The BioExcel accelerator programme at NUI Galway is pushing new innovations by launching eight medtech start-ups this year.
Following on from an incredible first year in 2018, BioExcel launched an intense recruitment drive last December looking for medtech innovators.
Out of an incredibly high calibre of candidates from around the world, eight final companies have been immersed in the BioExcel programme.
Each company will receive $95,000 in seed money along with six months of mentoring and training, introductions to potential investors, and access to state of the art lab space at NUI Galway.
Fiona Neary, co-founder of the BioExcel programme said their goal is to bridge the gap between Medtech start-ups and the investment community by getting the technology past its risky early stages and helping to raise money.
“BioExel has positioned itself as an internationally recognised Medtech accelerator with the reputation of significantly enhancing indigenous Medtech start-ups by providing attractive seed investment funding and a pipeline of next generation Medtech start-up’s for Ireland.”
The eight companies being supported at BioExcel 2019 cover a wide range of areas where medtech can improve on current healthcare options.
- CortechsConnect Ltd, an Irish based company founded by Áine Behan and Fred Herrera is developing a non-pharmacological Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) intervention.
- Declan Trumble of Kudos Health. An Irish based company developing a Health and Wellness engagement platform.
- Idicula Mathew of Hera Health Solutions, a US based company developing a Biodegradable Female Contraceptive Implant
- Chris Duke and Michael Newell, Lifestyle Medical, an Irish based company developing Knee kinematics performance and rehabilitation technology
- Liam McMorrow, Adelie Health, a UK technology and new Irish start-up, developing an innovative Smart Insulin Pen.
- Blaine Doyle, Glow Dx, an Irish company with an export market in place developing an Infectious Disease Diagnostic Platform.
- Rory Clerkin and Morris Black, Holywood Medical, an Irish based company developing Migraine prediction assay (predicts the onset of migraine) for preventative medicine in this space.
- Damien Kilgannon, Sula Health, an Irish based company developing a solution in the area of Circadian Rhythm (Sleep) Disorder Treatment.
This new cohort of companies will take part in the BioExel accelerator programme until June 2019, preparing them to be investor ready or to have investment in place.
Joe Healy is the Divisional Manager at Enterprise Ireland, one of the partners funding BioExcel.
He said that the West if Ireland has achieved a global reputation for innovation and investment in the medtech sector.
“The sector is an important contributor to our economic growth and BioExel is uniquely positioned to provide essential support for the new innovative start-ups in this sector.
“We are delighted to continue our support for the programme, and the companies who take part as they take their first steps towards building scale and expanding their reach.”
