A group of students with an innovative agri-tech software platform are the winners of an entrepreneurial start-up competition at University of Galway.
LambCam was named the overall winner of the Start100 programme at the university this year, taking home the top prize of €5,000.
Their software platform helps farmers monitor sheep’s behaviour on camera during lambing season.
Glow by Chlo Cosmetics was recognised with the One to Watch award of €1,000, affirming their potential for future success.
The Start100 programme is an intensive six-week programme run out of University of Galway’s IdeasLab – the student innovation hub, open to all disciplines, located at the heart of the campus.
This year, the varied group of student entrepreneurs had ideas ranging from an app designed to improve your rowing capabilities to beauty and skincare products.
The programme culminated in a final showcase event on campus, which saw teams pitch their unique ideas to an expert panel of judges from academia, research, industry, and enterprise in front of an audience of students, mentors, enterprise and University of Galway staff.
Dr Natalie Walsh, Director of Entrepreneurial Development at University of Galway, said, “We are excited to see a surge in interest in entrepreneurship across our campus.”
“The Start100 teams have truly impressed us with their exceptional quality and innovative ideas, serving as a testament to the remarkable success of the programme.”
“We are committed to leveraging our achievements and exploring new collaborative partnerships to maximize opportunities for our student entrepreneurs.”
Start100 connects students into a thriving community of innovators and entrepreneurs across Ireland and culminates in the showcase event, where each team present their ideas.
Teams underwent a transformative entrepreneurial journey, nurturing their ideas with the support of mentors, who helped them to validate their business models and develop networking skills.
Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, University of Galway Deputy President and Registrar, said that they were pleased to see their students develop enterprising ideas with the potential to impact society.
“The University, in partnership with our business community, plays a crucial role in nurturing their growth and supporting our people and our planet and we are incredibly proud of our student entrepreneurs.”