Barry Walsh looks at tech products and services designed and made for consumers by Irish businesses.
Bluedrop Medical
Joe Bergin, Elkstone Head of Private Investment Office; Simon Kiersey & Chris Murphy, Bluedrop Medical cofounders; and Helen Ryan, Atlantic Bridge Operating Partner
A medical technology company focused on preventing diabetic foot ulcers, a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to amputations if left untreated. Bluedrop was founded in 2015 by Chris Murphy and Simon Kiersey.
The business has developed an innovative, remote monitoring system designed to detect early signs of foot ulcers in diabetic patients. Their solution uses advanced sensors and artificial intelligence to monitor the temperature of patients’ feet, identifying abnormalities that could indicate the development of an ulcer. This early detection allows healthcare providers to intervene before the condition worsens, ultimately reducing hospital admissions, medical costs, and the risk of amputations. By addressing a significant global health issue, Bluedrop Medical aims to improve the quality of life for millions of diabetic patients worldwide.
What makes Bluedrop Medical unique is its integration of cutting-edge technology with a user-friendly design, making it easy for patients to use at home. The system provides continuous monitoring, transmitting data to healthcare professionals, who can then take proactive steps to prevent ulcers from forming. This approach helps reduce the need for frequent in-person checkups, empowering patients to manage their health more effectively. Bluedrop Medical’s device has the potential to transform the standard of care for diabetic foot health, offering a solution that not only prevents severe complications but also improves patient outcomes and reduces the strain on healthcare systems. By focusing on early intervention and leveraging the latest in medical technology, Bluedrop Medical is making a meaningful impact on diabetes care and patient wellbeing.
BoomBright
The brainchild of entrepreneur Niall Duffy, BoomBright specialises in the creation of innovative lighting solutions designed to enhance the ambiance and functionality of living spaces. The company focuses on producing high-quality LED light strips and fixtures that are both energy-efficient and easy to install, making them an ideal choice for homeowners looking to improve their interiors with modern, customizable lighting. BoomBright’s products are designed with versatility in mind, offering users the ability to adjust brightness levels and colour temperatures to suit different moods and settings. Whether used for accent lighting in living rooms, under-cabinet illumination in kitchens, or creating a cosy atmosphere in bedrooms, BoomBright’s solutions provide a stylish and practical upgrade to any home.
In addition to their commitment to quality and functionality, BoomBright emphasises user experience and convenience. Their products are designed to be straightforward to install, with many options available for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. BoomBright also offers a range of smart lighting options that can be controlled via mobile apps or integrated with popular smart home systems, allowing users to tailor their lighting setups with ease. The company’s focus on innovation and customer satisfaction has made it a popular choice among Irish consumers seeking reliable and aesthetically pleasing lighting solutions. By combining cutting-edge technology with practical design, BoomBright continues to illuminate homes across Ireland, offering products that not only meet but exceed customer expectations.
Boombright was featured on The Late Late Show, and Dragons Den on BBC 1. The likes of Chris de Burgh and Diarmuid Gavin also endorsed the product
Coroflo
Roseanne Longmore
Coroflo is an Irish company specialising in breastfeeding technology, offering innovative solutions designed to enhance the breastfeeding experience for mothers and babies. Founded by Roseanne Longmore, Helen Barry and James Travers on a deep understanding of the challenges associated with breastfeeding, Coroflo focuses on creating products that support comfort, efficiency, and convenience. Their flagship product, the Coro Breastfeeding System, is a unique hands-free breastfeeding kit that integrates advanced technology to mimic a baby’s natural suckling patterns, helping mothers express milk more effectively. This system aims to make breastfeeding more accessible and less stressful, allowing mothers to maintain their milk supply while balancing the demands of daily life.
Coroflo technology is not only about improving the mechanical aspects of breastfeeding but also about enhancing the overall experience. The company’s products are designed with the modern mother in mind, offering features that are easy to use, portable, and discreet. Their commitment to research and development is evident in their focus on using medical-grade materials and incorporating feedback from real mothers to continuously refine their products. By combining functionality with thoughtful design, Coroflo aims to empower mothers, helping them provide the best possible care for their babies while also caring for themselves. As a leader in the breastfeeding technology industry, Coroflo continues to push the boundaries of innovation, making breastfeeding a more comfortable and feasible option for women around the world.
The Cribs
The Cribs Design Company, founded by Ciara Winkelmann, works with an Irish social enterprise to produce sustainable, stylish and functional tech stands. Their flagship product, a tactile beanbag stand called the Crib, offers a flexible alternative to traditional device stands, enhancing usability while complementing home décor. The Crib serves as both a practical tech accessory and a stylish design element, blending comfort and functionality in a single product.
