AMBITIOUS start up firms have two weeks remaining to apply for a shot at joining one of the planet’s most sought-after accelerator programmes.
The ICONS pitch competition will feature up to 50 companies competing over two days next month.
For the winner, it will mean being fast-tracked for an interview to join the list of global companies in the January 2016 intake of the 500 Startups accelerator programme in San Francisco.
Organisers are on the look-out for startups with big ideas and a hunger to succeed. Particular focus will be on companies which are market ready and working on industry changing technology within virtual reality, wearables, fin-tech or B2B.
The closing date for applications is Monday August 31.
ICONS Festival is expected to draw 20,000 visitors to Belfast’s Titanic Quarter between September 24-27. It will feature a line up of speakers and artists from across tech, music and screen. Speakers confirmed already include Chuck D from Public Enemy, Hollywood senior executive Bill Daly and Techstars London MD Jon Bradford.
ICONS Festival CEO, and tech entrepreneur Aaron Taylor, said: “In addition to collaborating with 500 Startups, we will also have more than 50 angels and VCs attending the pitch event actively looking for the next big thing and we’re keen to ensure only the highest quality applicants make it through to the finals.
“We’ve had a fantastic response so far with a lot of very impressive entries. With just over two weeks to go before the closing date I’d encourage anyone who is thinking of entering to get their applications in as soon as possible.”
Applications are hosted on the ICONS website (www.festivaloficons.com/pitch/) and will be accepted through to August 31.
ICONS Festival runs from September24-27 in Titanic Quarter, Belfast. Tickets are on sale via the website www.festivaloficons.com.
