Tag: entrepreneurs

EIT Jumpstarter Grand Final 2024: New start-ups enter the European innovation scene

The EIT Jumpstarter Grand Final event is an annual culmination of a pre-acceleration programme that supports European innovators and entrepreneurs in turning their ideas into market-ready start-ups. It focuses on fostering entrepreneurship and developing start-ups scene in Central-Eastern and Southern Europe.
This year the Grand Final will be part of the bigger EIT Community conference “The next decade of innovation for the future of Europe”, which celebrates the 10th anniversary of the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS). This is a key initiative under Horizon Europe aimed at reducing regional disparities in innovation across Europe. The EIT Jumpstarter Grand Final will include a dynamic live pitching session, followed by an awards ceremony to celebrate the top start-ups in each category.
The conference is free of charge, upon registration only.

48 New Start-ups Poised to Enter the Innovation Scene

This year’s EIT Jumpstarter Grand Final will take place in Budapest on November 28th, showcasing 48 start-ups. The top six from each of the eight categories — Food, Health, Manufacturing, Raw Materials, Energy, Urban Mobility, New European Bauhaus, and Rebuild Ukraine — will be awarded up to €10,000. These categories align with the EIT Community’s mission to bring innovative solutions to global challenges. Additionally, in recognition of the EIT’s strong presence in the Western Balkans, the competition will feature a special prize for a high-potential start-up from the region. In total the best teams will receive almost €150,000.
“The pipeline of start-ups established in non-Western countries through programmes like EIT Jumpstarter is growing every year, and many ventures from previous editions have now reached multimillion valuations. This is particularly important for regions in Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe, where the start-ups create new jobs, bring new skills and stimulate entrepreneurship in the region,” says Marta Kaczmarek, leading the EIT Community Strategic Regional Innovations Cluster, coordinating such activities as the EIT Jumpstarter Programme.
“Considering that every euro invested in the programme generates 30 euros in external funding for newly built start-ups, EIT Jumpstarter truly serves as a springboard for talented founders,” adds Marta Kaczmarek.

EIT Jumpstarter in Numbers

Since 2017, the programme has trained 1,180 participants, leading to the establishment of 124 new start-ups and contributing to the creation of 2,100 new jobs in the countries, which are considered emerging and moderate innovators, according to the European Innovation Scoreboard. These start-ups collectively attracted €150 million in external investment up until now. EIT Jumpstarter is open to more than 22 countries and regions and is led by EIT Health in collaboration with EIT Food, EIT InnoEnergy, EIT Manufacturing, EIT RawMaterials, EIT Urban Mobility.
Throughout the seven-month programme, participants identify and validate the best business model for their science-based innovative ideas. Participants learn how to refine their concept, conduct market segmentation, develop a strong customer value proposition, manage financials, understand investment and legal basics, and more. Graduates of the programme possess the skills and knowledge to launch their companies. As part of the alumni community, they receive further support, including various financial options, and dedicated advice from the EIT Communities regarding the next stage of their start-up journey.

IDEATE Ireland searching for next cohort of Irish Entrepreneurs

After the success of last year’s programme, IDEATE Ireland is returning for 2024. The initiative uncovers and empowers Ireland’s next generation of entrepreneurs, helping to turn their brilliant ideas into thriving international businesses.

IDEATE Ireland is now seeking applications for its 2024 competition, where candidates can develop their business ideas through mentoring and workshops, apply for start-up support and pitch for cash funding. Applications open on Wednesday, 14th February and will be accepted until midnight on Tuesday, 19 March. Last year’s winners were Array Patch founded by Dr. Waleed Faisal, Dr Ziad Sartawi and Dr Caroline Blackshields of University College Cork. ArrayPatch is a propriety wearable microneedle patch (MN) that treats local diseases. First runner-up was LEP Biomedical, led by Dr. Alan Hibbitts, Dr. Golestan Salimbeigi, and Dr. Tauseef Ahmad of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, who are on a mission to transform glaucoma surgeries. 

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 centre on the island of Ireland. The ten best submissions will be invited to participate in a 10-week mentoring and support programme and compete for a €20k prize fund. 

