Catalyst launches SEAM, a new entrepreneurship festival for Northern Ireland

One-day festival at Banana Block in Belfast this November will bring founders, investors and support organisations together, with Bank of Ireland as headline partner

Catalyst has today announced SEAM, a new entrepreneurship festival for Northern Ireland, taking place on Tuesday 17 November 2026 at Banana Block in east Belfast, with Bank of Ireland as headline partner.

SEAM brings founders, investors and business support organisations from across Northern Ireland together in a single annual moment, built around visibility, connection and momentum for people who are already building something, or keen to get started.

The name is drawn from Belfast’s linen heritage, when the city was known as the ‘Linenopolis’. A seam is both a join and something built upon, and the festival takes place in a restored linen spinning mill on the Newtownards Road.

What is happening

The festival runs across a single day and includes a live founder showcase, a dedicated space for capital conversations with direct access to active investors and angels, a marketplace of ecosystem support organisations and a closing reception. General admission tickets are on sale now at seamfest.org. Between 300 and 350 people are expected to attend.

Who SEAM is for

For founders, SEAM is a day of visibility and access: a stage in front of the people who can help, direct conversations with investors, and practical support from organisations that work with early-stage and growing businesses across Northern Ireland. Founders will get the help and connections they need in the one day, at one place.

For investors and angels both local and international, it is sight of a curated pipeline of Northern Ireland ventures in one place, alongside founders at the point where an introduction still changes the trajectory.

For support organisations and delivery partners, it is direct access to the founders they exist to serve and a shared moment for the ecosystem to come together.

Applications open across two tracks

Alongside the festival, Catalyst is opening applications for two tracks, for founders who would like to get more than just attending on the day. Both are free to enter, carry no application fee and take no equity. Founders on both tracks take part as a cohort, with workshops and preparation in the weeks before the festival.

Early stage is for founders at the very beginning, whether they are already building a business or working on an idea. Ten teams will be chosen to present their business live on the main stage on 17 November, in front of an audience of investors, customers, support organisations and other founders. In the weeks beforehand they will be prepared as a cohort, with mentoring, funding guidance and pitch coaching. Applications close on 30 August 2026.

Featured early-stage founders will receive:

• Mentoring from experienced founders and operators
• Finance and funding guidance
• Pitch and demo preparation
• One-to-one business support

Growth is for founders with an established business looking to scale. Around 50 founders will take part, with introductions to active investors and angels and dedicated time for those conversations. Applications close on 11 September 2026.

Both tracks open on 10 August 2026 at seamfest.org and are open to founders anywhere in Northern Ireland. Founders will be selected by the end of September.

Fiona Bennington, Director of Entrepreneurship and Scaling at Catalyst, said: “SEAM exists because Northern Ireland has a plethora of diverse support opportunities, but it can be hard to navigate. Putting the whole ecosystem in one room for one day removes that friction for founders.

“How a venture is shaped in its earliest months determines whether it can scale. Northern Ireland has a strong community of entrepreneurs, investors and businesses, but we believe there is real value in bringing that network together in a more focused way. We want SEAM to become an annual moment for founders who are serious about growing their business, and we would encourage anyone interested to apply now.”

Niall Devlin, Head of Business Banking NI, Bank of Ireland, said: “At Bank of Ireland, we’re passionate about fostering entrepreneurship and backing the people and businesses driving our economic future. Being ‘Right With You’ means supporting businesses at every stage, helping them navigate challenges, seize opportunities and grow with confidence. We’re proud to support SEAM Festival and would encourage founders at all stages to get involved because strong businesses don’t just need great ideas, they need strong relationships, shared expertise and a thriving support network.”

Tickets and applications for both tracks are available at seamfest.org.