Entrepreneurial NI student behind innovative clothing business for people who wear medical devices

A Co Tyrone-born student behind an adaptive clothing company for people who wear medical devices is celebrating graduating from Queen’s University Belfast this week

Aidan McGeary, born in Dungannon and grew up in Co Clare, is CEO and co-founder of Mude, an adaptive clothing company, which focuses on providing clothes for people whose health and wellbeing depends on wearing a medical device.

The company is initially focusing on anyone who uses insulin pumps to manage diabetes.

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It was at the Start For Future programme where Aidan met his Mude co-founder, a programme where an international network of entrepreneurial universities and incubators work together to transform universities to develop sustainable, innovative programmes that enable future leaders and change-makers.

Aidan explains: “The clothing products at Mude are specifically designed to fit underneath existing clothing items to ensure that individuals who wear medical devices do not have to adapt their fashion sense, and can wear the clothes they love.

“Our mission is to empower individuals with practical, stylish solutions, enhancing their comfort and confidence in everyday life.”

Aidan and his colleagues in Mude have since been supported by a number of initiatives at Queen’s to help them set up their innovative business.

Through the University’s SU Enterprise and InQUBate programmes, they have received entrepreneurship advice and been financially supported through the Make It Happen Fund, What's The Big Idea competition, and QUB Dragons’ Den. Outside of Queen's they have taken part in further accelerator programmes and incubators for the business.

The company is still in its early stages, and Aidan has started working full-time as CEO since finishing up his assessments at Queen’s.

Aidan initially started studying Business IT at Queen’s but switched to Business Management with Placement after his first year. During his third year, he gained industry experience working with PwC as a placement student.

When speaking about his time at Queen’s, Aidan said: “My favourite thing about my course was the exposure and knowledge we gained into both the theory and practicalities of running a business. We had a start-up module which I found excellent for this.

“The wider support and encouragement that we received to pursue business ventures was encouraging, and I would have never known or applied for Start For Future had it not been encouraged to apply during my third year.

“I received a lot of support and mentorship from various members of staff, mainly SU Enterprise (Judith, Robbie, Francesca), Helen Keys (Entrepreneur in Residence), Christopher Baird (my lecturer for the Start Up Module), Laura McGirr and Kat Maguire (InQUBate Programme Managers), and Jill McGrath and Greta Campbell (Placement Officers). I would like to thank them for their help and support. It has definitely helped me get to where I am today.”

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