Supporting Future Innovators
The Digital Greenhouse prepares for a second accelerator round
With applications for Guernsey’s first Startup Academy in final shortlisting, thoughts have already turned to the summer and the start of the island’s next ‘Venture Challenge.’ Open to applications from digital entrepreneurs and innovators from all sectors who are looking to scale.
Those shortlisted will also have the opportunity to pitch for £70,000 of early stage funding at the open event on the 21st September. Judge of the 2022 cohort, Dr Jamie Coleman said, “The quality of the startups was impressive. Each company had a significant understanding of the problem and had built technology that was suitable to test with potential customers. Whilst at an early stage, each of the founding teams showed real promise. I expect great things in the future.”
Three entrepreneurs were awarded through the finals last year and we hope their stories encourage more people on Guernsey to take the leap and make their ideas a reality.
“At the presentation night I was so nervous, it was my first ever pitch, but what we have created is so innovative we won first prize. I am eternally grateful to the judges for seeing the potential of Origin. But it wasn’t just about our journey. That night we stood alongside other passionate and talented entrepreneurs. Guernsey is a land of opportunity, with such positive support from the Digital Greenhouse it is a great place to innovate and to get noticed.” First Prize Winner: Dave Zak, Founder of NionNet Origin.
“The whole experience, from start to finish, was valuable. Even the application form was a great exercise, forcing us to collect our thoughts about how far we had come, where we wanted to go in the future, and how we might achieve that goal. Our mentor, Josie, was incredibly supportive and positive, whilst questioning our assumptions and ideas to help us hone our pitch. We learnt an enormous amount and would highly recommend it to companies looking to scale.” Second Prize Winner: Catherine and Trevor Nicholls, Founders of EaseeDo
“Seeing all the other business pitches was eye opening, showing the hard work and dedication of all the participants was of a very high standard. Winning the Youngpreneur prize was obviously the highlight of the evening but the whole experience was equally rewarding. I look forward to what the future holds for ISO-PASS.” Youngpreneur Winner: Louis Pike, Founder of ISO-PASS
