September 2012 sees the launch of the third year of the LINC's (Learning and Innovation Centre) at the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB) annual entrepreneurial competition Jump Start.
Supported by The LINC, AIB, Fingal County Enterprise Board, Grafton Media, Snap Blanchardstown, Kendlebell, HP and Enterprise Ireland, Jump Start is open to businesses operating for two years or less and offers a prize worth €25,000 consisting of €5,000 in cash plus the the use of an incubation space for 12 months, mentoring support from industry experts and a range of start-up equipment and services covering design, media, technology, and print.
Previous winners Safefood 360 has expanded their business into the US where 75% of their customer base is located, while 2010 winners Innovation Zed has since won the Biomnis Health Innovation Award and €350,000 in funding to invest in its international strategy.
Competition judge Bobby Kerr of Dragons' Den fame said: "I am delighted to be involved with the JumpStart Competition again. I see the competition as a great way for entrepreneurs to present to their peers and have the opportunity of winning an amazing prize that any start up would love to receive especially in the current climate."
Assumpta Harvey, manager of the LINC at IT Blanchardstown and chairman of the judging panel, said: "The LINC are delighted to launch Jump Start 2012. We are now looking for Ireland's next big tech start-up."
Application forms can be downloaded from www.thelinc.ie/jumpstart with a closing date is 19 October with the short list being announced on 2 November.
The winner of the award will be announced the evening of 15 November 2012.
TechCentral Reporters