From Ideas to Impact: Start100 Transforms Ambition into Entrepreneurial Action
University of Galway IdeasLab
University of Galway Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub
It’s that time of year again, IdeasLab has launched Start100 2024. University of Galway’s only student incubator, Start100, is designed to empower early-stage student startups. We believe that every idea has the potential to become an investible innovation.?
What Does Start100 Offer??
Inspiration and Support Throughout the Start100 programme, students refine their business models and tap into a wealth of knowledge. Our partnership with 爱尔兰国立高威大学 alumni mentors and speakers ensures that the next generation of entrepreneurs receives inspiration, advice, and the support they need to take their idea to the next level.?
?Meet this year’s Start100 teams:?
Arclo is a premium clothing brand that brings your clothes to life using augmented reality technology.?
A final year Global Commerce student at the University of Galway - J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics , David Garvey is specialising in Digital Business and Analytics, focusing on implementation, use and management of information systems in business.?His 3rd year placement in Strategy Consulting at KPMG Ireland provided him with hands-on experience in the fields of tech, banking and energy systems. His subsequent 5-month placement in The Concordia University - John Molson School of Business , Montréal, gave him an international perspective on innovation, education and culture abroad.??
Named a winner in the Open Incubator Showcase 2024, David recently presented his startup idea at Trinity Business School and was delighted to receive a feasibility grant towards its development.??
Beads on Toast is a destination creative café and craft events provider bringing alternative indoor experiences aimed at tourists and locals alike in Galway City.???
Bláithín Breathnach is a polylingual final year student of Global Languages, a course which offered her the opportunity to complete an Erasmus Year in France, Spain, and Italy. During this time, Bláithín took all opportunities that came her way, including a short entrepreneurship course at the Universidad de Granada ’s BreakerSpace entirely through Spanish, and getting involved with ESN, the Erasmus Student Network , which provides fun and cultural events for exchange students. Bláithín is now President of ESN University of Galway. She?has always been interested in creative disciplines, writing, and illustrating her first language-acquisition based children’s book at the age of 15 and with her seventh and most recent book launched in February 2024. The Start100 programme is the ideal next step in Bláithín’s continuing journey into Cultural Entrepreneurship!?
Beccentrix is bold, bespoke and statement jewellery for people with a flair for the eccentric. ?
Olamide Jalaade is a final year undergraduate student of Psychological Studies and Philosophy in University of Galway College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies . She is passionate about maximising her life satisfaction through continuous, holistic personal development and by gaining as many value-adding experiences as possible. ??
Olamide believes that fulfillment is derived from pursuing a life marked by purpose and harmony. She values connection through creativity and specialises in artistic expression through speech, creative writing, and fashion. She is the producer and host of a radio show and podcast, LOMAH, which serves to amplify Christian creativity, celebrate Irish artists, and engage vulnerable topics related to the human experience from the perspective of Faith.? Olamide can be found sporting bold items of clothing or accessories, posting light-hearted skits, writing reflective pieces, and sharing heartfelt poetry with her online communities.?
Hology Photography is a reimagined photography experience crafting a narrative devoid of language by blending psychology to inspire a new age of marketing campaigns.?
Damien Delaney is from Birr in Co. Offaly. Alongside studying psychology at University of Galway, Damien has a passion for photography. His journey started with the support of his grandfather, who gave him his very first disposable camera as a child. However, it wasn't until the onset of the Covid lockdown in 2020 that Damien took the opportunity to hone his photography skills. He recognised the potential to merge his artistic vision with his already enterprising nature. ‘Hology Photography’ was born. Over the next 12 months he featured on Ireland AM, placed first in the Student Enterprise Competition’s Offaly Final and was recognised on a national level with the ‘Natasha Lynch Memorial Award for Excellence in Social Media’. Since the Student Enterprise Competition, Damien has created a collection of postcards for his hometown and for the third year in a row has produced the ‘Birr Calendar’ which like the postcards has reached all corners of the globe. Damien is also focused on giving back to his community and through the sale of his products, he has raised funds for worthy causes such as St. Vincent de Paul, Vision Ireland (NCBI), and the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland, ensuring that his business endeavors remain a force for good in the world.??
HomeGrown Bakers is about discovering the joy of baking with an all-inclusive kit, equipped with essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions, these baking box offers people of all levels everything they need to develop their culinary skills.?
Cian Mchale is a student a third year Commerce with Global Experience student in University of Galway. Cian specializes in Accounting and Finance where he has experience working internationally at an accounting firm. Cian’s top subjects for Leaving Certificate were Home Economics and Accounting which led to his interest in combining his knowledge of both food and business and creating the idea for HomeGrown Bakers.???
