FAST-IP

The Food and Agriculture Sustainable Technology Innovation Programme

FAST-IP is a specialist agrifood technology innovation programme that will enable innovation curious professionals to, learn, explore and apply their entrepreneurial skills for the rapid advancement of market-ready business solutions

Applications for the 2025/2026 FAST-IP programme are now open. 

[btn href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7ZDmwDhpJbvttnY0WpDqI2GqgRMgJANBcrYrteZEUmuY11g/viewform" class="btn bg-agtech-blue" target="_blank"]Apply Now![/btn]

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FAST-IP is supported under the Innovators’ Initiative Programme co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027

  • Government Of Ireland
  • Co Funded by EU
  • SRA
  • Enterprise Ireland

What is FAST-IP about?

  • A specialist agrifood innovation programme that places participants in immersive environments to identify unmet needs for solution development

  • A 12 month, in-person Graduate Diploma Programme commencing in September 2025

  • A tax free scholarship of €38,000 to participate in the programme and programme fees of €9,000 covered for participants

  • Access to dedicated mentors and coaches throughout the 12 month programme to help you develop your solution

  • Co-working space at AgTechUCD with access to our community of founders, mentors, investors and business partners

Is FAST-IP for you?

Are you a mid-career professional with 3-5 years of experience and a passionate curiosity for the following sectors:

  • Agriculture
  • Food
  • IT
  • Sustainability
  • Finance
  • Engineering
  • Science

Do you have an entrepreneurial drive and a desire to start your own business? We're here to guide you on your journey to success!

Do you want to solve some of the agrifood industries biggest challenges? Let's tackle those challenges together and make a real difference!

Do you want to work with some of the agrifood industries leading experts and mentors? Join us and learn from the best as we pave the way to greatness!

Do you have global ambition? Join us to learn how to scale a business internationally!

If this sounds like YOU then FAST-IP could help take your career to the next level.

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Join our Information Webinars

  • FAST-IP Information Webinar (3/3)

    March 20
    1:00 - 1:30 PM
    Register

FAST-IP is a collaboration between UCD and Teagasc

The UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering and NovaUCD have collaborated with Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority, to deliver FAST-IP to participants.

Teagasc will be making available various aspects of their organisation, such as their Signpost Farm Network, their dedicated research centres and their agricultural advisors to support participants in identifying agrifood unmet needs.

Teagasc Scientists and Advisors will also play a crucial role in FAST-IP, delivering specialist knowledge and expertise to programme participants and teams to develop robust solutions for the agrifood industry.

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Timeline and Application Process

 

FAST-IP participant places are limited and successful applicants will work within team formats throughout the 12 month programme. 

 

Key Dates

Application & Interviews

Mar

Information Webinars

Mar

Applications Open

Apr - Jun

Rolling Interviews

Places offered & Commencement

Apr - Jun

Places Offered

Aug

Places Accepted

Sep

Programme Commences

Join FAST-IP today

The Graduate Diploma Programme will guide participants through UCD's Discover-Develop-Deliver methodology for best practice in needs-led innovation. 

Participants will learn how to Discover unmet needs, how to Develop a creative idea or solution to an unmet need, and how to Deliver this solution or idea to the market, making it into a viable product, service, or business.

If you want to be part of making the agrifood industry more sustainable and profitable, join FAST-IP today!

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Learn more about the FAST-IP ecosystem

  • Minister Coveney Launches FAST-IP

    Minister Coveney Announces €7 million in Funding to UCD and Teagasc to Deliver New Entrepreneurship Programme to Create More Food and Agriculture Start-Ups and Jobs
    Read More

  • Agccelerator Programme Supports Early Stage AgTech Startups

    AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme is a 12-week accelerator programme for early-stage startups in Ireland and Europe, in the AgTech, Agrifood and Veterinary and Equine sectors.
    Read More

  • Venture Capitalist in Residence Programme Announced at NovaUCD

    NovaUCD, the hub of innovation and start-up activities at University College Dublin (UCD) has today announced the launch of a new Venture Capitalist in Residence programme and has also announced Gianni Matera, founder of Growing Capital, as its first Venture Capitalist in Residen
    Read More

FAST-IP FAQ's

 

How is FAST-IP funded?

FAST-IP is supported under the Innovators’ Initiative Programme co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027.

What is FAST-IP?

A 12 month intensive entrepreneurial programme focused on enabling the next generation of start-up entrepreneurs and innovators in the AgTech area.

The  programme uses design-thinking methodologies and has a practical focus. Participants will learn how to conduct needs-led innovation to develop market validated solutions to unmet needs for this sector.

Is the programme full-time or part-time?

This is a full time 12 month programme. Participants must be in a position to commit to the programme full time and in person from August 2025 – July 2026.

Where is the FAST-IP programme based?

Participants of this 12 month full time in person intensive programme will be based at the AgTech UCD Innovation Centre at UCD Lyons Farm, Celbridge Co. Kildare.

What are the minimum criteria for applying for the programme?

- Level 8 degree and 3 years relevant work experience post qualification.

Or

- 5 years relevant work experience.

- Availability to commit full time to this 12 month intensive entrepreneurial programme.

- Able to attend in person, full-time at AgTechUCD Innovation Centre , Lyons Farm, Celbridge, Co Kildare, Ireland.

- You have a strong desire to discover unmet needs and develop and deliver viable commercial solutions to real industry problems.

- You have a passion for commercial innovation, are willing to take risks and seek the reward of commercial success.

- Entrepreneurial drive and a desire to start your own business post programme.

Can I apply if I am an international applicant?

Yes, international applicants are welcome to apply to the FAST-IP programme.

What are the programme fees or is there a scholarship?

Scholarship:

The FAST-IP Programme provides successful participants with a Euro 38,000 tax free scholarship. In addition programme fees of Euro 9,000 are covered.

Tax free scholarship can only be paid to participants who are not in employment or running their own business.

Programme Fees:

EU - €9,000

Non-EU* - €30,000

*Programme fees for Non-EU participants are Euro 30,000 of which Euro 9,000 is covered by the FAST-IP programme.

Does the FAST-IP Programme have an academic qualification?

Yes. Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a Graduate Diploma in AgriFood, Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

Contact

Prof. Nick Holden

FAST-IP Academic Director UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering

e: nick.holden@ucd.ie

Edel Mitchell

FAST-IP Programme Manager

e: edel.mitchell@ucd.ie

Gary Ryan

Director AgTechUCD Innovation Centre

e: gary.ryan@ucd.ie