Digital Gait Labs, a spin-out from Dublin City University’s (DCU’s) Alpha centre, has been named among Ireland’s Hot 100 start-ups, compiled by the Business Post, in association with Enterprise Ireland.
Digital Gait Labs, based in Dublin, was founded in 2022 by Aidan Boran, Larry Keaveney, John O’Brien and Seán Kennelly. The company has six staff and has raised €750,000 in funding to date. It develops software that helps clinicians assess gait and fall risk in older people using only a smartphone camera.
The technology uses AI and augmented reality to analyse video recordings and generate detailed movement metrics, eliminating the need for hospital visits or wearable devices. It has been clinically validated through partnerships with Tallaght University Hospital and other healthcare groups.
Also named in the top 100 was HTS Labs, based in Maynooth, which provides outsourced private pathology services, using technology to streamline how hospitals and clinics manage and receive test results.
It was founded in 2020 by Patrick Clarke, Steve Hartnett, Jihad Elbasir and Alan Moran. The business has 13 staff and recorded €1.8 million in revenue in 2023. Initially established during the Covid pandemic, the company has since expanded into histology, genetics, and biochemistry testing.
Spryt, which has developed software to help healthcare providers reduce missed appointments through predictive technology and patient engagement tools, also earned a mention.
Based in Monaghan, the company was founded in 2022 by Neill Dunwoody, Daragh Donohoe, Paul Lyes, Nik Kairinos and Shaun Dodimead. The system uses AI to predict no-shows and applies behavioural science and linguistics to encourage patients to attend, reschedule, or cancel in advance. It can communicate in over 160 languages and adapts its messages based on patient responses. The system is currently being used by the NHS in London for oncology screening.
Other medtech companies who made the list were Novus Diagnostics, which has developed SepTec, a technology designed to detect sepsis in approximately 15 minutes; and BackAware Belt, which uses sensors to track and correct movements during at home physiotherapy exercises.
Speaking at the launch of the Hot 100, Minister for Small Business, Retail and the Circular Economy Alan Dillon, said: “It is important to celebrate success and the 100 businesses that are profiled in the Business Post Hot 100 Start-ups for 2025 publication, are a testament to the innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit that defines the Irish startup ecosystem. This government working with Enterprise Ireland is here to fortify that ecosystem, ensuring it is both connected and increasingly self-sufficient.
Kevin Sherry, Executive Director of Enterprise Ireland, said Enterprise Ireland is delighted to shine a spotlight on some of the most exciting young start-ups in the country.
“At Enterprise Ireland, we’re committed to helping ambitious start-ups develop and scale innovative solutions to global problems and as part of our new five-year strategy, we have set an ambitious target to support the creation of 1,000 startup companies by the end of 2029. The Hot 100 for 2025 demonstrates the strong pipeline of promising, innovative and export-focused companies coming through, located throughout the country and Enterprise Ireland is proud to be behind many of these businesses on their start-up journey,” Mr Sherry said.
