The third Top Technology Talent competition is now open to Galway students. Jane Kearns has the latest…

The 2013 Top Technology Talent Competition has recently been launched by Ireland’s leading business advisory firm; Deloitte.
Now in its third year, the competition, which is open to all Galway students, seeks innovative ideas from students at all levels across Ireland on how technology can solve a business problem.
The students with the top submissions will be invited to present their business plan to a panel of technology industry experts.
Harry Goddard, a technology consultant with Deloitte said; “Deloitte’s Top Technology Talent Competition is about finding the finest minds amongst the next generation of technology talent. As a significant employer of graduates, Deloitte recognises how critical talented technology graduates are to the future.
“We are looking for practicable, workable and innovative ideas that use any form of technology to solve a business problem, create a business opportunity or enhance an existing service offering. This competition showcases the excellence, originality and entrepreneurial spirit that exist within Ireland’s student body. We have been impressed with the quality of submissions in previous years and are excited to see what innovative ideas the 2013 competition will bring!”
The shortlisted entries will be invited to Deloitte’s Dublin offices in April to present their idea, “Dragon’s Den style”, to a panel of industry experts who will decide on the winner. Along with members of the Deloitte team, the judging panel will feature Jason Ward, EMC Ireland Country Manager, as a guest judge.
Last year’s winner, Philip Hayes, was a Business Studies student in the University of Limerick whose idea was entitled Goforagoo.com – a social networking website that explores aspects of user interaction both on a virtual and a physical level, setting it apart from other social network sites.
The technology the site would utilise included Web 2.0, cloud computing and geo-social networking which organises user details such as locations and interests, alongside targeted advertising.
Philip said that he was thrilled to win the Top Technology Talent Competition. The competition was an excellent opportunity and the feedback from the judges and mentors proved to be invaluable.
The winner of this year’s competition will be able to choose either a €1,000 prize or four weeks of paid work experience in Deloitte’s Technology Consulting practice.