2025 IGNITE at UCC programme showcases innovative start-ups making an impact in health, sustainability, education, and music.
A start-up founded by a school principal that is helping schools across Ireland transform how they support student well-being and behaviour for learning was among those recognised at the recent IGNITE Awards and Showcase at University College Cork.
Wellschools Network, founded by school principal and PhD researcher David Cashman, also won the Bank of Ireland Best Business Award 2025 at the showcase.
“His work is already having a profound impact in schools across Ireland and internationally”
The start-up provides intensive, evidence-based training for teachers and school leaders. The programme helps schools understand trauma, reduce school avoidance, and create more inclusive, supportive learning environments.
Wellschools is already working with a growing number of schools across Ireland and is set to expand its partnerships internationally in the coming year.
“We’re thrilled to see David and Wellschools recognised with the Bank of Ireland Best Business Award,” said Marie McKnight from Bank of Ireland.
“His work is already having a profound impact in schools across Ireland and internationally. At Bank of Ireland, we want to support businesses like David’s that are on an incredible journey to improve society while building profitable, impactful ventures.”
Another start-up at the showcase, HerNutrea founded by Anna Santos, won the Local Enterprise Office Best Business Plan 2025. HerNutrea is a nutrition platform supporting women through menopause with personalised, evidence-based dietary guidance to manage symptoms and improve well-being. It’s also unique in that it measures the personal microbiome of clients, a new area that UCC is a trailblazer in.
Speaking about Anna’s win and her business, Seán O’Sullivan, Local Enterprise Office Cork, said: “Anna’s business is exactly the type of start-up we aim to support and help grow. HerNutrea addresses a hugely important need in women’s health, and Anna has developed a clear, actionable plan to build a thriving, profitable business. It’s a great example of smart, socially minded entrepreneurship.”
The best of what is to come
Other Start-Ups on the IGNITE Programme recognised on the evening were:
- HiBugo – A pet food company creating healthier, more sustainable options using locally sourced black soldier fly protein and other, eco-friendly ingredients that support animal health and environmental responsibility.
- ForDoctors.ie – A mentoring service for doctors, enhancing clinical confidence, reducing burnout, and improving patient care.
- Gigify – A music tech tool helping musicians get discovered, booked, and tipped – growing their audience and enabling them to earn directly from fans.
Emmet Crotty of Gigify won the Best Pitch Award.
The IGNITE Awards and Showcase is a key milestone for start-ups on the programme – a platform to share their progress and pitch to an audience of investors, mentors, and peers. It also gives UCC the opportunity to highlight the important role university-based entrepreneurship plays in supporting innovation and addressing real-world challenges.
Based at University College Cork, IGNITE is an award-winning incubation programme supporting recent graduates from any third-level institution in Ireland. It provides a structured pathway to building a sustainable start-up, including access to expert mentorship, targeted workshops, investor connections, and funding supports – all with no equity taken.
“We couldn’t do what we do without the belief and encouragement of our partners, mentors, and supporters,” said Eamon Curtin, director of IGNITE.
“Their backing enables us to give our talented founders the support they need to build businesses that are not only impactful but commercially viable ventures that improve lives and create real value.”
Main image at top: The IGNITE at UCC programme showcases innovative staps rt-umaking an impact in health, sustainability, education and music. The latest participants include Anna Santos, HerNutrea; Dongzheng Li, HiBugo; Prof Dorothy Breen, fordoctors.ie; Emmet Crotty, Gigify; and Dave Cashman, Wellschools Network. Photo: Darragh Kane
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