THE strength and innovation of startups across the Mid West was showcased at the 2026 Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Startup Awards.
The awards marked the culmination of the Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers programme at TUS, a national entrepreneur development programme that supports founders to translate ideas into scalable, innovation-led businesses.
Paediatrician-led skincare and wellness venture Calm & Free, co-founded by Limerick’s Dr Rachel Power, took the coveted Startup of the Year award. The company developers targeted skincare solutions for babies and young children, build on Dr Power’s experience and insight in common skin conditions in infants and young children.
The Best Innovation Award went to Sarah Hayes, of Tipperary, co-founder of Fastwave. The Fastwave platform focuses on competitive swimming and automates and standardises competition entry, replacing fragmented manual processes with a data-driven system that simplifies how swim competitions are organised and delivered.
CarPal co-founder Hugh McNally, of Clare, was presented with the One to Watch award. CarPal helps give automotive dealers access to verified, high-intent buyer demand, reducing wasted enquiries and improving conversion and stock turnover.
Startups at the awards pitched to an audience of more than 100 people from across the business ecosystem, including investors, business leaders, and representatives from support agencies and higher education institutions.
Speaking at the event, TUS president Professor Vincent Cunnane said that the assembled participants represent “a cohort of innovative founders who have moved beyond early ideas and are now building businesses with real potential to scale”.
Applications for the 2026 TUS New Frontiers programme are open now.