ALR Innovations and Zinc Software have been named the Best High Growth Company and Best Emerging Company respectively at InterTradeIreland’s annual all-island Seedcorn Business Competition.
The event, which took place at the Burlington in Dublin last night, is the largest business competition on the island.
As the Best High Growth Company on the island, ALR Innovations has won the overall prize of €100,000 while Zinc Software will take home a cash prize of €50,000 for its success as the Best Emerging Company.
ALR Innovations, a University of Limerick spin out company which is based between the University of Limerick and the Hartnett Acceleration Centre in Limerick, supplies a specialised recycling technology for LCD displays which removes the hazardous materials from waste displays in a fast, efficient and automated process.
The technology is currently unchallenged in the market and provides a unique solution for the problem of LCD recycling for European and worldwide markets.
The technology has emerged from Environmental Protection Agency funded research under the Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for the Environment (STRIVE) programme.
Minister for Small Business, John Perry TD said:
“The innovative thinking we see from early business start ups is key to future economic growth in Ireland.
“I commend all those who have been involved at the various stages of the competition and for providing this invaluable guidance. ALR Innovations and Zinc Software beat very tough competition so I congratulate them on their great success.”
Zinc Software is a technology company engaged in developing preventative healthcare technology.
The company has developed the world’s first smartphone linked heart health sensor.
Consisting of a revolutionary ear worn Bluetooth heart sensor and a patent protected signal analysis engine, the platform has potential applications ranging from medical to fitness and wellness.
The first products are games that target stress, a huge factor in many people’s lives.
The user is instructed in yoga breathing based on live feedback from their heart.
As their stress levels reduce the games progress, giving a visual indication of how well they are doing that is both fun and engaging.
Darran Hughes, CEO of Zinc Software said:
“We are delighted to have won the Best Emerging category in the Seedcorn Competition. It is a great validation of our product and our company.
“It helps largely in our quest to raise funding over the coming months. Also the prize fund is very timely allowing us to expand our team and helps us get closer to product launch.”