Now in its second year, AI Accelerator programme at NovaUCD is open for applications.
Applications are being sought for the 2025 AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme at NovaUCD.
The focus of this accelerator programme, which is now in its second year, is to support entrepreneurs who are developing disruptive AI solutions in sectors including, healthcare, cybersecurity, education, sustainability, finance, content creation, supply chain and customer service, for a global market.
“We are 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”
The six-month AI Ecosystem Accelerator, which begins in April, will be delivered by NovaUCD, the hub of innovation and start-up activities at University College Dublin (UCD), in partnership with CeADAR, Ireland’s Centre for AI.
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.
Applications are open for the programme here. The deadline for entries is 21 February.
Building an AI ecosystem in Ireland
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.
“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,” said Michelle Doyle, Senior Manager, Strategic Innovation Partnerships, NovaUCD.
“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.”
Among the 11 start-ups that completed the inaugural programme were Customs Window Technologies, a RegTech start-up co-founded by Brian Murphy and Johnny Dunne, and Wrksense, an AI-driven HR tech start-up transforming high-volume recruitment co-founded by Andrew Connolly and Ruaidhrí McDonnell.
Customs Window Technologies and Wrksense announced funding of €800,000 and €825,000 respectively during the 2024 programme.
“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,” said Andrew Connolly, CEO and co-founder, Wrksense.
“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.”
Dr Ricardo Simon Carbajo, Director of Innovation and Development, 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 now open until 21 February 2025 for the second AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme here
The 2025 AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme will commence in April and will end with a showcase event in October.
Main image at top: Andrew Connolly and Ruaidhrí McDonnell, co-founders, Wrksense which completed the 2024 AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme. Photo: Conor Ó Mearáin / Julien Behal Photography
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