Tag: IDEATE

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

 

IDEATE Ireland searching for next cohort of Irish Entrepreneurs

After the success of last year’s programme, IDEATE Ireland is returning for 2024. The initiative uncovers and empowers Ireland’s next generation of entrepreneurs, helping to turn their brilliant ideas into thriving international businesses.

IDEATE Ireland is now seeking applications for its 2024 competition, where candidates can develop their business ideas through mentoring and workshops, apply for start-up support and pitch for cash funding. Applications open on Wednesday, 14th February and will be accepted until midnight on Tuesday, 19 March. Last year’s winners were Array Patch founded by Dr. Waleed Faisal, Dr Ziad Sartawi and Dr Caroline Blackshields of University College Cork. ArrayPatch is a propriety wearable microneedle patch (MN) that treats local diseases. First runner-up was LEP Biomedical, led by Dr. Alan Hibbitts, Dr. Golestan Salimbeigi, and Dr. Tauseef Ahmad of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, who are on a mission to transform glaucoma surgeries. 

As great ideas can come from anyone and anywhere, IDEATE Ireland is open to undergraduate, postgraduate or research students from any academic institution or research centre on the island of Ireland. The ten best submissions will be invited to participate in a 10-week mentoring and support programme and compete for a €20k prize fund. 

“Last year’s cohort of IDEATE showed us yet again the extraordinary potential that entrepreneurs in this country have”, said Helen Fullen. “We’re looking forward to finding and working with this year’s participants and to continue inspiring future business leaders through the competition. We believe ideas can change the world; that’s why we’re just as excited and ambitious about our entrepreneurs’ projects as they are. Through IDEATE Ireland, entrepreneurs are provided expert guidance and support in a focused, motivational, and hands-on environment, making it an invaluable and rewarding experience.” 

“We’re looking forward to writing the next chapter of Ireland’s leading third-level start-up competition with IDEATE Ireland”, added Chairman of IDEATE Ireland David Moffitt. “The competition’s success over the past 12 years highlights the importance of providing entrepreneurs across the island of Ireland with education, mentorship, and a robust business network. Our mission is to capture the imagination of Ireland’s brightest minds, enabling and empowering them to make a lasting contribution to the global economy, employment, and society. We have a deep bench of alumni who are ready and willing to engage with the next generation of Irish entrepreneurs, offering them support and feedback; it’s also great to have the support of Key Capital and PwC Ireland as pillar sponsors for this year’s competition. We’re determined to sustain and grow this network to ensure IDEATE Ireland continues to be the best start entrepreneurs can get on the island of Ireland.”

Conor Killeen, Chairman of Key Capital, is looking forward to supporting entrepreneurs throughout the competition: “Our goal is to develop commercial know-how and allow the entrepreneurs to engage with like-minded people so that their business can have a global impact. Entrepreneurs can speed up their learning through exposure to the best in the business.” 

Adding to this, Doone O’Doherty, People Partner at PwC Ireland, said: “IDEATE Ireland offers a tremendous platform to nurture emerging entrepreneurial talent. We look forward to exploring the diverse ideas being developed by entrepreneurs nationwide and offering them structured guidance to help their businesses thrive.”

This year’s IDEATE Ireland sponsors are PwC, Key Capital, Guinness Enterprise Centre, Each & Other, and Ormeau Baths.

 

Website: www.ideateireland.ie

IDEATE Ireland Searching For Next Cohort Of Irish Entrepreneurs

After the success of last year’s programme, IDEATE Ireland is returning for 2023. The initiative uncovers and empowers Ireland’s next generation of entrepreneurs, helping to turn their brilliant ideas into thriving international businesses.

IDEATE Ireland is now seeking applications for its 2023 competition, where candidates can develop their business ideas through mentoring and workshops, apply for start-up support and pitch for cash funding. Applications open on Wednesday, 15th February and will be accepted until midnight on Tuesday, 21st March. Last year’s winners were Dr. Mark O’Sullivan and Dr. Alison O’Shea of Neurobell, which is developing a pocket-sized brain monitor with automated seizure detection for new-borns, while the first runners-up were Sarusha Pillay and Dr. Fergus McCarthy of pHetalSafe, which seeks to detect and prevent fetal hypoxia and assess fetal well-being during labour.

As great ideas can come from anyone and anywhere, IDEATE Ireland is open to undergraduate, postgraduate or research students from any academic institution or research centre on the island of Ireland. The ten best submissions will be invited to participate in a 10-week mentoring and support programme and compete for a €27k prize fund. 

“Last year’s cohort of IDEATE showed us the extraordinary potential that entrepreneurs in this country have”, said Helen Fullen. “We’re looking forward to finding and working with this year’s participants and to continue inspiring future business leaders through the programme. We believe ideas can change the world; that’s why we’re just as excited and ambitious about our entrepreneurs’ projects as they are. Through IDEATE Ireland, entrepreneurs are provided expert guidance and support in a focused, motivational and hands-on environment, making it an invaluable and rewarding experience.” 