Cian also enjoys being outdoors and in nature and playing sport. ?
MimicAI is a platform to automate Cyber Security for SME's.
Jack Mitchell is a final year Global Commerce student at University of Galway’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, specializing in entrepreneurship. He has a keen interest in digital marketing and software engineering, Jack's venture into the digital domain began with his internship at Version 1, where he developed his skills in digital marketing. ??
Jack?has built up his knowledge?of front-end development, a passion he has cultivated through self-learning and practical experience and prides himself on his ability to balance functionality with aesthetics of all digital platforms he works on.??
Neil Stuart is a dedicated third-year student pursuing a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Galway - College of Science and Engineering . In addition to his technical skills, Neil has practical experience gained through various projects and internships. Notably, he has participated in a third-year project at the University of Galway focused on real-time object detection and motor control for object interaction.???
Neil's past experiences include the SAP Enterprise Challenge with IdeasLab, where he helped to develop a webapp as a solution to enhance their customer support system. He contributed to the design and implementation of an AI assistant, which can create support tickets on the fly. ??
Quantum Harbour is an MSP and IT Consulting and Development company focused on building reliable, resilient systems for mission-critical applications.?
Ethan O'Brien 's journey into the world of technology began at an early age, as he started dismantling computers from the age of 5. Although his formal education led him to initially pursue Computer Science at Trinity College Dublin, Ethan soon realised that his true calling lay in practical, hands-on experiences within the IT field. He made the decision to step away from university and immerse himself in real-world IT roles.??
During his time as a systems administrator, Ethan developed his skills in Linux system administration and IT infrastructure management. His time in the industry brought him to understand the need for uptime at all costs.??As an Electrical and Computer Engineering student in University of Galway, Ethan is working to deepen his understanding of technology while nurturing his entrepreneurial ambitions.??
Xinyu Zhang is a second-year Commerce student with a keen focus on Economics. Originally from China, Xinyu brings an international perspective to her academic studies.??
Xinyu has always had an interest in math and graphs. She is very curious about what is going on in the world, always seeking to understand current events and their economic implications. This enthusiasm led her to specialize in Economics within her Commerce programme. In her spare time, Xinyu enjoys exploring new cultures, cuisines, and experiences. She believes in embracing diversity and cultivating global perspectives, traits that enrich both her personal and student life.
Stepwise Orthotics is about transforming sports injury rehabilitation with smart insoles. Insoles that monitor biomechanics, track pressure on the feet, and provide real-time alerts through a dedicated app, ensuring effective and safe recovery for athletes and patients alike.?
Claudine Mulihano , a first-year student of Podiatric Medicine, University of Galway - College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences , specialises in understanding the biomechanics of the foot and ankle, seeking to merge her scientific knowledge with her desire to improve people's lives through healthcare. With a keen eye for detail and a desire for innovation, she aims to explore how technology, such as smart insoles, can enhance the field of podiatry and optimize foot health. Beyond her academic studies, Claudine?loves the?fast-paced world of basketball. As a player and enthusiast, she values teamwork, discipline, and perseverance—qualities that resonate with her approach to both sports and academics.
The Absent Third idea focuses on the lack of third spaces available in Galway and Ireland as a whole. ?
Coming from an economics and psychological studies undergraduate background, Nina Dorogaia ??combines concepts learned from both to examine this social lack and to explain why and how Irish society would benefit from more programmes that focus on community and spaces for people to just be. ?
If a first space is your home/place of rest and a second place is your work or place of study, a third space is defined as neither but instead a socio-cultural place for social gathering, rest, entertainment, sports or just in general somewhere else to just be. Nina?has always found city design and sociology fascinating, and this project is a personal passion of hers.?
The Law Revised is an engaging educational podcast series covering the Irish legal landscape for students. Demystifying legal concepts, one episode at a time.
Emily Donnellan is a final year Law (BCL), Criminology and Criminal Justice student. After the Leaving Certificate, Emily deferred starting at University of Galway and completed a one-year course in Legal Studies, which strongly affirmed her interest in studying Law. Emily entered the University as a Further Education applicant and was awarded the Terrence O’Malley DLA Piper Scholarship.???
Throughout her degree, her focus has revolved around the criminal justice field, with modules ranging from Criminology, Criminal Justice and Victimology to Policing, Prisoners’ Rights and Forensic Psychology.??Emily worked as a legal intern at a solicitor’s practice in Galway and most recently undertook work placement with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Follow the progression of our teams as we build a thriving community of innovators and trailblazers in the West of Ireland and transform ideas into impactful ventures!??The Start100 finale takes place on Thursday, 20th June 2024.
Start100 is funded by the Government of Ireland ’s Human Capital Initiative (HCI) under Pillar 3. Higher Education Authority