NovaUCD is seeking applications from Irish-based start-ups for its 2025 AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme.
Now in its second year, the accelerator is designed to support entrepreneurs who are developing disruptive AI solutions in healthcare, cybersecurity, education, sustainability, finance, content creation, supply chain and customer service for the global market.
The six-month programme begins in April and will be delivered by UCD start-up hub NovaUCD in partnership with CeADAR, Ireland's centre for AI. It will end with a showcase event in October.
Targeted supports for programme participants include guidance from CeADAR’s AI experts, and experienced commercial mentors, along with workshops on value proposition, scaling and investor readiness.
Participants will also have access to collaborative co-working space at NovaUCD with the opportunity to connect with successful AI entrepreneurs, start-ups, corporates, investors and access to skilled interns.
Among the 11 start-ups to complete the first cycle were RegTech firm Customs Window Technologies, HR tech company Wrksense, both of which have raised more than €800,000 in new funding in the past year.
Andrew Connolly, CEO and co-founder, of Wrksense, said: “Following the completion of the inaugural AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme, and the insights learnt, we now target a more niche market, targeting companies that align with our overall strategy and product vision.
"I’d strongly recommend the AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme to entrepreneurs who wish to advance their AI start-ups through the programme’s excellent dedicated technical and commercial supports.”
The AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme is funded through the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) framework, a Europe-wide initiative with funding of €700m from both the European Commission and the governments of member States.
Michelle Doyle, senior manager of strategic innovation partnerships at NovaUCD, said: “Following the successful completion of our inaugural AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme, delivered in collaboration with our colleagues at CeADAR, we are delighted to launch our second programme.
"We are now seeking applications from Irish-based start-ups with novel AI-based products or services, with a validated minimum viable product or proof of concept, and seeking investment this year, to join our next programme and be part of our ecosystem of successful entrepreneurs.”
Dr Ricardo Simon Carbajo, director of innovation and development at CeADAR, said, “The AI Ecosystem Accelerator is one of the key services of CeADAR's European Digital Innovation Hub programme.
"Run in partnership with NovaUCD the programme will provide entrepreneurs who are leveraging the power of AI with the required support, knowledge and network to accelerate their start-ups from ideation to investment stage.
"We encourage entrepreneurs to find out the benefits of accelerating their venture with us and the range of other funded services for companies as part of CeADAR’s EDIH in AI programme.”
Applications are open until 21 February via ucd.ie/innovation/aiecosystem/.
Photo: Pictured at NexusUCD in Dublin are (l-r) Brian Murphy and Johnny Dunne, co-founders, Customs Window Technologies which completed the 2024 AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme. (Pic: Paul Sharp / Sharppix)
