THE ten finalists have been announced for Invent 2023, the showcase for aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs which is run annually by science and technology hub Catalyst.
From an inclusive, purpose-driven fashion solution, to a menopause support app and emotional wellbeing solutions for children, the range of innovative ideas is immense.
The competition, held in partnership with Bank of Ireland and which culminates at the ICC in Belfast on Thursday September 21, recognises innovative businesses with smart and creative concepts which have high commercial potential.
Invent (www.invent23.co/awards) has been running for over a decade and is an important breakthrough vehicle for exciting businesses which has enabled past finalists to gain media exposure, win customers, attract investment and make connections with partners and mentors.
This year's finalists are:
Greentech - Wake and Make – Energy, GoPluggable
Health and wellbeing - AXONNR, Little Sunflower
Product - CycleAid, WearMatter
Business software - SEQO, Track
Consumer Software - Feminatech, Learning Me
The range of finalists are attempting to solve some of the most pressing issues facing the world including climate change and mental illness. To help bring their ideas to life they are using AI, apps, online platforms, robotics and digital resources.
Invent’s overall prize fund totals £50,000, with each category winner taking home £5,000, and the overall winner walking away with an additional £20,000. Additional prizes of £1,000 for best student entry and the best pitch will also be up for grabs on the night.
Programme alumni include CropSafe, which recently raised $3m in seed funding, and Overwatch Research, which was acquired by US tech company Benchling last year.
Meg Magill, Invent programme manager, said: “Catalyst’s vision is to create opportunity for all from world-leading innovation and Invent provides a brilliant opportunity to recognize some of those who will hopefully be leading the way when it comes to innovation in the very near future.
“Every year we are blown away by the calibre of the entrepreneurs and companies that come through the competition and this year we are really encouraged by the variety and diversity of the teams and their business ideas.”
