A DUNGANNON teenager has been awarded £10,000 to develop his fledgling business.
Jack Wallace (18) will use the money for his app Travellise which provides a personalised tourism experience for visitors to any destination.
He won the grant as part of the Northern Ireland Science Park's (NISP) Generation Innovation Internship Prize.
The prize was developed in collaboration with entrepreneurs, Tom O’Gorman and Jim Finnegan.
Mr Wallace was one of six interns that competed for the award.
“This summer has been an incredible experience for me – a real opportunity of a lifetime. Through Generation Innovation and the Science Park, I have had the chance to meet some of the best of the best in Northern Ireland and they have given freely of their advice, insight and experience," he said.
“I’m so grateful to the sponsors and everyone who has challenged and guided me along the way. With this fantastic prize money, I will now be able to move my app, Travellise, forward and turn my idea into a real business. I can’t wait!”
The interns were matched with an entrepreneur-in-residence, who worked with them on their business model pitch.
They also made pitches to various experts in key areas of business model strategies, including go-to-market, commercialisation and funding and used the constructive feedback to refine their business models.
“Our proven formula was applied this time to young people, and it’s been a privilege to work with some of our most inspiring and motivated young people,” said John Knapton, director of Springboard at NISP CONNECT.
“This programme wouldn’t exist without the support of sponsors Tom O’Gorman and Jim Finnegan. Our interns benefitted enormously from their generosity. There is an opportunity here for additional local philanthropists to get involved in the 2016 programme. Hats off to Jack for his much deserved win.”
