Game-changing start-ups working across a range of sectors will be developing disruptive AI solutions as part of UCD’s second AI Accelerator Programme.
University College Dublin (UCD) has selected nine innovative Irish start-ups to participate in its second six-month AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme.
The programme is being delivered through a partnership between NovaUCD and CeADAR, Ireland’s Centre for AI.
“Over the next few months, we will be supporting this dynamic cohort of Irish start-ups and entrepreneurs who are focused on using AI technologies to deliver a range of disruptive products and services, not only here in Ireland, but on a global stage”
It aims to support entrepreneurs developing disruptive AI solutions across multiple sectors including advertising, construction, content creation, cybersecurity, education, finance, healthcare and sportstech for global markets.
The next generation of tech disrupters
Among the participating start-ups is Ailtir, based in Tralee, Co. Kerry, which is using AI to revolutionise the construction tendering process by dramatically reducing the time and cost of bid preparation.
“We’re delighted to have been accepted onto the AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme,” said Donagh Ó’Buachalla, CEO and co-founder of Ailtir. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with world-class mentors and ambitious founders, and to accelerate Ailtir’s mission to transform how construction teams approach tendering.”
The other eight participating start-ups include Leapifai (AI-enabled tax advisory), NestiFi (family wealth-building), PacSana (elderly independence technology), Reactable AI (AI marketing tools), Run Audit (automated cybersecurity), TrojanTrack (equine health monitoring), UniDoodle (educational technology), and UnitMode (sustainable marketing compliance).
“Over the next few months, we will be supporting this dynamic cohort of Irish start-ups and entrepreneurs who are focused on using AI technologies to deliver a range of disruptive products and services, not only here in Ireland, but on a global stage,” explained Michelle Doyle, Senior Manager of Strategic Innovation Partnerships at NovaUCD.
The accelerator programme will provide participants with guidance from CeADAR’s AI experts and experienced commercial mentors, alongside workshops on value proposition, scaling and investor readiness.
Participants will also have access to collaborative co-working space at NovaUCD and opportunities to connect with successful AI entrepreneurs, start-ups, corporates, investors and skilled interns.
“The AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme is one of the key services of CeADAR’s European Digital Innovation Hub programme,” explained Dr Ricardo Simon Carbajo, director of Innovation and Development at CeADAR. “The CeADAR and NovaUCD teams look forward to supporting the participating entrepreneurs as they accelerate their start-ups to the next stage of their entrepreneurial journeys.”
The programme is funded through the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) framework, a Europe-wide initiative with €700m in funding from both the European Commission and the Governments of member states, with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment leading the EDIH programme for Ireland through Enterprise Ireland.
Eleven start-ups completed the inaugural programme in 2024, including Customs Window Technologies and Wrksense. The current programme will conclude with a showcase event in October 2025.
New AI start-ups to watch
Leapifai – AI-enabled digital tax copilot for accountants. Founder: Dr Beibei Flynn.
NestiFi – AI-powered collaborative investment platform for children’s financial futures. Founder: Niall Dennehy.
PacSana – Smart bracelet technology helping older people remain independent. Founder: Feargal Duignan.
Reactable AI – AI-based marketing tool for growing online reach. Founders: Szymon Adamiak, Brian Egan, Barry Gough and Michał Malewicz.
Run Audit – Automated audit, risk and compliance software for cybersecurity. Founders: Donal Kerr and Tony Hughes.
TrojanTrack – AI-powered equine health monitoring system. Founder: Stephen O’Dwyer.
UniDoodle – AI-powered student response system for educators. Founder: Denise O’Grady.
UnitMode – Sustainability compliance platform for marketing. Founder: Sean Boyle.
Image at top: Donagh Ó’Buachalla, co-founder, Ailtir; Dr Beibei Flynn, founder, Leapifai and Feargal Duignan, founder, PacSana
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