AI Ecosystem Accelerator

AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme

Be part of our ecosystem of successful AI entrepreneurs.

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

The AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme by delivered by NovaUCD and CeADAR, and funded by the EDIH, supports entrepreneurs who are developing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for a global market.

Applications for the 2025 programme are now closed.

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

Start-Ups Complete Inaugural AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme at NovaUCD

Eleven (11) start-ups have recently completed University College Dublin’s inaugural AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme. The focus of this 6-month programme, delivered by NovaUCD in partnership with CeADAR, Ireland’s Centre for AI, was to support entrepreneurs who are developing disruptive AI solutions for a global market.

RegTech Start-Up Customs Window Technologies Closes €800k Seed Funding Round to Target UK Market

Customs Window Technologies, an Irish RegTech start-up 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 round.

Wrksense Secures €825k to Accelerate International Growth of Automated Platform for Recruitment Agencies

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.

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
Key Dates - 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.

Show filters Hide filters

For further information please contact:

Michelle Doyle
Senior Manager, Strategic Innovation Partnerships

NovaUCD

Belfield Innovation Park, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.

T: +353 1 716 3700 | E: innovation@ucd.ie

Explore UCD

About UCD

Students

Research & Innovation

Colleges

Engage

Key Services