Two of the best aim to win €20k
Two businesses from Cork have made the regional finals of this year’s InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition.
They are two of 25 companies from across the island who will compete across four regional heats, starting in early November. The winning company will pick up a cool €20,000.
Cork-based PlantQuest offers a signal-free location platform for complex process facilities allowing workers to navigate a facility regardless of the availability of wifi or GPS.
PixQuanta, meanwhile, has developed a light sensor technology compatible with the standard materials, tools and processing already available in the manufacturing industry.
Each business will deliver an investment pitch remotely to an expert judging panel comprising of venture capitalists, business angels and some of the island’s leading business leaders at the Munster regional final on 3 November.
Speaking about the regional finalists, Connor Sweeney, Seedcorn Programme Manager at InterTradeIreland, said: “To get to a regional final, companies have already been shortlisted based upon their business plan submission and visual representation of their ideas, so I’m delighted to offer my congratulations to all those who have reached this crucial stage.
“This year the regional finals will be held remotely for the first time in Seedcorn’s history. We were determined to continue with the competition if we could find a safe way of doing so and thankfully, technology has presented the opportunity. We are thrilled to be able to run the next two stages remotely; as Seedcorn is centred around showcasing business innovation we think it’s a relevant approach.”
The Seedcorn contest mirrors the real-life investment process. As well as a substantial cash prize fund, participants can secure expert feedback on their business plans and pitches, improve their investor readiness and gain exposure to investors, all while boosting their firm’s profile.
In advance of the regional finals, companies will receive an intensive one-day investment pitch masterclass facilitated by InterTradeIreland, to help polish their presentation skills.
The competition can be followed on Twitter (@Inter_Trade) and on www.intertradeireland.com/seedcorn.