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."
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Published on: 15th September 2018
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