iQ Prize: Finalists Announced

Dublin, Ireland - June 11, 2009 - Following an overwhelming response, Dublin internet consultancy iQ Content yesterday announced the shortlist for its internet start-up competition, the iQ Prize, at the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel.

The iQ Prize offers €10,000 for the best business plan for an internet start-up, with no strings attached. Announced in March, the iQ Prize has caught the imagination of budding online entrepreneurs, with 249 entries received in advance of the May 12 deadline.

The 8 shortlisted entries are:

• Decisions For Heroes (Robin Blandford) -A web application that saves lives by helping rescue teams record and analyze their rescue operations and training
• GetitKeepit.com (Alan Coleman) - A web application to help consumers declutter their lives by offering an online portal for the management and retention of important documentation
• MyHotel.ie (David and Matt Sherlock) - A website and booking engine that reinvents the traditional booking model, offering hotels a powerful new marketing channel with no booking fees
• Neurosynergy Games (David Delany, Lorraine Boran and Michael Boran) -Innovative online brain training application designed to enhance both intellectual ('IQ') and emotional ('EQ') performance for healthy people and people with specific mental disorders
• Octopied (David Behan, Ronan Morris and Michael Flanagan) - A web application for freelancers, helping them manage invoicing, project management, sales and support through one simple and cost-effective tool
• Our Writers' Bloc? (Owen Gallagher and Karl Quinn) - An online marketplace that connects self-published authors directly with their readers, and facilitates the distribution of material over multiple formats including mobile phones and e-Reader devices
• Pendle House (Michael Furey) - An online currency exchange marketplace that allows companies and individuals around the world to trade currencies directly with each other, cutting out all transaction costs
• Plink (Mark Cummins) - An image-driven search engine that allows users take a photo of an object with a mobile phone, and automatically retrieve information about it online

"We're delighted with both the quality and diversity of the entries we've received for the iQ Prize," said Morgan McKeagney, Managing Director of iQ Content. "The response reinforces the depth of talent in this country, and also shines a light for a better, more innovative Ireland".

"Deciding on the final 8 was really difficult, and we're delighted for those who made the shortlist. But we'd also like to say a massive thank you to everyone else: lots of great ideas didn't make the final cut - but will still go on to become really successful businesses."

On July 8th, the final candidates will make a Dragon's Den type presentation to the judges, followed by a public event where the candidates will be able to make a short elevator pitch to the audience. The People's Choice Award of €1000 and the Grand Prize of €10,000 for the overall winner will be announced at the end of the night.

See a report on the announcement from Net Visionary Award winning Journalist Emmet Ryan of Villa81 or watch a live Qik video by Damian Bannon.