The National Digital Research Centre’s (NDRC) innovative programme Sweat for Equity (Swequity) has produced eight promising tech start-ups. The finalists’ months of preparation has paid off following successful presentations of the concepts to an adjudication panel, mentors and other teams. One entry was identified as the most promising start-up while all eight will continue receiving support and mentoring through the NDRC’s Inventorium programme.
The eight finalists were chosen from a field of 85 entrants. Once selected, the start-ups were teamed with a range of qualified voluntary experts and mentors to work together over a five week period. If the startups succeed, the supporters get equity in the business.
Linking Learning (pictured) was chosen as the most promising startup at the final. The online curriculum planning service allows primary school teachers to share, in real time, the learning objectives that they are covering in class and associated tips for learning, with the parents of their students.
NDRC’s Inventorium director Mark Kearns said: "Swequity matches the best ideas with the best expertise in technology, creative, business and marketing skills. In this way, the creator of a business idea can source the management and technical know-how they need to give it a competitive advantage. The contributors and supporters get some equity for the amount of ‘sweat’ they put into the project and this combination provides a platform for a potentially very strong business start-up from the outset."
Among the eight finalists were Distillr, an open government data management system a tool kit; ListenToItLater, an app and online platform for a number of tracks on different devices; Rentable, a social media platform that creates a community of renters able to talk, rate and evaluate properties and offer advice; and Gotcha Ninjas, a Web-based game that teachers can use as a classroom behaviour tool to engage with students and parents.
Fiona Donnellan
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