“Last year’s cohort of IDEATE showed us yet again the extraordinary potential that entrepreneurs in this country have”, said Helen Fullen. “We’re looking forward to finding and working with this year’s participants and to continue inspiring future business leaders through the competition. We believe ideas can change the world; that’s why we’re just as excited and ambitious about our entrepreneurs’ projects as they are. Through IDEATE Ireland, entrepreneurs are provided expert guidance and support in a focused, motivational, and hands-on environment, making it an invaluable and rewarding experience.” 

“We’re looking forward to writing the next chapter of Ireland’s leading third-level start-up competition with IDEATE Ireland”, added Chairman of IDEATE Ireland David Moffitt. “The competition’s success over the past 12 years highlights the importance of providing 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; it’s also great to have the support of Key Capital and PwC Ireland as pillar sponsors for this year’s competition. We’re determined to sustain and grow this network to ensure IDEATE Ireland continues to be the best start entrepreneurs can get on the island of Ireland.”

Conor Killeen, Chairman of Key Capital, is looking forward to supporting entrepreneurs throughout the competition: “Our goal is to develop commercial know-how and allow the 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.” 

Adding to this, Doone O’Doherty, People Partner at PwC Ireland, said: “IDEATE Ireland offers a tremendous platform to nurture emerging entrepreneurial talent. We look forward to exploring the diverse ideas being developed by entrepreneurs nationwide and offering them structured guidance to help their businesses thrive.”

This year’s IDEATE Ireland sponsors are PwC, Key Capital, Guinness Enterprise Centre, Each & Other, and Ormeau Baths.

 

Website: www.ideateireland.ie

How Entrepreneurs Leverage HR Technology for Business Growth

In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven business world, entrepreneurs are constantly seeking innovative solutions to drive growth and success. Human resources, a cornerstone of any organization, has not been immune to this transformation. The integration of HR technology has proven to be a game-changer, allowing entrepreneurs to streamline processes, enhance employee experiences, and ultimately foster business growth. In this blog post, we will explore how entrepreneurs leverage HR technology to optimize their workforce and achieve long-term success.

Transforming Workforce Solutions 

One of the fundamental ways in which entrepreneurs are leveraging HR technology is by transforming workforce solutions. In the past, managing employee data, payroll, and benefits could be time-consuming and error-prone. With the advent of cloud-based HR platforms, entrepreneurs can now effortlessly take advantage of workforce solutions and manage employee information, track attendance, and process payroll with unprecedented accuracy. This not only reduces administrative overhead but also allows entrepreneurs to allocate their resources more strategically.

Being on top of the most efficient financial solutions gives entrepreneurs a major advantage in today’s competitive market. Expert services can help you keep up with the top trends shaping global payroll which allows for better compliance, flexibility and strategic workforce planning. These trends often include automation, real-time reporting and tailored tax solutions that meet country-specific regulations. Adopting these innovations can lead to smoother expansion and improved employee satisfaction across multiple regions.

Enhancing Recruitment and Talent Acquisition 

Recruiting top talent is crucial for business growth, and HR technology plays a pivotal role in this regard. Entrepreneurs are increasingly turning to applicant tracking systems (ATS) and AI-powered tools to streamline the recruitment process. These systems can sift through resumes, identify the best candidates, and even predict which applicants are most likely to succeed in the organization. Such enhancements in recruitment efficiency not only save time but also improve the quality of the workforce, directly impacting business performance. This, combined with consulting expert HR services, ensures that businesses not only find the right candidates but also enhance their overall recruitment strategy.

Empowering Employee Engagement 

Employee engagement is the heart of any successful business. Entrepreneurs recognize the significance of keeping their employees motivated and satisfied. HR technology enables them to do just that. Tools like employee self-service portals, regular feedback surveys, and recognition programs are now more accessible than ever. These platforms empower employees, improve communication, and help build a positive workplace culture that directly influences business growth.

Data-Driven Decision-Making 

Entrepreneurs are increasingly relying on data-driven decision-making, and HR technology provides them with the necessary insights. Through advanced analytics, HR platforms can provide invaluable information about employee performance, turnover rates, and more. This data allows entrepreneurs to make informed decisions related to resource allocation, talent development, and organizational strategies, all of which contribute to business growth.

