PorterShed launches AI Venture Forge Accelerator to help drive deep tech innovation in Ireland.
PorterShed in Galway has officially launched the AI Venture Forge Accelerator, a rigorous 12-week programme designed to propel Ireland’s AI-first startups and corporate innovation teams toward commercial traction and investor readiness.
The accelerator, adapted from the globally proven Disciplined Entrepreneurship model, targets ventures where artificial intelligence serves as the core technology rather than a supplementary feature.
“The noise around AI is deafening, however, very few companies are truly innovating at a deep technical level”
In an increasingly crowded market of superficial AI applications, the programme aims to identify and support companies developing genuinely transformative technologies.
Setting a higher bar for AI innovation
“The noise around AI is deafening, however, very few companies are truly innovating at a deep technical level,” said Mary Rodgers, CEO of PorterShed.
“AI Venture Forge is about cutting through the noise and backing teams with the technical ability and vision to redefine industries.”
The programme will be delivered both onsite in Galway City and virtually by the experienced PorterShed Programmes team, led by Programme Manager Dushyant Singh. Participating teams will benefit from an international focus, including travel to either London or Paris – two cities currently competing to become Europe’s AI capital – to deepen market understanding and develop global networks.
Following the 12-week accelerator, companies will enter a three-month post-programme phase including travel to San Francisco focused on fundraising, sales pipeline building, and US expansion strategies.
Building on a foundation of AI excellence
AI Venture Forge represents the culmination of PorterShed’s year-long strategic investment in AI innovation capacity-building across Western Ireland.
This initiative began with the GenAI Hackathon in June 2024 and continued through partnerships in the National AI Challenge led by TechIreland and the introduction of a dedicated AI stream in the NDRC Founder Weekend last September.
“We saw a clear distinction between teams using AI for real product innovation and those applying AI superficially,” explained Programme Manager Dushyant Singh.
“The Programme is designed to work with technical teams building infrastructure and applications that will define industries in five years’ time, not just bolt-on features. This programme will be supported by AI experts and founders, who will be on site to give mentorship, feedback and provide supports.”
The nationwide search for participants will be supported by regional innovation hubs including RDI Hub in Kerry, Republic of Work in Cork, and Dogpatch Labs in Dublin.
Applications to the AI Venture Forge are now open. Successful applicants will receive six months’ membership at PorterShed and direct access to a network of industry experts, investors, and peers driving the future of AI-first innovation in Ireland and beyond.
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