Tackling the spread of misinformation and technology for women's health, work-life balance, and education join artificial intelligence among the key innovation areas in 2025, according to the UCC IGNITE start-up incubator.

Applications for IGNITE's programme starting in April are now open at ignite.ucc.ie to start-ups from recent graduates working on ideas in any area where people see potential, including the key areas identified for 2025:

• Misinformation/Disinformation Tackling the spread of false information in the digital age, addressing societal and political challenges.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Unlocking the potential of AI to deliver innovative solutions across industries.
• FemTech Advancing women’s health and wellness through technology.
• Slow Tech Designing sustainable and mindful technologies.
• Pet Revolutionising pet care and well-being with technological innovation.
• “Reclaiming My Time” Tech Creating tools that empower individuals to manage time and priorities in a fast-paced world.
• Housing Tech/Construction Tech Addressing housing challenges with innovative approaches to construction and housing solutions.
• EdTech Transforming education with technologies that enhance learning experiences for students and educators.

Participants in IGNITE will receive a comprehensive support package valued at €20,000, including: €5,000 in seed funding, access to tailored training and mentoring, and networking opportunities with guest speakers.

Under IGNITE's equity-free model, founders retain full ownership of their businesses.

“We’re excited to welcome applications for our April 2025 programme," said Eamon Curtin, director of IGNITE.

"Areas like AI, FemTech, and EdTech offer incredible opportunities for innovation, and IGNITE and the UCC research and support infrastructure are here to support entrepreneurs driving change in these fields.

"Our start-ups share a space with world-renowned research centres and can tap into a strong tech, pharma, and food industry hinterland surrounding the campus.”

UCC said that start-ups say that working from campus is a major advantage to IGNITE and that the UCC name carries worldwide recognition and opens doors.

"In addition, UCC’s alumni network has deep roots in every country and every successful company worldwide, giving our start-ups unmatched connections and opportunities to thrive," UCC added.

IGNITE has been running since 2011 and has helped entrepreneurs transform their ideas into ventures through a collaborative initiative involving Cork City Council, Cork County Council, and the Local Enterprise Offices of Cork City, South Cork, and North & West Cork.

Recent IGNITE alumni companies Trustap and LegitFit have achieved funding milestones, with Trustap raising €5.3m in Series A funding and LegitFit securing €1.74m.

IGNITE-supported businesses now employ more than 300 staff and are estimated to have contributed €66m in salaries.

Photo: Graduate founders have been celebrated at UCC with an event to showcase the innovation and entrepreneurship of those undertaking the start-up programmes at the university, including IGNITE. (Pic: Joleen Cronin)