UCC Innovation

Our Business Engagement at University College Cork event is fast approaching. Join us on Tuesday October 15th from 6pm - 8pm to learn more about expertise at UCC, and how to access industry supports including access to talent, research expertise, skills for work courses, innovations and corporate partnerships. Register at link below ⬇

The Knowledge Transfer Ireland (KTI) Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey (AKTS) 2023 case study videos highlight a variety of successful collaborations between academia & industry. These videos provide an in-depth look at some of the most innovative and impactful knowledge transfer projects from across Ireland. Hear from University College Cork spinout company The WellSchools Network as Founder & CEO David Cashman discusses their successful partnership with UCC, as well as the unique challenges and solutions that this partnership has navigated. https://lnkd.in/eDnEYEDw

Our "Business Engagement at University College Cork" event takes place on Tuesday 15th October, showcasing the depth of expertise in Sustainability available at UCC to support industry. This event is supported by Cork Chamber. Find out more at link below.

In recent years, University College Cork has taken a significant leap forward by embedding sustainability values into its entrepreneurship education. As part of UCC’s Innovation in Action series, we spoke with Dr Lana R. from Cork University Business School about the transformative initiatives she leads along with Prof Joe Bogue to foster SDGs-driven entrepreneurship at UCC. Their project, titled “Developing SDGs-driven Entrepreneurship Culture at UCC and across Ireland,” is not only reshaping entrepreneurship education at UCC but is also making a significant impact on how sustainability is integrated into business practices across the country. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eDKvHP56

A lead product from University College Cork spin-out company ProVascTec has been awarded a €2.1 million research grant from #Eurostars, part of the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs. The partnership is co-funded by the European Union through #HorizonEurope. The product, titled NufloCelTx, will offer a new treatment solution for patients suffering from critical limb ischemia, which is a severe blockage in the arteries that leads to reduced bloodflow in the extremities. NufloCelTx combines the angiogenic properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs - a type of stem cell that can develop into different types of tissues, such as bone, cartilage, and fat cells, and have the ability to repair and regenerate tissues) with a proprietary, patent protected delivery system. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eKss-gyk

Innovative photonics start-up company iSLight from Tyndall National Institute are currently recruiting a CEO. iSLight, an emerging spin-out company from Tyndall National Institute & University College Cork, is on a mission to redefine the technological landscape with its Intelligent SuperLuminescent Lighting Solutions. Established with a visionary goal to reshape the global landscape through cutting-edge technology, iSLight specializes in delivering Speckle-Free, High Customization, Efficient, and Compact light sources. Their innovative focus spans a spectrum of applications, ranging from machine vision and augmented/virtual reality to general lighting and 3D sensing, showcasing their commitment to pushing the boundaries of technological possibilities. Please email Peter Finnegan at peter.finnegan@tyndall.ie to learn more about the role.

Great news as Cork-based gym management software and IGNITE UCC alumni company LegitFit secure €1.74m in funding to fuel its growth in the competitive UK market. Founded in 2019 by Ryan O' Neill, Gearoid Collins, and Ian O' Sullivan, LegitFit has rapidly emerged as a key player in the fitness technology industry, offering an innovative platform that connects customers with physiotherapists, massage therapists, personal trainers, and fitness classes. This latest funding round received substantial backing from Business Venture Partners (BVP) through EIIS, Delta Partners, and US-based TechStars, with Delta Partners and TechStars continuing their support as follow-on investors. The capital injection will enable LegitFit to double down on its expansion in the UK and explore further opportunities in other English-speaking markets, including the US, Australia, and New Zealand. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ePx3_wGu

Today is the final day to apply for the next IGNITE UCC start-up incubation programme, starting October 2024. If you are a recent graduate in any discipline from any third level institution in Ireland and are currently working on a start-up idea, then the IGNITE programme is for you! IGNITE includes essential workshops and seminars, entrepreneur guest speakers, mentoring with experienced entrepreneurs and business owners, funding and workspace offered on a flexible basis - and IGNITE does not take equity in your start-up. Learn more or apply here: https://lnkd.in/e2KJCMxB

University College Cork has featured in the top 3 rankings for almost all technology transfer outputs in Knowledge Transfer Ireland (KTI)'s Annuak Knowledge Transfer Survey. The Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey is a comprehensive report on knowledge transfer activities in Ireland, published annually by KTI. The survey, which collects data from Ireland’s Higher Education Institutes including eight Universities, five Technological Universities, two Institutes of Technology and two Colleges, also incorporates contributions from Teagasc, the Marine Institute and Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR).  Overall, UCC is in the top 3 universities for almost all outputs. It was first for LOAs (Licences, Options and Assignments - instances where intellectual property (IP) results were transferred or agreed to be transferred from UCC to another party for the purpose of commercialisation). UCC was also the top university for research expenditure derived from industry. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e4H_WTKs

Are you deciding what to do next after graduation? If you’ve been thinking about turning that startup idea into reality, we’ve got the perfect opportunity for you. The IGNITE start-up incubation programme is designed to help recent graduates like you transform innovative ideas into successful businesses. Over the course of the programme, you’ll receive: 🚀 €5,000 Seed Funding: Start your journey with an initial boost and guidance on all the additional funding routes available to you as you progress. 🚀Expert Mentorship: Work with seasoned mentors who can guide you through the challenges of launching a startup. 🚀No Equity Taken: You remain the sole owner 🚀Specialised Training: Gain essential skills in finance, pitching, business planning, and sales. 🚀Inspiring Guest Speakers: Learn from entrepreneurs who’ve been in your shoes and achieved great success. This is your chance to turn your vision into a thriving business. If you're ready to take the next step, we’d love to see your application! Don’t let this opportunity pass you by kick start your future with us! University College Cork | Bank of Ireland | Cork County Council | Cork City Council - Comhairle Cathrach Chorcaí | Local Enterprise Office, Cork City | Cork University Business School | UCC Alumni and Development | UCC Innovation | UCC Research |