The founder of a company which aims to change the way in which the world approaches search and rescue missions has been named the Mid/ South West Region’s Best Young Entrepreneur for 2019.
Eoghan Mulcahy from Limerick and founder of Deepseek was chosen by a panel of experts as the regional winner and will now compete to become Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) in the upcoming national finals
Essentially Deepseek automates the search out of search and rescue allowing ground-based teams to focus solely on the rescue. Utilising the latest in drone and artificial intelligence technologies, Deepseek is developing an innovative solution that will increase the efficiency and success rate of rescue teams. This technology will initially be deployed to aid water-based rescue efforts in the Shannon river around Limerick.
The regional winners representing Limerick, Clare, Kerry and Tipperary were announced at an awards ceremony hosted by Local Enterprise Office Limerick at the Castletroy Park Hotel.
The winners were chosen from 12 finalists. More than 1,600 applications were received nationally in the competition, which was launched earlier this year by the LEO’s as part of a nationwide search to find 'Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur' (IBYE).
Now in its fifth year, IBYE is a nationwide campaign to celebrate Ireland’s young entrepreneurs and is open to individuals aged 18 to 35 who have an innovative business idea, new start-up or established business.
Twenty-four contenders (three from each region nationally - one in each category) will be selected to compete for the national title of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur on Sunday 15 September 2019.
A further €100,000 investment fund will be available to invest in the winners of the three categories at the national final - one of which will also be named as 'Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur'.
Previous LEO Limerick’s national finalists include Paddy Finn of Electricity Exchange.
The Limerick, Clare, Kerry and Tipperary Regional final was attended by Cllr. Sarah Kiely, Deputising for the Mayor of the City and County of Limerick and Junior Finance Minister Patrick O’Donovan who presented the awards.
The keynote speaker was Pat McDonagh, CEO of Supermacs and owner of the Castletroy Park Hotel.
The winners on the night were:
- Overall winner and winner of ‘Best Business Idea'
Eoghan Mulcahy, Deepseek, representing Limerick. Utilizing the latest in drone and artificial intelligence technologies, Deepseek is developing an innovative solution that will increase the efficiency and success rate of rescue teams.
- Best Start-Up Business
Sharon Cunningham, Shorla Pharma Ltd, Clonmel, representing Tipperary Shorla is a speciality pharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies in the oncology space, with a particular interest in both women’s and paediatric health. The company is currently at research and development stage with a view to bringing commercial products to global markets.
- Best Established Business
Cathal Bourke, Bourke Sports, Borrisoleigh, representing Tipperary. Bourke Sports is an Irish sports company that designs, manufactures and supplies high performance sportswear and sports equipment.
The regional winners will now proceed to compete for the national title of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur on Sunday 15th of September 2019.
A further €100,000 investment fund will be available to invest in the winners of the three categories at the national final - one of which will also be named as ‘Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur’.
Speaking at the regional final Eamon Ryan, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Limerick said “We are delighted to have had such a positive response from so many strong candidates from Limerick, Clare, Kerry and Tipperary this year. It is fantastic to see so many young entrepreneurs here tonight with innovative ideas and businesses. The skills and knowledge gained by all involved in the competition we hope will stay with each participant and help grow their businesses even further.
“We are excited to see what will be in-store for our regional winners and we wish them every success in the upcoming national finals! IBYE is a remarkable platform that we hope will encourage and grow further young entrepreneurship and job creation in the region.”
Further details on the competition and supports available to young entrepreneurs are available through www.localenterprise.ie and www.ibye.ie.