Want to start a business but don’t have a business idea? We are now recruiting for the Discovery Zone for October 2010!

The Discovery Zone is designed to assist experienced professionals who now find themselves at a time in their careers where they want to develop new ideas, start a business or alternatively want to explore ways of using their skills in exploiting other commercial opportunities through partnership with other entrepreneurs or academic institutions.

Immersed in this twelve-week programme, participants will explore a number of key topics from idea generation to routes to commercialisation. They will not only see the ‘big picture’ of the potential of their idea but they will also acquire an understanding of what they need to do if they want to commercialise their idea or alternatively develop partnership arrangements with suitable parties.

Upon completion of the Programme participants will have a better understanding and appreciation of a wide range of issues including the following:

•  How commercial ideas are generated.
•  Testing the commercial viability of new ideas – what are the key assumptions about the idea that need to be tested and verified.
•  Routes to commercialisation – new start-up, licensing or joint venture.
•  Practical guidance from individuals on how they successfully change from manager to entrepreneur.
•  Going from a good idea to developing a worthwhile business opportunity.

In addition, they will be expected to do a feasibility study on their business idea generated during the programme.

Delivery of the Programme
The full time Programme will be delivered over a 12 week period commencing in October 2010. Places on the Programme will be offered to 10 suitable participants and selection will be by means of an interview process. The participants will be based in the Rubicon Centre www.rubiconcentre.ie, in Cork Institute of Technology, for the duration of the programme. Each participant will be expected to attend the Rubicon Centre for 5 days per week where they will receive guidance individually and in groups to assist in progressing their ideas.

The Programme Manager will act as a resource for the participants in helping them make progress. In addition, participants will have access to the expertise of Rubicon staff, CIT researchers and the CIT Technology Transfer Office.

During the course of the Programme it is expected that each project will be allocated the services of an Enterprise Ireland Mentor who will provide specific guidance to participants in developing an idea.

The Discovery Zone is part funded by Enterprise Ireland.

To apply for your place on the programme please click here.

Further details on the Programme can be obtained by contacting Paul Healy, Rubicon Centre Manger - 021 4928901 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .