Technology PEI announced the finalists for St@rt Up Challenge 2001 today. Four finalists from the twenty-four entries have been selected in this year's e-business plan competition with entrants ranging from high school students to experienced entrepreneurs. This year there is a Student category as well as a New or Existing Business category.
A panel of judges reviewed all entries and selected two finalists in each category. Student category finalists are Alex Rice and Alistar Grant for "Online Tutor" and Tim Wartman, Tim Lynch, Rona Stewart and William Boyles for "Online Grocery Store."
New or Existing Business category finalists are PEI Innovations Inc. for "IDEAS-Impact Data and Events Analysis System," and Timeless Technologies for "Automated Web-Based Conference Call Scheduling System."
Submissions for this year's event were up significantly over 2000 reflecting the increasing interest in Information Technology on PEI.
"We are very impressed with the number of entries for this year's St@rt Up Challenge," says the Honourable Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology. "The information technology sector is very important to Prince Edward Island and is growing at a rapid pace. The interest in the St@rt Up Challenge reflects this growth. All entrants are to be commended for their effort and initiative."
Each group of finalists is now working with an industry mentor to develop a business plan for their idea. Finalists will be judged on these business plans and their presentations. A "timed pitch" session will be presented to a panel of judges with an audience of industry members, financial lenders, venture capitalists and peers looking on. This takes place on Friday, May 4, during the kick off of Information Technology Week. First and second place winners will be announced for each category as well as an overall grand prize winner.
Support for this project is provided by Technology PEI, the lead information technology corporation for the province, which assists knowledge-based companies in developing and advancing business development initiatives. Additional support is provided by event sponsors including Island Tel-An Aliant Company, Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales, Island Services Network, Baker Consulting, MicroAge and IBM and Price Waterhouse Coopers.
For more information, contact Lee Brammer, Special Projects, Technology PEI, (902)368-5961.