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.
Karen Meager, co-founder of Monkey Puzzle Training shares some insights on how leadership has changed in the last decade, and what it takes to be a great leader today.

Freight rate management platform Freightify raises Series A investment to support further international growth and mission to help more freight forwarding companies digitize their operations.

Crowdfunding success for Omni, the vegan dog food brand, reaffirms the recession-proof growth of the pet nutrition industry.

Want to learn a new language? Weeve is an innovative startup that has created an innovative, creative and effective way to help you do just that.

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.

Fashion innovation thanks to Italian Artisan and its B2B one-stop marketplace that connects international brands with hard-to-get authentic artisans.

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.
Published on: 15th March 2017
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Freightify secures $12M funding round to power digital transformation for freight forwarders 2nd Feb 2023 Freight rate management platform Freightify raises Series A investment to support further international growth and mission to help more freight forwarding companies digitize their operations.
- Vegan Dog Food Brand, Omni Smashes £400K Crowdfunding Target 1st Feb 2023 Crowdfunding success for Omni, the vegan dog food brand, reaffirms the recession-proof growth of the pet nutrition industry.
- 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.