Maths platform adds up to make ‘The Ultimate Pitch’ in Mid Ulster
Winner of the local Mid Ulster heat will progress to Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch Final
A Bellaghy-based entrepreneur has taken the top spot at the Mid Ulster local heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch after impressing the judges with his maths learning platform for children.
Noel Doyle, the designer of MathsIMade, secured £1,000 in investment for his business idea and a place in the regional Ultimate Pitch Final next month where he’ll be in with the chance of an additional £5,000.
The competition is organised by the government-backed enterprise support service Go Succeed.
MathsIMade is an AI-powered platform which personalises mathematics for primary school children through their interests to boost engagement.
Noel came up with the idea during the pandemic when he noticed there was a lack of relevant maths tools when he was helping his own children with assignments.
He believes that by personalising training, MathsIMade will make learning more fun and relatable for children, making the subject more meaningful and enjoyable.
Noel, who also won the local Impact Award for his business idea, was among several local entrepreneurs to pitch at the event held in The Burnavon, Cookstown.
Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Frances Burton,said:
Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in the growth and prosperity of Mid Ulster, and this year’s Ultimate Pitch heat has been a fantastic showcase of the talent, energy and innovation that exists right across our district. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of the finalists who took part – your passion, creativity and courage to put forward your ideas is truly inspiring. A special well done to our Mid Ulster heat winner, Noel Doyle, designer of MathsIMade – a brilliant concept that reflects the kind of forward-thinking innovation we’re proud to support. I wish Noel the very best of luck at the regional final and look forward to following his journey. I would also like to pay particular tribute to our dedicated Council staff and the Go Succeed team, who have worked tirelessly to support and encourage each of the participants throughout the process. Their commitment to nurturing local entrepreneurship – helping individuals to develop their ideas, gain confidence, and keep moving forward no matter the challenges – is what makes initiatives like The Ultimate Pitch such a success. To everyone who took part: keep believing in your ideas, keep building on your ambitions, and know that Mid Ulster is behind you every step of the way.
Heat winners from each of Northern Ireland’s 11 councils will progress to The Ultimate Pitch regional final in Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy, on 19 November.
The overall winner at the regional final will receive the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award, £5,000 investment, and a prize package including a photography session supplied by Brian Thompson Photography, podcast recording session supplied by Attention X Studio NI, membership of Toastmasters, and a media training session supplied by LK Communications.
Winners of sub-categories at the regional final, which include the Go Succeed Impact Award for the best social enterprise, the Go Succeed Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award, and the Go Succeed Rising Star Award for the most inspiring 16–25-year-old entrepreneur, will also receive £1,500 towards their business idea.
Meanwhile, members of the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite regional finalist to win the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Ardmore Group, with the winner also receiving a £1,500 cash prize.
Go Succeed (www.go-succeed.com) is funded by the UK Government and delivered by Northern Ireland’s 11 councils. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support – including mentoring, masterclasses, peer networks, access to grant funding and business planning – at every stage of their growth journey.