Tag: hackathon

PayPal hosts hackathon to help make a real impact for 10 startups in Ireland

PayPal today announces the outcome of its ‘HACK for IMPACT’ initiative hosted in Dunboyne Castle in County Meath. The hackathon for startups saw PayPal support local entrepreneurship and collaborate with 10 local startups over a 24-hour period.

With the help of InnerCity Enterprise, the startups talked through their business plans and challenges, with ideas proposed by more than 30 PayPal mentors from teams across Ireland and Europe. The digital solutions workshopped during the event included website design, app creation and marketing strategies.

Having assessed the projects based on innovation, collaboration, impact, completion and presentation, the judging panel selected three winners. Treats by Sylvia, an award-winning mini cheesecake business enabled by an ecommerce website, took first place.

Mic Drop, a mobile application developed to enable networking and digital tipping for musicians in Ireland, came in second place and Vets Near Home, a home call out veterinarian services provider underpinned by an ecommerce platform with payment functionality, placed third. Eve Brassil, owner of Vets Near Home, commented: “The team have been incredible. They haven’t just developed a website but helped me future-proof my business.”

The other startups and concepts involved were:

  • Createnesz Virtual Solutions – A virtual assistance business hoping to develop a website booking system with payment functionality and membership area.
  • Oliverita – An olive oil business built on an ecommerce and inventory management platform with blockchain capabilities.
  • Perfect Fit Nutrition – A nutrition and wellness website and blog to offer advisory-based subscriptions.
  • Print Paper Press – A company specialising in creating vintage-style newspaper prints, empowered by an ecommerce platform with enhanced functionality.
  • Reflektor Coaching – An online booking and e-learning platform to facilitate wellness coaching.
  • The Mushroom Butcher – A farm-to-fork organic mushroom business supported by an ecommerce and inventory management platform.
  • Hug & Hold Doula support – A doula and post-partum/early childhood services provider seeking a mobile application and online booking and e-learning solution.

Speaking about the hackathon, Paul Ryan, Global Head of Risk Specialised Servicing and Ireland Site Lead, PayPal, said: “This hackathon is all about having an impact. As well as having an impact for the startups involved, in turn, they can have an impact on the wider community. From digital payments to online booking systems, this event shows the vital role that technology plays in how organisations originate and operate – and, perhaps more importantly, innovate. Through collaboration and expertise, PayPal takes pride in turning such great ideas into real outcomes.”

Evanne Kilmurray, CEO of Inner City Enterprise, added: “PayPal’s Hack for Impact is an incredible opportunity for our clients, who would gain access to professional mentorship and cutting-edge, tailored technical help designed specifically for their unique start-up business needs. I am both happy and impressed to see the innovations and collaborations that emerged from this event and how they made a meaningful difference for our community.”

The judging panel consisted of Evanne Kilmurray, CEO Inner City Enterprise; Neil McDonnel, CEO of the Irish SME Association (ISME); Luigi De Curtis, Senior Director of SMB Europe, PayPal; Paul Ryan, Global Head of Risk Specialised Servicing and Ireland Site Lead, PayPal; and Ciaran Maceochaidh, Senior Director of Global Professional Services, PayPal.

MTU Drives Innovation with Cybersecurity and Sustainability-Themed Hackathon

Munster Technological University (MTU) and Cyber Ireland, in collaboration with the INGENIUM University alliance, is set to host an exhilarating Cybersecurity and Sustainability-themed Hackathon on the 12th and 13th of February at the Bishopstown Campus. In this dynamic event, 50 students from the INGENIUM University alliance, spanning 10 universities, including MTU, and multiple disciplines, will converge to tackle key challenges in cybersecurity and sustainability.

The hackathon focuses on addressing industry challenges in cybersecurity and sustainability, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of real problems and develop potential solutions. The hackathon aims to foster collaboration and innovation among multidisciplinary international student teams and provide a practical application of academic knowledge. Participants will navigate the process of defining problems, developing solutions, fostering their entrepreneurial spirit, and presenting their work through impactful pitches. Cash prizes will be awarded for the best overall concept and the best pitch.

Teams will comprise five individuals, strategically selected to ensure a balanced academic background, with no team being exclusively composed of cybersecurity students. The teams will be formed from across INGENIUM, which is an alliance of ten universities from ten European countries, comprising 172,000 students and 15,000 staff. MTU proudly holds the position of a founding member of the INGENIUM Alliance and leads the Entrepreneurship workstream.

This event underscores MTU’s commitment to promoting regional, national and international partnerships and equipping students with the skills necessary to pursue and achieve their ambitions. With the collaboration and support of MTU’s External Affairs Office, Cyber Ireland and the MTU Innovation and Enterprise Office, this event promises to be an outstanding display of academic excellence and fun.

Dr. Sean McSweeney, MTU INGENIUM Coordinator said: “MTU is a very proud partner in the INGENIUM Alliance as we expand our global outlook and develop a better future for our students together.”

Eoin Byrne, Cyber Ireland Cluster Manager said: “The Hackathon aligns closely with Cyber Ireland’s goal of Developing the Workforce. We must make cybersecurity accessible with clear pathways and progression, while inspiring the next generation to consider a career in cybersecurity. It’s great to have the support from our industry partners who are key to the success of the event.”

Sponsors of the event have stated:

Rob Cameron, Cybereason: “Cybereason are delighted to sponsor this hackathon at MTU. As a company who believes in the growth of cybersecurity talent, witnessing the next generation of professionals emerge first hand is truly inspiring. A practical event like this gives a great platform to showcase their talent and skill sets and we are privileged to be a part of their journeys”.

Brian Ahern, Senior Manager, ISRM Training & Awareness, McKesson: “McKesson are delighted to sponsor the Cybersecurity Hackathon event in MTU which educates students on how to protect their future employers against evolving cybersecurity concerns.”

Louise MacIndoe, Security Program Director, Logitech: “Logitech is proud to support the Cyber Ireland and MTU Student Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024, providing an opportunity for young innovators to collaborate and create solutions for real-world problems. We are committed to nurturing the future generation of business & technology leaders, and events like this provide an excellent platform for doing so.”

Luke McDonnell, Head of PR, Huawei Technologies: “Developing the next generation of cyber-talent is important because Ireland has a great opportunity to become a cybersecurity leader in Europe. Hackathons challenge students to put their college learning into practice in a practical way and while technical skills and know-how are important, so too are the soft-skills that students will develop throughout the challenge, these skills cannot be understood and are essential for today’s modern graduate. Huawei is proud to support the Cyber Ireland and MTU Student Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024 and looks forward to seeing the students in action.”