LINC, the Learning and Innovation Centre at Institute of Technology Blanchardstown, is today launching its third €25,000 Jump Start competition that’s targeted at technology or knowledge-based start-ups.
The €25,000 package for the winning company will include a seed capital prize of €5,000, the cost of incubation space for 12 months at LINC, mentoring from industry experts, plus a start-up package that will include technology, design and media equipment and social media and printing services.
Safefood 360 was last year’s winner of the JumpStart competition. Led by Philip Gillen, the company has since expanded into the US where 75pc of its customer base is located.
“We are now looking for Ireland’s next big tech start-up,” said Assumpta Harvey, manager at LINC.
To be eligible to apply for Jump Start, companies have to be in business for less than two years and they must have an intention to export if they are not already doing so. In addition, start-ups must also have a growth strategy included in their business plan to strengthen the economic impact of the venture within the region in which it is based.
Companies have until Friday, 19 October, to get their applications in for Jump Start. Shortlisted entrants will then have to pitch their business to a judging panel that will include entrepreneur and ‘dragon’ from Dragons’ Den Bobby Kerr, plus Enterprise Ireland’s regional director George Kiely. The winner will be announced at the final judging event on 15 November.
Innovation image via Shutterstock
