Irish startups invited to pitch at Innovation Nation 2018

by Startacus Admin

Startacus has teamed up with the inaugural Innovation Nation 2018 to deliver Ascend, an all-Ireland tech start-up pitch competition, where 10-12 early-stage startups will be given a platform to showcase their latest innovation.

Innovation Nation 2018, taking place in Newry on Thursday 27 September, is a first for the Newry, Mourne and Down district and will aim to lift the lid on how you and your organisation can make the most of the opportunities which the global technological revolution is creating. 

Giving attendees the opportunity to engage with leading lights across all aspects of the technology revolution, the event will host some of the world’s leading thinkers on all aspects of technology – from cyber security to artificial intelligence, robotics, through to augmented reality. 

The Ascend Start-up Competition will see high-growth potential startups from the digital and tech space taking to the stage to pitch their business to a panel of industry leaders and enterprise experts, and in front of the Innovation Nation attendees. 

The winning startup, to be announced at the Innovation Nation 2018 Dinner that evening, will receive a cash prize of £3,000 plus a package of high value corporate services, valued at £50k, including:

• £10k of professional advisory services courtesy of KPMG
• £10k of PR, media, communications and design support courtesy of Lanyon Communications
• Industry leading advice and support from the Kx Technology Fund team & three months free access to Kx’s bespoke predictive analytics software, Prelytix.
• £10k of professional legal services
• Interview feature on leading start-up platform Startacus.net
• 1-2-1 meeting with an inspirational Newry-based global leader
• Three months co-working space courtesy of Flexi Work Space

The criteria for startups to apply to the Ascend Start-up Competition

• This is an all-Ireland startup competition, and startups based throughout the island of Ireland (North & South) are welcome to apply.
• They are looking for startups at an MVP to early-stage level and will shortlist on that basis.
• You must have raised £50k or less in investment. (£50k or less of private investment).
• To be early-stage - your startup must have been running for 30 months or less.
• Tech startups and others can apply - however they are looking for startups to demonstrate an innovation / invention, or the potential for this to become an established and scaling business.
• Startacus will shortlist applications and their decision is final.

Liam Hannaway, Chief Executive, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said: “Innovation Nation will celebrate the powerhouse innovation and tech scene which has emerged in the Newry, Mourne and Down district over the last few years, showcasing the ground-breaking work which some of our local companies have been carrying out.

“With innovation and technology now infiltrating every aspect of our work and personal life, Innovation Nation is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the fourth industrial revolution taking place all around.” 

Alastair Cameron, co-founder of leading startup community and platform, Startacus, added:

“We are delighted to partner with Innovation Nation to launch the Ascend Start-up Competition startup competition in Newry. There is a wealth of startup talent across the island of Ireland and we look forward to showcasing the next generation of innovation at the event.” 

So if your startup has yet to receive substantial investment, but is able to demonstrate high-growth potential and innovation, we are keen to hear from you.

Applications to pitch at this year’s event must be made by 14 September 2018 and can be made via video + a basic application form or via the standalone application form. You can find out more about this and to of course apply, via this handy link which explains all. 

Good luck to all who apply!

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Published on: 19th August 2018