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InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Competition

05 March 2025

This competition is for start-ups and early stage businesses who will have a chance to win a share of a €800,000 cash prize fund.

This competition is for start-ups and early stage businesses who will have a chance to win a share of a €800,000 cash prize fund

InterTradeIreland’s Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition, for start-ups and early-stage businesses, mirrors the real-life investment process.

Participants, who are in with a chance to win a share of a €800,000 cash prize fund, are able to secure expert feedback on their business plans and pitches, improve their investor readiness and gain exposure to investors, and boost their profile.

Prizes

There are a range of cash prizes:

€130,000 for the overall winner
Two €100,000 prizes for Best Business-to-Business, Business-to-Consumer or Deep Tech company winners
Nine €50,000 regional winners
€20,000 impact award

Every business idea/plan submitted is reviewed by investment experts and you are given individual feedback.

Shortlisted companies also get a unique opportunity to pitch to investors and business leaders.

Eligibility

The competition is aimed at independent ventures incorporated on the island of Ireland (Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland) in the seed, start-up or early stages of business development and ideally targeting international markets.
The competition is for individuals or venture teams, who have created, manage and own such ventures.
The promoters/founder entrepreneurs are to have played a major role in conceiving the venture, continuing to have key management roles and to own significant equity.
Ventures which have already raised external equity in excess of €1m (or sterling equivalent) are not eligible.

The judges are looking for the same elements as a potential investor including:

high growth companies
the optimum risk/reward profile
a strong management team
ability to exit

Information Sessions

InterTradeIreland is holding a series of online information events and one in-person event in Northern Ireland which will provide an overview of the competition, details of the key benefits, hints and tips, and ways to improve your application.

The sessions take place on: