Nasal Medical is €250k winner of the 2016 AIB Start-up Academy
By William O'Connor
MARTIN O’Connell, founder of Bluebell-based company Nasal Medical, was celebrating last night after being named the winner of the 2016 AIB Start-up Academy.
Martin will receive a prize valued at €250,000, which includes a cash injection of €20,000, an advertising and marketing package, as well as business development support and PR training.
The final, held in front of a packed crowd in Dublin’s Sugar Club, saw eleven start-ups each deliver a five-minute business pitch to an expert judging panel.
The AIB Start-up Academy, run in conjunction with The Irish Times, invited entrepreneurs from all over Ireland to apply for an intensive eight-week training programme.
The eleven start-ups selected to take part in the Academy programme, culminated with a final pitch last night. The finalists, from varying sectors, all delivered outstanding pitches which left the judging panel with the unenviable task of selecting a winner.
Martin O’Connell, a native of Kerry, has developed a medical device which encourages healthy breathing and helps people who suffer from snoring or sleep apnoea. The unique device fits inside the nasal cavity and is both comfortable and discreet.
Martin’s pitch displayed a depth of knowledge of the medical device industry, an understanding of his target market and a strong desire to develop his product and business.
Peter Mulryan, of Blackwater Distillery in Waterford (which produces quality gin, vodka and whiskey), and Lucinda Kelly of Popertee, an online marketplace that aims to connect businesses with pop-up retail locations, were named as runners-up in the competition and will receive marketing and advertising packages along with business development support.
Speaking after his win, Martin O’Connell said, “I really can’t believe it! The last few weeks with the AIB Start-up Academy have been an invaluable experience and I would recommend any start-up to apply for it. A lot of hard work has gone into this company and I’m delighted that the judging panel believes in its potential.”
Brian Keating, Group Brands Director of AIB and member of the judging panel said, “The standard of the presentations tonight was incredible.
“We heard from some brilliant companies who are absolutely passionate about their products. I would like to congratulate Martin and all of the finalists, who should all be proud of what they’ve achieved. I wish them all the best for the future.”
