25th January 2018
Heather Humphreys, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, last night awarded Matt Hanbury of Lightly Technologies, the ‘Lead Entrepreneur Award’ at the DIT/IADT New Frontiers Annual Showcase. Sponsored by William Fry, the must-see event featured 30 entrepreneurs from Enterprise Ireland’s 2017 ‘New Frontiers’ programme competing to win the top prize.
Watched by over 100 start-up stakeholders, Lightly Technologies wowed the venture capitalists on the Judging Panel with their success and future plans. Matt Hanbury, CEO of Lightly Technologies, said, ‘We’re absolutely delighted and honoured, we are so excited to scale the business into Europe this year!’
The Minister congratulated Matt, the runners up and the other Programme participants on their success. ‘The entrepreneurs’ drive for success mirrors the Government’s strong commitment to create jobs, nurture businesses and support world-beating start-up companies. She added, ‘I commend DIT, IADT, William Fry and Enterprise Ireland for their strong passion in helping entrepreneurs grow and prosper.’
Leo Moore, a Partner in William Fry's Technology Department, commented, ‘This is the third year we have hosted the Showcase and I'm delighted to say that the quality and enthusiasm is really impressive. I'd like to congratulate Matt on a great win. With a client base including both Irish start-ups and established international brands, we at William Fry are committed to supporting Ireland's next generation of entrepreneurs. It's great to see so much talent and potential at the Showcase’.
David Bowles, a venture capitalist at Delta Partners and the Chair of the Judging Panel, added his praise, ‘Choosing a winner was tough. All 30 businesses deserve an award. All I can say is they each have a strong business behind them!’ He went on to give particular praise to the three finalists, who were chosen to battle it out in the riveting final Panel Q&A, Equine Medi-Record, Horus IoT and, the ultimate overall winner, Lightly Technologies - ‘They each did brilliantly. We’ll definitely be following their progress closely.’
The keynote speaker, Ivan MacDonald, CEO of MySay and Hothouse Alumnus, spoke of his own start-up journey adding afterward, ‘It was a fantastic to hear from the entrepreneurs about their ideas and achievements. Truly inspirational - they set a high bar for the next Showcase. Bring on 2018.’
Ends
For more information please contact the Press Office, Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation at (01) 631 2200 or press.office@dbei.gov.ie.
Editor’s Notes:
New Frontiers:
This is a national entrepreneur development programme delivered by DIT Hothouse and IADT. It is funded by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation through Enterprise Ireland. DIT and IADT deliver the programme, along with numerous other institutions nationally.
More information and to apply to the New Frontiers programme
Lightly Technologies:
Their website is lightly.tech/
Programme Participants: A full listing of the 30 companies showcased can be received by emailing the DIT Hothouse Team at newfrontiers@dit.ie
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