Cork principal's new wellness business for schools recognised at UCC Ignite awards

Showcase highlights innovative start-ups making an impact in health, sustainability, education, and music

Ignite programme participants Anna Santos, HerNutrea, Dongzheng Li, Hibugo, Dorothy Breen, fordoctors.ie, Emmet Crotty, Gigifi and Dave Cashman, WellSchools Network.

A start-up by a Cork school principal which helps schools to support student well-being and behaviour has been recognised at the Ignite awards and showcase at University College Cork.

The Ignite entrepreneurship programme based at UCC supports recent graduates from any third-level institution in Ireland with a structured pathway to building a sustainable start-up.

Wellschools Network founded by school principal and PhD researcher David Cashman was one of this year's start-ups and was named the Bank of Ireland Best Business Award 2025 at the showcase. Mr Cashman is the principal of South Lee Educate Together in Cork, and his Wellschools Network provides training for teachers and school leaders. The programme looks to help schools understand trauma, reduce school avoidance, and create more inclusive, supportive learning environments.  

 “We’re thrilled to see David and Wellschools recognised with the Bank of Ireland Best Business Award. His work is already having a profound impact in schools across Ireland and internationally," said Maria McKnight of Bank of Ireland.  

Another start-up at the showcase, HerNutrea founded by Anna Santos, won the Local Enterprise Office Best Business Plan 2025. HerNutrea is a nutrition platform supporting women through menopause with personalised dietary guidance to manage symptoms and improve well-being.  Seán O’Sullivan of Local Enterprise Office Cork, said HerNutrea is exactly the type of start-up we aim to support and help grow. "HerNutrea addresses a hugely important need in women’s health, and Anna has developed a clear, actionable plan to build a thriving, profitable business. It’s a great example of smart, socially minded entrepreneurship," said Mr O'Sullivan.

Other start-ups on the Ignite programme showcased on Thursday included HiBugo, by Dongzheng Li, a pet food company creating healthier, more sustainable options using locally sourced black soldier fly protein and other, eco-friendly ingredients; ForDoctors.ie, a mentoring service created by Dorothy Breen for doctors which aims to reduce burnout and improve patient care; and Gigify, a music tech tool started by Emmet Crotty helping musicians get discovered, booked, and tipped.

The Ignite programme includes access to expert mentorship, targeted workshops, investor connections, and funding supports, with no equity taken. “We couldn’t do what we do without the belief and encouragement of our partners, mentors, and supporters. Their backing enables us to give our talented founders the support they need to build businesses that are not only impactful but commercially viable ventures that improve lives and create real value," said Ignite director Eamon Curtin.