Four ATU iHub Leaders Honoured in ThinkBusiness ‘Women-Led Start-Ups to Watch 2026’

This year’s shortlist includes founders at different stages of their entrepreneurial journeys, from alumni to current iHub clients, all united by a commitment to solving meaningful problems through innovation:

Each founder exemplifies leadership, resilience, and a clear vision for impact key qualities recognised by ThinkBusiness.ie in its annual watchlist.

Eibhlin O’Riordan – ByoWave

Empowering Play Through Inclusive Design

ByoWave, founded by Eibhlin O’Riordan, is an ATU iHub alumni company that is redefining how children of all abilities engage with toys and games. The company designs modular, adaptive controllers and play systems that enable inclusive play, ensuring children with disabilities are not excluded from shared play experiences.

During its early growth, ByoWave benefitted from ATU iHub supports, including mentoring, workspace, and access to a wider innovation community. The company has since gained international attention for its thoughtful design philosophy and user‑centred approach. Eibhlin’s recognition on the 2026 shortlist reflects both commercial momentum and a strong social mission.

Dr Lucy O’Keeffe – CroíValve

Advancing Life‑Saving Structural Heart Technology

CroíValve, led by Dr Lucy O’Keeffe, is a Dublin‑based medtech company developing novel solutions for structural heart disease. While headquartered in Dublin, CroíValve operates research and development units within ATU iHubs, leveraging regional expertise, technical infrastructure, and research collaboration.

Dr O’Keeffe’s leadership combines clinical insight with engineering innovation, translating complex cardiovascular challenges into practical, patient‑focused technologies. CroíValve’s inclusion in the ThinkBusiness.ie shortlist underscores Ireland’s growing strength in women‑led medtech innovation and highlights ATU iHubs’ role in supporting advanced R&D beyond traditional urban centres.

Margaret Rae – Konree Innovation

Driving Sustainable Manufacturing Solutions

Founded by Margaret Rae, Konree Innovation is an ATU iHub company focused on developing advanced, sustainable manufacturing and materials‑based solutions. Konree Innovation works at the intersection of environmental responsibility and industrial performance, addressing real‑world challenges faced by modern manufacturers.

Through ATU iHub, Konree Innovation has accessed technical expertise, business development supports, and a collaborative environment that supports early‑stage and scaling companies alike. Margaret’s nomination reflects a strong commitment to innovation that delivers both economic and environmental value.

Dr Michelle Tierney – SymPhysis Medical

Transforming Women’s Health Outcomes

SymPhysis Medical, led by Dr Michelle Tierney, is another ATU iHub‑based company making significant strides in medical innovation. The company is focused on addressing unmet needs in women’s health, an area historically underserved by traditional medtech solutions.

Dr Tierney’s background in research and clinical translation has been central to SymPhysis Medical’s progress. Being shortlisted as a business to watch in 2026 recognises both the company’s technological promise and the growing importance of women‑led leadership in life sciences innovation.

The Role of ATU iHub in Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

ATU iHubs play a vital role in nurturing startups at every stage, from concept and spin‑out, through to scale‑up and global ambition. The success of these four shortlisted companies reflects:

  • Strong founder‑focused supports
  • Access to research and technical expertise
  • Regional innovation infrastructure
  • A growing culture of inclusive entrepreneurship

Most importantly, it highlights the impact of women leaders who are building companies that matter commercially, socially, and clinically.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Being named among ThinkBusiness.ie’s “Irish Women‑Led Businesses to Watch 2026” positions these founders and their companies for continued growth, visibility, and opportunity. For ATU iHub, this recognition reaffirms its mission to support ambitious entrepreneurs and to champion diversity in innovation.

We congratulate Eibhlin O’Riordan, Dr Lucy O’Keeffe, Margaret Rae, and Dr Michelle Tierney on this well‑deserved recognition and look forward to supporting their continued success in the years ahead.