InterTradeIreland has opened applications for its 2026 Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition. The programme targets entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland and other regions with structured feedback from investors, pitch training and connections to funding sources.

The competition offers a total prize fund of €800,000. Regional winners receive €50,000 each. Category winners in B2C, B2B and Deeptech areas get €100,000 each.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald attended the launch. Margaret Hearty, Chief Executive of InterTradeIreland, spoke at the event.

Over 23 years, Seedcorn has aided 4,300 businesses. Those companies raised more than €435 million in follow-on funding.

ArrayPatch, the 2025 overall winner, secured €1.5 million in funding after taking part. Waleed Faisal founded ArrayPatch.

Applications close on Friday 24 April at 1pm. Entrants from all sectors can join workshops on eligibility and application tips.