Paul Groarke and Garrett Hussey, co-founders of e-learning venture ASimil8, the overall winner of NovaUCD 2008 Campus Company Development Programme
University research is a key national resource which is making a growing contribution to Ireland's competitiveness and sustained economic growth through the generation of innovative products and services. In this regard university start-up companies have a strategic role in building a thriving knowledge-based economy in Ireland.
NovaUCD is currently seeking applications for the 2009 Campus Company Development Programme (CCDP) which commences in March. The CCDP is NovaUCD’s flagship enterprise support programme and it has run annually since 1996. Since then over 140 projects and 210 individuals have completed the Programme and former participants now collectively employ over 700 people.
The aim of the CCDP is to assist UCD academic and research entrepreneurs in the establishment and development of knowledge-intensive enterprises to commercialise the output of their research and other innovative ideas. The Programme assists entrepreneurs in defining and developing their innovative ideas and preparing a detailed business plan.
The Programme will contain a mix of practical training and consultancy support including 12 half-day workshops, one-to-one advice, consultancy meetings, and a series of networking events. Throughout the Programme participants will be assisted in the development of a business plan.
Projects participating on the Programme will be assessed by an Evaluation Panel made up of representatives from NovaUCD’s network and sponsors, including Arthur Cox and Deloitte.
The CCDP will culminate in an awards evening which will be held in November 2009. At this event each project will deliver an “elevator pitch” on their project to an audience which is made up of the NovaUCD network including venture capitalists. Three short-listed projects will present their business plans in more detail and an overall winner will be announced.
For more information or for an application form please contact Dr Ciara Leonard, Project Manager, Enterprise Development (01-716 3714).
Related links
For additional information on the 2009 Campus Company Development Programme visit the Nova UCD website
