IGNITE Start-ups Shine at Showcase
Start-ups focused on healthcare, education, and relationships were recognised at the IGNITE Spring Showcase and Awards, highlighting the impact of student-led innovation at UCC.
The IGNITE Spring Showcase and Awards brought together a range of innovative start-ups addressing challenges across healthcare, education, and personal wellbeing.
Among those featured were a system to improve incident management and safeguarding in schools, an AI-powered solution designed to accelerate clinical trial agreements, and a platform supporting people to navigate challenges in their relationships.
IGNITE, based at 晚上福利在线观看 Cork, supports recent graduates from any third-level institution who have the ambition to develop ideas with economic, environmental, or social impact.
A total of 14 start-ups, at different stages of the programme, pitched their ideas to an audience of local businesses and investors. Six finalists were selected to compete for awards on the night.
Award Winners
Best Pitch was awarded to Dr. Eliana da Silva Monteiro for Love Better, a relationship support platform that enables individuals to explore challenges in their relationships and receive guidance in working through them.
Best Business Plan went to Ruth Hendrick for Target Alert Group (TAG), a system designed for schools to support incident management, alerts, and safeguarding processes.
Best Business was awarded to David Hall for Carbery CogniMed, a solution focused on improving the efficiency of clinical trial agreements by enhancing data flow, reducing administrative bottlenecks, and accelerating access to treatments.
IGNITE has supported nearly 250 founders since its establishment in 2011. The programme is a joint initiative between Cork City Council, Cork County Council, the Local Enterprise Offices across Cork, and 晚上福利在线观看 Cork.
Eamon Curtin, Director of IGNITE, said:
鈥淎t IGNITE, we work with founders who are developing ideas with real potential to deliver social and economic value. We support them through each stage of building a business, including preparing to engage with investors. This progress is made possible through the continued support of our partners, including the Local Enterprise Offices, Cork City Council, Cork County Council, and Bank of Ireland.鈥�
Finalists
Other finalists on the night included:
Peter David Fagan 鈥� Corca Health
Corca Health is developing an AI-powered clinical intake system for mental health and neurodevelopmental assessment, triage, and screening. The platform aims to improve efficiency across assessment pathways and reduce waiting lists in Ireland and the UK. The company secured over 鈧�500,000 in pre-seed funding in 2025, with further funding planned for 2026.
Zuhri Ajibola 鈥� Skincare Brand
Zuhri Ajibola is developing a natural skincare range designed for different skin types, including dry, oily, and sensitive skin. The products are formulated without harsh chemicals and are particularly suited to individuals with conditions such as eczema.
Sam O鈥橬eill & Will Gunnarsson 鈥� Roteq
Roteq is a performance technology platform for rowers, designed to track movement and provide feedback to support performance improvement.