At UCC Innovation, we encourage UCC staff, students, researchers, graduates, alumni and those on our IGNITE and SPRINT Accelerator programmes to enter competitions that recognise their contributions in a variety of areas. Please see below for a list of competitions currently open for applications.  

If you are a competition provider that accepts entries from entrepreneurs/early-stage startups/spin-outs and would like your competition listed here, please email uccinnovation@ucc.ie.

Cork Digital Marketing Awards

The Cork Digital Marketing Awards provide a platform for Cork businesses to showcase their recent digital successes and achievements. It is an opportunity to be recognised for the digital, social and online work carried out by organisations in our local digital community. 

All entries are judged by members of the public, through an independent and confidential judging and allocation system. 

The deadline for entries is Wednesday 5th July 2023 at 4pm.

The National Startup Awards

The National Startup awards shine a light on the best and brightest early stage companies in Ireland by providing a highly regarded national platform where the Startups can gain national and international recognition.  

Your organisation must be five years old or less to enter the competition. 

Details on 2023 competition coming soon.

Lean Business Ireland Awards

Lean Business Ireland (LBI) presents Ireland as a global exemplar in Organisational and Enterprise Excellence, and the LBI Awards Ceremony recognises and celebrates such achievements in excellence across various sectors. 

The LBI Awards Ceremony is a wonderful opportunity to socialise and network with fellow Lean and Continuous Improvement colleagues from all around the country. The LBI Awards are open to entries from public and private organisations of all scales and sizes that can demonstrate the effective implementation of Lean thinking and practices in their organisational and enterprise excellence journeys. 

The deadline for entries is Friday 18th August 2023. 

AI Awards

The AI Awards aims to increase public awareness and support of Artificial Intelligence by bringing academia and industry together to showcase and recognize the excellent AI work and dedication within AI on the island of Ireland. Categories include ‘Best Application of AI in a Student Project’ and ‘Best Application of AI in a Start-up’.  

Applications for entries close Friday 25th August 2023.