University of Galway IdeasLab has taken home gold for their Start100 Program in the Entrepreneurship at universities category at the University Industry Innovation Network (UIIN) Conference held earlier this month in Budapest.
IdeasLab’s Start100 Program 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,” said Dr Natalie Walsh, Director of Entrepreneurial Development, University of Galway.
“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.
Throughout the programme Start100 teams will have the chance to hone their business model and connect into a vibrant startup ecosystem.
The programme will link students with a bank of University of Galway Alumni, mentors, and speakers to inspire, advise and support the next generation of entrepreneurs, as well as connecting them with innovators and entrepreneurs across Ireland.
The programme began in May, and will culminate on June 29, 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.
