‘Ireland’s entrepreneurs and founders have the talent, the creativity, and the drive to seize the opportunities of AI to improve the way we all live and work’
A new Artificial Intelligence (AI) accelerator programme for start-ups at University College Dublin (UCD) will commence in April.
Applications are open for the programme via https://www.ucd.ie/innovation/aiecosystem/
“We are currently seeking applications from Irish-based start-ups with really novel AI based products or services, who want to be part of an ecosystem of the most successful entrepreneurs in Ireland using AI”
The six-month AI Ecosystem Accelerator will be delivered by NovaUCD, the university’s hub of innovation and start-up activities, in partnership with CeADAR, Ireland’s National Centre for Applied AI.
The six month programme will conclude with a demo day in September.
AI Ecosystem Accelerator
The focus of the new accelerator programme 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.
The programme is being 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.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, through Enterprise Ireland, is leading on the EDIH programme for Ireland and CeADAR has been designated as the European Digital Innovation Hub in AI for Ireland.
“There is no doubt Ireland’s entrepreneurs and founders have the talent, the creativity, and the drive to seize the opportunities of AI to improve the way we all live and work,” said Dara Calleary, TD, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation
Sitting at the crossroads of higher education, industry, and research, the AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme aims to support AI start-ups grow through dedicated technical and commercial supports. I am delighted that funding is in place to support the acceleration of enterprises in this space, which is key element in our National AI Strategy “AI – Here for Good”.
“My ambition is for Ireland to become a leading country in using AI to the benefit of our citizens, through a people centred and ethical approach to AI adoption and use. I encourage all interested AI start-ups to consider applying and be part of Ireland’s AI ambitions.”
AI start-up supports
Targeted supports for participants on the AI Ecosystem Accelerator include a dedicated commercial mentor and workshops on value proposition, route to market, sales strategies and securing investment.
Participants will have access to co-working space at NovaUCD and access to the NovaUCD community of founders, investors, business partners and student interns. Participants will also have access to CeADAR’s EDIH services which include AI technologies, and research expertise with technical mentorship.
Since opening in 2003 NovaUCD has developed a strong track record and has supported 550+ start-ups and early-stage ventures through the services it provides, and through business support programmes run and managed by NovaUCD. In addition, the NovaUCD entrepreneurial community has now raised €1.3+ billion in equity funding.
“We are delighted to be announcing a new AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme which we will be delivering with CeADAR to showcase and support the most advanced AI start-ups in Ireland.
“We are currently seeking applications from Irish-based start-ups with really novel AI based products or services, who want to be part of an ecosystem of the most successful entrepreneurs in Ireland using AI,” said Tom Flanagan, director of Enterprise and Commercialisation at UCD.
“Participants on the programme will have the opportunity to network, collaborate and learn from experienced AI founders from the wider NovaUCD ecosystem such as Biosimulytics, Binarii Labs, Corlytics, DOCOsoft, Oblivious and Wayflyer.”
Main image at top: Laura Plunkett, EDIH Programme Manager, CeADAR; Tom Flanagan, Director of Enterprise and Commercialisation, NovaUCD; Dara Calleary, TD, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation; Michelle Doyle, Senior Manager, Strategic Innovation Partnerships, NovaUCD; Dr Ricardo Simon Carbajo, Director of Innovation and Development, CeADAR; and Marina Donohoe, Head of Research and Innovation, Enterprise Ireland. Photo: Julien Behal Photography
