LIMERICK company Ocean Survivor has been crowned the Overall Winner of the 13th annual InterTradeIreland Seedcorn competition.
The University of Limerick-based company, operated by founder Kieran Normoyle (25) from Patrickswell, manufactures a range of safety equipment aimed primarily at the offshore oil industry.
The company is currently developing a simple to use technology that mitigates the effects of hypothermia, while promoting comfort and mental wellbeing in a survival situation.
Mr Normoyle was also recently named winner of the ‘Best New Business – Trading up to 24 months’ category in Limerick’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition, organised by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Limerick.
Eamon Ryan, head of enterprise, at LEO Limerick said: “Aside from securing €100,000 out of a total prize fund of €280,000, Kieran will have benefited greatly from the feedback he has received through its participation in the Seedcorn competition.”
He added: “Kieran is another shining example of the wealth and breadth of entrepreneurial activity ongoing in Limerick. As a graduate of Product Design and Technology, he has benefited from the supports and training provided by LEO Limerick and Enterprise Ireland to develop his business. We look forward to supporting his business going forward.”
Meanwhile, 29-year-old Grange entrepreneur Mark Sheahan of Recycle Right will represent Limerick at this month’s national final of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) competition having progressed from the regional final in November. He will be hoping to secure a share of the €100,000 investment fund.
Mark’s domestic waste collection and recycling service currently has in excess of 5,000 customers, nine staff and is one of the fastest growing collection companies in Ireland.
He was named winner of the ‘Best Established Business – Trading more than 24 months’ category of the Limerick IBYE Final in October.
