GoPlugable takes charge as Invent’s Greentech Innovator of the Year
Electric vehicle (EV) charging network start-up, GoPlugable has been named the overall winner of the 2023 Invent Awards, becoming the first Greentech winner of the competition in 10 years.
During the awards ceremony held at ICC Belfast, ten finalists competed for the prize. GoPlugable emerged on top, receiving a substantial prize of £25,000 from the total fund of £52,000.
The pioneering company, which also won the Greentech awards category, is building a community-powered EV charger-sharing ecosystem that enables EV owners to take advantage of available privately-owned chargers in their areas and allows homeowners with chargers to earn money by sharing access.
Maebh Reynolds, co-founder and mechanical engineering graduate, Queen’s University Belfast, founded GoPlugable out of frustration with the slow adoption of EVs in Northern Ireland. Since the beginning in October 2022, GoPlugable has made significant progress in branding and product development, with the aim to evolve into the ‘Airbnb for EV home chargers.’
Each of the ten finalists had the opportunity to present a one-minute elevator pitch, with Feminatech earning the audience’s vote and a £1,000 prize for the best pitch. This year’s INVENT Awards saw a notable increase in female representation among finalists and students.
At Invent, Catalyst also announced a new charity partnership with Young Enterprise Northern Ireland to help support young people in acquiring the skills they will need to become enterprising, creative and commercially aware.
Meg Magill, Invent programme manager, said: “Here at Catalyst, we are focused on fostering inclusive innovation and so we are delighted with the notable increase in female finalists this year as well as an increase in disability inclusive ideas.”
George Higginson, managing director, Northern Ireland and U.K strategic partnerships, said: “Enterprise and innovation are important pillars in accelerating economic growth and the INVENT programme is an inspiring showcase of local entrepreneurial talent and what can be achieved when we invest in entrepreneurs and provide the conditions and support they need to reach higher and succeed faster.
“That approach to fostering entrepreneurship is at the heart of our partnership with Catalyst, working with local talent to deliver innovative solutions to real world issues.”
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