BMW Ireland has announced Urban Aran and BiaSol as the two winners of its inaugural BMW Future Entrepreneur Competition.
The competition launched earlier this year, in partnership with Peigín Crowley and supported by Enterprise Ireland, and the company say the two winners were recognised as outstanding early-stage Irish businesses making an impact through innovation, sustainability, and creativity.
The announcement was made during a networking lunch on Wednesday, 16th July at Cliff at Lyons, Kildare, where the ten shortlisted finalists came together with BMW representatives, industry leaders, and competition partners.
Urban Aran, based in Waterford and founded by Christine Murphy, is a premium Irish knitwear brand blending traditional Aran techniques with bold, contemporary design.
The label focuses on sustainable, locally made garments using 100% fine merino wool.
Siblings Ruairi and Niamh Dooley from Tullamore, Co. Offaly are the founders of BiaSol, a company that transforms brewers’ spent grain into high-fibre, plant-based food products, creating a circular solution that addresses food waste and improves nutrition.
Helen Westby, Managing Director of BMW Ireland,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.”
As part of their 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 and a brand feature package including a professional photo and video shoot and promotional content via BMW Ireland’s social media platforms.
Guests also took part in a panel discussion and Q&A with the judging panel, followed by networking and a showcase of the all-electric BMW iX1 & iX2, a symbol of the brand’s commitment to forward-thinking innovation.
In addition to the two winning businesses, BMW Ireland shortlisted eight exceptional finalists, each demonstrating innovation, purpose, and entrepreneurial flair across a range of industries.
From Meath, A Sorted Affair is a professional organising duo founded by Kim Fitzgerald and Lyn Luxford, helping clients declutter and style their homes for more functional living.
Venue Golf Ireland, organised by Lucy Condon in Kilkenny, curates women’s golf events at iconic locations like Kilkea Castle and Tulfarris, blending sport with tailored overnight experiences.
Dublin-based Cloud Pilates, led by Ali Hayes, offers accessible Pilates classes and community pop-up events focused on wellness and connection.
Near Cashel, Banór, founded by Elaine Crosse and Nicole Lyons, combines farm-born ingredients and skincare science to create lanolin and sheep’s milk-based natural skincare.
Ogam, founded by Jay Choi in Cork, is a Korean BBQ sauce brand rooted in traditional family recipes, bringing bold, authentic flavours to Irish kitchens.
Flower Pop, run by Heather Condren in Inchicore, is an award-winning floral studio known for its vibrant, colour-rich arrangements and creative workshops.
Guests also took part in a panel discussion and Q&A with the judging panel
Cork-based We Are Riley, founded by Fiona Parfrey, Aine Kilkenny, and Lauren Duggan, champions sustainable period care with eco-conscious products and a mission to drive period equity.
Finally, One More Thing, led by Vivian Wong in Kildare, is a creative floral design studio specialising in preserved flowers and bespoke arrangements that combine artistic flair with thoughtful storytelling.
Photo: Niamh Dooley, BiaSol and Christine Murphy, Urban Aran