Social networking idea nets student top technology prize

A knowledge of business and a twist of creativity netted a national technology prize for University of Limerick student Philip Hayes.

Philip’s social network creation, Goforagoo.com, topped the shortlist at the Deloitte Top Technology Talent Competition.

“The idea for Goforagoo. com came to me as I felt there was a gap in the social networking market,” Philip said.

“Sites such as Facebook give users the chance to speak to people they already know, while Twitter allows users to talk to people they may never know. The goal behind Goforagoo.com is to give people the chance to speak to new people and make new friends with people they could know.”

Goforagoo.com is aimed at 18-35 year olds and differs from other social networks in that it explores aspects of user interaction both on a virtual and physical level.

The 21-year old, from New Inn, Co Tipperary, presented his idea to a panel of industry experts at the Deloitte offices in May.

Harry Goddard, Deloitte’s technology integration partner, said Philip’s business model and technology strategy left an immediate impression on the judges.

“We were all in agreement that he had presented a comprehensive proposal and that Goforagoo.com has great potential,” he said.

Philip has just completed his final year in business studies at UL.