Break through the impossible

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. 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

Headline Partner

2024 Sponsors

  • 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

  • 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

Calling all entrepreneurs.