IT giant offers local start ups support

TODAY IT giant IBM will offer Londonderry startup companies the support and means to develop key resources, promote development and grow their company at a Global Entrepreneur Event in Magee.

The event will provide details of a free initiative offered by the IT giant designed to help start up companies’ utlilise emerging business opportunities in fast growing industries such as energy, healthcare, communications and government.

Noel Crawford, IBM Global Entrepreneur Manager said: “We are launching the IBM Global Entrepreneur 2012 initiative in Derry because of its very strong tradition of successful startup companies.

“Derry is a very business friendly location; our initiative can help young technology companies with the opportunity to collaborate with IBM, accelerate their development plans and access new markets.”

Mayor Alderman Maurice Devenney said: “Derry City Council in collaboration with strategic partners is delighted to have the support of IBM to host the event in the city.

“I urge the new generation of entrepreneurs who fit the requirements to take advantage of the free support in this initiative and the opportunities it will provide.”

Eddie Friel from the University of Ulster’s Office of Innovation said: “The University is delighted to be working with IBM and our other partners on this initiative.

“We have an excellent track record in supporting entrepreneurial businesses, both locally and globally, and assisting the commercialization of great ideas from the quality research base at Ulster.

“Our goal is provide every support to help new business ventures succeed and the IBM initiative presents an excellent platform for such support.”

Included in the IBM Global Entrepreneur initiative is IBM SmartCamp - an exclusive networking and mentoring event that identifies early-stage entrepreneurs developing business ventures that match the ‘Smarter Cities’ efforts by bringing together business, investment, academic, civic and government leaders for discussion about innovation, and economic development in a city environment.

The event is launched in conjunction with Derry City Council, University of Ulster, Invest NI Northern Ireland Science Park and Momentum.

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