The annual startup competition JumpStart is now taking entries for its sixth outing, offering a prize package worth €25,000.

Organised by the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown’s LINC Centre, the competition allows entrepreneurs to apply for one of three category prizes: ‘Women in Business Award; ‘Technology Award’ and ‘Innovation in Food Award’. Out of the three category winners, one overall winner will be chosen.

JumpStart’s panel of judges includes well-known entrepreneur Bobby Kerr and Declan Lyons technology infrastructure programme manager with Enterprise Ireland.

Said Kerr: “I have been a judge with JumpStart for five years now and every year I am excited to see who will come before us.

“It’s exciting to see such innovation mixed with the enthusiasm, work ethic and commitment of the entrepreneurs.”

In Association with

Assumpta Harvey, manager of the LINC Centre, added: “It is great to see the winner of JumpStart 2014, ‘Improper Butter’, doing so well, as they expand into different global markets.

“With the introduction of three categories this year we look forward to meeting with great diversity and innovation among the entrepreneurs in each category.”

The overall winner will receive €4,000 as part of the overall prize plus €2,000 for winning their category.

The other category winners will also be awarded €2,000 each. The overall winner also receives a business incubation space of for 12 months, with utility bills covered, as well as PR consultation, mentoring and guidance from Enterprise Ireland.

Application forms can be downloaded here, with a closing date for applications of October 16 at 5pm.

The shortlist of winners will be announced on October 27, with the JumpStart 2015 winner being announced on November 17 at the LINC.

Elaine Lavery, founder of JumpStart 2014 winner Improper Butter