INVENTIONS that could change the world are being sought for this year's 'Invent 2016' competition, launched online by NISP Connect.
Entrepreneurs and inventors across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to enter the contest to be in with a chance to win a share of the £33,000 prize fund and a place on the 2017 Tech Mission to California.
Sponsored by the Bank of Ireland UK, the competition is open to applicants across six categories: agri-science, creative media/consumer internet, electronics, engineering, enterprise software and life and health.
Peter Edgar, NISP Connect programme manager, said the potential offered by the competition - to individuals and the local economy - was "incredible".
"'Invent' is a chance for us to help our inventors reach unlimited potential for success," he said.
"The variety of innovations last year was immense, from eco-friendly surfboards to video analytics software to pest-controlling nemotodes.
"We want entrepreneurs to lift the lid on their proof-of-concept stage inventions. We offer not just investment and funding, but training, global business connections and a tech mission place to the USA."
For previous winner Lorraine Martin, founder of medical test firm ProAxis, 'Invent' is "much more than a competition".
"Since winning in 2013, ProAxsis has raised investment, recruited a scientific and commercial team and secured contracts with global companies," she said.
"The awards provided validation of my business plan, convincing me to continue to persevere. The benefits have been immeasurable because 'Invent' opened a treasure trove of like-minded people who provide inspiration and support to entrepreneurs."
Ian Sheppard, head of business and corporate banking at Bank of Ireland UK, said the event was an important date in the business calendar as it connected businesses across the north.
"Helping to connect businesses across Northern Ireland is a key part of what we do," he said.
"'Invent' provides our entrepreneurs of the future with exciting opportunities to engage and develop invaluable insights at a critical stage in their business life cycle."
Last year 12 finalists were chosen from 80 applicants, with the grand prize awarded to Pico Puf, a cyber security solution which creates ‘fingerprint’ identification for any device in the 'Internet of Things'.
Entrants will be accepted until midnight on Friday April 8 via the website www.invent2016.co.uk
