Coras 2015 has announced their three finalists for its award ceremony on 7^th May at the Hilton Newbury Centre. Coras, sponsored by Hilton, is in its third year and this year they have had more applicants than in previous years and the standard has been consistently high.

“The fact that more entrepreneurs than ever have come forward tells me that innovation, creativity and keen business sense are alive, well and thriving.” said Shawn Khorassani – the man behind Coras.

Companies have to go through a rigorous process to be selected as finalists – first they submit a 1000 word synopsis, this is then followed up by interview before the last three are chosen. On the night, each finalist will give a 5 minute presentation before the winner is chosen by Shawn at the end of the evening.

The prize is substantial – a £50,000 investment opportunity for the winner, 6 months mentoring from Shawn and a cash prize of £1,000.

“It is great to see the enthusiasm and the ideas that are out there – and to be given the chance to support them and help them develop. May 7^th is going to be a great night for start ups and for networking – and basically for having a good time with great people who are interested in developing ideas for the future”.

 The three finalists are:

Avanatta

Avanatta is a collaborative video making application with a social networking wrapper. Users add their videos to those made by others to create a film that can be watched back, added to, and shared across the social web.

Avanatta has a range of social responsibility features. Users earn nattaCoins (Avanatta’s  currency) which they can use to buy digital products such as downloads and digital vouchers. Users can buy digital gifts for themselves or send them as digital presents to friends and followers. They can also donate their coins to the Avanatta Foundation which cashes them in and donates to socially responsible causes.

Scentrel

Scentrel was set up in 2008 to develop a pesticide for the 3^rd world to help combat malaria. The present system is a humble candle which, when lit, transfers the thermal energy of the flame to the organic insecticide which has been infused into a porous ceramic disc. Once the disc is heated it diffuses the formulae safely into the atmosphere without the customary harmful toxins of sprayed to air products.

The company has forged a business partnership with one of the foremost insecticide companies in the UK, Agropharm Ltd. Together they have developed a unique, organic formula of insecticide which incorporates pyrethrum – a naturally occurring by product of the African chrysanthemum flower. Exhaustive independent DEFRA accredited studies showed proven kill rates of up to 90% and the products were then HSE approved.  The pyrethrum insecticide is safe for use around children and pets. It is presently being offered in 14 different pest control products and will be going on general sale in May 2015 in the UK and selected territories in the European Union.

International Gums & Oils Limited

International Gums and Oils Limited (IGO) is a natural products based company supplying the fragrance and flavours industry with high value oleoresins, such as those from frankincense, and its waste products.  Their plan is to manufacture essential oils; to convert waste products, into natural products which are in high demand by the flavour and fragrance industry of Europe and the USA; and create innovative new products from African and Asian plants.

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Coras 2014 Finalists

Congratualtions to the 3 finalists:
SAS, LevelX, & Environmental Solutions.
Well done to our winner, Steve from LevelX.

The winner of Coras 2014 business competition was announced at the annual Gala evening on 1st May at the Hilton Newbury Centre Hotel. Local business LevelX.info was awarded the winning prize of £1K cash, 12 months business mentoring and an opportunity to tap into a £25K investment. Read more here

Photos of the night on Facebook here
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96.2% of Attendees Said Yes to Coras 2015

Actually no one said NO!

The survey following the Gala evening was overwhelmingly in favour of the next event.

The overall score was 8.13 out of 10 for the experience of the night. So we have work to do!

And the top answer for the best thing about the night was The Atmosphere.

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Watch the video highlights of Coras 2014

Here is a brief 2.5 minutes video, courtesy of our sponsor MWS Media. Enjoy.
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Coras is not just for Xmas (Gala event in May actually!)

If you are a start up or been operating for couple of years and need to move a gear or two, you can always contact us on hello@coras.me with your 1 page business resume.
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