Northern Ireland
In the ‘New Start' category, there are three competing companies. Belfast-based Advanced Analytics Labs, which builds intelligent analytics software for manufacturing companies, Dungiven-based Imagene Ltd, which creates digital platforms and solutions for engineering and manufacturing organisations and Downpatrick’s Jumpack Ltd, which has developed the world’s first portable extreme sports ramp.
In the ‘Early Stage' category, two of the finalists are companies based in Ulster University’s Intelligent Systems Research Centre at Magee College in Derry/Londonderry. ActionSense Ltd, has designed and developed a new wearable system that can detect and measure hand joint stiffness and NeuroCONCISE has developed a solution that can revolutionise the way that consciousness and awareness can be assessed following a traumatic brain injury, allowing basic communication channels to be realised even when a person is unable to speak or move. Both companies will be contending for the title against Belfast-based Reynolds Sports Ltd, which manufactures composite hurling sticks and sports goods.
Ireland
Dublin Regional Finals
In the New Start category, the Dublin regional finalists include; North Dock based DropChef, a subscription-based food delivery service that aims to make cooking a healthy dinner simple, Glasnevin based Journey Defender, a system which provides real-time remote detection of stowaways in the rear of vehicles, containers or trailers and MyLiveMedical from Dundrum, an online platform and marketplace that aims to bring together organisations that require medical reports to be completed with appropriate medical professionals.
In the Early Stage category Artomatix, an artificial intelligence software solution for 3D content, will complete against Global Advertising t/a Gladcloud based in Dun Laoghaire who develop local digital marketing software for global convenience brands. Invizbox, a cyber security company which aims to make it easy for people to protect their privacy online will also compete in this category along with MJB Innovations t/a Horus, a predictive monitoring platform to detect and prevent machine failures in plant and heating, ventilation aid air-condition environment.
Munster Regional Finals
In the New Start category, the Munster regional finalists include; Glenbower based Freight Station who have created an SaaS based platform for the transportation service industry, ARQ Asset Solutions based in Ringaskiddy which has developed an inline machinery oil condition sensor that can transmit real-time readings to the Cloud, alerting owners of any potential breakdowns and JumpAGrade, based in the Nexus Innovation Centre, is an online service for second level students to help them prepare for exams.
In the Early Stage category Trustap, an early stage business based in Carrigalin that aims to make peer to peer payments safer than any exiting platform. Class Medical based in Annacotty has also made it through to the regional final having impressed InterTradeIreland with its TUC safety valve which aims to prevent the inadvertent over inflation of an anchoring balloon of a urology catheter and JN Femme which was founded in 2015 by experienced health care professionals, Nora Irwin and Joan Phelan. The business duo have developed natural, organic personal feminine products for the over the counter retail sector and clinical use.
Connacht & Leinster Regional Finals
In the New Start category, the Connacht & Leinster regional finalists include; HidraMedSolutions, a wound care solution for adhesive free dressing retention, Established by Colin Guilfoyle and Fergal Whelan-Porter, Nebula Innovations is a software and game development currently focused on a workflow tool for aircraft engine inspections and MotoKilk develops electronic products such as automated suspension that are designed to improve performance and safety in motorsports.
In the Early Stage category, Lifestyle Medical who have created a wearable device and analytics platform to monitor knee performance during training sessions will join Loci Orthopaedics who have created an implant for the treatment of thumb base joint arthritis and Durrow Mills, an Irish ingredients company that specialises in organic sprouted flours for the baking industry. Containing higher levels of protein and fibre, sprouted grains have been shown to be easier to digest.
Speaking about the regional finalists, Shane O’Hanlon, Funding for Growth Manager at InterTradeIreland, said: “To get to a regional final, companies have already successfully submitted a visual representation of their business idea and a full business plan, so I’m delighted to offer my congratulations to all those who have reached this crucial stage. The standard of entries from Northern Ireland this year was very high and we look forward to seeing how the competition progresses.”
All 25 companies will participate in an intensive investment pitch masterclass. This will help them to refine their presentation skills. At the regional final they will have to deliver a pitch to a panel of judges who will select the category winners.
The eight successful regional finalists will take home a €20,000 cash prize and progress to the all-island final of InterTradeIreland’s Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition.
Seedcorn, which supports burgeoning companies, has a €280,000 total cash prize. The eight regional finalists will compete for €50,000 or €100,000 as either category or overall winner.
The all-island final of Seedcorn will take place at St Anne’s Cathedral on 22 November 2018.
The competition can be followed on Twitter (@iti_seedcorn) and on the website www.intertradeireland.com/seedcorn.
