A 54 Hour Sprint to Drive Positive Change

Imagine dedicating a weekend to transforming an idea into a tangible business, surrounded by experienced mentors, industry leaders, and a community of like-minded women, all committed to making a real impact. This is the essence of Techstars Startup Weekend Women Dublin, where female entrepreneurs come together to build enterprises that tackle pressing challenges in society and business.

Taking place from 21-23 March at Accenture Song, Dublin, this intensive event brings together women of diverse backgrounds - some stepping into entrepreneurship for the first time, others looking to take their experience in a new direction. The theme, "Business for Good," reflects a growing movement where commercial success and social impact go hand in hand. And, even though it says women in the title, everyone is welcome!

For more information Eventbrite Booking

Startup Weekend Championing Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship

In today's business landscape, sustainability, ethical leadership, and social impact are no longer afterthoughts, they are driving forces for change. Female-led startups are leading the way, tackling challenges from climate change to financial inclusion, from education to ethical AI.

Caitlin Hafer, the lead organiser and founder of What the Hack, has shaped this year's event around that very idea. "Entrepreneurship isn't just about profit, it's about purpose," she says. "This weekend is about proving that business can create real, positive change."

The People Behind the Weekend

Pulling together an event like this takes a team of experienced organisers, dedicated volunteers, and hands-on mentors. Alongside Caitlin, the planning team, Israel Ngombo, Deirdre McCarthy, Sharon Ramsey, Miren M. Samper, and Poorvi Gupta have worked to create a weekend that's both challenging and inspiring for participants.

Mentors play a crucial role across the weekend, offering real-world advice, strategic insights, and the occasional reality check. This year, participants will have the opportunity to work with Aine Mulloy, Eugene Mitchell, Gloria Rull, Jenny Ervine, Laura Enache, Lauren O'Reilly, Leyla Karaha, Melissa Roa, Mike O'Dea, Sarah Fleisberg, and Sorcha Mulligan. (I'll also be there, bringing my own experience as a business mentor, having previously served as a judge at last year's event).

Speaking of judges, Sunday's pitch session will be the defining moment of the weekend, where teams present their businesses to an expert panel. This year, the judging panel includes Anne Brady, Fiona Nagle, Raisa Pokrovskaya, and Mairin Murray - leaders in business, investment, and social impact. Their role? To offer constructive feedback, challenge assumptions, and highlight which ideas have real potential.

What Happens Over the Weekend?

Friday night is all about getting started. Participants pitch their ideas in one-minute presentations, after which teams form around the strongest concepts.

Saturday is the big workday. With guidance from mentors, teams refine their business models, customer validation strategies, and product concepts, ensuring that they are building something that can work beyond the weekend.

Sunday brings the final push. Teams polish their pitches before presenting them to the judges and a wider audience. Some will win prizes. Others will walk away with something just as valuable, a business idea with the potential to grow into something much bigger.

"We're looking for ideas that go beyond the weekend," says Caitlin, "it's not just about innovation, it's about creating something with lasting impact."

Why It Matters: Closing the Funding Gap

Despite the success of female entrepreneurs, access to funding remains a significant challenge. Globally, startups founded solely by women received just 2% of venture capital funding in 2023. In Europe, that figure was 1.8%.

In Ireland, the numbers are improving. A Tech Ireland report found that one in four startups that raised investment in 2022 had a fe...

Every day feels like a collective struggle to maintain sanity amid relentless digital chaos. We wake up to a torrent of notifications, emails, and breaking news each chipping away at our collective peace of mind, leaving society perpetually anxious and unsettled.

Social media floods us with snapshots of manufactured perfection, silently amplifying anxiety and subtly weaving depression into the fabric of daily life. AI-driven therapy apps promise relief, yet lack the emotional depth of genuine human connection. Cyberbullying, amplified by deepfake technology, weaponizes identities, escalating cruelty to unprecedented heights.

It's evident how deeply this constant digital immersion reshapes our interactions and relationships. When my son goes just a day without social media or gaming, he reemerges as himself thoughtful, attentive, and engaged reflecting a broader reality: beneath the constant digital noise lies a society yearning for genuine connection.