A core element of the company’s mission is its commitment to social impact. Each Crib is made by individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with valuable sewing and production skills, which help improve their quality of life. By focusing on ethical production, The Cribs Design company not only contributes to social change but also supports environmental sustainability through its eco-friendly practices. Their dedication to community welfare and green solutions demonstrates a holistic approach to business that emphasises social responsibility and environmental consciousness. Through these efforts, the CRIB merges stylish product design with meaningful social and environmental contributions.
EverAmbr
Ambr Eyewear, founded in 2017 by Dan Nugent and his wife Sacha in Dublin, began as a solution to a growing problem—eye strain from prolonged screen use. Recognising the impact of blue light exposure on sleep and overall eye health, they created stylish and functional blue light blocking glasses. Their eyewear became popular for blending aesthetics with protection, offering a product that was both fashionable and practical. Ambr Eyewear quickly gained international attention, shipping to over 80 countries and building a reputation for delivering high-quality, thoughtfully designed products.
As the company grew, Ambr Eyewear expanded its product range to include prescription glasses and sunglasses, catering to a broader audience. Known for innovation, the brand remained focused on user experience, ensuring comfort, durability, and style in every pair of glasses. Their commitment to customer service and eye health has been a driving force behind their success. The flagship store in Dublin further strengthened their local presence, while the online store allowed them to reach a global market. Today, Ambr Eyewear continues to thrive, offering solutions that help people protect their eyes from digital fatigue while looking stylish. Their products resonate with modern consumers who seek functional accessories without compromising on design.
FoodMarble
Founded by Aonghas Shortt, Lisa Ruttledge and Peter Harte, FoodMarble is a health-focused technology company founded in Ireland, offering innovative solutions for digestive health through its flagship product, the FoodMarble AIRE. The AIRE is a portable breath analysis device designed to help individuals track their digestion and identify foods that may trigger digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and discomfort. The device works by measuring the levels of hydrogen in a user’s breath, which can indicate how well certain foods are being digested. By using the FoodMarble app alongside the device, users can log meals, track symptoms, and gain personalised insights into which foods are best suited to their digestive system.
What sets FoodMarble apart is its focus on empowering individuals to take control of their digestive health through real-time, science-based data. The AIRE device and app provide users with actionable information, allowing them to make informed dietary decisions and avoid foods that cause digestive problems. This is especially beneficial for people suffering from conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or food intolerances. The technology also includes a ‘food challenge’ feature, which helps users test specific foods to see how they affect digestion. With its user-friendly design and focus on personal health, FoodMarble is transforming the way people manage their digestive wellness, providing a practical tool to improve their quality of life through better nutrition and food choices.
HoloToyz
HoloToyz, by husband and wife team Declan Fahy and Kate Scott, is an innovative Irish company that combines traditional toys with augmented reality (AR) technology to create engaging, interactive experiences for children. Founded with the goal of bringing technology and play together in a fun and educational way, HoloToyz offers a range of products such as AR stickers, tattoos, books, and wall decals that come to life through their companion app. By simply scanning the toy with the HoloToyz app, children can watch their favourite characters and designs animated in 3D, allowing them to interact with the digital world in an exciting and immersive way. This approach blends physical and digital play, providing kids with a unique way to engage their imaginations while learning through creative exploration.
What makes HoloToyz stand out is its focus on safety, simplicity, and education. All HoloToyz products are designed to be child-friendly, with no in-app purchases or ads, ensuring a safe and secure environment for kids to explore. Additionally, the app is easy to use, making it accessible for young children to enjoy the interactive features independently. The company also emphasises learning, offering products that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and digital literacy. HoloToyz partners with well-known franchises like PAW Patrol which helps to attract a wide audience and create recognizable, enjoyable experiences for children. By combining the fun of physical toys with the excitement of AR, HoloToyz is reshaping the toy industry and bringing a new level of interactive play to families worldwide.
Manna
Created by Bobby Healy, Manna is a pioneering Irish company that specialises in drone delivery technology, aiming to revolutionise the way goods are transported and delivered. Founded with the vision of creating a safer, faster, and more environmentally friendly delivery solution, Manna has developed advanced autonomous drone technology capable of delivering goods directly to consumers’ doors in a matter of minutes. These drones are designed to operate at low altitudes, typically between 50 to 80 metres, and can carry a payload of up to 3.5 kilograms, making them ideal for delivering items like groceries, pharmaceuticals, and even takeout food. Manna’s innovative approach to last-mile delivery not only enhances convenience for consumers but also reduces traffic congestion and lowers carbon emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Manna has successfully conducted numerous trials and partnerships across various locations, demonstrating the practical viability and efficiency of their drone delivery service. The company’s technology is equipped with sophisticated navigation and safety systems, ensuring reliable and secure deliveries even in urban environments. By collaborating with local businesses and global partners, Manna is poised to scale its operations, aiming to make drone delivery a mainstream service. The company’s commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability positions it at the forefront of the rapidly evolving drone delivery industry. As they continue to expand their services, Manna is set to redefine the logistics and delivery landscape, offering a glimpse into the future of how goods are transported in a fast-paced, on-demand world.
