Eight new tech companies in Galway will benefit from a six-month incubation package for startups developed by Bank of Ireland.

The programme, StartLab Galway, provides intensive business development, mentoring and networking. It aims to develop enterprise in the West of Ireland, and strengthen the local infrastructure and supports available to entrepreneurs at the critical early stages.

The new companies will move into the bank’s custom-designed building on Eyre Square, where they will be provided with desk space, high-speed wifi, and conference rooms as well as one to one sessions with coaches and mentors, introductions to investors and support from the bank’s innovation team.

The first eight StartLab firms, selected from over 60 applications, are a pretty diverse bunch.

Birdleaf — turning email addresses into insights to increase return on investment in marketing;
Howling Hamster — producers of video games for PC, Mac and Linux for the international market;
Couture Intel — luxury fashion price comparison site;
WoofAdvisor — helping pet lovers find 100% verified pet-friendly accommodation, amenities and services;
ExerWise — wearable activity tracker for children;
MintTek Circuits — providing a new way to locate hardware prototype requirements;
Bluedrop Medical — technology capable of remotely detecting and monitoring foot ulcers in patients with diabetes;
BuilderEngine — innovative platform for people who want to create smarter websites.

In Association with

David Tighe, the bank’s head of innovation, described the calibre of the eight entrepreneurs as “really exceptional”.

He added: “The West of Ireland is a hotbed of innovation and our eight new entrants are testament to the quality of emerging business talent. StartLab will focus on helping these businesses to develop their teams, fine-tune their ideas and engage potential customers and investors.”