In the U.S., the instability, constant threats of tariffs on-tariffs off, annexation rhetoric, and the turbulence of the MAGA presidency have plunged the collective psyche into chronic anxiety. Doomscrolling evolved from an idle habit into a widespread mental health crisis, eroding our emotional resilience one unsettling headline at a time.

This isn't about rejecting technology entirely; it's about confronting and understanding the true emotional toll it exacts on us all and finding pathways to reclaim a healthier balance amidst relentless digital disruption.

The Social Media Spiral

At first glance, social media seems harmless. It connects us with loved ones, lets us share our lives, and gives us a space to talk about mental health. But we've learned that behind the highlight reels, carefully edited selfies, and viral posts is a darker side one that's fueling a wave of anxiety, depression, and even self-diagnosis.

The Comparison Trap

People often present idealized versions of their lives online with highlight reels filled with vacations, promotions, and picture-perfect relationships. But behind these curated images are struggles that go unseen. Research from the University of Pennsylvania (Go Penn!) found a direct link between social media use and increased feelings of loneliness and depression, particularly among young adults. The more time people spend scrolling, the worse they tend to feel about themselves.

The Rise of Self-Diagnosis

Social media has also changed how people view mental health. While increased awareness is a positive development, platforms like TikTok have led to a surge in self-diagnosis. Videos describing conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder (BPD) often simplify complex mental health issues. As a result, people may incorrectly label their experiences without professional guidance.

Self-diagnosis can be dangerous. Mental health conditions require a thorough evaluation, and misidentifying symptoms can lead to inappropriate coping mechanisms or even delays in seeking proper treatment. While social media can provide support, it should never replace professional assessment and care.

AI Therapy Apps: A Helpful Tool or a Risky Shortcut?

With the rising cost of mental health care, AI-driven therapy apps have emerged as a convenient alternative. Apps like Woebot and Wysa use artificial intelligence to provide emotional support, guided exercises, and even cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. But do they actually help?

The Benefits

AI therapy apps offer an accessible, low-cost option for those hesitant to seek in-person care. They provide immediate support, which can be useful in moments of distress. For people who struggle with traditional therapy due to stigma or financial barriers, these tools can serve as a first step toward mental health care.

The Risks

However, AI lacks the ability to truly understand human emotions. Unlike a trained therapist, an algorithm cannot detect subtle changes in tone, body language, or person...

LinkedIn has officially opened its new campus at 4 Wilton Park, consolidating its Dublin operations into a modern, sustainable hub.

This brings together LinkedIn's teams under one roof across 4 and 5 Wilton Park, with a combined footprint of 290,000 sq ft, making Dublin home to LinkedIn's largest office outside of the United States.

The new campus is designed to support LinkedIn's evolving ways of working and foster collaboration among its 2,000+ employees in Ireland, who represent 60% of LinkedIn's EMEA workforce and over 70 nationalities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said:

"I'm delighted to open LinkedIn's new office at 4 Wilton Park. This expanded EMEA HQ - LinkedIn's largest office outside the US - is a strong endorsement of Ireland as a destination for global investment.

"Over the past 15 years, LinkedIn Ireland has grown significantly, now employing over 2,000 people. This is a testament to Ireland's talented workforce and tech expertise."

Building on this, LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky added:

"When we decided to put our EMEA headquarters in Dublin back in 2010, we started with three employees, and now we're more than 2,000 strong.

"None of this would be possible without the support of the Irish government and the wider community. We're excited to continue shaping a brighter future of work together."

Sustainability is at the core of the campus, which has been designed to operate at net-zero carbon, and is in the process of achieving LEED Platinum and WELL Platinum certifications, among the highest global standards for environmental performance and employee wellbeing.

Sustainability is at the core of the campus, which has been designed to operate at net-zero carbon, and is in the process of achieving LEED Platinum and WELL Platinum certifications, among the highest global standards for environmental performance and employee wellbeing.

The site features hydroponic gardens producing over 90kg of fresh ingredients per month, rooftop beehives, and a focus on locally sourced food.

The project utilised responsibly sourced materials, such as those with recycled content, take-back programs, and bio-based materials

Another key feature of the campus is the new LinkedIn Dublin Community Space, a free venue for local nonprofits to host events that help connect underserved communities to economic opportunity.

