INVENT isn’t just a competition, it’s a programme that will support you getting your innovation to that crucial next stage.

INVENT Categories

Creative Leisure
Innovations in entertainment, creativity, and recreation, from reshaping film to pushing fashion boundaries.

Green Horizons
Environmental sustainability innovations, from waste reduction to green technology, healing and preserving the Earth. 

BioBreakthroughs
Pioneering work in Life Sciences, welcoming advancements in healthcare technologies and the understanding of living organisms.

Living Well
Celebrating innovations that enhance quality of life, from SportsTech to mental health solutions and lifestyle products. 

Future Business
Transforming the business landscape with innovations in financial technology, cybersecurity, data management, and business robotics.

Unchartered Ideas
For pioneering products or services beyond the usual - presenting ideas that don't neatly fit elsewhere, a unique exploration of innovation. Participants won't know the type of innovations they're up against. 

What to expect in the

  • Invitation to Category Pitch: If successful in your application, you will be invited to pitch within your category. 

  • Communications Workshop with Emer Maguire: Learn how to effectively communicate your innovation with insights from Emer Maguire, communication expert. 

  • Finance Essentials Facilitated by INVENT Head Judge Michael Black: Gain insights into financial management essentials tailored to the needs of startups and entrepreneurs. 

  • Feedback and Advice: Receive constructive feedback and expert advice on how to refine and advance your innovation to the next level. 

Qualifying Round

The qualifying round of INVENT offers participants a valuable opportunity to enhance their communication skills, gain financial literacy, and receive actionable feedback to strengthen their innovations. 

Opportunities in the

  • Pitch Refinement with Kieran Dalton: Refine your pitch further and discuss your idea with Catalyst's Head of Scaling, Kieran Dalton. 

  • Intellectual Property Protection: Learn how to protect your innovation from a leading law firm. 

  • Branding and Marketing Workshop: Gain insights into effectively branding and marketing your innovation. Led by Catalyst's Head of Marketing, Jamie Stinson, PR agency MCE, and INVENT '23 winners GoPlugable. 

  • Networking Opportunities: Network with fellow innovators and expand your professional connections. 

Semi-Final Stage

The semi-final stage of INVENT offers participants invaluable opportunities to refine their pitches, protect their innovations, learn branding and marketing strategies, and expand their professional networks. 

Final Stage Benefits

  • Allocated Mentors: Receive guidance and support from mentors experienced in startup and commercialisation. 

  • Free 1:1 Legal Advice: Gain access to complimentary 1:1 legal advice from a leading law firm to ensure the protection and legality of your innovation. 

  • Financial Guidance: Receive financial advice from Bank of Ireland, the headline partner, and fundraising experts to explore funding options such as VC and Angel funding, grants, and bootstrapping. 

  • Develop Silent Deck: Learn how to develop and refine your silent deck with local venture capital fund managers Clarendon Fund Managers. 

  • Brand Awareness: Increase brand awareness at the INVENT Awards, which have been viewed by over 43,000 people. 

  • Networking and Scaling Programmes: Engage with Catalyst’s Partner Organisations and explore opportunities to move into scaling programmes when ready. 

  • Ongoing Support: Receive ongoing championing and support from the Catalyst team as you continue your innovation journey. 

  • That's perfectly fine! Many participants haven't pitched before. We offer communications training and a pitch template before your first pitch. Additionally, here's a video walking you through the INVENT pitching process.

  • While a basic prototype or substantial progress on your innovation is required to apply, it doesn't have to be a fully developed product. We encourage applicants at various stages of development to participate.

  • No, there are no restrictions on the industries or sectors for innovation. We welcome innovative ideas from all fields, including technology, healthcare, agriculture, sustainability, and more.

  • The overall winner of INVENT 2024 will receive a grand prize of £25,000. Additionally, each category winner will be awarded £5,000. The prize fund aims to recognize and support outstanding innovations across different categories.

  • We recommend exploring the descriptions of each category on our website to determine which one aligns best with your innovation. If you're unsure, feel free to reach out to the INVENT team for guidance.

  • After submitting your application, it will undergo a review process by our panel of judges. If your application is successful, you will be invited to participate in the qualifying round, where you'll have the opportunity to pitch your innovation.

  • Yes, there are several mandatory dates for the INVENT programme, including qualifying round pitches, semi-final pitches, final pitch day, and the awards night. Please refer to the Key Dates 2024 section in the INVENT Terms and Conditions.

  • Take a look this previously submitted INVENT application. We hope this is a useful example to help you fill out your application.

  • The deadline for applications is 1 pm on 22nd April. Please ensure that you submit your application before the deadline to be considered for the competition.

  • Yes, at the qualifying round stage, participants have the option to pitch either online or in person. However, for the semi-final and final stages, pitching is conducted in person.

  • The support sessions are a blend of online and in-person sessions. We believe that in-person sessions provide valuable networking and learning opportunities for participants.

  • Yes, we have planned evening pitches and sessions where possible. However, there are some mandatory days required, especially if you advance to the final stage.

  • You can check the eligibility criteria by referring to the Terms and Conditions (ToCs).

  • Yes, we provide the scoring criteria in advance for the entire competition so that participants know what they're being judged on. Please refer to the Scoring Criteria and Judging section in the INVENT Terms and Conditions.

  • Yes, if you have additional needs, please contact the INVENT program manager. We will make reasonable adjustments to the application process where possible to accommodate your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions