. QuizWizards is now one of the Guinness Enterprise Centre’s 160 resident companies as four start-ups graduate.

The Guinness Enterprise Centre has been supporting start-ups and helping them grow for 25 years. Companies graduate when their staff requirements exceed the space they occupy in the Guinness Enterprise Centre. Urban Fox, Mobility Mojo, Move Ahead and Singular Artists are now all graduating from the superhub, which is Ireland’s largest start-up campus. Each company has grown from initial team sizes of between three to eight people while in the Guinness Enterprise Centre. Upon graduating, Urban Fox now plans to grow from a team of eight to 15, while Mobility Mojo expects to grow from eight to 20 – both by year-end 2026, in Ireland and overseas.

As resident companies grow and look to expand their operations, new start-ups take their place. They can avail of the Guinness Enterprise Centre’s space, ecosystem and supports, which include a Sustainability Cluster, led by Techies Go Green, which helps sustainability-focused companies to scale.

The latest graduates will be replaced by The Safer Plug Company and Archetype, along with the 1,500th resident, QuizWizards. Founded by Rory McEvoy, QuizWizards is a gamified sports technology company specialising in quizzes that promote fan engagement and help businesses and organisations to learn more about their customers. It recently signed a deal with Leinster Rugby to provide unique fan engagement solutions at matches and via social media.

The Safer Plug Company develops pipeline isolation technology, which creates safe zones for workers to perform maintenance on pipes, while Archetype is an events and experiences agency producing events with a focus on communities and culture.

Resident start-ups contribute €2M per year to the Guinness Enterprise Centres revenues. As a not-for-profit organisation, the Guinness Enterprise Centre reinvests revenues back into its operations. Recent investments have included a major IT project, along with upgrades to the Guinness Enterprise Centre’s conference rooms and event space to support collaboration and networking.

Niamh Collins, Centre Director, Guinness Enterprise Centre, said: “Our goal is for resident companies to outgrow us and this milestone reflects the significant impact that the Guinness Enterprise Centre is having on Ireland’s start-up ecosystem and wider economy. By giving innovative businesses a home where they can succeed, grow – and outgrow – we are nurturing the unicorns of tomorrow.

“QuizWizards exemplifies the innovation and energy that we see in the Guinness Enterprise Centre every day. Our world-class campus is the ideal foundation for QuizWizards, along with The Safer Plug Company and Archetype, to scale their businesses. At the same time, our graduating companies will have grown their teams significantly by the end of next year. As a nonprofit, our success is our start-ups’ success and this milestone is a reminder of our combined efforts.”

Rory McEvoy, CEO and Founder of QuizWizards, added: “We are immensely proud to be the 1,500th company through the Guinness Enterprise Centre’s doors. The energy, support, and network here have given QuizWizards a real boost as we expand our team. What stood out was the warmth and genuine interest the staff showed from day one — you’re never just a number here.

“The flexibility to grow our office space has been hugely valuable as we ramp up, having raised €750k to date, including recent investment from Enterprise Ireland. We are now making waves in global fan engagement, working with Leinster Rugby, AIG, the NCAA, Phoenix Suns, HaytersTV, and appearing on NBC, ESPN, and FOX — and being based at the Guinness Enterprise Centre is a big part of that journey.”

Irish Start-Up, Luxury Exchange, Bags Profit with Community Building & Circular Fashion

Luxury Exchange, an Irish start-up owned by Caitriona McGettigan and Cillian Moloney, recorded €1M in turnover last year and is on track to achieve €4M in turnover in 2025. Luxury Exchange is a curated collection of pre-loved designer handbags, clothing, and accessories; all at incredible value. The business started when Caitriona, an avid fashion lover, saw a gap in the market for the resale of luxury items in a more affordable way.

The community focused strategy that has been employed by the young couple and business partners has seen the business build a hugely loyal online customer base. To date Luxury Exchange has maximised the Instagram broadcast channel to sell to customers with a fresh, community focused approach.

The owners of Luxury Exchange saw an opportunity to disrupt the luxury resale market in Ireland. The online, socially driven model has allowed the business to sell preloved items for between 10-20% less than the market average, attracting a slew of loyal customers.

For the first time ever, and as a natural step in growth and business progression, Luxury Exchange will be holding its first in-person pop-up. The Cork based business will pop-up in the capital from May 22nd to May 25th 2025. A curated collection will be on offer for new and loyal customers alike at Studio 10 on Dublin’s Wicklow Street for four days, as demand is expected to be high.

Luxury Exchange resells luxury designer goods from well-known brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior and more. All the preloved items are authenticated with leading software, Entrupy. In the past year alone, Luxury Exchange has substantially grown. For example in March 2024, they brand secured approximately 30,000 impressions on Instagram vs 3M in 2025. Customer satisfaction and quality of offering is evident by the business’s repeat customer rate of 88%.

