International Security Accelerator starts, January 2018, Cork

When and where is it on?

The International Security Accelerator starts in January 2018 and it runs for 13 weeks in Cork City Centre.

Closing date for applications to the programme is the 30th November.

How many years has it been going?

This is the first year of the Accelerator with two cohorts planned for 2018

What was the inspiration to start it?

Ireland has a very powerful and unique security cluster developed over the last 10-15 years particularly around Cork. As a nation we are getting better and better at developing disruptive platforms and security is a vertical that we are particularly well placed to scale and compete at a global level.

There is also strong demand coming from the angel investor network looking for opportunities to invest in the fast growing security space. These investors are looking for companies that can design, disrupt and deliver in the Wider Security areas across Cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IOT), Smart Cities, Health & Bioinformatics, Defence, Critical Infrastructure, Financial Services & Logistics.

What exciting things can participants expect from the programme?

This is a programme run by Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs. The team have all done startups, raised capital and succeeded internationally with great exits. It plugs right into the heart of the International security sector. With support from sponsors like Trend Micro and with access to the vast CorkBIC network and in particular the core mentors, startups will be able to develop and validate their business at an incredible pace. The funding and investment is all private and will focus on tech validation with corporates and channels and building the team to scale with the channels and smart investment. The Accelerator peer group will also be a key component for the participants to share experiences, knowledge and contacts. Applications are already coming in from all around the world, so if you really want to have a global perspective to maximise the market opportunity then the International Security accelerator is the place to be.

What do participants get for taking part in the program?

Participants receive €50,000 Investment, comprising of:
€20k Cash
€10k Company Specific Investor Grade Business Planning & professional Advisory services
€20k Office space, dedicated mentors & coaches and Access to the Entrepreneur Experience®
Investor Demo Days and access to Our International Investor Network

Who are the mentors?

The mentors are all world class experts in Security, or Entrepreneurs that have successfully built, scaled and exited their own companies. These include Tom Kellerman who held a seat on the Commission for Cyber Security under President Obama, and Candace Johnson who is one of the 50 most powerful businesswomen in Europe and co-initiator of one of the largest satellite systems in the world. We also have one of Ireland’s leading VC firms Kernel Capital as a lead partner to the programme.

How can people find out more or apply to the programme?

All the details are on the website isa.corkbic.com or you can reach out to the programme manager Derek Gallagher on dgallagher@corkbic.com

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