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IGNITE 2025 Showcase Celebrates Start-Ups Driving Change in Health, Education, Sustainability and Music
The IGNITE Awards and Showcase 2025 took place recently at University College Cork, shining a spotlight on the ambition and innovation of this year’s cohort of graduate-led start-ups.
The IGNITE Awards and Showcase 2025 took place recently at University College Cork, shining a spotlight on the ambition and innovation of this year’s cohort of graduate-led start-ups.
The event marked a key milestone for participants of the IGNITE Programme, giving founders the opportunity to share their progress and pitch to an audience of investors, mentors, and peers. Awards on the night recognised excellence in business planning, pitching, and impact across a range of sectors including health, education, sustainability, and music.
Winning start-ups are already making meaningful contributions across Ireland – from supporting student well-being in schools and helping women navigate menopause, to promoting sustainable pet food solutions and enhancing mental health supports for healthcare professionals. Others are focused on empowering musicians to grow their careers through new tech tools.
“This year’s showcase once again highlighted the power of university-based entrepreneurship to tackle real-world challenges,” said Eamon Curtin, Director of IGNITE. “We’re proud to support these talented founders as they develop commercially viable businesses that also deliver real social and economic value.”
The 2025 Showcase also served as a reminder of the vital role played by partners, supporters, and the wider innovation ecosystem in enabling start-ups to grow and succeed.
“We couldn’t do what we do without the belief and encouragement of our partners, mentors, and supporters,” added Curtin. “Their backing allows us to give graduates the platform they need to bring their ideas to life."