Streamlining Compliance and Risk Management 

Ensuring compliance with ever-evolving labor laws and regulations can be a significant challenge for entrepreneurs. HR technology offers features such as automated reporting, real-time compliance monitoring, and even predictive analytics to identify potential compliance risks. By automating these processes, entrepreneurs can focus on their core business activities while reducing legal liabilities and associated risks.

Continuous Learning and Development 

Investing in employee development is a key driver of business growth. HR technology has made it easier for entrepreneurs to create learning and development programs that are tailored to individual employee needs. This includes e-learning platforms, personalized training recommendations, and performance tracking. By upskilling their workforce, entrepreneurs can adapt to changing market demands and stay competitive.

Remote Work and Flexibility 

 

Remote work and flexibility have become integral aspects of modern work environments, greatly influenced by the evolving landscape of business operations and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift represents a fundamental change in how entrepreneurs manage their workforce. HR technology plays a pivotal role in facilitating remote work and fostering flexibility. It enables entrepreneurs to effectively manage geographically dispersed teams, monitor productivity through remote work tracking tools, and ensure employees have the necessary digital infrastructure for seamless remote collaboration. This newfound flexibility not only benefits employees by improving work-life balance but also allows businesses to tap into a broader talent pool by accommodating remote workers. As a result, entrepreneurs are not only responding to current demands but also preparing for the future by embracing this new work paradigm, which contributes to business growth and resilience in an ever-changing world.

Employee Wellbeing and Benefits 

Employee wellbeing and benefits are vital components of a successful business strategy, and HR technology plays a crucial role in ensuring effective management. With the help of advanced HR platforms, entrepreneurs can offer a wide range of benefits tailored to their employees’ needs, whether it’s comprehensive healthcare coverage, flexible work arrangements, or mental health support. These platforms also provide the tools to track employee wellbeing, enabling employers to proactively address any issues that may arise. By prioritizing employee wellbeing and benefits, entrepreneurs not only foster a healthier, more satisfied workforce but also boost productivity, reduce turnover, and enhance their organization’s overall reputation – all of which contribute to sustainable business growth.

The adoption of HR technology is not just a trend; it is a necessity in optimizing workforce solutions, enhancing recruitment, empowering employee engagement, and facilitating data-driven decision-making. By embracing these innovative tools, entrepreneurs are better equipped to navigate challenges, adapt to change, and ultimately fuel their business growth. As HR technology continues to evolve, entrepreneurs must remain agile and open to new solutions, ensuring they remain competitive in the ever-changing business world.

IDEATE Ireland Searching For Next Cohort Of Irish Entrepreneurs

After the success of last year’s programme, IDEATE Ireland is returning for 2023. The initiative uncovers and empowers Ireland’s next generation of entrepreneurs, helping to turn their brilliant ideas into thriving international businesses.

IDEATE Ireland is now seeking applications for its 2023 competition, where candidates can develop their business ideas through mentoring and workshops, apply for start-up support and pitch for cash funding. Applications open on Wednesday, 15th February and will be accepted until midnight on Tuesday, 21st March. Last year’s winners were Dr. Mark O’Sullivan and Dr. Alison O’Shea of Neurobell, which is developing a pocket-sized brain monitor with automated seizure detection for new-borns, while the first runners-up were Sarusha Pillay and Dr. Fergus McCarthy of pHetalSafe, which seeks to detect and prevent fetal hypoxia and assess fetal well-being during labour.

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 centre on the island of Ireland. The ten best submissions will be invited to participate in a 10-week mentoring and support programme and compete for a €27k prize fund. 

“Last year’s cohort of IDEATE showed us the extraordinary potential that entrepreneurs in this country have”, said Helen Fullen. “We’re looking forward to finding and working with this year’s participants and to continue inspiring future business leaders through the programme. We believe ideas can change the world; that’s why we’re just as excited and ambitious about our entrepreneurs’ projects as they are. Through IDEATE Ireland, entrepreneurs are provided expert guidance and support in a focused, motivational and hands-on environment, making it an invaluable and rewarding experience.” 

