Technology startups highlight a bright future for NI Innovation
by Startacus Admin
Twenty aspiring early stage NI technology startups pitched for the chance to win a cash prize for their businesses, closing Ignite NI’s first Propel Pre-Accelerator programme, highlighting a bright future for Northern Irish Innovation.
The Propel teams showcased their innovative tech products and services at a packed-out pitch event in the Ormeau Baths in a bid to secure prizes of £10,000, £5,000 and £3,000.
The Ignite NI Propel Pre-Accelerator launched at the end of January with the support of Invest Northern Ireland. Propel is a pre-accelerator programme for people with early 
stage ventures or business ideas. Propel helps entrepreneurs build a business that can scale faster than most, reach significant export growth and secure external investment.
Bob Marks from Video First, who offer automated video user interface testing, was awarded the top prize of £10k. INCISIV, a company which use artificial intelligence to provide insight into athletic performance, won the £5k prize, and Cormac Quinn from loyalty card app loyalBe was presented with the £3k award.
The winners were selected based on how they had engaged with the six-month programme and the progress they made in developing their business potential as they endeavor to build a thriving company.
Tristan Watson, CEO of Ignite NI said: “The winners tonight demonstrated real entrepreneurial spirit when it came to their start-up journey. A lot of people would love to step away from their stable job to pursue their own business aspirations but few have the guts to do it – all of the teams on Propel took that step and we’re so proud of all they’ve achieved because of it. They’ve taken what they’ve learnt from the programme, applied it to their business and some are already reaping the rewards.”
Alastair Cameron, co-founder of Startacus who attended the event, said: "Having attended the Ignite NI Propel pitch event, it was not only evident that the startups had their their pitches down to a tee, but that the 20 early stage tech startups clearly showcased the high level of innovation being created and developed in Northern Ireland. A great roll-call of future business leaders on show."
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.
The third-party platform that enables you to anonymously tag, measure, and resolve incidents of bias and harassment in your organisation
The lowdown on Nova, the Liverpool based cofoundery and its latest crowdfunding mission to help it expand in the UK and internationally
The FinTech startup, Freetrade which is on a mission to make it easier than ever to invest in stocks and shares - for free
The latest ways in which leading people and culture platform Culture Amp aim to help organisations manage their diversity and inclusion practices and policies
The lowdown on Imagine Me Stories, the book and activity subscription box aiming to address diversity and empower black children
Petal Plan is our latest startup of the week - a UK startup that is on a mission to innovate how we both buy and receive the gift of flowers
.jpg)
A new Investor Series podcast aims to provides a unique understanding and insight into the minds of some of the UK’s most experienced startup investors.
Whilst mainstream lenders are trying to lose the connotation of payday loans, a wave of fintech are looking to offer complete alternatives.
Atom Learning, the edtech platform that uses AI to transform educational outcomes, doubles headcount as business expands internationally.
News stories talk about startups raising money in different funding rounds – but what do those headlines and stages actually mean?
Published on: 15th September 2018
.png)
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Culture Amp launch Diversity and Inclusion Starter Kit to bring best practices to UK businesses 8th Nov 2019 The latest ways in which leading people and culture platform Culture Amp aim to help organisations manage their diversity and inclusion practices and policies
- Manchester fintech GoodBox hits £2m donated to UK charities 21st Oct 2019 Manchester fintech GoodBox, which helps charities embrace the rise of fintech through digital and contactless payments, have raised over £2m for UK charities.
- Event at Startup Week Dublin to explore startup collaboration between NI and Ireland 11th Oct 2019 With the impact of BREXIT still very much an uncertainty, our evening event at Startup Week Dublin will explore startup collaboration and opportunities between NI and Ireland.
- Startups shaping future of the smart built environment wanted for RElab programme 8th Oct 2019 Tech startups focused on smart buildings and cities, smart grid, construction tech, predictive maintenance, and other tech solutions - take note!
