IGNITE start-ups driving positive change – from classrooms and clinics to kitchens and concerts

17 Apr 2025

A start-up helping schools across Ireland transform how they support student well-being and behaviour for learning was among those recognised at the recent IGNITE Awards and Showcase at UCC.

Wellschools Network, founded by school principal and PhD researcher David Cashman also won the Bank of Ireland Best Business Award 2025 at the showcase. Wellschools Network provides intensive, evidence-based training for teachers and school leaders. The programme helps schools understand trauma, reduce school avoidance, and create more inclusive, supportive learning environments.  Wellschools is already working with a growing number of schools across Ireland and is set to expand its partnerships internationally in the coming year.

Maria McKnight, Bank of Ireland, said: “We’re thrilled to see David and Wellschools recognised with the Bank of Ireland Best Business Award. His work is already having a profound impact in schools across Ireland and internationally. At Bank of Ireland, we want to support businesses like David’s that are on an incredible journey to improve society while building profitable, impactful ventures.”

Another start-up at the showcase - HerNutrea founded by Anna Santos won the Local Enterprise Office Best Business Plan 2025. HerNutrea is nutrition platform supporting women through menopause with personalised, evidence-based dietary guidance to manage symptoms and improve well-being. It’s also unique in that it measures the personal microbiome of clients, a new area that UCC is a trailblazer in.

Speaking about Anna’s win and her business, Seán O’Sullivan, Local Enterprise Office Cork, said: “Anna’s business is exactly the type of start-up we aim to support and help grow. HerNutrea addresses a hugely important need in women’s health, and Anna has developed a clear, actionable plan to build a thriving, profitable business. It’s a great example of smart, socially minded entrepreneurship.”

The IGNITE Awards and Showcase is a key milestone for start-ups on the programme – a platform to share their progress and pitch to an audience of investors, mentors, and peers. It also gives UCC the opportunity to highlight the important role university-based entrepreneurship plays in supporting innovation and addressing real-world challenges.

Other start-ups on the IGNITE Programme recognised on the evening were:

• HiBugo - A pet food company creating healthier, more sustainable options using locally sourced black soldier fly protein and other, eco-friendly ingredients that support animal health and environmental responsibility
• ForDoctors.ie - A mentoring service for doctors, enhancing clinical confidence, reducing burnout, and improving patient care
• Gigify - A music tech tool helping musicians get discovered, booked, and tipped – growing their audience and enabling them to earn directly from fans.

Based at UCC, IGNITE is an award-winning incubation programme supporting recent graduates from any third-level institution in Ireland. It provides a structured pathway to building a sustainable start-up, including access to expert mentorship, targeted workshops, investor connections, and funding supports – all with no equity taken.

Eamon Curtin, Director of IGNITE, said: “We couldn’t do what we do without the belief and encouragement of our partners, mentors, and supporters. Their backing enables us to give our talented founders the support they need to build businesses that are not only impactful but commercially viable ventures that improve lives and create real value.”

The IGNITE Showcase reflected the diversity of businesses currently on the IGNITE programme and their potential to drive economic, environmental, and social impact – not just in Ireland, but internationally.