Seamless Care
Dr Aviva Cohen, CEO and co-founder of Seamless Care, created the company to address gaps in care for neurodiverse individuals and those with complex needs. Inspired by her husband Steve’s recovery journey after a stroke, Dr. Cohen’s lived experience, combined with research, led to the development of innovative care tools, including apps to help with speech recovery. Supported by Enterprise Ireland and collaborators like Dr. Frank Dolphin, Seamless Care emerged from years of research and collaboration with caring organisations, resulting in advanced solutions to improve communication and empathy in caregiving.
In 2011, Dr. Cohen founded Neuro Hero Ltd., which created 19 apps in multiple languages for people with communication challenges. With the help of CTO Ian Kennedy and the expertise of Dr. Çağrı Çubukçu, the team developed award-winning technologies. Supported by the Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Fund, the seamlessCARE team focused on developing cutting-edge solutions to enhance care for people with disabilities. Today, Seamless Care continues to advance its mission of transforming care for neurodiverse people, honouring the legacy of Dr. Cohen’s late husband, Steve Connor, who inspired her resilience and determination to bring these ideas to life.
PeggyRain
Peggyrain are creators of the innovative ROLLAER suitcase. Having contacted PeggyRain CEO Colin O’Brien he said “We’re excited to announce that PeggyRain, our innovative clothesline solution featured on Dragons’ Den, is now available for acquisition! PeggyRain offers an automated rain cover system, protecting laundry from sudden showers and extending the lifespan of clothes. It’s an eco-friendly solution that reduces energy consumption and saves on electricity. With strong media coverage and a solid customer base in Ireland, the UK, and the US, this is a great opportunity for those interested in expanding their product lineup with a sustainable solution.
“We’re thrilled to continue offering our ROLLAER Suitcase, designed with unique rollers that glide smoothly over cobblestones and rough terrain. This one-of-a-kind suitcase is perfect for travelers who value both style and functionality. We have ROLLAER stock available in Dublin, and we’re selling across Ireland and the UK.
“To purchase a ROLLAER suitcase, visit our website or contact info@rollaer.com.”
TAPiTAG
Launched in 2021, the idea for TAPiTAG emerged after its founders Ivan Eustace, John McHugh and Mark Gibbons realised the inefficiency of paper business cards at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show. Their product utilises near-field communication (NFC) technology, allowing users to share contact details, social media links, and other digital information seamlessly via a tap of their phone. This technology eliminates the need for paper, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly business practice.
TAPiTAG’s digital business cards are managed through a cloud-based platform, enabling users and businesses to update their profiles in real-time, track analytics, and integrate the cards into their overall customer relationship management (CRM) systems. The company places a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness, having partnered with tree-planting initiatives and committing to reforestation efforts. TAPiTag has now shipped to 83 countries globally from our hub in Athlone & have partnered with companies like Airbus, Suitsupply, IDA, AIB, Deloitte, UEFA, Goodbody, & Accor Hotel Group Globally. . With a focus on environmental sustainability, ease of use, and cutting-edge technology, TAPiTAG is reshaping corporate networking for a digital age
WebDoctor
Webdoctor clinical director Dr Sylvester Mooney with co-founder and CEO Oisin Kim
Webdoctor.ie is an Irish telehealth company providing accessible, same-day online GP care services.. Established by Oisín and Howard Kim and Martin Commins to meet the growing demand for convenient healthcare solutions, Webdoctor allows patients to connect with Irish medical council registered GPs remotely for GP consults , prescriptions, home test kits, and referrals. Specialist services focusing on Mental Health,Menopause, Weight Loss and Dermatology are also provided by the service. By offering a secure and user-friendly platform, Webdoctor enables individuals to seek medical advice from the comfort of their homes, avoiding long wait times and reducing the need for in-person visits. The platform offers same and next day appointments, 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends, making healthcare more efficient and accessible for people across Ireland.
What sets Webdoctor.ie apart is its focus on affordability and convenience, providing both one-off consultations and subscription-based healthcare services. Through its telehealth platform, users can access services such as video consultations, e-prescriptions, and digital medical certificates, all managed through the platform’s simple interface. Additionally, Webdoctor offers corporate care solutions, providing companies with access to healthcare services for their employees, enhancing overall workplace well-being and reducing absenteeism. By bridging the gap between patients and healthcare professionals, Webdoctor is transforming how healthcare is delivered in Ireland, offering timely, reliable, and cost-effective care to patients in need. With its emphasis on patient-centred care, Webdoctor continues to play a significant role in the evolution of digital health services.
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