Caitriona McGettigan, Founder of Luxury Exchange, says “I started Luxury Exchange having noticed a growing appetite from customers to resell luxury goods. I’ve always had a love for luxury fashion, especially when it came at a great deal. The concept of resale always appealed to me. I noticed a pattern during my time as a visual merchandiser for Zadig & Voltaire. So many customers would tell me they felt guilty buying something new when they already had beautiful pieces at home they hadn’t worn or had only worn once, but felt they were too valuable to simply give away. I remember thinking that I’d love to buy those pieces from them. In many ways, I was my own first customer.

Our approach has given us the opportunity to create friendly luxury, in every sense. Our items are more affordable and we sell to our community of customers directly, often through live broadcasts on social platforms. Everything about Luxury Exchange is personal. We are building lasting relationships with customers and that is a testament to the growth we have experienced.”

Cillian Moloney, Co-Founder & Director of Luxury Exchange, says “My background is in business development and sales leadership, which has been beneficial to the growth of Luxury Exchange. The business started as a hobby for Caitriona during the pandemic, but it was clear to see early on that demand was high. Our consummate customer service is a huge part of the success to date as we have built up a community of shoppers that appreciate the offering and our approach to convenient, trusted commerce. The Luxury Exchange edit is carefully curated to meet the needs of our customers.

Taking something that started as a lockdown hobby and growing it to a business with global appeal has been incredible. To date we have sold to customers in over 30 countries. We’re excited to meet our customers  in person for the first time at the pop-up and maintain the growth trajectory of Luxury Exchange by continuing to maximise digital tools and offering unparalleled value and service.”

Second AI Accelerator Programme for Start-Ups Opens for Applications at University College Dublin

NovaUCD has announced that it is seeking applications from Irish-based start-ups to participate in its 2025 AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme.

The focus of this accelerator programme, which is now in its second year, is to support entrepreneurs who are developing disruptive AI solutions in sectors including, healthcare, cybersecurity, education, sustainability, finance, content creation, supply chain and customer service, for a global market.

The 6-month AI Ecosystem Accelerator, which begins in April, will be delivered by NovaUCD, the hub of innovation and start-up activities at University College Dublin (UCD), in partnership with CeADAR, Ireland’s Centre for AI.

Targeted supports for programme participants include guidance from CeADAR’s AI experts, and experienced commercial mentors, along with workshops on value proposition, scaling and investor readiness. Participants will also have access to collaborative co-working space at NovaUCD with the opportunity to connect with successful AI entrepreneurs, start-ups, corporates, investors and access to skilled interns.

Applications are open for the programme via https://www.ucd.ie/innovation/aiecosystem/.

Among the eleven (11) start-ups which completed the inaugural programme were, Customs Window Technologies, a RegTech start-up co-founded by Brian Murphy and Johnny Dunne, and Wrksense, an AI-driven HR tech start-up transforming high-volume recruitment co-founded by Andrew Connolly and Ruaidhrí McDonnell.

Customs Window Technologies and Wrksense announced funding of €800k and €825k respectively during the 2024 programme.

Andrew Connolly, CEO and co-founder, Wrksense, said, “Following the completion of the inaugural AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme, and the insights learnt, we now target a more niche market, targeting companies that align with our overall strategy and product vision. I’d strongly recommend the AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme to entrepreneurs who wish to advance their AI start-ups through the programme’s excellent dedicated technical and commercial supports.”

The AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme is funded through the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) framework, a Europe-wide initiative with funding of €700 million from both the European Commission and the Governments of member states.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, through Enterprise Ireland, is leading on the EDIH programme for Ireland and CeADAR is the European Digital Innovation Hub in AI for Ireland.

Michelle Doyle, Senior Manager, Strategic Innovation Partnerships, NovaUCD, said, “Following the successful completion of our inaugural AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme, delivered in collaboration with our colleagues at CeADAR, we are delighted to launch our second programme. We are now seeking applications from Irish-based start-ups with novel AI-based products or services, with a validated minimum viable product or proof of concept, and seeking investment this year, to join our next programme and be part of our ecosystem of successful entrepreneurs.”

Dr Ricardo Simon Carbajo, Director of Innovation and Development, CeADAR, said, “The AI Ecosystem Accelerator is one of the key services of CeADAR’s European Digital Innovation Hub programme. Run in partnership with NovaUCD the programme will provide entrepreneurs who are leveraging the power of AI with the required support, knowledge and network to accelerate their start-ups from ideation to investment stage.

