The Challenge:
Prove to us that you have a sound business case to develop your innovation technology.

The Prize:
Free accommodation in the prestigious Alba Innovation Centre, West Lothian, cash and business support to the value of £50,000

If you have a big idea - or a business concept that's keeping you awake at night - why not enter the Alba Innovation Challenge?

The prizes include a big financial incentive, a home for your new business and a package of expert advice, including legal and accountancy services.

West Lothian is Scotland’s capital of enterprise, part of the Edinburgh Science Triangle and home to the Alba Business Park and the Alba Innovation Centre. It’s central location, excellent transport links and easy access to the skills developed in some nine nearby universities makes it the obvious location for innovative businesses.
We want to encourage new businesses, especially those in innovative technology sectors, to start up and locate in West Lothian, and can deliver a full package of support to help them through the start up, early stages and growth processes.
Despite the recession, there are still openings for new products and the space to see your innovations developed to their full potential.
The Alba Innovation Challenge has been developed to bring together your creativity, innovative ideas and talent with the people and resources that can help translate ideas into new businesses.

WE’RE SURE YOU HAVE MANY QUESTIONS:
How do I know whether my idea is marketable?
Where can I get the support or financial backing I need?
And where to find business advice and guidance?
Entering the competition will help you work through the answers. And, if successful, the competition sponsors bring to the table all the support you’ll need to start and grow your new business.

The competition is open to individuals and businesses from across Scotland and the UK.

FIND OUT MORE AT THE LAUNCH OF THE ALBA INNOVATION CHALLENGE ON 27 AUGUST 2009. 

11.30 am Tea/ coffee on arrival.
Introductions and MC tephen Morris, Manager, Alba Innovation Centre.
12.00 noon elcome.
Cllr Martyn Day, Executive Councillor, evelopment & Transport, West Lothian Council.
12.10 pm
Launch of the Alba Innovation Challenge.  Alice Sinnet, Business Gateway Manager, West Lothian Council.
Jim Henderson, Senior Business Adviser, West Lothian Council.
12.30 pm
A word from our legal sponsor.  David Calder, Partner, MBM Commercial.
12.35 pm
A word from our accountancy sponsor Carol Wright, Partner, Springfords
12.40 – 2.00 pm
Networking and buffet lunch

The Alba Innovation Challenge is organised and sponsored by the Alba Innovation Centre in Livingston, West Lothian Council, Scottish Enterprise, Springfords, and MBM Commercial LLP.  Alba Innovation Centre | Supported by Scottish Enterprise and West Lothian Council and operated by Innovation Centres Scotland Ltd. Alba Innovation Centre is committed to supporting the development and accelerating the growth of the next generation of innovative, knowledge based, high growth technology businesses. It provides an
enabling environment, aiming to make a significant difference to ambitious, innovative technology businesses, through a structured and proven process of innovation advisory support and business incubation.

Springfords | A progressive firm of accountants and business advisors with a breadth of knowledge and experience specific to the needs of owner managed businesses. With specialisms in tax and corporate finance, Springfords are well placed to provide entrepreneurs with the solutions they need at every stage of their business growth.

MBM Commercial | Award winning niche legal firm, pre-eminent in advising growing entrepreneurial companies and their investors.