All-island Ireland Seedcorn competition for startups

by Startacus Admin
Are you an Irish Startup looking for a prize? Yep, thought that would get your attention. Now that we’ve got your interest - do read on - it could be well worth your while!
Those good folk over at InterTradeIreland have just (in the last few days) launched this year's all-island Ireland Seedcorn competition for startups and early stage startups.
Big bucks of a prize fund worth €280,000 will be divided up between 9 winning start-ups with one overall early stage winner getting €100,000, the new start company winner receiving €50,000, six regional winners awarded €20,000 each, and a €10k award will be given to a company that is a university spin-out.
Working on the basis that they want to award the companies that potential real life investors and financiers would in reality want to back, the contest aims to mirror the application process that a real-life investment process would mean for a startup.
The biggest deal for any successful awardee is that InterTradeIreland take no equity stake in the winning start-ups they reward. Happy days!
This year’s competition sees a couple of changes - firstly two new categories have been introduced - 'New Start' and 'Early Stage' and also companies can submit a short video clip or slide deck presentation as part of the initial application process.
Entrants will be provided with independent feedback at every stage of the competition to help improve their investor-readiness and a selection panel will shortlist initial applications, and successful applicants will then submit their full business plans.
Regional Winners (Dublin City & County, Munster, Connacht & Leinster - including counties Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan and Northern Ireland) will be announced in November, before they then head off for the all-island final later that very month.
The closing date for this year's competition is 28th June, so whilst that might seem like you’ve got lots of time before you enter, remember that this competition is a pretty big deal, so why not use that ‘lots of time’ to get your application right! Right? First off - here's the Seedcorn link.
If you’re entering, Good luck / Ádh mór ort!
If you like what you see here on Startacus and want to get involved yourself, why not become a member of our growing community by joining for free here!
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Want to build an investable, scalable tech startup? The Raise Accelerator programme is now open for applications and will help you do just that.

Want to increase visual engagement for your startup's Instagram account? These tips will help you do just that.

Want to gain an edge over your business competitors? Listening to your audience is an absolute must.

The Clothes Doctor mission to fight fast fashion continues as the innovative eco clothing care brand raises £1m to support further growth.

If you plan on using social media to promote your brand, these simple rules will help, increasing both brand awareness and the number of consumers.

High-potential social impact startups from the UK sought for the 9th annual Les Tremplins by Voyage Privé programme.

The lowdown on Danish startup EvodiaBio and its innovative tech that produces sustainable aromas for the food and beverage industry.

Small Business Britain’s ‘How to Grow’ report outlines how small businesses are responding to economic challenges and how they can grow during recession.

Odd Coffee Company - the startup that's tackling coffee wastage by offering sustainably-sourced surplus coffee, rescued from British roasters.

Tech Nation shares an overview of the impact they have had on the UK's tech economy and ecosystem.
Published on: 1st May 2013
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Raise Spring Accelerator programme seeking applications for next cohort 30th Jan 2023 Want to build an investable, scalable tech startup? The Raise Accelerator programme is now open for applications and will help you do just that.
- Leading French Travel Co. Offers Mentoring to two UK startups on its prestigious two-month programme 23rd Jan 2023 High-potential social impact startups from the UK sought for the 9th annual Les Tremplins by Voyage Privé programme.
- Small businesses need new model for growth in recession 23rd Jan 2023 Small Business Britain’s ‘How to Grow’ report outlines how small businesses are responding to economic challenges and how they can grow during recession.
- Tech Nation responds to the DCMS Digital Growth Grant announcement 20th Jan 2023 Tech Nation shares an overview of the impact they have had on the UK's tech economy and ecosystem.