INVENT 2014 Open for Applications
The CONNECT programme at the Northern Ireland Science Park has announced that INVENT 2014, the successor to the £25k Awards, is now open for applications. Here’s the brief from NISP CONNECT.
For over 400 years Northern Ireland innovation has been changing the world; the tractor, mobile defibrillators, whiskey distilling, even chocolate. What are the innovations from today that will be remembered 100 years from now?
This is the challenge laid down today by the Northern Ireland Science Park CONNECT as it launches INVENT 2014, the search for Northern Ireland’s new heroes of innovation, in partnership with Bank of Ireland.
INVENT 2014, an evolution of the former £25k Awards, is an opportunity for anyone with an innovative idea, from farmyard inventors, to engineers, to dynamic research scientists and our high tech youth with new gaming or app ideas. The 2014 Awards are open not only to research institutions but to any private sector company or individual with a breakthrough invention or concept.
“We want people to release their inner innovation.” says Steve Orr, Director of NISP CONNECT. “Many of the key advances in engineering, health and science originate from this tiny place. It’s in our DNA, that’s why we’re calling out to all innovators and entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland to step forward and bring your innovation to life through INVENT!
“Our message is simple to everyone out there. If you think you’ve found a solution to an everyday problem, INVENT 2014 is here to help take it to the next stage, so please apply now”
Ian Sheppard Head of Business & Corporate Banking at Bank of Ireland UK said, “The Bank is delighted to continue to support this programme as it evolves into INVENT 2014, which will harness ingenuity across the public and private sectors in Northern Ireland.”
The online application process at www.invent2014.co will close on Friday 4th April. Successful applicants in six categories will take part in a unique six month programme which will see their ideas challenged, refined and cultivated, ready to launch a successful start-up business.
With direct input and expert advice from some of Northern Ireland’s top business mentors and like-minded innovators and entrepreneurs, coupled with a £33,000 prize fund, the INVENT 2014 is Northern Ireland’s biggest and brightest opportunity to make an inventive idea become commercial reality. At the end of the six month development process, finalists will pitch their business plans to a panel of experts to vie for the top prizes. Winners of INVENT 2014 will be announced at a gala Awards showcase in Belfast on 2nd October 2014.
INVENT 2014 is being organized by NISP CONNECT, a leadership platform and catalyst between Northern Ireland’s entrepreneurs, research institutions, investors, technology corporations and professional service providers by linking entrepreneurs with the resources they need for success.
There are six categories, including ‘Life & Health’. Further information is at www.nispconnect.org Applications may be submitted at www.invent2014.co. Please note: applicants from HSC bodies should consult HSC Innovations well before submitting an application to ensure that intellectual property matters have been properly considered.