IDEATE Ireland is returning for 2023 and the competition is now open for applications from undergraduate, postgraduate and research students from any academic institution or research centre.
The 10 best submissions will be invited to participate in a 10-week mentoring and support programme and compete for a €27,000 prize fund. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, 21 March.
Successful candidates will develop their business ideas through mentoring and workshops, be able to apply for start-up support and pitch for cash funding.
Last year's winners were Dr Mark O'Sullivan and Dr Alison O'Shea of Neurobell, which is developing a pocket-sized brain monitor and automated seizure detection for newborns.
“Last year’s cohort of IDEATE showed us the extraordinary potential that entrepreneurs in this country have”, said Helen Fullen, co-founder of IDEATE Ireland.
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"We believe ideas can change the world; that's why we're just as excited and ambitious about our entrepreneurs' projects as they are. Entrepreneurs are provided expert guidance and support in a focused, motivational and hands-on environment, making it an invaluable and rewarding experience.”
David Moffitt, chairman of IDEATE Ireland, said: "The competition's success over the past 11 years highlights the importance of providing entrepreneurs across Ireland with education, mentorship, and a robust business network. The initiative is going from strength to strength, with exciting new partnerships since last year.
"Our mission is to capture the imagination of Ireland’s brightest minds, enabling and empowering them to make a lasting contribution to the global economy, employment, and society."
IDEATE Ireland is sponsored year by PwC, Key Capital, Guinness Enterprise Centre, Irish Life, and Each and Other.
Conor Killeen, chairman of Key Capital, stated: "We aim to develop commercial know-how and allow entrepreneurs to engage with like-minded people so that their business can have a global impact. Entrepreneurs can speed up their learning through exposure to the best in the business."
"It’s also great to have the support of PWC and Key Capital as pillar sponsors for this year’s programme.
"We’re determined to sustain and grow this network to ensure IDEATE Ireland continues to be the best kick-start entrepreneurs can get on the island of Ireland."
Photo: Dr. Mark O’Sullivan (left) and Dr. Alison O’Shea of Neurobell from the Infant Research Centre, Cork who claimed a €15,000 prize fund in winning IDEATE Ireland last year.
