‘Back to the Future’ as INVENT 2015 is launched

Can you imagine a world without the portable defibrillator, ejector seat, Massey Ferguson tractors or even a mug of warming hot chocolate?

These (very varied) inventions are used day and daily around the world without a second thought, but they all have one thing in common- they were invented by people from Northern Ireland.

Each one of these local inventors used their creativity to come up with a solution to an everyday problem and through determination and drive, they all turned these ideas into world-changing inventions.

Now it’s your turn to bring your problem-solving ideas, concepts, or prototypes to the fore and take the first steps towards turning them into a business.

Widely recognised as one of the most lucrative door-opening opportunities for science and technology innovators in Northern Ireland, the 2015 search for the region’s inventions with the greatest commercial potential has just been launched.

INVENT 2015, run by NISP CONNECT at the Northern Ireland Science Park and sponsored by Bank of Ireland UK, is seeking applications for innovations across six categories:

1. Creative Media and Consumer Internet
2. Agri-Food
3. Life and Health
4. Engineering
5. Electronics
6. Enterprise Software

Entrants are competing for a share of the £33,000 prize fund and a money-can’t-buy opportunity to take part in the Northern Ireland “Tech Mission” to San Diego and San Francisco, to connect with some of the world’s top innovators in science & technology.

NISP CONNECT Programme Manager, Peter Edgar, said:

“It’s very fitting that it was this very year, 2015, when the 1989 classic ‘Back to the Future’ predicted what our futuristic tech might be – things like fingerprint technology, hands-free video games, time travel , flying cars and hover boards.

“The challenge laid down to our ‘wantrepreneurs’, researchers, garden shed inventors or school kids across the province iscreate and invent products that can change the world around us for the better.”

Peter continued:

“We had over 90 applications for INVENT 2014 so it’s testament to the fact that innovation is not only in our blood, but that we also have that real hunger and desire for invention.

“The quality of entrants last year was remarkable, from a university professor whose animation skills were used in the movie ‘Avatar’, to a 16-year-old schoolboy who’d created a mobile app for his friends with dyslexia.

“Then you have our other INVENT 2014 category winners whose innovations will mean introducing tech to the death industry, cleaner cities, smarter cycling, safer pesticides and more effective vaccinations: it’s that variety of incredible inventions that we are seeking in 2015.”

Ian Sheppard, Head of Business & Corporate Banking at Bank of Ireland UK:

“At Bank of Ireland UK we care and passionately believe that Northern Ireland needs more entrepreneurs and business start ups. We understand the value of innovation and its importance right across the business spectrum in driving economic growth. The Bank continues to support some of Northern Irelands’ most innovative companies from start up through to global success.”

The competition, previously the 25K Awards, is, this year, celebrating its 15^th anniversary. It comes as Northern Ireland was named as the second fastest growing knowledge economy in the U.K.

The winner of INVENT 2014 was announced as cemetery technology company ‘Plotbox’ in October. The husband and wife team from Portglenone, Sean and Leona McAllister, has already secured a number of key leads in America where the death industry is estimated at $20 billion annually.

As part of the prize, Plotbox took part in the Northern Ireland Tech Mission in December which led to them gaining a place on the world renowned 500 Startups – a Silicon Valley based accelerator.

Applications for INVENT 2015 close on Sunday 5 April 2015. To apply, visit www.invent2015.co/

For more information, please contact Vicki Caddy or Sarah Monahan,
ASG PR on 02890 802000.