Since launching in the previous building, the Community Space has hosted nearly 200 events for more than 300 organisations in the past year alone, welcoming over 10,000 attendees, with LinkedIn employees also volunteering their time and expertise to support these initiatives.

Sue Duke, Head of LinkedIn Ireland, commented:

"The opening of 4 Wilton Park, and the significant investment behind it, highlights the pivotal role our office plays in LinkedIn's global growth.

"Our team in Dublin is central to delivering LinkedIn's vision of creating economic opportunity for everyone, whether that's developing AI tools to better connect jobseekers and employers or working with policymakers on future skills. "

See more stories here.

Dell Technologies today announced the availability of its new Dell Plus portfolio in Ireland. At CES, Dell unveiled a new simplified portfolio of AI PCs, unifying the naming under the Dell Technologies brand with three product categories - Dell (designed for play, school and work), Dell Pro (designed for professional-grade productivity) and Dell Pro Max (designed for maximum performance).

Within these categories, Dell introduced three consistent tiers - Base, Plus and Premium.

The Plus tier features the most scalable Dell PCs, balancing versatility and productivity. The four new Dell Plus devices are designed with a brand-new aesthetic and powered by Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors, offering up to 39% longer battery life.

The new Dell Plus devices include:

Dell 14 Plus: A sleek and portable device powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, ideal for reliable performance on the go. Starting Price: €1,149.00 Available in Ice Blue.

Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1: A versatile device with a convertible design featuring 360-hinge, catering to productivity and everyday needs. Starting Price: €998.99. Available in Ice Blue.

Dell 16 Plus: Equipped with an optional QHD+ mini-LED touchscreen display, this laptop allows creators to design, edit and share their work seamlessly. Starting Price: €1,148.99. Available in Ice Blue.

Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1: Boasting a larger screen and stereo-quality speakers, this device supports both traditional and creative workflows, easily transitioning from tablet to laptop mode. Starting Price: €1,149.00

These new devices are now available across Ireland, offering Irish consumers powerful, scalable, and versatile options to meet their diverse needs. Businesses in Ireland can future-proof their IT infrastructure and maintain a competitive edge with the newly equipped AI PCs in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Dell Technologies aims to support the Irish market with innovative technology solutions tailored to enhance productivity and creativity.

Check out the full lineup of the new Dell Plus portfolio - https://www.dell.com/en-ie/shop/scc/scr/laptops/appref=dell-product-line

More about Irish Tech News

Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too.

You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news

If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at [email protected] now to discuss.

Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at [email protected] now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience.

You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Trinity researchers have developed a new gamified mobile health (mHealth) app designed to help people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) manage fatigue, one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of the disease.

The research - led by Dr Guido Giunti, Adjunct Professor, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin and Associate Professor of Digital Health at the University of Oulu, Finland, and researchers from the University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital - evaluated the feasibility, usability, and impact of the app, named, More Stamina over a 60-day period. The study, which highlights the potential of the app, is published in the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders today.

"Fatigue is an invisible but life-altering symptom of MS," said Dr. Guido Giunti, Adjunct Professor, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin and leader of the More Stamina project. "Managing it requires more than just medication. More Stamina gives people the tools to understand their energy levels, take control of their day, and communicate their needs more effectively."

The study followed 20 participants from Oulu University Hospital in Finland, who used the app daily for two months.

Key Findings

Users became more aware of their fatigue patterns, enabling them to plan their days more effectively.

Higher engagement correlated with increased self-awareness, particularly among those with more severe fatigue.

The app helped facilitate discussions with family members and healthcare providers, improving mutual understanding of fatigue's impact.

Usability improved over time, though some users found data entry cognitively demanding, indicating areas for refinement.

An Evidence-Driven Digital Health Solution

More Stamina helps users track their daily activities and energy expenditure using "Stamina Credits", a gamified approach that visualizes energy use and helps users make informed decisions about their daily plans.

Unlike many digital health solutions, More Stamina stands out for its research-driven approach at every stage, from identifying patient needs to design, prototyping, development, and testing. Each phase has been accompanied by peer-reviewed research, creating a transparent scientific trail for a mobile health solution.

Bringing Digital Health into MS Care

Fatigue affects up to 80% of MS patients and has a profound impact on their quality of life. Managing fatigue is challenging, as it involves physical, cognitive, and emotional factors, often leaving patients feeling exhausted, misunderstood, and unsupported.

