Mark O'Sullivan, the chief executive of NeuroBell, has won the Enterprise Ireland High-Potential Start-Up (HPSU) Founder of the Year award for 2025.
Founded in 2023, NeuroBell is a medical device start-up based in Cork.
Its first product, Luna, is a portable brain monitor with AI-powered seizure detection, that enables neonatal ICU staff to quickly diagnose seizures without subspecialty expertise, which ensures timely intervention and treatment.
The Founder of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate the dedication of entrepreneurs and start-ups working to build world-class companies of the future.
Five finalists were shortlisted for this year's award, each nominated by their peers and actively engaged in Enterprise Ireland's High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) Founders Forum over the past year.
Eoghan Finneran (Senus); Craig Lancaster (Pilot Path); Fergal Meegan (Assiduous) and Brendan Darby (Marama Labs) were acknowledged for the achievements of their respective companies to date.
2025 is the 10th year of the HPSU Founders Forum programme, which is delivered in partnership with Select Strategies. Over 480 founders have participated to date from a variety of sectors including fintech, digital technologies, medtech, fintech, food, and sustainability.
Award winner Mark O'Sullivan said that Enterprise Ireland has been with the company on its start-up journey and he looks forward to working with them as it scales into the US and European markets.
"Luna allows healthcare workers in neonatal ICU's to act quickly with the right information. Our ultimate aim is to grow the business globally, bringing Luna to all hospital settings for the benefit of critically ill infants and their families," he added.
Jenny Melia, the CEO of Enterprise Ireland said that the Founder of the Year Awards shine a spotlight on the ambition, innovation and resilience of Ireland's start-up community.
"These awards are a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that drives high-potential start-ups to scale globally. With over 480 founders having participated in the HPSU Founders Forum to date, this initiative continues to be a powerful platform for peer learning, collaboration and growth," she added.
