Five proof-of-concept grants up for grabs as Techstart, Catalyst rekindle co-founders programme

Successful pitches worth £10k

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Kathleen Garret, Techstart Ventures and Pauline Timoney, Catalyst

Catalyst, an independent, non-profit science and technology hub focused on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Northern Ireland, and Techstart Ventures are offering entrepreneurial teams the chance to win one of five £10,000 proof of concept grant under the Co-Founders programme.

The cross-border competition makes a successful return following a positive 2023 when the number of females on the programme increased by 37% and non-degree participants by 79% with the geographical spread reaching across 12 counties.

In addition to the initial proof of concept grant, two teams received an additional £35,000 proof of concept grant from Techstart to further the development of their idea in 2023.

Co-Founders is a free programme designed to support diversity in the start-up industry, it brings together a wide range of people from a range of backgrounds, allowing participants to meet potential collaborators and create a start-up in a safe, supportive environment.

Techstart Ventures is an investor of seed capital into early-stage technology businesses and also runs a proof of concept grant fund. This grant fund of £4.5 million supports entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland to explore the viability and commercial potential of innovative concepts.

Pauline Timoney, head of entrepreneurship, Catalyst said: “Fostering entrepreneurship and growing the start-up ecosystem, especially in those harder to reach areas, is a shared goal between Catalyst and Techstart Ventures’ proof of concept grant programme and has proven to make real headway in making entrepreneurship more attainable for all.  Techstart Ventures’ proof of concept grant offers real support to those who come through the co-founders programme and so we are thrilled to develop this partnership further into its second year.”

Kathleen Garret, head of proof of concept grants at Techstart Ventures, said: “This partnership brings together a supportive environment for entrepreneurs at the earliest stage of their business journey, along with financial support to help the teams accelerate their novel idea. We are really looking forward to seeing the teams form and the ideas develop.”

TechCentral Reporters

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