While digital health solutions have been increasingly proposed to help manage chronic conditions like MS, few have been rigorously evaluated to ensure their effectiveness and real-world impact. Neurologists at Oulu University Hospital emphasize the potential of such solutions in complementing traditional MS care.

While the study confirmed that More Stamina is a feasible and acceptable tool, researchers emphasize that larger and longer-term studies are needed to evaluate its full clinical impact. The team is now exploring ways to integrate More Stamina into broader MS care strategies.

Professor Minna Isomursu, University of Oulu, said:

"Digital health solutions are only as good as their foundation. We worked with real patients and healthcare professionals from the start to build something truly useful. That is key to creating tools that people actually find useful in their daily lives."

Empowering Patients and Strengthening Family Dialogue

One of the unexpected yet powerful outcomes of the study was the role More Stamina played in facilitating conversations between MS patients and their families. Many participants reported that sharing their fatigue patterns with loved ones helped them feel understood and supported.

More Stamina's development was not just about technology, it was about people. Active participation from patient representatives was key to ensuring that the app addressed real-life challenges.

Tonja Molin-Juusti...

Global consulting group Sia has announced the acquisition of The Upside, a British consulting agency, as part of the firm's strategic expansion in the UK market.

As part of this investment in The Upside, Sia is deepening its focus on brand, innovation, and culture in the UK. The acquisition also strengthens Sia's presence in the global tech sector, which will now represent 12% of the firm's worldwide turnover.

This follows a €250 million minority investment from funds managed by Blackstone's private equity strategy for individual investors in January, to support Sia's continued growth.

The Upside

Founded in 2013, The Upside has built a strong reputation as a trusted partner among some of the leading companies in tech, retail, and consumer goods. It delivers a broad range of projects, from brand positioning, product and service innovation, sustainability and cultural impact, and the strategy behind leading consumer product launches. With a team of 20 strategists, The Upside generated £6.2M (€7.2M) in revenue in FY24.

Niku Banaie, founder of The Upside, will lead this initiative and join the Sia leadership team as Partner. Additionally, Nigel Morris, Chairman of The Upside and former Executive Director at Dentsu, will take on the role of Senior Advisor to Sia in the UK and globally.

"This acquisition underscores our commitment to the UK as a key market for growth and innovation. With its dynamic business landscape and rich creative ecosystem, the UK is an ideal environment for our strategic expansion." said Gary O'Sullivan, Managing Partner for SIA, UK & Ireland. "The Upside's mission to drive better business growth by uniting culture, commerce and creativity aligns with our vision. We're excited about the opportunities this partnership unlocks and the enhanced capabilities we can now offer."

Niku Banaie, CEO & Founder of The Upside said: "From the start, The Upside has been driven by a desire to challenge conventions and create meaningful impact. Joining Sia is an exciting next step, not just because of our shared ambition, but because of the depth of expertise they bring - particularly in AI, which is world-class. Their capabilities will enhance what we do and open new possibilities for our clients. This marks the beginning of an exciting journey and I look forward to what we can build together."

See more stories here.

This Saturday is World Consumer Rights Day, and with the CCPC revealing that 1 in 4 shoppers are still unsure of their rights when returning faulty goods, Switcher.ie shares seven myth-busting facts around refund rights, including how long you're protected under consumer law and when you're entitled to a full refund.

1. Gift recipients now have equal rights

Under new legislation introduced in 2022, gift recipients now have exactly the same rights as the original buyer. If you have proof of purchase, and your gift turns out to be faulty, you can return it for a repair, exchange or refund.

2. Buying online means additional refund rights

If you buy something online, you have more rights than buying from a high street store. You're entitled to a 14 day 'cooling-off period', which means you can return the item within that time, even if you've just had a change of heart. This is because you can't view the goods before committing to purchase.

3. A major fault entitles you to a full refund

If your purchase turns out to be faulty or not fit for purpose and the seller can't repair or replace it, you're entitled to a full refund.

You're also entitled to an automatic refund if the product you've bought has a major fault or the shop can't repair or replace it in a reasonable time.

Though many retailers will do so out of goodwill, unfortunately, you have no rights if you have a change of heart, so always double-check the returns policy before buying.