“We’re looking forward to writing the next chapter of Ireland’s leading third-level start-up competition with IDEATE Ireland”, added Chairman of IDEATE Ireland David Moffitt. “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. 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; 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.”

Adding to this, Emma Scott, People Partner at PwC, said: “With IDEATE Ireland, we have a great opportunity to develop talent, as well as engage with PwC graduates and encourage them to participate in the competition. We look forward to seeing even greater innovation in 2023, discovering what ideas entrepreneurs around the country are working on, and providing them with a structured insight into how to progress their business.”

Conor Killeen, Chairman of Key Captial, is looking forward to supporting entrepreneurs throughout the competition: “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.” 

This year’s IDEATE Ireland sponsors are PwC, Key Capital, Guinness Enterprise Centre, Irish Life and Each & Other.

Website: www.ideateireland.ie

Google.org provides €500,000 to support Ireland’s social entrepreneurs

Google Ireland has today announced that its philanthropic arm, Google.org, is providing €500,000 in funding to Social Entrepreneurs Ireland (SEI) and INCO. The grants will support social entrepreneur-led organisations in Ireland to grow their impact and those interested in being considered can submit an expression of interest from today, 5 December.

Leveraging the funds from Google.org, SEI and INCO will support underserved social entrepreneurs to scale their organisations. SEI will use the funding to run the Changing Ireland Accelerator Programme (CIAP), a twelve-month initiative for underserved social entrepreneurs needing support to accelerate their impact. Running in parallel to the CIAP, INCO will disperse the funding as cash sub-grants administered to the participants.

Speaking at the announcement in Google’s EMEA HQ, Dublin, Adaire Fox-Martin, President of Google Cloud International and Head of Google Ireland said:

“Social enterprise is an increasingly crucial component of a resilient, equitable, and sustainable economy. By providing the sector better access to capital, talent, markets, and technology, businesses such as Google have the opportunity to meaningfully serve the communities they operate in and advance impactful humanitarian and environmental causes.  These grants reflect Google’s continued commitment to supporting social entrepreneurs around the world and to the principle that entrepreneurship can be the best way to tackle some of the world’s greatest challenges. 

“We want to encourage ambitious change-makers to submit their expression of interest in the Changing Ireland Accelerator programme today.”

Tim Griffiths, CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland said:

“Social Entrepreneurs Ireland is thrilled to work with INCO and believe that this catalytic funding will help brilliant, social entrepreneur-led organisations to scale up and accelerate the impact they are having across Ireland reaching the most underserved communities.”

Mathieu Planchard, Global Head of Development at INCO said:

“This initiative represents a concrete step towards building a more diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. The combination of capacity building support and strategic grant funding is the right recipe to break down the barriers faced by underserved founders in Ireland today. It’s a real privilege for INCO to work alongside SEI and to receive support from Google.org.”

Social Entrepreneurs Ireland is a not-for-profit organisation committed to the vision of accelerated social change through the power of people. Its mission is to harness the cumulative power of people through programmes, direct funding and an experienced community of alumni, funders, and sector leaders. Since its foundation in 2004, SEI has supported more than 550 social entrepreneurs across the country. Alumni of SEI programmes include Pieta House, AsIAm, Irish Community Air Ambulance, GIY, FoodCloud and the Irish Men’s Sheds Association.

INCO is a global nonprofit on a mission to create a more socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable economy. Across 40+ countries around the world, INCO  accelerates the growth of impact-driven businesses, and offers free education programs to the workforce of tomorrow. Since 2021, INCO has been leading StartSocial, an initiative supported by Google.org, to provide funding and capacity-building to over 400 social enterprises across Europe.

Today’s announcement by Google is an integral part of its European-wide commitment to supporting Social Entrepreneurs building on a pledge of €20 million cash funding through the Google.org Social Innovation Fund to support underserved social innovators across Europe.

Expressions of interest in the Changing Ireland Accelerator Programme are welcome via the dedicated page on the SEI website from 5 December 2022. The selection process will launch in February 2023 with successful applicants appointed to the programme from June 2023.

Google.org will be fully funding the costs of this programme in 2023 with a grant of €500,000.