University of Galway IdeasLab has taken home gold for their Start100 Programme in the Entrepreneurship at Universities category at the University Industry Innovation Network (UIIN ) Conference held earlier this month in Budapest.
IdeasLab’s Start100 Programme which supports entrepreneurial students to take their idea to impact in 100 days was acknowledged for its great emphasis on peer-to-peer learning and support, and showcases stories from across the entrepreneurial spectrum to create relatable and achievable role models.
Based in the heart of University of Galway campus, IdeasLab are back with their six-week student incubator programme, Start100. Now in its second year, this year there are 12 teams who are embarking on an entrepreneurial journey with the aim of taking their innovative idea to the next step.
‘Within a year Start100 has been embraced by our entire ecosystem and the support we are receiving from mentors, judges and our community is a testament to the importance of nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship in Universities. This year we have increased our number of projects to 12 based on the huge demand for Start100 from our incredible students. We have ideas that span digital health and sports, skincare, AI, agriculture and sustainability. We are looking forward to showcasing our entrepreneurs at our demo day on the 29th of June’ Dr Natalie Walsh, Director of Entrepreneurial Development, University of Galway.
Throughout the programme Start100 teams will have the chance to hone their business model and connect into a vibrant startup ecosystem. Start100 will link students with a bank of University of Galway Alumni, mentors, and speakers to inspire, advise and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
This programme also connects students into a thriving community of innovators and entrepreneurs across Ireland. This year, the varied group of student entrepreneurs have ideas ranging- from an app designed to improve your rowing capabilities to beauty and skincare products.
The programme began in May, and will culminate on June 29th, 2023, where the participants will showcase and pitch their business ideas to a panel of expert judges. Each team participating will receive funding of €4,000 to aid them in the development of their innovative idea. The overall winning team of the Start100 programme will receive a further €5,000, and the runners-up will receive a further €1,000. AskPaul.ie is sponsoring the overall prize fund of €6,000 for the final event this year.
Within Start100 the judges play a crucial role in selecting the overall winner and runners-up of the Start100 programme. The judges are experts in their respective fields, with a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, and venture capital.
The Judges for IdeasLab’s Start100 Summer Accelerator programme include VP for Engagement with the University of Galway Paul Dodd, CEO of Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS ) and scientist, Evelyn O’Toole, One of Ireland’s leading financial advisors and internationally recognised CFP® (Certified Financial Planner ), Paul Merriman CFP®, One of the Top 100 Women in STEM in Ireland, Partner at Atlantic Bridge - Kauffman Fellow Helen McBreen and Aerogen CEO and founder John Power.
Start100 is funded by the Government of Ireland Human Capital initiative
For more on IdeasLab and Start100 teams for 2023 check out https://www.universityofgalway.ie/ideaslab/.