4. A receipt is not the only proof of purchase

If you need to provide proof of purchase, scrambling to find a crumpled receipt isn't the only option - remember you can also provide a debit or credit card statement or an emailed order confirmation.

5. You must get your refund within 14 days

If you're due a refund, you must receive it within 14 days, and you have the right to insist it's in the same form as the original payment. For example, if you paid in cash, the retailer is obliged to refund you in cash.

6. After buying a faulty good, your rights last 6 years

Though redress rights are stronger in the first 30 days and the first year after making a purchase, under consumer law, you're still protected for up to six years after buying a faulty product, with the retailer responsible for resolving the issue.

7. Warranties are separate from consumer rights

Though product guarantees and warranties sold by retailers can offer added protection, they are separate from your statutory rights.

Even if a product guarantee or warranty has expired, you may still be entitled to a repair, replacement or refund.

Switcher.ie's consumer champion, Eoin Clarke, comments:

"Knowing your refund rights means a better chance of securing an exchange or a refund when things go wrong, meaning not a cent of your hard-earned cash goes to waste.

You're entitled to a full refund if a product has a major fault or the retailer can't repair or replace it. While redress rights are stronger in the first month and year after purchase, you're still protected for up to six years under consumer law.

Remember, a bank statement or email confirmation of your order also counts as proof of purchase and buying online entitles you to additional rights, like 14 days to change your mind, with no questions asked."

This Saturday is World Consumer Rights Day, and with the CCPC revealing that 1 in 4 shoppers are still unsure of their rights when returning faulty goods, Switcher.ie shares seven myth-busting facts around refund rights, including how long you're protected under consumer law and when you're entitled to a full refund.

1. Gift recipients now have equal rights

Under new legislation introduced in 2022, gift recipients now have exactly the same rights as the original buyer. If you have proof of purchase, and your gift turns out to be faulty, you can return it for a repair, exchange or refund.

2. Buying online means additional refund rights

If you buy something online, you have more rights than buying from a high street store. You're entitled to a 14 day 'cooling-off period', which means you can return the item within that time, even if you've just had a change of heart. This is because you can't view the goods before committing to purchase.

3. A major fault entitles you to a full refund

If your purchase turns out to be faulty or not fit for purpose and the seller can't repair or replace it, you're entitled to a full refund.

You're also entitled to an automatic refund if the product you've bought has a major fault or the shop can't repair or replace it in a reasonable time.

Though many retailers will do so out of goodwill, unfortunately, you have no rights if you have a change of heart, so always double-check the returns policy before buying.

4. A receipt is not the only proof of purchase

If you need to provide proof of purchase, scrambling to find a crumpled receipt isn't the only option - remember you can also provide a debit or credit card statement or an emailed order confirmation.

5. You must get your refund within 14 days

If you're due a refund, you must receive it within 14 days, and you have the right to insist it's in the same form as the original payment. For example, if you paid in cash, the retailer is obliged to refund you in cash.

6. After buying a faulty good, your rights last 6 years

Though redress rights are stronger in the first 30 days and the first year after making a purchase, under consumer law, you're still protected for up to six years after buying a faulty product, with the retailer responsible for resolving the issue.

7. Warranties are separate from consumer rights

Though product guarantees and warranties sold by retailers can offer added protection, they are separate from your statutory rights.

Even if a product guarantee or warranty has expired, you may still be entitled to a repair, replacement or refund.

Switcher.ie's consumer champion, Eoin Clarke, comments:

"Knowing your refund rights means a better chance of securing an exchange or a refund when things go wrong, meaning not a cent of your hard-earned cash goes to waste.

You're entitled to a full refund if a product has a major fault or the retailer can't repair or replace it. While redress rights are stronger in the first month and year after purchase, you're still protected for up to six years under consumer law.

Remember, a bank statement or email confirmation of your order also counts as proof of purchase and buying online entitles you to additional rights, like 14 days to change your mind, with no questions asked."

More about Irish Tech News

Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too.

You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news

If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at [email protected] now to discuss.

Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at [email protected] now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience.

You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and residential care group Riada Care Ltd. have unveiled an innovative new project that uses Virtual Reality (VR) technology to enhance the quality of life for elderly residents. Supported by the Data2Sustain European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH), the initiative introduces 360° VR videos to convalescent care homes, offering residents immersive experiences that rekindle outdoor memories and foster deeper emotional connections.

