PorterShed launches AI Venture Forge Accelerator with MIT and ICHEC partnerships.
Galway’s PorterShed has officially launched its AI Venture Forge Accelerator in Galway City, marking a significant development for Ireland’s AI start-up ecosystem.
The 12-week programme aims to transform AI-first startups and corporate innovation teams into globally competitive ventures.
“Orbit provides founders with state-of-the-art tools for validating markets, designing products, and scaling their businesses”
The accelerator is built on the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and has been specifically designed for ventures where artificial intelligence is the core focus.
MIT and ICHEC collaboration
The programme features partnerships with two major institutions. Through collaboration with the MIT Martin Trust Centre for Entrepreneurship, participants gain access to Orbit, MIT’s AI-powered platform for entrepreneurs. This marks the first time an Irish national accelerator has offered this resource.
“Orbit provides founders with state-of-the-art tools for validating markets, designing products, and scaling their businesses,” according to programme materials. The platform incorporates the disciplined entrepreneurship principles of Bill Aulet and startup methodologies of Paul Cheek from the Martin Trust Centre.
PorterShed has also partnered with the Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC) to provide participating startups with access to advanced computing resources. Teams can secure time on high-performance processors, graphics cards, and storage systems, with ICHEC providing guidance on optimal resource utilization.
Inaugural cohort selected
Ten companies from across Ireland have been selected for the inaugural cohort following a competitive selection process. The startups offer AI-powered solutions across various sectors, from precision agriculture to enterprise DevOps.
The cohort demonstrates significant diversity, with 40% of companies founded or co-founded by women and 80% originating from outside Dublin. Founders represent locations including Belfast, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Cork, Kilkenny, and Wexford.
Programme Manager Dushyant Singh leads the accelerator, which operates under a “Born Global” philosophy. Participants receive mentoring from international leaders and technologists from organizations including OpenAI, Jentic, CitySwift, ICHEC, Rent the Runway, and PorterShed.
The programme includes an international immersion trip to Paris, followed by a three-month post-accelerator support phase. This culminates in a trip to San Francisco focused on fundraising, sales acceleration, and US market entry.
The AI Venture Forge operates as a pilot accelerator funded by returns from successful investments in Irish startups through the NDRC.
Main image:
Back row (left to right): Arik Elberse, Dushyant Singh, Damion McGing, Kieran Collins, Mary Rodgers, Rishabh Chandaliya, Cathal Nugent, Yvonne Comer, Stephanus Meiring, Aileen Sheehan, Colm McSweeney, Maurice O’Gorman, Nicole Bonamici, Jefferson Oliveira, Steve Rock, John Breslin, Norma Carty, Eoin Cobbe, Matthew Cahill, Matthew McCann
Front Row (left to right): Eamonn Grant, Fiona Ryan and Jens Köpke Photo: Anthony Shaughnessy
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