Finalists for Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch Final revealed
Waterproof socks, an AI maths learning platform, and a medical sensor to detect when someone stops breathing – just some of the business ideas set to go head-to-head in the final of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch later this month.
Entrepreneurs from across Northern Ireland, representing each council area, will make one final pitch to a panel of expert judges for the chance to secure £5,000 in investment for their business – having already captured £1,000 by winning their local heat.
The final of the competition, organised by the government-backed enterprise support service Go Succeed will take place in Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy on 19th November.
Members of the public also have the chance to vote for their favourite finalist in the People’s Choice Award.
The 11 finalists that will each make a three-minute pitch in the final, include Margaret McKee of Humble Bee Therapies, which provides holistic therapy products from natural ingredients; inventor John Barber who has invented a breathing detection device; and Alexandra Mooney who has designed ND Nook, an app to support the parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Others include Donnamarie Robertson of digital rental portal Landlord and Tenant Protection; Sander Van Eck, who has created a range of waterproof socks, designed to improve comfort and performance for outdoors use; and Mary Blake who has an idea for an AI enabled personal archive platform SeeMe.
They will be joined by Diane Reilly who will showcase Endovia, a digital tool for speeding up the diagnosis of Endometriosis; Katie Willoughby whose business ProTech seeks to build soft skills among tech leaders; and William Mawhinney, who has a new business that conducts hull inspections of vessels.
Finally, Noel Doyle, who has designed MathsIMade, a maths learning platform for children; and Ruchira Radhe Rangaprasad of Balantra which provides nutrition sachets designed to blend seamlessly into drinks, foods and routines.
Stephen Gillespie, Director of Business and Culture at Derry City & Strabane District Council said:
“Many congratulations to all the finalists in what is set to be an incredibly competitive and entertaining conclusion to Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch.
“The breadth and diversity of business ideas illustrates the entrepreneurial talent present in every part of the region.
“We look forward to seeing the final pitches at Seamus Heaney HomePlace as the winning entrepreneur prepares to write themselves into the future economic success story of Northern Ireland.”
Entrepreneurs will pitch to a panel of judges which includes Carol Fitzsimmons MBE, Young Enterprise NI, Valerie McConville, CO3, Kevin O’Reilly, Toastmasters, and Smart Storage founder Paul Jacob who successfully secured investment on the Irish version of Dragons’ Den.
The overall winner will receive the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award, £5,000 investment, and a prize package including a photography session supplied by Brian Thompson Photography, podcast recording session supplied by Attention X Studio NI, membership of Toastmasters, and a media training session supplied by LK Communications.
Winners of sub-categories at the regional final, which include the Go Succeed Impact Award for the best social enterprise, the Go Succeed Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award, and the Go Succeed Rising Star Award for the most inspiring 16–25-year-old entrepreneur, will also receive £1,500 towards their business idea.
Meanwhile, members of the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite regional finalist to win the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Ardmore Group, with the winner also receiving a £1,500 cash prize.
To vote for their favourite finalist, members of the public can visit www.go-succeed.com/theultimatepitch.
Go Succeed (www.go-succeed.com) is funded by the UK Government and delivered by Northern Ireland’s 11 councils. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support – including mentoring, masterclasses, peer networks, access to grant funding and business planning – at every stage of their growth journey.
Read the Big Data Special Edition free online →
Stay connected with NI's tech community:
Subscribe to our newsletter – Get the latest tech news, job opportunities, and events delivered to your inbox
Visit Sync NI – Your daily source for Northern Ireland technology news
