‘Unsung heroes’ to be recognised as part of NISP Connect


20 Jun 2011

Northern Ireland organisation NISP Connect is inviting nominations for its ‘Innovation Founders Award’ from people who have acted on their ideas and established science or technology-based businesses in the province.

The Innovation Founders Award winner will be guest of honour at the annual NISP Connect £25k awards event and will also deliver a keynote address before an audience of more than 250 executives, entrepreneurs, investors, service providers and academics.

The NISP Connect £25K Awards, sponsored by the Bank of Ireland UK, QUB University of Ulster and AFBI (Agri Food and Biosciences Institute) are designed to identify, qualify, prepare and present the best knowledge-based ideas with the most commercial potential from the publicly-funded research base in Northern Ireland.

Through the NISP Connect network, those acknowledged as ‘Innovation Founders’ will be given the opportunity to champion high-growth start-ups, use their expertise to mentor upcoming entrepreneurs and help lead new technology from research greenhouses into commercial reality.

“This year, we have decided to add a new dimension to the £25K awards by honouring our local unsung heroes who have formed successful companies, helped to generate employment and driven the economy forward through innovative thinking,” said director of NISP CONNECT, Steve Orr.

Those nominated for the new award should demonstrate evidence of entrepreneurial spirit, innovative thinking and determination to succeed. Nominations can be made online.

Photo: Medical engineering entrepreneur, Prof John Anderson (left), himself a NI Innovation Founder and Steve Orr, director, NISP Connect

Article courtesy of Bizstartup.ie