Small businesses interested in establishing a foothold in the U.K. are invited to enter the Technium Challenge International. The winner of the contest will receive a free year of office space at one of 10 Technium incubators in Wales. The package includes strategic counsel on financing, business planning and technical issues, plus networking opportunities.

Applicants must submit an executive summary of their business plan by March 28. Full business plans must be presented to country judging panels by April 4.

Finalists will receive introductions to established business networks, guidance on developing a U.K. market entry business plan and detailed briefings about European markets. From there, they will present their business plans to the Technium judging panel, which will select one winner.  

The contest is co-sponsored by Technium and International Business Wales. International Business Wales, part of the Welsh Assembly Government, helps companies trade with or establish operations in Wales. Technium's network of innovation centers supports the growth of technology companies.

Judges include Sony Corp. Chairman and CEO Howard Stringer, a Welshman; Gordon Innes, director of UK Trade & Investment USA; and Geraint Jones, chief executive, Americas, International Business Wales.--Eve Gumpel