The programme, named 'AI Ecosystem Accelerator', commences in April, and is managed by NovaUCD, the University's innovation and startup hub, in collaboration with CeADAR, Ireland’s National Centre for Applied AI.

This six-month initiative targets individuals focusing on AI solutions across various domains including healthcare, cybersecurity, education, sustainability, finance, content creation, supply chain, and customer service, catering to a global market. The programme offers a range of benefits such as a dedicated commercial mentor, workshops on value proposition, market strategy, sales techniques, and securing investments.

Participants will gain access to co-working spaces at NovaUCD, integration into the NovaUCD community comprising founders, investors, business partners, and student interns, along with access to CeADAR’s services including AI technologies, and research expertise backed by technical mentorship.

The application process for the programme is currently open and can be accessed via https://www.ucd.ie/innovation/aiecosystem/.

Funding for the 'AI Ecosystem Accelerator' is provided through the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) framework, a Europe-wide initiative with a budget of €700 million, sourced from both the European Commission and member state governments. In Ireland, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, through Enterprise Ireland, is leading the EDIH programme, designating CeADAR as the European Digital Innovation Hub in AI for Ireland.

Dara Calleary TD, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, commented: “There is no doubt Ireland’s entrepreneurs and founders have the talent, the creativity, and the drive to seize the opportunities of AI to improve the way we all live and work. Sitting at the crossroads of higher education, industry, and research, the AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme aims to support AI startups grow through dedicated technical and commercial supports. I am delighted that funding is in place to support the acceleration of enterprises in this space, which is key element in our National AI Strategy ‘AI - Here for Good’. My ambition is for Ireland to become a leading country in using AI to the benefit of our citizens, through a people centred and ethical approach to AI adoption and use. I encourage all interested AI start-ups to consider applying and be part of Ireland’s AI ambitions.”

Tom Flanagan, NovaUCD Director of Enterprise, and Commercialisation, added: “We are delighted to be announcing a new AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme which we will be delivering with CeADAR to showcase and support the most advanced AI startups in Ireland. We are currently seeking applications from Irish-based start-ups with really novel AI based products or services, who want to be part of an ecosystem of the most successful entrepreneurs in Ireland using AI. Participants on the programme will have the opportunity to network, collaborate and learn from experienced AI founders from the wider NovaUCD ecosystem such as Biosimulytics, Binarii Labs, Corlytics, DOCOsoft, Oblivious and Wayflyer.”

Dr Ricardo Simon Carbajo, Director of Innovation and Development at CeADAR, stated: “The AI Ecosystem Accelerator is one of the key services of CeADAR's European Digital Innovation Hub programme. Run in partnership with NovaUCD the programme will provide entrepreneurs who are leveraging the power of AI with the required support, knowledge, and network to accelerate their startups from ideation to investment stage.”

Since its inception in 2003, NovaUCD has established a notable record, supporting over 550 startups and early-stage ventures through its services and business support programmes. Moreover, the NovaUCD entrepreneurial community has successfully raised in excess of €1.3 billion in equity funding.