The digital media and software incubation centre, Media Cube, based at Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT), is offering free office space worth €7,500 for one lucky and talented company via its Innovation Cubed competition.
This is the second year in a row that the centre has run such an event focused on identifying new digital media and creative companies with potential and rewarding the best of them.
Media Cube Manger, Martin Hogan, himself with direct experience of leading start-up businesses, has been vocal in calling for more support for start-up companies particularly in the digital sectors.
According to Hogan, “We are not short in Ireland of reports and strategy documents on the overused terms of the “smart, knowledge, green and now innovation-economies.” What we lack are real supports and funded initiatives to translate what have become clichés into well planned development assistance for start-ups and SMEs. Unless these are in place the reports produced are of little value.”
Since opening in early 2007, Media Cube has proved successful in attracting and promoting start-ups in digital media and software, helping them to develop, facilitating networking and promoting business and research opportunities.
Speaking about the competition, Hogan said: “We are targeting applications from 60 high-quality start-ups and SMEs from across the region. The finalists will receive advice from some of the most experienced businesspeople in the country and will compete to join the community of highly successful companies in Media Cube rent free for one year.”
“What we are looking for is a dynamic digital company that works on content or software, which has passed the initial start-up stage and is looking to expand and reach the next level of development and market placement. Media Cube’s goal is to support companies to achieve their potential,” he added.
The judges for Innovation Cubed are industry leaders in the sector: David McRedmond, CEO, TV3; Paul Rellis, managing director, Microsoft Ireland, and Andrew Collins, managing director and owner of 123.ie.
The 2009 winners were Richie Conroy and Mark Hodgkinson of Snowluke Pictures. The company has just produced a second series of its football series Fran, which will soon be shown on Setanta Sports.
“As a winner of the competition in 2009 we have benefited greatly from our new home. Apart from advice and support, an exciting benefit to our location in the Media Cube is working with other digital companies in the centre. The prize and recognition has given us new confidence, we have secured development deals and funding over the last year and are now looking further afield for opportunities,” said Conroy of Snowluke Pictures.
The competition, which was launched with Bartley O’Connor of PWC, will receive applications until the 3rd of December.
More information is available at www.innovationcubed.ie
