Technium Challenge Competition and Awards Ceremony

Technium Challenge is the UK's leading business planning competition for early stage enterprises within the technology or knowledge based environments

Competition Benefits

¦ A £30,000 prize package that includes free offi ce space for one year in one of the 12 Technium innovation centres around Wales.

¦ All-participant access to complimentary, bespoke professional support to develop a solid business plan and turn great ideas into successful business propositions.

¦ Open invitation to a number of free networking events to introduce fellow entrants and business support professionals.

"Starting up a new Biotechnology company is no easy task. However, having entered and won the Technium Challenge competition, we have now been able to establish our business in Wales, thanks to the continued encouragement and support we received from the members of the Technium and Welsh Assembly teams." Justin John, Madison Animal Health UK 2009 winner.

Eligibility Criteria

The competition is open to technology or knowledge-based early stage businesses (maximum two years trading) and pre-starts that demonstrate a patentable idea with a strong R&D element.

How to Apply

The fi rst step for entrants is to register interest by completing a brief application form that can be found at:

www.technium.co.uk/challengeuk or on request via e-mail:

Competition Programme for 2009/10

¦ Stage 1 – Entry

Entrants will be contacted to verify eligibility following receipt of applications. The deadline for submission of applications is Friday 26th March, 2010*.

*Please note that the earlier applications are received and validated, the more time there will be to make best use of the support available for developing a business plan.

¦ Stage 2 – Development of Business Plan

Entrants are required to prepare business plans ready for submission to the judges. The format of the business plan is left to the discretion of the entrants but should be as succinct and clear as possible. Free advice and support from a range of professional fi rms will be on offer throughout the competition, both on request and via the organised events programme.

The deadline for submission of a comprehensive business plan is: Thursday 29th April, 2010.

¦ Stage 3 – Shortlisting of Finalists

A preliminary judging panel will independently assess the entries prior to meeting to agree a shortlist of six to eight finalists.

¦ Stage 4 – Final Judging and Presentations

Shortlisted applicants make a brief presentation to the final judging panel as part of this final decision-making process. It is likely that this will take place the week commencing 31st May, 2010.

Awards Ceremony

The winner and runners-up will be announced at the Technium Awards Ceremony to be held in Wales on Thursday 24th June 2010. All entrants will be invited to attend this dinner to celebrate their participation and take advantage of the networking opportunity.

Up to 150 technology companies attend this prestigious annual event which also includes awards for the winner and runners-up of the Technium Challenge International competition (a separate competition promoted across 16 countries). The event also celebrates a number of awards for resident Technium companies.

Technium Challenge is a business planning competition hosted by Technium. Supporting the growth of emerging technology businesses.

Technium is supported by the Welsh Assembly Government and European Union Convergence funding

For further information please contact the competition organisers:-

Mari Arthur, Mari Arthur Marketing

Tel: 07799 431060

E-mail: www.technium.co.uk/challengeuk