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Winner: RegenoMac
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.
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Pictured left to right is: David Moffitt, Chair, IDEATE Ireland, with Dr Sean Doyle and Dr Cormac Flynn from University of Galway.
First Runner-Up: Neuropause Medical
The first runner-up was Neuropause Medical, led by Dr Maria Galve Villa of University College Galway who won a prize fund of €7K.
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Pictured left to right is: Niall Morris, Key Capital with first runner-up Neuropause Medical led by Dr Maria Galve Villa of University College Galway.
"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 commercially readiness and investable status.”Dr Cormac Flynn, Founder and Commercial Lead of of RegenoMac
Joint Third Place Winners: NutraTreat and Lion's Reign
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.
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Pictured left to right is: Peter Keane, Each&Other, with the Nutra Treat team Dr Ronan Bergin and Dr John Stephens of Maynooth University .
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Pictured left to right is: Peter Keane, Each&Other, with the Lion’s Reign team, Sean O’Sullivan and Giana Nuncio representing University College Cork.
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.”David Moffitt, IDEATE Chair
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.”Helen Fullen, Co-founder of IDEATE Ireland
ABOUT IDEATE IRELAND
IDEATE Ireland helps develop entrepreneurial skills and innovative ideas among early-stage student entrepreneurs. Since its founding in 2011 by Bill McKiernan, WSM Capital, 358 people from academic institutions across the island of Ireland have participated in the programme. 63% of participating teams have formed viable businesses, creating 350+ jobs and raising €45.5M in follow-on funding.
Co-founder Helen Fullen joined the IDEATE Ireland initiative with 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 calculated risk-taking and the ability of business ideas to bring about positive change. Competition sponsors are PwC, Key Capital, Each&Other, The Guinness Enterprise Centre and The Ireland Funds.
IDEATE Ireland 2024 Teams
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
Contact Us
For further information about Key Capital or the IDEATE Ireland start-up programme, email or call us at:
Email: niall.morris@keycapital.ie
Phone: +353 1 638 3838