From picky eater to pitch winner: Newry, Mourne and Down entrepreneur makes ‘The Ultimate Pitch’

A local entrepreneur has taken the top spot at the Newry Mourne and Down Ultimate Pitch final after impressing the judges with her nutrition sachets designed to blend seamlessly into drinks, foods and routines.

Ruchira Radhe Rangaprasad secured £1,000 in investment for her business idea, Balantra, and a place in the regional Ultimate Pitch Final next month where she’ll be in with the chance of an additional £5,000.

The competition is organised by the government-backed enterprise support service Go Succeed.

Ruchira was among 10 entrepreneurs from across the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area to pitch at the local heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch, held in the Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle.

Among them was Sean Yalcin of AIMA OPEX who was joined by his colleague Asem Mohammad and won the Rising Star award after pitching their business idea of an AI-powered platform that prevents mistakes, cuts costs, and boosts competitiveness for manufacturers.

Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Philip Campbell, said:

“The Ultimate Pitch is a wonderful celebration of entrepreneurship, and it’s been inspiring to witness the creativity and determination of our local finalists.

“Congratulations to all who took part and to the overall winner as they prepare for the regional final. We look forward to seeing their future success and impact on our local economy.”

Heat winners from each of Northern Ireland’s 11 councils will progress to The Ultimate Pitch regional final in Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy on 19th November.

The overall winner at the regional final will receive the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award, £5,000 investment, and a prize package including a photography session supplied by Brian Thompson Photography, podcast recording session supplied by Attention X Studio NI, membership of Toastmasters, and a media training session supplied by LK Communications.

Winners of sub-categories at the regional final, which include the Go Succeed Impact Award for the best social enterprise, the Go Succeed Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award, and the Go Succeed Rising Star Award for the most inspiring 16–25-year-old entrepreneur, will also receive £1,500 towards their business idea.

Meanwhile, members of the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite regional finalist to win the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Ardmore Group, with the winner also receiving a £1,500 cash prize. Go Succeed (www.go-succeed.com) is funded by the UK Government and delivered by Northern Ireland’s 11 councils. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support – including mentoring, masterclasses, peer networks, access to grant funding and business planning – at every stage of their growth journey.