Entrepreneurship and innovation will take centre stage in Tralee this March as Munster Technological University (MTU) hosts the MTU Kerry Enterprise Showcase and Kerry Start-Up Challenge at its North Campus.

Taking place on Friday 13 March from 10am to 2pm in the An Cuan STEM Building, the event will bring together entrepreneurs, students, business leaders and members of the wider Kerry enterprise community for a morning focused on new ideas, start-up development and networking.

The showcase will provide a platform for emerging businesses to present their ventures to industry leaders and enterprise support organisations operating across the region. Early stage companies will have the opportunity to exhibit their businesses, speak directly with visitors and deliver a 90-second elevator pitch to a panel of roaming judges.

Following the showcase stage, judges will select three finalists who will progress to a grand finale pitch session later in the day. The competition offers valuable prizes aimed at helping early stage companies grow, including a year of office space at the Tom Crean Business Centre and mentoring from Kerry Innovation Centre.

The judging panel includes experienced founders and entrepreneurs with strong connections to the Kerry business community, including Matthew Collins of Sibly Food Co., Suzy Griffin-Dunne of Hildun Beauty and Donagh Ó Buachalla of Ailtir. The event will also feature guest speaker Mariana Kobal of WAZP, who will share her experience of building a business in Kerry after progressing through the New Frontiers programme.

Events like the MTU Kerry Enterprise Showcase highlight the growing strength of the region’s start-up ecosystem and the important role played by organisations such as MTU, Kerry Innovation Centre and Enterprise Ireland in supporting entrepreneurs as they develop and scale their businesses.

For anyone interested in innovation, start-ups or the future of enterprise in Kerry, the event provides a valuable opportunity to meet founders, hear new ideas and connect with organisations supporting business growth in the region.

 

AGENDA

10:00 – 12:00 Start Up Business Showcase in An Cuán Foyer. Start-up’s present their businesses at their stand

11:45 - 12.30 Networking and Light Bites in An Cuan Foyer

12.30 - 12.35 Opening Address, Niamh O’Kennedy, New Frontiers Kerry PM (G101)

12.35 - 12.40 EI Welcome Address – Ciara Concannon, Enterprise Ireland, New Frontiers, National Programme Manager

12:40 – 13:05 Introduce Judges – “My entrepreneurial journey”

  • Matthew Collins, Sibly Food Co.
  • Suzy Griffin Dunne; Hildun Beauty
  • Donagh Ó Buachalla; Ailtir

13:05 – 13:15 The 3 shortlisted companies pitch for 3 mins each

13:15 – 13:30 Guest New Frontiers Alumni Speaker Mariana Kobal; WAZP

13:30 - 13:50 Coffee Break

13:50 - 13:55 Winners announced! Photos with Sponsors and Judges

13:55 - 14:00 Closing Address Anne looney, External Services Manager, MTU