A West Clare entrepreneur has been recognised at this year’s Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Startup Awards, which showcased high-potential, innovation-led businesses from across the region.
Hugh McNally, co-founder of CarPal and originally from Doonbeg, Co Clare, received the One to Watch Award for a platform designed to transform how car dealers connect with buyers. CarPal is a demand-led automotive platform that gives dealers access to verified, high-intent customers, reducing wasted enquiries and improving conversion and stock turnover.
The awards, hosted at The Engine in Limerick City, marked the culmination of the Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers programme at TUS, which supports founders to develop scalable businesses with regional and international impact.
Also recognised on the night was Calm & Free, the paediatrician-led skincare venture co-founded by Dr Rachel Power, which was named Startup of the Year, while the Best Innovation Award went to Fastwave, a platform developed by Tipperary entrepreneur Sarah Hayes to streamline competitive swimming event entry.
The event featured a keynote from John Cleary, founder and CEO of Eventmaster, who shared insights from building and scaling a technology company across Ireland and Europe.
More than 100 investors, business leaders and representatives from support agencies and higher education institutions attended the event, where startups pitched their ideas and outlined their growth plans.
The programme is delivered through the TUS Hartnett Enterprise Acceleration Centre, in collaboration with UL Nexus, and supported by the Local Enterprise Offices in Clare, Limerick and Tipperary, alongside AxisBIC, Propelor BIC and Limerick Chamber Skillnet.
The wider cohort reflected a strong mix of sectors critical to Ireland’s future economy, including life sciences, sustainability, software, AI and consumer products.
Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS, said: “What we are seeing here is a cohort of founders who have moved beyond early ideas and are now building businesses with real potential to scale. Programmes like New Frontiers are critical in strengthening Ireland’s pipeline of innovation-led, export-focused companies.”
Ciara Concannon, National Programme Manager for New Frontiers at Enterprise Ireland, said: “The programme plays a vital role in supporting early-stage entrepreneurs, giving them the skills, guidance and confidence to grow. It is particularly encouraging to see strong regional representation, including founders from Clare, progressing through the programme.”
Applications for the next New Frontiers programme at TUS are now open.