Docklands Innovation Award Finalists Announced
Three companies, each seeking expansion funding, will battle it out at the Docklands Innovation Park Enterprise Awards to secure the title of best investment proposal for 2012 and a prize of €10,000.
The finalists, all of whom are graduates of the DIT Hothouse Venture Programme, will pitch their investment proposals and be questioned by an experienced panel of judges on their business plans.
The shortlisted finalists are:
Kevin Egan, Team Traders
Kieran Murphy, Traders Now
Cathal Brady, Ultan Technologies
Each give a 20 minute presentation on their investment proposal and be questioned by a panel of judges.
Kevin Egan, Team Traders, Kieran Murphy, Traders Now, Ronan Murphy, PwC and Cathal Brady, Ultan Technologies
Now in its tenth year, the Docklands Innovation Park Enterprise Awards, sponosred by PwC is the initiative of the Bolton Trust and DIT Hothouse and is aimed at showcasing the innovative companies emerging from Docklands Innovation Park to investors and those with an interest in start-ups. Last year’s winner Foxframe was featured as one of the top 60 technology companies to watch in 2012 by the Wall Street Journal.
The Bolton Trust was established in 1987 at the height of Ireland’s ‘brain drain’ to promote an enterprise culture and to offer young entrepreneurs an opportunity to develop their business ideas in Ireland. The Trust is committed to helping the growth of indigenous Irish enterprises and fostering entrepreneurship. Chairman Rea O’Neill commented : “At this time it is more important than ever for strategic investment in young innovative companies who represent growth opportunities for our economy. This year’s finalists represent real opportunities with global potential for investment. All are seeking to expand quickly into global markets with a focus on the US. Last year’s DIP Awards saw the investment of over €1.2 million in three excellent companies’’.
Speaking at the Awards shortlist announcement, Ronan Murphy, Senior Partner, PwC said: “At this time of economic and business uncertainty, it is very important to support our young people and foster a culture of innovation. Many of our young entrepreneurs will be our future business leaders and their new ideas and businesses will no doubt contribute to job creation and Ireland’s recovery. PwC is delighted to support these Awards and wishes the candidates every success.”
Since 2001, DIT’s Hothouse Venture Programme which is based in the Docklands Innovation Park has supported over 250 entrepreneurs at the early stages of their business development. Previous participant companies have included Movidius, Sigmoid Pharma, Muzu.tv and Mick’s Garage. Hothouse firms have created over 1,000 jobs and attracted over €90 million in external investment.
The awards take place on Thursday, Mar 1, at PwC's offices at Spencer Dock, Dublin.
