Opportunity for Social Entrepreneurship?

There is an interesting call out from those in Enterprise Ireland (EI) called the Business Partners programme.  On their site EI state that in 2009, 35 new companies emerged from State-funded research in Higher Education Institutions and they are working hard to substantially increase this number in 2010. Through the Business Partners Programme, they are seeking to engage and support entrepreneurs to “capitalise on this rich portfolio of research and create start-up companies.”

Enterprise Ireland wants to work with individuals (not companies) who can demonstrate strong commercial experience and the ability to lead a venture. After identifying specific opportunities, Enterprise Ireland will work closely with these individuals over a six month period to produce start-up companies.

There is no reason why one or more of these start-ups cannot be a social enterprise technology company. We have seen that there are many examples of such companies that rely on a technology solution to aid the world’s problems. Here is a good opportunity for right-minded individuals to be supported in looking for technology solutions in our Universities and Institutes of Technology. Such calls should be a good opportunity for social entrepreneurs across Ireland.