Innovative ground-breaking research, blue sky thinking and impressive business credentials by researchers have been recognised as they scored a notable one-two at Enterprise Ireland’s Start-Up Day 2025 in the Aviva Stadium.
Dr Marcus O’Mahony, Department of Biological Sciences, and Dr Patrick Cronin, Irish Manufacturing Research and formerly of UL, were presented with the Big Ideas award for Oscil, a project nearing spin-out, with the team led by Associate Professor Tara Dalton, School of Engineering, announced as the runner-up for TANGO.
Start-Up Day 2025 hosted the ‘Class of 2024’ High Potential Start-Up companies that Enterprise Ireland invested in during 2024. The event also played host to technology-based companies with origins deep rooted in groundbreaking research.
Oscil is an innovative deep-tech technology operating at the intersection of Edge-AI and powder processing. It will initially target the pharma and dairy sectors.
It has developed a proprietary, ATEX-compliant sensor and edge-AI solution that enables real-time, in-line analysis of powder flow – addressing critical issues like sensor-fouling, yield-loss, and process downtime.
As part of the Big Ideas award, Oscil will travel to the United States to participate in UC Berkeley’s Venture Connectivity Program.
Oscil was one of six investor-ready potential spin-outs that had three minutes to pitch their new technology solutions to a 600 strong audience made up of representatives from the Irish Start-up ecosystem including VCs and other funders, State support agencies and professional and financial services.
Presenting the award, Michael Carey, Chairman, Enterprise Ireland said: “The Big Ideas pitching element and awards at Start-Up Day provides a platform to showcase Enterprise Ireland’s commercialisation funded research approaching start-up status, with significant potential for success. The event also highlights the accomplishments of our national technology transfer system, the high calibre of research commercialisation activity within Ireland, and the significant impact these companies will have to help solve huge global challenges. I wish to congratulate both Oscil and TANGO on their achievements to date and wish them every success for the future.”
Commenting on their win Dr Marcus O’Mahony said: “It is rewarding to see our hard work acknowledged. This award confirms our approach and motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in powder processing and production.”
“We are thrilled to receive this validation for Oscil. Our innovation is set to revolutionise the powder processing sector and to see clients eager to adopt our solution proves the efficiency and impact of our innovation,” Dr Patrick Cronin added.
UL received additional success with the announcement that another UL spin-out company, TANGO was runner-up. Founded by Associate Professor Tara Dalton, TANGO is an instrument that can automate assays to measure T-cell function using novel microfluidics and chemistry. T-cells protect us against infections and diseases such as cancer, and genetically modified T-cells are now being used to treat these disorders. Currently we cannot routinely measure how well T-cells work, for example in people receiving vaccines or T cell therapies.
TANGO will allow clinicians and researchers for the first time to routinely assess how well T-cells work, enabling us to fully realise the potential of T-cells in combatting diseases, more effectively monitor vaccine efficacy and better understand our immune system.
Dr Margaret Lawlor, Case Manager in UL’s Technology Transfer Office worked closely with the researchers in the spin-out process.
“Spin-out companies are important cornerstones of Ireland’s innovation ecosystem—transforming cutting-edge research into real-world impact. They drive innovation, create high-value jobs, and strengthen Ireland’s global competitiveness. This is good for because it enhances our reputation for innovation, talent development and benefit our students and research.
“If you’re curious about turning your research into real-world impact or exploring commercial opportunities, reach out to the TTO, at , we are here to help,” Dr Lawlor said.