Apply for INVENT 2024
Catalyst's annual INVENT competition has opened for entries, with a top prize of £25,000 for the overall winner and six new categories to enter
The competition offers an opportunity for early-stage start-ups and entrepreneurs to showcase their innovations and proof-of-concept ideas to a panel of expert judges.
The competition culminates with an awards event on 3 October 2024 at the ICC Belfast, where the judges will select ideas which they believe have the greatest potential for impact.
INVENT 2024 categories
Recognising that innovation comes in various forms, and to ensure a focused competition, this year's INVENT sees the creation of six new categories.
Creative leisure
Innovations in entertainment, creativity, and recreation, from reshaping film to pushing fashion boundaries.
Green horizons
Environmental sustainability innovations, from waste reduction to green technology, healing and preserving the Earth.
Biobreakthroughs
Pioneering work in Life Sciences, welcoming advancements in healthcare technologies and the understanding of living organisms.
Living well
Celebrating innovations that enhance quality of life, from SportsTech to mental health solutions and lifestyle products.
Future business
Transforming the business landscape with innovations in financial technology, cybersecurity, data management, and business robotics.
Unchartered ideas
For pioneering products or services beyond the usual - presenting ideas that don't neatly fit elsewhere, a unique exploration of innovation. Participants won't know the type of innovations they're up against.
Each innovation can only be submitted to one category. Applicants must have a basic prototype to apply to INVENT.
The prize fund
The awards have a total £55,000 prize fund available - £5,000 for each category winner, and an additional £20,000 for the overall winner totalling a £25,000 top prize.
Additional prizes of £1,000 will be awarded to the best student application and the best elevator pitch delivered on the night of the INVENT Awards.
The deadline for applications is 1 pm on 22 April 2024.
Find out more and apply for INVENT 2024.
First published 5 March 2024