Innovative start-up and early-stage companies are being called to enter this year's InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness competition, with prizes worth a combined €300,000.

The deadline for entries is Friday, 27 May.

Entrants to Ireland's largest investor readiness competition will compete for a top prize of €100,000 while receiving expert feedback on their business plans and pitches as well as important exposure to potential investors.

A €20,000 prize is also up for grabs for the best investment proposal from a company operating in the low carbon/green sector.

Connor Sweeney, Seedcorn programme manager, said that since its inception in 2003, Seedcorn has been instrumental to some of Ireland’s biggest start-up success stories.

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“The benefits of entering go well beyond the cash prize," he added. "As well as competing for a share of the €300,000 prize fund, all entrants will win by accessing new investor networks, receiving invaluable feedback on their business plans and pitches from real-world investors, as well as boosting the profile of their business along the way.

“We are hosting a series of free information sharing sessions in the coming weeks to help companies with their entries, and I would encourage all innovative young businesses to embrace the opportunities that Seedcorn can provide.”

Previous winners include Cork medtech firm Gasgon Medical.

CEO Vincent Forde said the prize money helped the firm grow its team as it moves towards bringing its product to market.

"Crucially, Seedcorn also gave us incredible feedback on our proposals and business plan throughout the competition, which we were able to use to refine our pitches and secure additional funding from investors," said Forde.

Businesses can enter in one of the two categories: ‘new start’ or ‘early stage’. There are four regions: Northern Ireland, Dublin (city and county), Munster, and Connacht & Leinster, which includes border counties Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan.

The four category winners will each receive €50,000, with the six regional winners each being granted €20,000. There's also a €10,000 special award for the best venture stemming from a university spinout or a recognised support programme.

Companies submit applications along with a visual representation of the business idea, and shortlisted firms are invited to submit a full business plan.

Shortlisted entrants deliver an investment pitch in front of the judging panel comprising of venture capitalists, business angels and some of the island’s leading industry experts and entrepreneurs. 

To enter the Seedcorn competition click here.

Photo: Seedcorn 2021 winners Shana Chu of Tailr and Vincent Forde (centre), with Connor Sweeney. (Pic: Brian Lougheed)