Calling all innovative UK Start ups: enter the famous ‘Discovering Start Up 2012' competition!

The Discovering Start-Ups Competition is now in its third year and while the format has changed slightly, the principles remain clear: to promote technology start-ups and create a platform for them to network and make contacts. “We are very pleased to be running the competition again in 2012, and especially to make it a national competition for all UK start ups”, commented Dr Soraya Jones, CEO of Cambridge Wireless. “The previous two years have been such an amazing success, and we have received gratitude from winners and non-winners alike. Everyone can take something away from our competition, which makes it different from the others currently running”.

The 5 start-up companies judged to have what it takes to win, will receive an exclusive Discovering Start-Ups trophy and certificate; a free ticket to attend the Future of Wireless International Conference (worth £450) as well as the opportunity to present their company in the Innovation Hothouse session of the conference; one year’s free membership to SETsquared (virtual membership worth £1000); publicity opportunities through Silicon SouthWest and Cambridge Wireless.

Membership with SETsquared will include a full business MOT, mentoring support, investor readiness training and the opportunity to be selected for various showcases in London and the US. Simon Bond, CEO of Silicon South West and Chair of SETsquared Business Acceleration said, “The prizes are amazing and the judges are an exceptional selection of industry professionals and investors. This is one of the premier platforms for technology start-ups in the UK. Silicon South West is delighted to be working with Cambridge Wireless to create opportunities to help start-up companies grow, especially in the current difficult economic climate”.

Start-Up companies entered into the competition will pitch to a judging panel drawn from across the industry and investment communities and they bring years of experience from their sectors. Confirmed judges so far include: Ivan Boyd, Head of Business Engagement and Operations, BTID, Carson Bradbury, Founder and Chief Executive, EMAnetworks, Clennell Collingwood, Investment Director, TTP Ventures, Denise De Bilio, RO Seeds Manager, R&D UK, Orange Labs, Gerry Kelliher, Senior Director, UK Sales Operations, RIM, Libby Kinsey, Investment Manager, Nesta Investments, Miles Kirby, Qualcomm, David Leftley, Principal, Vodafone Ventures, Alex McCrackin, Relationship Director, Silicon Valley Bank, UK Branch, David McMeekin, Chairman, London Technology Fund, Leo Poll, Business Development Officer, Philips Innovation Services, Laurent Pouillieute, Investment Manager, Orange, Kumi Thiruchelvam, Director, Strategic Business Development, Broadcom, Anthony Tomlinson, Software Engineer, Google, Colin Watts, Investment Director, Oxford Capital Partners and Gordon Beveridge, Principal, Scottish Equity Partners.