IDEATE Ireland (formerly The Ireland Fund’s Business Plan Competition) is an exciting new initiative to uncover and empower Ireland’s next generation of entrepreneurs, helping to turn their brilliant ideas into thriving international businesses.
IDEATE Ireland is now seeking applications for its 2022 competition, where candidates will have the opportunity to develop their business ideas through mentoring and workshops, apply for start-up support and pitch for cash funding. Applications open on Tuesday, 08 March and will be accepted until midnight on Thursday, 07 April 2022.
As great ideas can come from anyone and anywhere, IDEATE Ireland is open to undergraduate, postgraduate or research students from any academic institution or research centres on the island of Ireland. The best ten best submissions will be invited to participate in an 8-week mentoring and support programme and compete for a €27k prize fund.
The initiative aims to build on the Ireland Funds Business Plan Competition (BPC) which helped develop entrepreneurial skills and innovative ideas among early-stage, student entrepreneurs. Since its founding in 2011 by The Ireland Funds Board Director Bill McKiernan, 276 people from academic institutions throughout the island of Ireland have participated in the programme. 60% of participating teams have formed viable businesses, creating 300+ jobs.
Co- founded by Helen Fullen, IDEATE Ireland is more than a simple rebranding of the former Business Plan Competition; it is a reimagining and reinvigoration, where established local entrepreneurs and business leaders give freely of their time to help nurture the ideas and mentor the business skills of Ireland’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
“I have seen first-hand the lasting contribution The Ireland Fund’s Business Plan Competition has made, that’s why I was determined that we build on the legacy and continue to inspire future business leaders through IDEATE Ireland. We believe ideas have the power to change the world; that’s why we’re just as excited and ambitious about our entrepreneur’s projects as they are.” Helen said.
Helen Fullen is joined in the IDEATE Ireland initiative by Co-Founders David Moffitt, Danny Moore, Options Technology, Cian O’Flaherty, Safecility and Bill McKiernan, WSM Capital. With extensive entrepreneurial backgrounds, all are firm believers in the importance of risk-taking and the ability of business ideas to bring about positive change.
“We’re looking forward to writing the next chapter of Ireland’s leading third-level start-up competition with IDEATE Ireland” David Moffitt said. “The success of the competition to date highlights the importance of continuing to provide entrepreneurs across the island of Ireland with education, mentorship, and a robust business network. 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. We have a deep bench of alumni who are ready and willing to engage with the next generation of Irish entrepreneurs, offering them support and feedback. 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.”
Website: www.ideateireland.ie
Pictured above (l-r – back row) are Cian O’Flaherty, CEO, Safecility, David Moffit, CEO, Kayfoam Woolfson and Eamonn Sayers, Manager, The Guinness Enterprise Centre. Pictured front (l-r) are Terry Hughes, SVP Marketing, Options and Helen Fullen, CEO, Alinea.