18-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Small businesses from Offaly and Waterford win BMW entrepreneur competition
BiaSol is a five year old sustainable food company based in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, focused of transforming brewers' spent grain into high-fibre, plant-based food products.
The company creates a circular solution that addresses food waste and improves nutrition, making products from upcycled grain, including breakfast bars and granola, along with mixed baking packages for scones, cookies or pancakes.
The business founded and ran by siblings Ruairi and Niamh Dooley is Origin Green certified and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, promoting a healthier, more circular food system.
It has won several awards since setting up, including: Best Food and Drink Startup in 2023; RDS Rural Innovation Award 2023; Irish Business Design Challenge Winner 2024; Blas na hÉireann Awards (2022, 2023, 2024); and Great Taste Award 2024.
Urban Aran based in Waterford City first opened by Christine Murphy in 2021 with design labels focusing on sustainable, locally made garments using 100% fine merino wool.
The premium Irish knitwear brand blends the Aran stitch techniques with bold contemporary design.
Christine combined her love of Aran stitches growing up and admiration for street art into a slow made fashion collection, with the help of her local enterprise office.
Managing director of BMW Ireland, Helen Westby said: 'BiaSol and Urban Aran both stood out for their creativity, clarity of purpose, and potential to scale.
'Their entrepreneurial spirit perfectly reflects the values behind this competition - innovation, ambition, and a commitment to driving positive change. We're delighted to support them on their entrepreneurial journey.'
The new BMW programme celebrating sustainable companies in Ireland was launched in partnership with entrepreneur Peigín Crowley and supported by Enterprise Ireland.
As part of the winning prize, each winner will receive the use of a fully electric branded BMW iX1 or iX2 for a period in 2025, along with tailored mentoring support.
They will also receive a brand feature package including a professional photo and video shoot and promotional content via BMW Ireland's social media platforms.
