Media Cube, the only dedicated digital media centre to be based on the campus of an academic institution in Ireland (the Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Dún Laoghaire), are currently inviting entries from digital media and software companies for the Innovate Media ’09 Awards.
Digital Entrepreneurs are being given the opportunity to pitch their business idea to a panel of judges, the members of which include ‘Dragon’s Den’ panelist Sarah Newman, founder of needahotel.com, Paul Rellis, Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland and Dr. Martin Curley, Global Director of Intel Labs Europe.
The Media Cube team is seeking company entries that can demonstrate an innovative product or service with a focus on overseas development and operation in an environment with industry peers. Submissions are now being accepted and the deadline for entries is Thursday, December 3rd at 5.00pm.
The Innovate Media ’09 Award prizes include rent-free office space for a year in the centre, cash prizes and ongoing profiling and mentoring for the winning businesses.
Media Cube Manager, Martin Hogan, says, “The judges will be looking for innovative, well-thought out concepts for digital businesses and we welcome applications from start-up companies or established businesses that are seeking assistance to take them to the next stage of development.”
“Digital Media has developed to be a very broad term incorporating the creation and dissemination of all digital content. It includes companies in e-learning, published media, digital games, animation, film, television, music and or the delivery of this content including broadcasters, mobile, telecom network operators, and software in many sectors to name but a few.”
He finishes by telling IFTN, “The Innovation ’09 Award gives talented creative digital media companies the opportunity to be free of rent hassles for a year in a modern well run facility with some of their best peers in the country.”
Media Cube was opened in 2007 and looks to promote the development of digital media and content companies that show themselves capable of trading in the international arena, facilitating the development of applied research initiative and supporting Ireland’s vision of being at the forefront of the digital media industry. The company is funded by Enterprise Ireland under the National Development Plan. Media Cube currently houses several companies including Customer Minds, Worldnet TPS, ICAP Media, Onlinetradesmen, FÍS Ireland and Campbell Ryan Entertainment who produce RTÉ drama “Aisling’s Diary”.
Companies looking to submit entries for the Innovate Media ’09 Awards can download application forms at www.mediacube.ie/competition
