1776 and NDRC seeking problem-solving start-ups for 2016 Challenge Cup

17 Dec 2015

The Challenge Cup returns to Dublin in 2016 in search of start-ups taking on the world’s biggest challenges.

Global start-up incubator and seed fund 1776 has once again partnered with NDRC to host a local Challenge Cup 2016 competition in Dublin next month.

This marks the third year of the international competition for start-ups with ideas to tackle issues that affect millions worldwide.

The winner of the inaugural Challenge Cup was HandUp, a San Francisco start-up with a platform to match online donors to homeless people in need. This year’s winner was Twiga Foods, a Nairobi company tackling rising food prices across Africa.

“More than just a competition, the Challenge Cup is a global movement to help identify the most promising startups and give them an opportunity to share their vision on a global stage,” said Donna Harris, co-founder of 1776, in a statement. “We can’t wait to see what Dublin has to offer.”

How the Challenge Cup plays out

Dublin entrants to the Challenge Cup will be competing along with others in 50 cities around the world, collectively selecting 135 start-ups to participate in nine regional challenges.

Three winners from the Dublin event will then compete with others in the western Europe region to be one of five start-ups to join the week-long Challenge Cup Global Finals in Washington next summer

At the Global Finals, entrants will be whittled down to a final eight finalists who pitch for the $175,000 cash prize and up to $1m in investment from the 1776 seed fund.

Dates for your diary

Start-ups up for the challenge can apply now online up to 7 January 2016.

“With each new innovation, Ireland’s entrepreneurs are driving transformative change at home and across the globe” said Ben Hurley, CEO of NDRC. “We are excited to partner with 1776 and the Challenge Cup to provide these founders with a platform for accessing global resources that will help them grow their companies and achieve their full potential.”

The Challenge Cup pitch competition will take place at the NDRC on 26 January.

Trophy image via Shutterstock

Elaine Burke is the host of For Tech’s Sake, a co-production from Silicon Republic and The HeadStuff Podcast Network. She was previously the editor of Silicon Republic.

editorial@siliconrepublic.com