“We’re looking forward to writing the next chapter of Ireland’s leading third-level start-up competition with IDEATE Ireland”, added Chairman of IDEATE Ireland David Moffitt. “The competition’s success over the past 11 years highlights the importance of providing entrepreneurs across Ireland with education, mentorship, and a robust business network. The initiative is going from strength to strength, with exciting new partnerships since last year. Our mission is to capture the imagination of Ireland’s brightest minds, enabling and empowering them to make a lasting contribution to the global economy, employment, and society. We have a deep bench of alumni who are ready and willing to engage with the next generation of Irish entrepreneurs, offering them support and feedback; it’s also great to have the support of PWC and Key Capital as pillar sponsors for this year’s programme. We’re determined to sustain and grow this network to ensure IDEATE Ireland continues to be the best kick-start entrepreneurs can get on the island of Ireland.”

Adding to this, Emma Scott, People Partner at PwC, said: “With IDEATE Ireland, we have a great opportunity to develop talent, as well as engage with PwC graduates and encourage them to participate in the competition. We look forward to seeing even greater innovation in 2023, discovering what ideas entrepreneurs around the country are working on, and providing them with a structured insight into how to progress their business.”

Conor Killeen, Chairman of Key Captial, is looking forward to supporting entrepreneurs throughout the competition: “We aim to develop commercial know-how and allow entrepreneurs to engage with like-minded people so that their business can have a global impact. Entrepreneurs can speed up their learning through exposure to the best in the business.” 

This year’s IDEATE Ireland sponsors are PwC, Key Capital, Guinness Enterprise Centre, Irish Life and Each & Other.

Website: www.ideateireland.ie

IDEATE IRELAND Empowering The Next Generation Of Irish Entrepreneurs

IDEATE Ireland (formerly The Ireland Fund’s Business Plan Competition) is an exciting new initiative to uncover and empower Ireland’s next generation of entrepreneurs, helping to turn their brilliant ideas into thriving international businesses.

IDEATE Ireland is now seeking applications for its 2022 competition, where candidates will have the opportunity to develop their business ideas through mentoring and workshops, apply for start-up support and pitch for cash funding. Applications open on Tuesday, 08 March and will be accepted until midnight on Thursday, 07 April 2022.

As great ideas can come from anyone and anywhere, IDEATE Ireland is open to undergraduate, postgraduate or research students from any academic institution or research centres on the island of Ireland. The best ten best submissions will be invited to participate in an 8-week mentoring and support programme and compete for a €27k prize fund. 

The initiative aims to build on the Ireland Funds Business Plan Competition (BPC) which helped develop entrepreneurial skills and innovative ideas among early-stage, student entrepreneurs. Since its founding in 2011 by The Ireland Funds Board Director Bill McKiernan, 276 people from academic institutions throughout the island of Ireland have participated in the programme. 60% of participating teams have formed viable businesses, creating 300+ jobs.

Co- founded by Helen Fullen, IDEATE Ireland is more than a simple rebranding of the former Business Plan Competition; it is a reimagining and reinvigoration, where established local entrepreneurs and business leaders give freely of their time to help nurture the ideas and mentor the business skills of Ireland’s next generation of entrepreneurs.  

“I have seen first-hand the lasting contribution The Ireland Fund’s Business Plan Competition has made, that’s why I was determined that we build on the legacy and continue to inspire future business leaders through IDEATE Ireland. We believe ideas have the power to change the world; that’s why we’re just as excited and ambitious about our entrepreneur’s projects as they are.” Helen said.

Helen Fullen is joined in the IDEATE Ireland initiative by Co-Founders David Moffitt, Danny Moore, Options Technology, Cian O’Flaherty, Safecility and Bill McKiernan, WSM Capital. With extensive entrepreneurial backgrounds, all are firm believers in the importance of risk-taking and the ability of business ideas to bring about positive change. 

“We’re looking forward to writing the next chapter of Ireland’s leading third-level start-up competition with IDEATE Ireland” David Moffitt said. “The success of the competition to date highlights the importance of continuing to provide entrepreneurs across the island of Ireland with education, mentorship, and a robust business network. Our mission is to capture the imagination of Ireland’s brightest minds, enabling and empowering them to make a lasting contribution to the global economy, employment, and society. We have a deep bench of alumni who are ready and willing to engage with the next generation of Irish entrepreneurs, offering them support and feedback. We’re determined to sustain and grow this network to ensure IDEATE Ireland continues to be the best kick-start entrepreneurs can get on the island of Ireland.”

Website: www.ideateireland.ie

Pictured above  (l-r – back row) are Cian O’Flaherty, CEO, Safecility, David Moffit, CEO, Kayfoam Woolfson and Eamonn Sayers, Manager, The Guinness Enterprise Centre. Pictured front (l-r) are Terry Hughes, SVP Marketing, Options and Helen Fullen, CEO, Alinea.