Commercial Mentorship
to sharpen your value proposition and accelerate go-to-market traction
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 delivered by NovaUCD and CeADAR, and funded by the EDIH, supports entrepreneurs who are developing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for a global market.
We are now accepting Applications for our 2026 programme until 27th February 2026.
Apply (opens in a new window)HERE.
NovaUCD's AI Ecosystem
What are we offering?
Who should apply?
NovaUCD is seeking applications from Irish registered start-ups with:
- AI as a core part of the product and defensibility
- A validated MVP or product already in the market, and/or active pilots underway
- A technical co-founder, CTO, or clear access to AI engineering capability to deliver the roadmap
- Evidence of customer demand and a clear route to scale
- A committed team with the capability to execute quickly
- A clear fundraising plan and ambition to close a round in 2026
Apply (opens in a new window)HERE .
What our alumni say
"We found our participation on last year’s programme to be brilliant, we learned a huge amount from the NovaUCD and CeADAR teams, programme facilitators, mentors, and fellow start-up participants. We came away from the programme with sharper thinking, real connections, and great momentum for TrojanTrack as we begin to close our €1.3 million seed round."
Stephen O'Dwyer, Founder, TrojanTrack (pictured)
"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
Timeline and Application Process
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.
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Key Dates - Selection
Jan - Feb
Call for applications -
27th Feb
Application Deadline -
Mar
Shortlist interviews -
Key Dates - Acceleration
Apr
Programme onboarding -
Apr - Oct
Mentoring & supports -
Oct
Investor 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.
For further information please contact:
Michelle Doyle
Senior Manager, Strategic Innovation Partnerships