Their startup journey began in an entrepreneurship module, where what started as a classroom idea quickly grew into something much bigger. The project? Tackling a serious problem in the pharmacy industry: prescription errors. 

Did you know that 1 in 62 prescriptions are incorrect? That means patients are sometimes given the wrong medication, which can lead to serious health risks (and lawsuits for pharmacies). 

To address this, the students are building a computer vision technology: think of it like the AI behind a Snapchat filter, but for medication. Using cameras, their system recognises pill boxes and automatically checks if the prescription being dispensed is correct. If there’s a mistake, the pharmacist gets an alert on their phone to double-check the medication. It’s a non-invasive, AI-powered safety net designed to protect patients and pharmacists alike. 

A Leap of Faith 

The idea gained traction fast. Out of over 100 applicants, the team secured a place on The Founder Labs Programme - a six-month accelerator funded by Invest Northern Ireland and delivered in partnership with Ormeau Labs, Dogpatch Labs, The AMP, and Queen’s University Belfast. 

Not only did they make it into the programme, but they became the first ever student team asked to take a gap year from university to fully commit. At just 22, they’re also the youngest cohort members - the rest are seasoned founders closer to 30. 

“It was a tough decision,” they admit. “We already had grad jobs lined up, but opportunities like this don’t come around often. We decided to take a leap of faith.” 

Along the way, the team received invaluable guidance from Queen’s SU Enterprise, whose mentorship and support helped shape their idea from a student project into a real startup with commercial potential. 

Big-Name Backing 

That leap is already paying off. Through Founder Labs, the team has gained mentorship from industry leaders, including Google. At first, they thought the call from Google was a scam. It turned out to be real, and the company backed their idea with £25,000 in Google credits. 

Closer to home, the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s has been a vital supporter. Since testing on real patients wasn’t possible due to GDPR, the team was able to trial their technology briefly in the university’s Mock Pharmacy, which looks and works just like the real thing. Academics and pharmacists have also provided expert insights, helping refine the system for real-world use. 

Looking Ahead 

The founders are realistic about the challenges ahead - 90% of startups don’t make it, but they see this as more than just a business venture. 

“Even if it doesn’t work out, the personal growth, skills, and networks we’re building are priceless,” they say. 

From a university classroom idea to pitching alongside seasoned entrepreneurs, these students are proving that with courage, creativity, and the right support, big things can happen, even before graduation!