We encourage entrepreneurs to find out the benefits of accelerating their venture with us and the range of other funded services for companies as part of CeADAR’s EDIH in AI programme.”

Applications are now open until 21 February 2025 for the second AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme via https://www.ucd.ie/innovation/aiecosystem/.

The 2025 AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme will commence in April and will end with a showcase event in October.

Furthr Foundry Accelerator News – Safely scoops the ‘Most Investable Start-Up’ award

Ten of the country’s most promising tech entrepreneurs have completed the first Furthr Foundry Accelerator Programme, Ireland’s latest Pre-Seed Accelerator. The intensive 12-week programme concluded this week at the Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC). On the final day, the participating start-ups took part in investor pitches and had one-on-one meetings with leading Irish VCs and Angel Investors. During these meetings, each start-up engaged in detailed discussions about their business plans, received valuable feedback, and sought investor perspectives.

The ten high-potential start-ups who completed the Pre-Seed Accelerator Programme will now be seeking to raise a combined pre-seed capital investment of up to €4m.

Winner of the ‘Most Investable Start-Up’ award announced on the Finale Day as voted for by the panel of investors, was Safely, founded by Jack Manning.

Safely serves commercial vehicle fleets in the US, UK, and Ireland by offering a driver safety solution that has been estimated to reduce claims by over 50 per cent. In addition to being recognised as the ‘Most Investable Start-Up’, Safely also received a cash prize of €3k, sponsored by Growing Capital, the leading provider of pre-seed private investment in Ireland.

Commenting on the Furthr Foundry Accelerator Programme and what the “Most Investable Start-Up’ award recognition means for his company, Jack Manning, founder of Safely, said: “It’s great to have won! It’s validation that all the hard work to date is worth it. And it really does make me believe that I can grow this business, get the investment I need to really scale it to the level I want to scale it to. So, it’s unbelievable validation, great to have won it. But the job’s only really starting I suppose.”

Commenting on the programme and the engagement with the participating start-ups, Gianni Matera, founder of Growing Capital, said: “If the aim of this pre-seed accelerator is to prepare start-ups for their pre-seed round, then I believe it has been successful. Many start-ups are now ready to apply for a PSSF, and some are even poised for an HPSU round.”

The panel of investors attending the finale event included representatives from some of Ireland’s most active Venture Capitalists and Angel Investors, including Sure Valley Ventures, Elkstone Private Partners, Growing Capital, Furthr VC, Delta Partners, Enterprise Ireland, Seedrs, ACT Venture Capital and Furthr Investor Network.

Speaking to the Start-Ups on the Finale Day for the Furthr Foundry Accelerator Programme,  Martin Murray, CEO at Furthr, said: “Today’s final part of the Foundry Accelerator Programme culminating in the finale day, is hopefully only the beginning of our journey in supporting your growth and in realising your ambitions for your respective businesses. Our success will be measured by supporting our clients to become ‘investor ready’ to take on their first institutional investment and myself, along with our business and investor mentorship teams, look forward to working closely with you to make this happen.”

Devised by Furthr, the country’s leading business innovation centre, in conjunction with the programme’s key partners including Growing Capital, Microsoft’s Founder Platform and the Guinness Enterprise Centre, the Furthr Foundry Accelerator Programme sets out to support, prepare and deliver 10 investor ready high potential start-ups who will take on pre-seed investment following their successful completion of the programme.

Companies participating in the inaugural Furthr Foundry Accelerator programme included a wide range of diverse tech empowered businesses and industry sectors, leveraging some of the fast emerging technologies to enable digital transformation for many businesses, including artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, EdTech and biotech.

The ten companies who successfully completed the first Furthr Foundry Accelerator Programme were, Allocator Training Institute, Biovit Technologies, Co-Swipe, Decision Analytics, Safely, Teddlo, Hiremate, PassionFruit, Simple Probate and Workstuff.ai.  

Furthr is now planning for the next cycle of the Furthr Foundry Accelerator Programme, expected to kick off in September 2024.  Tech entrepreneurs with aspirations to establish and scale their Start-Up enterprises for investment are encouraged to contact Furthr or go online for more information on the Furthr Foundry Accelerator.

IDEATE – RegenoMac is the winner of this year’s IDEATE Ireland competition

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.

Pictured l-r is David Moffitt, Chair, IDEATE Ireland, with Dr Sean Doyle and Dr Cormac Flynn from University of Galway.

 

The first runner-up was Neuropause Medical, led by Dr Maria Galve Villa of University College Galway who won a prize fund of €7K.

First Runner up, L-R Niall Morris Key Capital, Dr Maria Garve Villa Neuropause medical

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.

Second Runner up
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.”

Second Runner up
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