1,500 expected at Cork innovates networking showcase

More than 1,500 people are expected to attend the Cork innovates business networking showcase and conference. “From the jobseeker to the established small business, the showcase aims to inspire and support business development in Munster,” according to Cork innovates project director Siobhán Finn.

She says the free event will provides an opportunity to meet business support organisations, to network and to hear from successful entrepreneurs and new start-ups about their business breakthroughs.

Panel discussions will explore topics such as growth models, emerging trends in industry, entrepreneurship and innovation, with speakers including Alex Musgrave of Dog Day Media, Brendan Finucane of Vconnecta, Scott Baignet of Eight Degrees Brewing, Jacqueline O’Farrell, Grove House Health Spa and Dr Breda Kenny, head of Hincks Centre for Entrepreneurship Excellence at CIT.

Seven Cork innovates finalists will pitch to judges at the end of the day to win a €30,000 bursary. The prize will provide the winning company with a suite of services such as advertising, financial advice, mentoring, PR, mobile and data packages, Cork Chamber membership supports, along with a cash investment, all to the value of €30,000.

The seven finalists include TIC Ltd, Ottera Technology, Inspect4, AventaMed, Pundit Arena, Mountain Man Brewing and Bia Beauty.

“Each company shortlisted this year has either created a new business model or a highly innovative solution,” judge and chairman of Cork innovates Anthony O’Mara says. Previous winners, such as Qumas, Trustev and Voxpro, have gone on to achieve success, nationally and internationally.