Three early-stage start-ups have spun-in to NovaUCD, joining a community of entrepreneurs at University College Dublin’s (UCD) Centre for New Ventures and Entrepreneurs. The three start-ups join over 25 companies, employing some 200 people, currently located at NovaUC, a purpose-built facility for high-tech and knowledge-intensive start-ups.
EPIC Conjoint, established by Matt Johnston in 2016, has developed an enterprise software-as-a-service platform that enables companies of any size to rapidly conduct market research globally, delivering customer insights on products, pricing and perceived value in the market.
This is Seaweed aims to encourage consumers to engage with seaweeds and to understand the benefits they possess with regards to nutrition and taste. This is Seaweed was established in 2015 by Paul O’Connor, a marine biologist and a seafood enthusiast.
Travacoin is developing an application to enable airlines to use Blockchain-based coins, rather than fiat currency, to refund and compensate passengers in the event of flight disruption. Travacoin was established in 2016 by Brian Whelan, who has experience in the area of air passenger rights and advocacy, both in the public and private sectors.
Between them, the three companies are planning to create up to 30 new jobs and raise up to €7.5 million in funding over the next two years.
Welcoming the three companies to NovaUCD, Tom Flanagan, Director of Enterprise and Commercialisation, UCD, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to welcome EPIC Conjoint, This is Seaweed and Travacoin, the latest companies who have spun-in to NovaUCD. The founders of these companies are experienced entrepreneurs who will be a great addition to our community and we look forward to working with them to facilitate access to UCD’s world-class research expertise and talent.”
Pictured above: Tom Flanagan, Director of Enterprise and Commercialisation, UCD; Matt Johnston, founder, EPIC Conjoint; Paul O’Connor, founder, This is Seaweed; and Brian Whelan, founder, Travacoin.
