Mission Statement
Catalyst is a connected community of innovators so powerful, it’s people can change the world.
Workspace
Infused with energy, creativity, our agile, state-of-the-art workspaces are designed to inspire.
Programmes
Our programmes help you develop new ways of thinking and gain from commercial opportunities through collaboration.
Research
The support of researchers, experienced entrepreneurs and investors united together to help make our most promising entrepreneurs more successful.
News & Events
From workshops and networking events to Chess clubs and burrito trucks, Catalyst members and partners add significant value to their work and general wellbeing by engaging in the Catalyst community spirit.
Invent is an annual competition to showcase local innovations and ideas that have the greatest commercial potential.
The Invent competition has been widely recognised as one of the best opportunities for innovations and proof of concept ideas that have the greatest commercial potential.
It’s an opportunity to gain high-profile exposure; to validate your idea and to unlock a quality network of influencers. There’s also a prize fund of £33,000 shared by the winners. Your innovation or proof of concept idea must fit into one of the following categories:
Invent provides a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to gain high profile exposure and recognition and to market validate their ideas. If you have come up with a product idea that you are passionate about then this is the competition for you. Submit your application here. If you want to find out more about Invent 2020 or have any queries please email Programme Manager Kerry McGarvey.
You will get support throughout the process including support from mentors with a range of valuable experience.
The Awards Night will see more than 700 business executives, entrepreneurs, investors and student innovators join together for our evening of networking, great food, elevator pitches and presentation of the Invent awards including the innovation founder.
Join us on Thursday 8th October 2020 to be truly inspired in what is Northern Irelands biggest night of innovation.
14th February – 27th March: Applications open
7th April: Qualifying rounds briefing night and Pitching workshop
W/C 20th April: Qualifying Rounds
28th May: Invent Semi Final (24 – top four in each category)
3rd September: Final pitches (12 – Top two in each category)
8th October: Invent Awards Night at ICC, Belfast
The INVENT Innovation Founder Award is Catalyst’s highest honour, celebrating individual success stories that continue to inspire future generations of innovators and entrepreneurs. The Innovation Founder 2019 Award was awarded to NI tech pioneer Denis Murphy, co-founder and CEO of cloud service company Anaeko.
He has more than 20 years’ experience in IT and mobile telecoms, founding and managing a number of locally based tech companies including Apion and Mobile Cohesion. Recipients have achieved distinction over the years for founding, leading, or advancing a Northern Irish life sciences or technology-based business organisation. Such entrepreneurs have contributed to our region individually and through their organisations to the business sectors that shape our local economy and improve our quality of life.
Previous Winners:
Chair
HSC Innovations
ECIT
TechStart NI
Bank of Ireland
Ulster University
Carson McDowell
QUB
Deloitte
