Council laud biotech achievement

Cavan County Council acknowledged the achievement of a local biotechnology pioneer at the May monthly meeting of the authority. Cllr Sara O'Reilly extended the congratulations to Cavan native Dr Kevin Kelleher on his accomplishment.

Dr Kelliher is the co-founder and chief executive of Ostoform, who won this year’s AIB Start-up Academy. Ostoform is a device that prevents the output from an ileostomy leaking on to the patient’s skin, keeping the skin healthy and giving the patient confidence in their daily life.

It treats skin complications as a result of output from their stoma leaking on to their skin like acidic burns and what is called chemical dermatitis. An ileostomy is where the small bowel is diverted through an opening in the abdomen and this opening is known as a stoma. A special bag is placed over it to collect waste products.

Ostoform won the top prize package valued at €200,000, including a €20,000 cash injection, designed to bring their start-up to the next level. The AIB Start-up Academy is a joint venture between The Irish Times and AIB to help start-up companies with information and networking opportunities.