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.
Invent is an annual competition that recognises and rewards local innovations and proof of concept ideas that have the greatest commercial potential.
Your Innovation must fit into one of the following categories:
Life and Health Sciences
Enterprise Software
Creative Media and Consumer Internet
Engineering
Electronics
Agri Science
The closing date for applications is Friday 24th April
Invent is an opportunity to gain high profile exposure, validate your idea and gain access to a quality network of influencers. There is also a prize fund of £33,000 to be shared with the winners.
If you have come up with a product idea you are passionate about then this is the competition for you.
To find out more information please contact Programme Manager Kerry McGarvey.
You will get support throughout the process including support from mentors with a range of valuable experience.
This year we have another stellar judging panel for the INVENT 2020 Finals. The Panel Includes:|
Gavin Kennedy – Head of Business banking NI, Bank of Ireland UK
Dr. Michael Shaw – Managing Director, RPS Ireland Ltd.
Carmen Rico – Partner, Samaipata VC
Ian Leigh – Founder, Greenwood Way Capital
Kealan Doyle – Co Founder Symvan Capital
Andrew Aldridge – Partner & Head of Marketing, Deepbridge Capital
24th April: Closing date for applications
27th April- shortlisting and Briefing
11th May – 15th May – Qualifying rounds
18th May – Semi-Finalists announced
1st June – 5th June – Semi-Final
15th -19th June – Mentor day
22nd – 26th June – Funding workshop
31st July – Business Plan submission
20th August – Student Invent
27th August – Final Pitches
8th October – Awards Night
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
