Specialist Programme
A specialist agrifood innovation programme that places participants in immersive environments to identify unmet needs for solution development.
FAST-IP
FAST-IP (Food and Agriculture Sustainable Technology Innovation Programme) 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.
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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.
What is FAST-IP about?
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.
Find out more
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!
Timeline and Application Process
FAST-IP participant places are limited and successful applicants will work within team formats throughout the 12-month programme.
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Key Dates
March
Information Webinars
Applications Open -
April - June
Rolling Interviews
Places Offered -
August
Places Accepted -
September
Programme Commences
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.
For further information please contact:
Professor Nick Holden
FAST-IP Academic Director
UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering
For further information please contact:
Edel Mitchell
FAST-IP Programme Manager