Catalyst has announced SEAM, a new one-day entrepreneurship festival for Northern Ireland, scheduled for Tuesday, 17 November 2026, at Banana Block in east Belfast. With Bank of Ireland as the headline partner, the event aims to unite founders, investors, and business support organisations from across the region. The festival is designed to foster visibility, connection, and momentum for both established and aspiring entrepreneurs. The name SEAM is inspired by Belfast's linen heritage, symbolizing a join and a foundation for building upon, fittingly hosted in a restored linen spinning mill.
Festival Overview
• Event Date: Tuesday, 17 November 2026
• Location: Banana Block, Belfast
• Expected Attendance: 300-350 participants
• Core Activities: The single-day festival will feature a live founder showcase, a dedicated space for capital conversations with active investors and angels, a marketplace of ecosystem support organisations, and a closing reception.
Target Audience
• For Founders: The event offers a day of visibility, a platform to present to key stakeholders, direct conversations with investors, and practical support from organisations that assist early-stage and growing businesses.
• For Investors and Angels: Provides access to a curated pipeline of Northern Ireland ventures in a single location, connecting them with founders at a critical point in their trajectory.
• For Support Organisations: Offers direct access to the founders they aim to serve and facilitates a shared moment for the entire ecosystem to converge.
Founder Application Tracks
Catalyst is opening applications for two distinct tracks for founders seeking deeper involvement beyond general attendance. Both tracks are free to enter, have no application fee, and do not take any equity. Participants will join as a cohort, receiving workshops and preparation in the weeks leading up to the festival. Applications for both tracks open on 10 August 2026 and are available to founders based anywhere in Northern Ireland.
Early Stage Track
• Focus: Designed for founders at the very beginning of their journey, whether they are already building a business or working on an idea.
• Program: Ten selected teams will present their business live on the main stage to an audience of investors, customers, and support organisations.
• Preparation: Participants will receive cohort-based preparation, including mentoring, funding guidance, and pitch coaching.
• Benefits: Featured founders will receive mentoring from experienced founders and operators, finance and funding guidance, pitch and demo preparation, and one-to-one business support.
• Application Deadline: 30 August 2026.
Growth Track
• Focus: Tailored for founders with an established business who are looking to scale.
• Program: Approximately 50 founders will be selected to participate.
• Opportunity: The track provides introductions to active investors and angels, with dedicated time allocated for these crucial conversations.
• Application Deadline: 11 September 2026.
Application and Ticket Information
• Applications Open: 10 August 2026 for both tracks.
• Selection Timeline: Founders will be selected by the end of September.
• General Admission: Tickets for the festival are on sale now.
• Official Website: All tickets and applications can be accessed at seamfest.org.
SEAM is positioned to become a key annual event for the Northern Ireland startup ecosystem. By consolidating the region's diverse support opportunities, investors, and entrepreneurial talent into a single, focused day, the festival aims to remove friction for founders and provide a dedicated platform for entrepreneurs who are serious about growing their businesses. Interested parties are encouraged to explore ticket and application options.