Red Bull is calling on budding entrepreneurs and student innovators to apply to its international competition, Red Bull Basement, as it returns for 2024.
The competition, which is open to entries from the UK and Ireland, provides a platform for young visionaries to see their ideas come to life. Finalists are invited to a global final in Tokyo, with the winning team setting off on an all-expenses paid trip to Silicon Valley.
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In 2021, Ireland’s representatives Clara Fergus and Harsh Chandra reached the global finals and used the skills and knowledge they gained to develop their business idea, CareersXP, a career guidance solution for students.
Basement winners in 2020, Joanna Power and Paramveer Bhachu, saw their innovative water-saving washing machine idea develop into a business, claiming numerous awards and appearing on the TedxTalk series in 2022.
The aim of the competition is to “connect and inspire up-and-coming change-makers to constructively challenge the status quo and make positive impacts”.
Individuals aged 18 and above at the time of application, proficient in English and living in any of the participating countries can apply – either solo or in pairs.
A team’s application can be submitted as an individual or as a group of two participants. More team members can collaborate behind the scenes, but only up to two representatives can introduce and pitch the idea if the team is selected for the World Final.
You don’t have to be an entrepreneur or an inventor to join and everyone, regardless of educational background, is invited to apply.
Applications are now open and can be submitted until October 31, and this year’s applicants will be the first to benefit from the help of new AI technology.
The chatbot will guide young entrepreneurs through each step, helping to create compelling applications and distilling ideas into business plans.
Ten of the best teams from each country will be invited to present their ideas at the Red Bull Basement National Finals which will take place in November.
Shortlisted entries from the Republic will attend a final in Dublin, where a panel of hand-picked judges from across the Irish tech and business spheres will select the best idea to represent Ireland.
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One team from each county will be selected at the national finals and will go forward to the Global Final in Tokyo in December.
A global winner will win the top prize, an all-expenses paid trip to Silicon Valley and Los Angeles in 2025, where they will receive hands-on experience, mentorship and opportunities to connect with top industry leaders in a three-week long accelerator programme.
Applications can be submitted here.
