Ten lucky companies have been given a wonderful opportunity.
22 companies were shortlisted, and ten have been put forward to this year’s AIB Start-Up Academy.
Selected from stiff competition, the Irish start-ups pitched for five minutes in front of a panel of judges, who also conducted an intense Q&A session.
Companies in the sectors of; food, fashion, medical and lifestyle technologies progressed through to the AIB Start-Up Academy.
The 2016 Start-up Academy finalists are:
- Cool Bean Company
- Nasal Medical Ltd
- Popertee
- Brendan Joseph
- Rebel Chilli
- Queezybags
- Blackwater Distillery
- Buska Ltd
- Dropchef
- Leaves
The good news for one other start-up business is that a wildcard pick will be chosen by JOE.ie and Her.ie readers.
Now in its second year, the AIB Startup Academy will offer an intensive eight-week programme, where one very lucky company will come out on top and receive a prize worth €250,000, comprising of; a cash injection, advertising and marketing spend, and a range of other financial and expertise support.
Here were just a few of the delighted reactions…
Thrilled that @BlackDistillery is shortlisted #backedbyAIB #LoveWaterford @AIBBiz https://t.co/ZPVWEW5EXn
— Blackwater Gin (@blackwatergin) February 5, 2016
Congrats to the final 10! It was an honor to be in the final 22! Thank you for @AIBBiz and @IrishTimesBiz for a great day.#backedbyAIB
— Shoployal (@ShoployaltheApp) February 5, 2016
Well done @Queezybags branded by @wearethreesixty #backedbyAib
— threesixty (@wearethreesixty) February 5, 2016
Brilliant news for @BlackDistillery congratulations!!! #BizWaterford #backedbyAIB https://t.co/AWtuq6kn2j
— Business Waterford (@BizWaterford) February 5, 2016
@IrishTimes @IrishTimesBiz Thank you so much. So deliriously happy right now. #backedbyAib
— Queezybags (@Queezybags) February 5, 2016
