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Start-up of the Year

The UCC Start-Up of the Year Award is awarded to an enterprise that best demonstrates the potential for significant economic, social or environmental impact through innovative thinking and entrepreneurial endeavour. At least one of the founders or promoters must be a UCC student, graduate, staff member and/or have been supported by a UCC start-up programme.The start-up can be a sole trader or incorporated entity that is not exploiting intellectual property rights developed at UCC or any other third level institution.The start-up does not yet need to be incorporated/trading, but will have first validated the potential for impact in 2025. 

Evaluation Criteria

 Innovation

  • The level of innovative thinking in achieving impact in 2025.

 Entrepreneurship 

  • The level of entrepreneurial endeavour in achieving impact in 2025.

Impact

  • Economic, social or environmental impact achieved in 2025.
  • The potential for future economic, social or environmental impact.

Deadline For Submission

  • Friday March 27th 2026, 5pm.

How To Apply

To submit a nomination for this award, complete all sections of the entry form.

Previous Winners

Year Awardee Company
2024 Mr Danny McEnery PrimaHealth
2023 Ms Shannen O'Reilly TrustDish
2022 Mr Stephen MacCarthy Recruitroo
2021 Ms Clare Meskill Teleatherapy

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