AI ECOSYSTEM ACCELERATOR

Be part of our ecosystem of successful AI entrepreneurs

Advance your AI start-up with our dedicated technical & commercial supports

The closing date for 2025 applications is 21st February 2025.

A programme by NovaUCD and CeADAR, funded by the EDIH, to support entrepreneurs that are developing artificial intelligence solutions for a global market. We joined forces to provide you with the best resources to accelerate your AI business!

NovaUCD's AI Ecosystem

What are we offering?

Expert Mentorship: Guidance from CeADAR’s AI experts and experienced commercial mentors.
Targeted Training: Workshops on value proposition, scaling, and investor readiness.
Vibrant Network: Connect with successful AI entrepreneurs and startups, corporates, investors, and access skilled interns.
Hands-On Support: Refine your product and market strategies.
NovaUCD Workspace: Access to collaborative co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and Founders' programmes.
Global Exposure: Showcase your solutions to investors and expand into new markets

What are we looking for?

Start-ups with novel AI based products/services including:
- Healthcare
- Cybersecurity
- Education
- Sustainability
- Finance
- Content Creation
- Supply Chain / Customer Service
Irish based company with a validated MVP/POC
Raising investment in 2025
Clearly identified technical / commercialchallenges to benefit from the value of the support.
A technical advisor (CTO, data scientist, data engineer, etc) as part of the team

What our Alumni say

"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."

Andrew Connolly, CEO & Co-founder, Wrksense

"Having the time on this programme to reflect on our commercial and technical strategy, we have a clear set of strategic priorities and milestones for the next 12 months to create value within the business and achieve the potential of the business in 2025 and beyond."

Johnny Dunne, CEO & Co-founder, Customs Window Technologies

News & Events

Start-Ups Complete Inaugural AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme at NovaUCD

Eleven start-ups have recently completed University College Dublin’s inaugural AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme. The focus of this 6-month programme was to support entrepreneurs who are developing disruptive AI solutions for a global market.
Read more
RegTech Start-Up Customs Window Technologies Closes €800k Seed Funding Round

Customs Window Technologies, which provides companies with a smart comprehensive system to address the increasing complexity and volume of customs declarations and associated compliance requirements, today announced that it has closed a €800k seed funding.
Read more
Wrksense Secures €825k to Accelerate International Growth

Wrksense, an AI-driven HR tech start-up transforming high-volume recruitment, today announced that it has raised €825,000 in pre-seed funding to fuel its global expansion and product innovation.
Read more

Timeline and Application Process

Interested teams are encouraged to submit applications here. Applications will be assessed by a panel of experts from NovaUCD, CeADAR and the VC community. Approximately 20 teams will be shortlisted for proposal presentations in Dublin, from which up to 12 teams will be selected for the AI ECOSYSTEM ACCELERATOR.

Key Dates

Selection

Jan - Feb

Call for applications

21st Feb

Application Deadline

Mar

Shortlist interviews

Acceleration

Apr

Programme onboarding

Apr - Oct

Mentoring & supports

Oct

Showcase

Join us in the AI revolution and be part of the transformative journey at the AI ECOSYSTEM ACCELERATOR. Together, let's shape the future of artificial intelligence with the support of CeADAR's EDIH programme, successful AI entrepreneurs, and NovaUCD!