The Energy Institute in Northern Ireland is looking for the brightest minds in energy from across Ireland for its new Amped initiative, part of its Opportunities in Energy series. Amped is a start-up elevator pitch competition, focused specifically on the energy sector, and applications are now open.
Sponsored by Energia Group and supported by Tughans Solicitors, and Ormeau Baths, the competition is calling for any start-ups connected to the energy sector to compete for a prize fund of £2,500, as well as six months’ free workspace at Ormeau Baths in Belfast.
Andrew Kirke, Chair of the Young Professionals’ Network at the NI Energy Institute, and a director in the Energy team at Tughans law firm, has been one of the driving forces behind the event, which he feels meets a particular gap in the start-up ecosystem.
“As Northern Ireland’s number one ranked law firm by deal volume for 4 years’ running, Tughans have found disruptive technologies and the energy industry to be two particularly rapidly growing sectors. From the perspective of the Energy Institute, as part of our drive to support the sector and our members across Northern Ireland, this event offers a unique opportunity to bring these sectors together. Our goal is to afford start-ups an opportunity not only to compete for a prize fund, but also to pitch their product or service to some of the best-connected people in the sector here”.
Jenny Livingstone is Head of Innovation at Energia Group and she hopes this event will help stimulate ideas and creativity, as well as providing a boost to new companies. “At Energia Group, we are committed to innovation, encouraging collaboration to progress tech-led projects and deliver intelligent energy solutions. There is a wealth of talent in the energy industry across Ireland developing pioneering designs for a better energy future. We look forward to hearing inspired ideas, which will ultimately foster a more sustainable energy environment.”
Start-ups must have been formally organised for less than four years in either NI or ROI, and should offer a product or service which is directly relevant to the energy sector. Applicants must submit a short, written application by Thursday 31st October and shortlisted companies will pitch their idea to a panel of industry experts at the final, at Ormeau Baths in Belfast on 20th November.
If you would like to get involved, more details on how to jump start your start-up and an application form can be obtained by contacting Andrew Kirke at andrew.kirke@tughans.com.
