KPMG has announced the judging panel for the local round of its Global Tech Innovator competition, now in its sixth year. Tech start-ups based in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are invited to apply by midnight on Friday, 12th June.
The winner will advance to the global finals in November, joining representatives from more than 20 countries. For founders across the island, this means the opportunity to showcase their business on an international stage alongside peers from leading innovation hubs across Europe, North America and Asia.
Jess Kelly, an award-winning tech journalist and broadcaster will once again host the competition. As the presenter of Tech Talk on Newstalk, Ireland’s only national radio show dedicated to technology, Jess brings deep expertise and a unique perspective to the stage.
Anna Scally, Global Head of Technology, Media & Telecommunications, KPMG, said:
“Following last year’s success, when our finalist, Akara, finished as first runner-up at the global final, we are looking for our next ambitious tech founder ready to compete on the world stage. We are delighted to welcome an exceptional panel of judges to this year’s competition. With their diverse backgrounds in investment, leadership and advisory, we’re confident we can pinpoint the next top tech innovator from Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.”
The judges include Cyril McGuire, Entrepreneur, Venture Capitalist, CEO, Infinity Capital; Colin Goulding, Director, Google; Caroline Gaynor, Partner, Lightstone Ventures and current Chair of the IVCA, Conor Stanley, Founder, Tribal.vc and Anna Scally, Global Head of Technology, Media, and Telecommunications, KPMG.
Are you the next tech innovator?
Applicants are typically technology entrepreneurs who are successfully making the transition from the startup phase to the next stage in the growth of their businesses. They have developed innovative, proven technologies, established robust business models, demonstrated traction and have the potential to scale up globally.
To be eligible for the competition, you must:
- Be a registered company in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.
- Have been actively operating for 7 years or less (in the current form).
- Have generated revenue between US $1 million and $15 million; or have raised at least US $500,000 in equity.
- Be either a pure technology or a tech-enabled, tech-driven or tech-led business.
- Not be majority owned by a large corporate.
- All entrants must be available to appear in person for the final, which will be held in Dublin on 30thJune.
The winner will advance to the Global Tech Innovator final in Lisbon in November. Additional prizes include representing Northern Ireland and Ireland on the global stage, receiving mentorship from KPMG professionals, and gaining access to exclusive networking events.
For more information and to apply, visit www.kpmg.ie/GTI