Irish startup Pharmapod has been named as a finalist in an international business competition.

The company, which offers a cloud-based application to help pharmacists and other healthcare stakeholders to improve the standards of pharmacy practice and patient safety, is one of 18 finalists in the Global Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards.

The competition identifies, supports and encourages projects by female entrepreneurs More than 1,200 applications were received, which was whittled down to the top three from each region, judged on their business plan and a due diligence process.

Pharmapod is the only Irish startup to make the final. The former NDRC Launchpad participant was founded by Leonora O'Brien, and has been designated as a high potential startup by Enterprise Ireland.

The next stage of the awards takes place in October, when the finalists will travel to France to submit a detailed business plan and present their projects in front of the jury.

NDRC Launchpad is now open for applications.