It’s the kind of leg up most wannabe Richard Bransons or Sarah Blakelys can only dream about.

Ten ambitious Cork start-ups will be chosen to attend a one-week all expenses paid intensive boot camp in Boston, in April 2018.

If you’re an early-stage entrepreneur in the Life Sciences, Medical Technology and/or Digital Health Sector, Bridge to MassChallenge Cork could be your introduction to a global network designed to help you turn your idea into high-quality jobs.

Bridge to MassChallenge is a global non-profit no equity start-up accelerator competition, which, to date, has accelerated 1,211 start-ups worldwide, creating over 65,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Bridge to MassChallenge Cork (or B2MCCork to those in the know) is the first ever Bridge to MassChallenge partnership in Ireland, sponsored by Cork County Council and endorsed by Enterprise Ireland and Health Innovation Hub Ireland.

Here’s how it works: Applications, which are now open, will be evaluated by a panel of MassChallenge experts who will select twenty ambitious start-ups in the Life Sciences, Medical Technology and/or Digital Health Sector. These start-ups should have plans to scale up and connect internationally and will be offered the opportunity to participate in a week-long Cork boot camp commencing in February 2018.

This event will conclude with an intensive competition to determine the top ten start-ups to progress to Boston in spring 2018.

“Entrepreneurs across Ireland need to apply now.” says Mentor for Bridge to MassChallenge Cork Paul Sturrock of Slingshot Venture. “This is a unique and once in a lifetime opportunity, one that many of us wish we had when we were starting out in the industry. Dedicate time and effort to your application. Show us your drive and your passion as well as your knowledge. Most of all, be sure to apply. You lose nothing by trying but you could lose out on a huge opportunity by not applying.”

Applications close on Friday, December 22nd. For further information see Bridge to MassChallenge Cork.