ITUS Secure Technologies was recently shortlisted as a finalist in the coveted INVENT Awards for their innovative cyber risk management software, ITUS Protect. Organised by science and technology hub Catalyst with headline partner Bank of Ireland UK, INVENT is the highlight event of the year for early-stage start-ups and aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their innovations to a panel of expert judges.
At an award ceremony held in the ICC Belfast on Thursday 3 October 2024, ITUS Secure Technologies was one of two finalists Within the ‘Future Business’ category. Dia Beta Labs Ltd, an innovative health-tech startup that aims to overhaul diabetes treatment, was awarded the overall winner for 2024, taking home £30,000 from the total prize fund of £55,000.
Dr Clare Ryan, Co-founder, ITUS Secure Technologies, explains the concept behind ITUS Protect, “Our product has been specifically tailored to meet the needs of non-technical business owners, with complex security outputs simplified and prioritised to help identify key areas for action. Our mission is to help every small business get access to the cyber insurance they need to protect their business. We’re aiming to be the cyber risk monitoring solution of choice from the SME sector. We believe that we have developed a highly scalable solution to a global problem.”
The twelve finalists each took to the stage at the awards ceremony to give a one-minute elevator pitch for the chance to win £1,000 as voted for by the audience. In her pitch, Dr Clare Ryan delivered a call to action to encourage businesses to sign-up as early adopters to ITUS Protect to reach the company’s target of having 100 companies on board by Christmas.
In closing, Dr Clare Ryan said, “We’re honoured to have been recognised as one of the top 12 most innovative start-ups in Northern Ireland. A huge thank you to Catalyst and Bank of Ireland for hosting such an inspiring competition and event and to the amazing mentors for their invaluable support over the past few months. The energy in the room on the evening was electric as the wider start-up ecosystem came together to celebrate innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Seeing so many talented people and ground breaking ideas showcased was nothing short of inspiring!. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists – your dedication and passion are shaping the future of Northern Ireland’s start-up landscape. Congratulations to Ryan Lafferty from Dia Beta Labs Ltd who took home the Overall Winner award and £30,000 in prize money and to Leeann Monk-Özgül (Tech For Good) who was the winner of the Catalyst for Change award. We’re thrilled to be part of this journey and excited for what’s next!”
If your organisation is interested in learning more about ITUS Protect email: hello@itusprotect.io More information on all the finalists can be found online at www.invent24.co.