Startups from Ireland, Bulgaria, Denmark and Lithuania were among those selected to participate in Google’s Adopt a Startup programme. Now in its third year, the programme has expanded to allow entries from other European countries.

The 32 chosen startups will take part in a 12-week mentoring programme where they will compete to win a €10,000 AdWords grant. They will attend lectures at Google and each startup will be assigned a support team to mentor them as they develop digital strategies.

The startups will then present their strategies to a Google management team. Eight will be selected to attend the international final in a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style event to choose the overall winner.

Paddy Flynn, head of Google Ireland’s startup programme, said: “We have expanded Adopt a Startup every year and this year our startups reflect the vibrancy of the scene not only in Ireland but in other countries in Europe.

"Through Adopt a Startup we are giving entrepreneurs every opportunity to succeed in the digital marketplace by working with Google experts and sharing their experiences with their fellow startups.”

In Association with

Previous winners Jobbio (below) and Foodcloud credit the programme with helping their business grow and expanding their online presence. This year, 26 Irish companies are taking part, including the Happy Pear, CoderDojo and the Handmade Soap Co.