Member Article

Nationwide search begins for best new app idea

A Cumbrian startup has launched a nationwide search to find the best new app idea - and is offering to start developing it for free.

Carlisle-based Fika Apps is giving away a share of a £100,000 prize fund for the most innovative app ideas as part of a new competition.

The app and web development company is opening up the Pitch Fika contest for entries from all over the UK until 3 March.

Picking the final five Pitch Fika entrants will be a panel of experts that include Cumbrian entrepreneur and BBC’s The Apprentice candidate, Rebecca Jeffery, and CEO of Simply Good Food TV app, Peter Sidwell.

With eleven members of The Panel, including Rachel Davis from marketing app Hurree, Stuart Frank, CEO of conversion software Wishloop, and Grant Smith, partner at Armstrong Watson partner, the aim of the competition is to seek out and support ambitious businesses and individuals with their app ideas.

The competition finalists will be invited to a Dragon’s Den style pitching event in Carlisle later this year where they will present their app proposals to the final judges.

Jonathan Lowe, founder of Fika Apps, said: “Pitch Fika a fantastic opportunity for anyone that’s ever thought ‘there should be an app for that.’

“Whether it’s an app that could revolutionise your business, something you’ve already started working on but want to take to the next level, or it’s still only an idea you’ve scribbled down - this competition is for you.

“I’m delighted to have Armstrong Watson, Burnetts, Hurree and Wishloop on board as sponsors and I’m super excited that Fika Apps has this chance to help anyone with a passion create the perfect app for their industry.”

After entrants submit an online application, which includes using a uniquely designed pricing tool to estimate app development costs, a team of innovators and industry insiders will determine a shortlist of 25.

The individuals, businesses or teams behind the five best app ideas, as chosen by The Panel, will be invited to attend a workshop to perfect their pitch ahead of presenting to the judges.

Grant Smith, partner at Armstrong Watson and member of the Pitch Fika panel, said: “Armstrong Watson is really pleased to be working with Fika Apps on the Pitch Fika competition.

“As a firm we have embraced cloud technologies now for many years and have seen first hand how technology is not only benefiting Armstrong Watson but our clients too.

“We are excited to see what ideas and talent is out there and look forward to helping them with any guidance we can offer to entrants.

Michael Walby, corporate partner at Burnetts and a member of the Pitch Fika panel, said: “Burnetts is delighted to be involved in Pitch Fika, and we are very much looking forward to seeing the entries.

“Our guidance on the legal side will hopefully assist those taking part to develop their app ideas into successful products.”

The £100,000 prize includes a support package from all four sponsors, as well as app development credit with the Fika Apps team.

Pitch Fika is open for entries until Friday, 3 March. The final Pitch Fika judges will be announced later in the year. For terms and conditions, the full panel line-up and details of how to apply visit www.fikaapps.com/pitch

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Helen Statham .