Established in 1845, University College Cork, (UCC) is one of the premier research institutions in Ireland.  Recognised internationally for the quality of its research, UCC is ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide based on the quality of our research output and peer esteem.  Our researchers collaborate with close to 700 of the world’s top universities across 110 countries.  Supporting approx. 20,000 students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies, the University provides the full range of academic disciplines and plays a crucial role in the development of Ireland’s knowledge-based society.

UCC has a proven track record in nurturing entrepreneurship and supporting the acceleration of business start-ups.  Its record is especially strong in helping graduates turn innovative ideas into successful technology based businesses through its specifically designed training and incubation centres.  Its IGNITE centre, delivers tailored programmes to give graduates professional help with business start-ups in partnership with local government enterprise offices while the gateway UCC Centre, a business incubation centre, officially launched in 2011 supports the creation of new knowledge-intensive businesses.