Celebrating innovation
What is INVENT?
INVENT is an annual competition organised by Catalyst with headline partner Bank of Ireland, that celebrates our most exciting entrepreneurs and innovations, giving them an international platform and support to make the greatest impact. Apply today to be in the chance of winning a share of the £55,000 prize fund. Applications for INVENT 2024 are now closed.
Who can apply for INVENT?
Startups
Individuals or teams with innovative business ideas or prototypes.
Students
Aspiring entrepreneurs from universities or educational institutions.
Researchers
Professionals engaged in research and development seeking to commercialise their findings.
Side Projects
Passionate individuals pursuing innovative projects alongside their main activities.
Applicants must have a basic prototype to apply to INVENT. Please refer to our terms and conditions for more details on eligibility.
Why apply for INVENT?
Networking
Access a quality network of influencers, peers, and industry experts to foster collaboration and growth.
Validation
Gain recognition and validation for your innovative ideas and projects.
Funding
Opportunity to secure a share of the £55,000 prize fund to further develop and scale your innovation.
Learning
Access support and workshops to enhance your entrepreneurial skills and navigate the challenges of innovation.
Exposure
Showcase your innovation to a global audience, gaining high-profile visibility.
Interested in seeing a previous INVENT application?
Have another question?
“Winning INVENT with GoPlugable was the highlight of our year; the opportunity to pitch in front of a range of high profile judges and receive feedback throughout the whole journey was extremely valuable and I really feel it set GoPlugable for success. I loved meeting all the other founders and hearing their stories; this experience really helped me to build my network. The bespoke mentoring and information sessions will leave you so much more confident, resilient and knowledgeable to take your business to the next level.”
— Maebh Reynolds, GoPlugable: Overall INVENT 2023 Winner
Meet INVENT’s Programme Manager
Meg Magill
invent@wearecatalyst.org
Headline Partner
2024 Sponsors
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Martina Tierney – Impact Award 2022
Brendan Monaghan – Innovation Founder 2021
Bloc Blinds ~ SureCert ~ Axial 3D ~ Dr Tara Moore – Innovators Awardees 2020
Denis Murphy – Innovation Founder 2019
John Rainey MBE – Innovation Founder 2018
James Leckey – Innovation Founder 2017
Martin Naughton KBE – Innovation Founder 2016
Brian Conlon – Innovation Founder 2015
Dr William Wright CBE – Innovation Founder 2014
Dr Peter FitzGerald CBE – Innovation Founder 2013
Tom Eakin – Innovation Founder 2012
Dr Hugh Cormican – Innovation Founder 2011
Prof John Anderson – Innovation Founder 2010
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Meg Magill – Programme Manager
Clare Passmore – Chair
Colin Crangle – Bank of Ireland
David Brownlee – HSCNI
Bregeen Campbell – Deloitte
Jason Wiggins – Queen's University Belfast
Neil Buchanan – ECIT
Lewis Loane – Torann
Julie Gray – ViperClip
Bridgeen Callan – Klas PDT Technology
Michael Shaw – RPS
Kat Maguire – Queen's University Belfast
Emma Donnelly – Ulster University
Kathryn Laverty – Carson McDowell
Treena Clarke – Harbinson Mulholland
Jonathan Wallace – Ulster University
Tina O'Donnell – Seagate