TESLA PROJECT Action No. 3:Innovative Outreach Partners:Líonra (Lead), University of Bangor, CIT & INI Innovation Main Thrust of the Action: (i)To deploy the technological and innovation capabilities of HEIs on an Outreach basis in the service of knowledge-intensive start-ups operating in areas geographically distant from HE Centres. (ii) To keep talented entrepreneurs within their regions thereby contributing to economic growth through the development of innovation-led businesses that can compete internationally. 17/05/20121

Role of Partners The partners will be required to provide strategic and operational support & expertise appropriate to the business, technological & innovation needs of the technology start-ups as determined by suitably qualified and experienced mentors. Transnational partners will be involved jointly and severally in the delivery of the programmes. It is envisaged that ICT technologies, specifically, webinars will be deployed for effectiveness and cost efficiency in the delivery of the suite of Business Development supports. Facilities at the Outreach Centres should be broadly comparable and in particular broadband & telephone capabilities should be adequate for conference calling. 17/05/20122

A major challenge for the partners will be managing the public call and the selection of 110 HPKIs across the four Partner Regions. 17/05/20123

Performance Indicators (PIs) This particular Action is challenging to organise and execute and will require a high degree of pre-planning to ensure that the Programme Indicators and related data is systematically captured and recorded. By comparing the performance of HPKIs on the Outreach programme with the performance of technology start-ups at similar stages of development based at On-Campus Innovation Centres, it will be possible to assess the relative effectiveness & efficiency of the Pilot Action. 17/05/20124

Action No. 7: Mentor + Partners:Líonra (Lead), EBN, LMT & INI Innovation Aim of Action: (i) To provide advanced mentoring by sector-specific business specialists to entrepreneurs involved with HPKIs so as to enhance their business skills and competencies thereby accelerating the development of the companies for early stage entry into international markets. 17/05/20125

Role of Partners: (i)To procure through a public call the services of mentors who can provide high level mentoring on: Preparing Investor – ready business plans and coaching the entrepreneur on making an effective elevator pitch to a potential investor, VC…. International Sales and Marketing approaches - validating the international market - route to market etc 17/05/20126

Outcomes The provision of Advanced Mentoring by a panel of international business mentors with sector specific knowledge is geared towards accelerating the development of HPKIs that will deliver innovative products and services that are internationally competitive. Outcomes will be measured and mapped against the schedule of deliverables prescribed in the TESLA contract. 17/05/20127