INVENT Digital Pack
All the essential INVENT information, in one place.
Presented by Catalyst with Headline Partner Bank of Ireland
INVENT is an annual competition that celebrates our innovation and entrepreneurship
INVENT provides a global platform and robust support system for impactful projects
Offers a total prize fund of £55,000 supported by Catalyst and Bank of Ireland
What is INVENT?
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?
Validation: Gain recognition and validation for your innovative ideas and projects.
Networking: Access a quality network of influencers, peers, and industry experts to foster collaboration and growth.
Exposure: Showcase your innovation to a global audience, gaining high-profile visibility.
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.
By participating in INVENT, you not only gain exposure and validation but also access valuable resources and opportunities to propel your innovation journey forward.
What to expect at each INVENT stage
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• Invitation to Category Pitch: If successful in your application, you will be invited to pitch online within your category.
• Communications Workshop: Learn how to effectively communicate your innovation.
• Finance Essentials Facilitated by INVENT Head Judge Michael Black: Gain insights into financial management essentials tailored to the needs of startups and entrepreneurs.
• Branding and Marketing Workshop: Gain insights into effectively branding and marketing your innovation, led by Catalyst's Head of Marketing, Jamie Stinson.
• Feedback and Advice: Receive constructive feedback and expert advice on how to refine and advance your innovation to the next level.
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• Intellectual Property Protection: Learn how to protect your innovation from a leading law firm.
• Networking Opportunities: Network with fellow innovators and expand your professional connections.
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• Allocated Mentors: Receive guidance and support from mentors experienced in startup and commercialisation.
• Free 1:1 Legal Advice: Gain access to complimentary 1:1 legal advice from a leading law firm to ensure the protection and legality of your innovation.
• Financial Guidance: Receive financial advice from Bank of Ireland, the headline partner, and fundraising experts to explore funding options such as VC and Angel funding, grants, and bootstrapping.
• Develop Silent Deck: Learn how to develop and refine your silent deck with local venture capital fund managers Clarendon Fund Managers.
• Brand Awareness: Increase brand awareness at the INVENT Awards, which have been viewed by over 43,000 people.
• Networking and Scaling Programmes: Engage with Catalyst’s Partner Organisations and explore opportunities to move into scaling programmes when ready.
• Ongoing Support: Receive ongoing championing and support from the Catalyst team as you continue your innovation journey.
Applications Open: Monday 19th May
Applications Close: Sunday 29th June
Qualifying Round Pitches: Monday 28th & Tuesday 29th July
Semi-Final Pitches: Tuesday 19th August
Silent Deck Submissions: Tuesday 9th September
Final Pitches: Tuesday 23rd September
INVENT Awards Night: Thursday 23rd October
INVENT key dates
To see a full list of dates for INVENT, please refer to the Key Dates 2025 section in the terms & conditions.
How to apply for INVENT
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Explore the 6 categories: Creative Leisure, Green Horizons, Future Business, BioBreakthroughs, Living Well and Uncharted Ideas.
Visit our website to learn more about each category and find the best fit for your innovation.
If you're not sure which category suits you best, please reach out to the INVENT team for support choosing at invent@wearecatalyst.org
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Review the mandatory dates of the INVENT programme:
Qualifying Round Pitches: Monday 28th & Tuesday 29th July (Exact date to be confirmed based on category).
Semi-Final Pitches: Tuesday 19th August.
Final Pitch Day: Tuesday 23rd September
Awards Night: Thursday 23rd October
Additional workshops to support in preparing for each pitch stage are available. While non-mandatory, we encourage attendance where possible.
Please refer to the Key Dates 2025 section in the terms & conditions for a full list.
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Share the news!
Copy and paste this link and share this digital pack with your network to spread the word about INVENT
https://bit.ly/4dr302H
Download the INVENT graphics – share these on your social media platforms
Here is some suggested copy to use to promote INVENT on your social media:
Got an innovative solution to a problem? Apply for INVENT now and take your innovation to the next level. Apply here: https://bit.ly/42vrILB
#INVENT2025
Do you have a groundbreaking idea? Join INVENT 2025 and showcase your innovation to the world. Apply here: https://bit.ly/42vrILB
#INVENT2025
Calling all entrepreneurs - INVENT 2025 is live! Apply now and be in with a chance of winning a share of £55,000. Now is the time to put your innovation in the spotlight. Apply here: https://bit.ly/42vrILB
#INVENT2025
Download the flyer
Student Invent
Learn more about INVENT's sister competition specifically for students with ideas.
Question?
Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries or clarifications.