Techstart Ventures and The Workhouse are delighted to announce the winners of the InnovateWest Initiative, with two local Fermanagh entrepreneurs receiving a £10,000 Proof of Concept Grant each, to bring their innovative ideas to life. Techstart is an early-stage technology investor that manages equity and grant funds which are funded by Invest Northern Ireland. In partnership with The Workhouse, an enterprise hub in Enniskillen, Techstart launched the InnovateWest Initiative to drive innovation and economic growth across Northern Ireland’s Mid West and South West regions.

Romona Harron Harding, founder of Net VRAI, and Shelley Cowan, founder of Travel Ease, stood out among a competitive pool of applicants with their groundbreaking concepts designed to address real-world challenges.

Net VRAI, founded by Romona Harron-Harding, is a legal ESG technology subscription software solution. The platform delivers real-time dashboard compliance information to users.

Speaking about the grant, Romona said, “This grant will enable us to accelerate the development of our platform and provide businesses with the tools they need to navigate the complex world of ESG compliance. We look forward to making a meaningful impact in the business world.”

Shelley Cowan’s Travel Ease is an innovative platform designed to help individuals with disabilities find accessible accommodations and services while traveling. The app simplifies travel experiences for people with mobility challenges by offering detailed information on the accessibility of hotels, transportation options, and attractions.

Shelley shared her excitement about the grant: “This initiative is a huge step forward in making travel more inclusive, and with this funding, we will be able to develop our platform to make travel easier for those who face accessibility challenges.”

Kate McGrath, Business Manager at The Workhouse, commended the winners: “Romona and Shelley’s success highlights the incredible talent and creativity within our community. Both Travel Ease and Net VRAI address critical needs in their respective fields, and we’re proud to support their journey through the InnovateWest Initiative.”

The winners of InnovateWest follow in the footsteps of other successful initiatives led by Techstart, which has invested in many other innovative start-ups from the Mid West and South West regions of Northern Ireland including Loadar and Part Dock.

Josh Corry, Investor at Techstart Ventures added, “We’re thrilled to have partnered with The Workhouse to deliver the InnovateWest Initiative and support these ambitious entrepreneurs. Both Romona and Shelley’s ideas are not only innovative but also impactful. This grant funding marks the beginning of their journeys to scale their businesses and make a meaningful difference in their industries.”

For more information on Techstart Grants and future opportunities, visit www.techstartgrants.com.