Ten Irish Start-Ups have been selected for the 2016 Irish AIB Start-Up Academy

Ten lucky companies have been given a wonderful opportunity.

22 companies were shortlisted, and ten have been put forward to this year’s AIB Start-Up Academy. Selected from stiff competition, the Irish start-ups pitched for five minutes in front of a panel of judges, who also conducted an intense Q&A session. Companies in the sectors of; food, fashion, medical and lifestyle technologies progressed through to the AIB Start-Up Academy. The 2016 Start-up Academy finalists are:

• Cool Bean Company
• Nasal Medical Ltd
• Popertee
• Brendan Joseph
• Rebel Chilli
• Queezybags
• Blackwater Distillery
• Buska Ltd
• Dropchef
• Leaves

The good news for one other start-up business is that a wildcard pick will be chosen by JOE.ie and Her.ie readers. Now in its second year, the AIB Startup Academy will offer an intensive eight-week programme, where one very lucky company will come out on top and receive a prize worth €250,000, comprising of; a cash injection, advertising and marketing spend, and a range of other financial and expertise support. Here were just a few of the delighted reactions...

Thrilled that @BlackDistillery is shortlisted #backedbyAIB #LoveWaterford @AIBBiz https://t.co/ZPVWEW5EXn

— Blackwater Gin (@blackwatergin) February 5, 2016

Congrats to the final 10! It was an honor to be in the final 22! Thank you for @AIBBiz and @IrishTimesBiz for a great day.#backedbyAIB

— Shoployal (@ShoployaltheApp) February 5, 2016

Well done @Queezybags branded by @wearethreesixty #backedbyAib

— threesixty (@wearethreesixty) February 5, 2016

Brilliant news for @BlackDistillery congratulations!!! #BizWaterford #backedbyAIB https://t.co/AWtuq6kn2j

— Business Waterford (@BizWaterford) February 5, 2016

@IrishTimes @IrishTimesBiz Thank you so much. So deliriously happy right now. #backedbyAib

— Queezybags (@Queezybags) February 5, 2016