Wednesday, 18.03.2009
2009 Student Enterprise Awards

The 2009 Student Enterprise Awards, sponsored jointly by Enterprise Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland and Cruickshanks are once again offering students across Ireland the chance to compete for the coveted title of College Entrepreneurs of the Year and win a share in the incredible prize fund totalling €50,000 cash & Mentor Support.

The competition, now in its 26th year, is designed to encourage innovation, promote enterprise and foster a spirit of entrepreneurship among third level students.

The awards scheme is open to students from all academic disciplines and courses of study.  Regardless of your chosen field, if you’re a full time undergraduate or postgraduate student with a novel idea that you think has commercial potential, then this competition is for you.  It could even be the start of something really big - your very first step towards establishing your own successful business. Or maybe you might be able to sell on your idea and obtain royalty income from the manufacturing/selling rights.

All you need to do is demonstrate to the judges that your business idea is viable, well thought out and well researched and you’re on your way!  Ideally your idea should be based on a manufacturing project or an internationally traded service.

Visit the offical Website for the Student Enterprise Awards on www.enterprise-ireland.com/studentawards09 for entry details.

All Republic of Ireland entries and enquiries should be sent to Gillian Slattery, Entrepreneurship and Regional Development, Enterprise Ireland, 4500 Atlantic Avenue, Westpark, Shannon, Co Clare.  Tel: 061 429927 or email gillian.slattery@enterprise-ireland.com.

All Northern Irish entries and enquiries should be sent to Karen Wilson, Entrepreneurship Development, Invest Northern Ireland, bedford Square, Bedford Street, Belfast, BT2 7ES.  Tel:  028 90698272 or email Karen.Wilson@investni.com.

Prizes on offer:

1. Overall winner  - Student Entrepreneur of the Year -  €10,000
2. Technologically Innovative Idea – Sponsored by Cruickshank Intellectual Property Attorneys - €7,500
3. Export Capability Award – Can you produce and export ready idea? - €7,500
4. Solving Problems for Industry – Are you aware of an existing company that needs a product, R&D or business solution to its current operations? - €7,500
5. Professionalism of Business Approach - Financials, Marketing & Presentation - €7,500
6. 3 Awards of Merit will be presented with a prize of €2,500 per project
7. In addition a prize will also be awarded to the academic with the best entries of €2,500
8. Enterprise Ireland will offer mentorship and guidance to all finalists to develop the commercial viability of the concepts
9. Cruickshank Intellectual Property Attorneys will also offer a consultancy service for up to €20,000 for all winners to aid the students and patent and protect their projects