Eircom wants to invest in ‘the next big thing’


23 Nov 2007

With a fund of €100,000 as well as broadband and hosting assistance, Eircom is hoping to attract Web 2.0’s bright young things, perhaps cultivating an Irish Google or Facebook.

Open for submission from 3 December, the fund is seeking innovative new web applications across nine different categories ranging from social networking to web search to online advertising.

The Eircom Web Innovation Fund is also looking for web applications that venture into the territory of mapping, location-based content aggregation and identity management, as well as developers offering content creation services covering music, video, film, sport and other entertainment categories.

Cathal Magee, managing director of Eircom Retail, said: “The aim of the fund is to incubate creative and innovative web application development at the grassroots in Ireland.

“The establishment of the fund is a clear signal of Eircom’s outward approach to innovation. The company must be well positioned to maintain its leadership position as the next wave of web services is introduced.”

Four concepts will be picked for funding, and Eircom will bring the concept through to development with a view to launching it on the Eircom.net platform.

As well as initial funding and access to Eircom’s broadband, internet service provider and hosting services, the winners will also be given business development training and advice by Enterprise Ireland, as well as additional six-month post-launch funding and help with marketing and advertising of the web service.

By Marie Boran