upSTART 2017 - Applications open for 50k startup pitch competition

by Startacus Admin
***Since original publication - the prize fund has been increased to a package of £150k! Click here for updated details!***

In 2016, high potential start-ups from across Europe travelled to Belfast, a culturally diverse city full of opportunity and an appetite for growth and change. The start-ups battled for a now £150k prize in front of a panel of globally recognised judges.
The pitch event took part at Digital DNA, Ireland’s leading business and tech event held in Belfast.
To get a flavour of last years upSTART competition, check out the below short video:
Startup Pitch Event Startacus
Startacus worked with Digital DNA last year to co-facilitate the pitch event and we are delighted to return this year as startup community partners to make sure this year’s upSTART pitch event is an even bigger success with an increase in participants and audience.
Applications are now open and you can apply by visiting the website: https://digitaldna.org.uk/upstart
The key key areas of industry interest have now been selected for upSTART 2017 and applications are especially welcomed for the following categories:
- AI
- Data
- Cyber
- Fintech
- SaaS
- IoT / Wearables
- Wildcard (Innovative startups from other specialists verticals)

The Prize
The overall champion of upSTART Belfast will this year receive a mega cash prize of £10k, plus an additional 140k in valued prizes. See here for all the details on just that.
The startups that are selected to pitch over the two days will also have the opportunity to hold one-to-one meetings with investors and take part in a private networking social for startups & investors.
Key Criteria
- Startups that apply can be at the concept, MVP or launched and trading stage.
- Both pre-investment and post-investment startups, who have raised less than £1 Million will be suitable to apply.
- Startups who have been trading for less than 36 months can apply.
- It is free to pitch at Digital DNA 2017
Applications are now open, and for more information on upSTART 2017 including the categories, prizes and criteria, visit https://digitaldna.org.uk/upstart
Good luck to all that apply and we look forward to meeting and speaking to as many startups as possible at upSTART 2017!
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.
Whirli is an innovative toy subscription service providing you with access to a huge ever-changing toy box

If, like many of us you're working from home at the moment, here are a few basic tips to help you do just that - in comfort

The award winning Lloyds Lab incubator is back and is currently seeking innovative startups to join its latest cohort, Cohort 6.

The f:Entrepreneur ‘#ialso100’ campaign that's showcasing the inspirational female entrepreneurs who are running small businesses and supporting their communities

Bankhouse Media, the leading full-service digital marketing agency expands its offering and sets up a Belfast base in Glandore

Leading event marketplace, Feast It secures major funding boost to assist with its expansion to full event planning and also further grow its virtual events offering

The London-based fintech innovator, PayDashboard, receives Innovate UK Funding to support its growth in the financial wellness space

Manna is an innovative Irish startup that's on a mission to use commercial drones and make 3-minute delivery within the community a reality

Reboxed is a Brixton-based sustainable commerce startup that's created a smarter, safer, more sustainable way to buy and sell your tech

Planning a marketing campaign for your business for the year ahead? These tips will help you ensure that it's a success
Published on: 15th March 2017
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Innovative InsurTech startups take note - Lloyds Lab wants to hear from you 14th Jan 2021 The award winning Lloyds Lab incubator is back and is currently seeking innovative startups to join its latest cohort, Cohort 6.
- Female Entrepreneurs Powering Economy and Communities Celebrated 13th Jan 2021 The f:Entrepreneur ‘#ialso100’ campaign that's showcasing the inspirational female entrepreneurs who are running small businesses and supporting their communities
- PayDashboard secures funding boost for its innovative payslip platform 12th Jan 2021 The London-based fintech innovator, PayDashboard, receives Innovate UK Funding to support its growth in the financial wellness space
- The Wild Curl crowdfunds to fight against hair discrimination 21st Dec 2020 The Wild Curl launches crowdfunding campaign to help with its mission of disrupting the beauty industry and fighting against continuous hair discrimination