The program allows family members, carers, and staff to create personalised 360° videos, which residents can enjoy using Meta Quest 3 VR headsets. These immersive experiences bring cherished moments to life, such as walking along Donegal beaches, revisiting family farms, or exploring local landmarks.

"Over a 12-week pilot, we introduced 360° immersive videos to residents at our Hillcrest and Archview care homes in Letterkenny, designed to evoke nostalgia and bring joy to the residents," said Luke Gavigan, Director of Riada Care Ltd. "This initiative combines two key elements: creating immersive content that brings cherished outdoor experiences into the facility and empowering staff and family members with the tools and training to create personalised VR content for their loved ones."

Project Lead Dr. William Farrelly of WiSAR Lab, ATU Donegal, part of the Data2Sustain network, explained the transformative potential of this collaboration:

"This project demonstrates how technology can foster connection and joy among residents who may otherwise feel isolated. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from the initial trials highlights the transformative potential of VR in elder care."

Residents participating in the pilot reported significant emotional uplift, enhanced engagement, and reduced feelings of isolation. To ensure the program's sustainability, the team has developed a comprehensive training program with instructional videos helping guide carers and family members in creating and editing 360° video content. Care home staff have also been equipped with Meta Quest 3 VR headsets, Insta360 cameras, and editing software, enabling them to continually expand the VR content library.

Dr. Stephen Seawright, Technology Gateway Manager at ATU Donegal, emphasised the importance of collaboration in the project's success:

"The project exemplifies a successful collaboration between academia, healthcare providers, and funding bodies like Data2Sustain EDIH. It underscores the potential of emerging technologies to address complex challenges in healthcare and improve quality of life for many."

Looking ahead, the team plans to expand the technology to additional Riada Care facilities across Ireland, conduct further research into its long-term benefits, and explore new applications of VR, including guided relaxation and physical therapy.

"Immersive technologies have the potential to transform physical and psychological outcomes in social care settings," said Dr. Farrelly. "By integrating this technology into everyday care, we're enriching residents' lives while also empowering carers to offer innovative, personalised support."

Munster Technological University is inviting experienced professionals to apply for the final places in its elite Cyber Innovate programme. The programme is designed to equip participants with the skills to launch and lead cybersecurity start-ups, strengthening Ireland's position as a cybersecurity innovator.

Cyber Innovate is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27.

Now in its second year, the programme also aims to address historical diversity imbalances in the cybersecurity sector. In its first year, five out of the 12 successful applicants were women, and the programme organisers are keen to see that trend continue.

Ronan Coleman, Director of Cyber Innovate, said: "Most start-up programmes focus on commercialising a pre-existing idea. Cyber Innovate is different. From day one, participants dive into real-world challenges, engaging directly with industry leaders in financial services, technology, telecoms, agriculture, and smart maritime. They work alongside cybersecurity and IT professionals to uncover pressing problems they face, and design practical, high-impact solutions."

As part of the programme, successful applicants receive a €38,000 tax-free scholarship, along with fees for a 10-month Postgraduate diploma. Students will be based full-time on site in the Rubicon Centre business incubator at MTU. "The goal of the scholarship is to give students the breathing space to learn and to fully commit to validating the opportunity for a cybersecurity startup," said Sarah O'Donovan, Programme Manager of Cyber Innovate.

A key partner for the programme is Georgia Tech VentureLab, which specialises in the lean start-up I-Corps methodology for validating the commercial opportunity for a potential product or service. To date, I-Corps has led to 1,357 start-ups that have since raised a combined $3.16billion in funding.

The first year of Cyber Innovate launched in September 2024 and is currently ongoing. Its students, organised into five teams, identified over 450 customer problems or needs, and narrowed that to 38 concepts before shortlisting to one project for each team to focus on. The student teams are currently working on prototypes, business models and business plans with the aim of raising funding for their start-ups this summer.

Applications for the 2025/26 programme close on Monday 31 March, and further information is available at https://cyberinnovate.ie/.

"The application process is simple: we want to encourage people from a variety of backgrounds to apply, even if they haven't worked in cybersecurity before now," said Ronan Coleman.