Mayo student wins top prize at ATU entrepreneur awards

A student from Co. Mayo has taken the top prize at the 2026 ATU Student Entrepreneur Awards with an innovative concept designed to improve the health and wellbeing of wheelchair users.

Isabella Doyle, from Ballycastle, Co. Mayo won first place in the competition with “Bríach”, a preventative and therapeutic wheelchair concept designed to reduce the long-term health complications associated with prolonged static sitting.

Doyle is currently in her fourth year studying a Bachelor of Arts in Product Design at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) at the Wellpark Road campus in Galway. The project was supervised by lecturer Kenneth Nevin.

The concept was inspired by Doyle’s experience volunteering with a therapeutic horse-riding charity, where she witnessed the physical benefits the activity provided for wheelchair users.

“While working there, I saw the significant physical benefits that horse-riding therapy can provide for wheelchair users, particularly in improving core strength, balance, posture and muscle engagement,” she said.

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However, she also noticed that many people could not access the therapy due to the physical requirements of mounting a horse, as well as barriers such as cost, travel and weather conditions.

“This led me to explore the idea of designing a new wheelchair that could bring the physical benefits of therapeutic horse riding directly into the wheelchair itself,” she explained.

Doyle hopes to continue developing the concept after completing her studies, with plans to carry out further research, develop prototypes and work with occupational therapists, physiotherapists and wheelchair users to refine the design to medical-grade standards.

The annual awards competition at ATU attracted 65 entries from students across nine campuses in Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal, with 13 finalist teams recognised for their innovative ideas.

Eve-Anne McCarron, Head of Engagement and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem at ATU, said the awards highlight the creativity and innovation of students across the university.

“The ATU Student Entrepreneur Awards is a highlight of the year for us as it shines a light on the brilliance of our students and the work being done in their programmes,” she said.

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Other Mayo success at the awards saw Ruth Maloney from Foxford, County Mayo receive recognition for “4keeps”, a voice-first parenting journal designed to support families of children with autism.

Organisers said the competition aims to showcase student innovation while connecting participants with supports available to help develop their ideas into businesses in the future.