As Ireland’s AI start-ups target investment, NovaUCD and CeADAR seek third cohort for programme aimed at firms preparing to raise capital in 2026.
NovaUCD and CeADAR have opened applications for the 2026 AI Ecosystem Accelerator.
This is a six‑month programme at University College Dublin designed to help Irish AI start‑ups strengthen commercial traction and prepare for investment rounds expected to close next year.
“This year’s programme is designed as a conversion engine, supporting ambitious, AI‑first start-ups focused on accelerating traction and closing a funding round in 2026”
The initiative, now in its third year, is delivered as part of CeADAR’s European Digital Innovation Hub for AI and focuses on supporting founders who already have market validation or live pilots in place and are shifting into accelerated growth mode.
Applications are can be made here
Ambitious AI
Michelle Doyle, senior manager for strategic innovation partnerships at NovaUCD, said the programme was structured to meet the needs of ambitious teams moving rapidly toward scale.
“This year’s programme is designed as a conversion engine, supporting ambitious, AI‑first start-ups that already have market validation or live pilots underway and are now focused on accelerating traction and closing a funding round in 2026,” she said.
She encouraged founders building globally scalable products in sectors such as healthcare, cybersecurity, education, sustainability, finance, content creation, supply chain and customer service to apply.
The accelerator offers commercial, fundraising and technical support, including access to CeADAR specialists who advise on data strategy, model evaluation and deployment readiness.
The goal is to ensure participating companies can demonstrate that their products are reliable, robust and suitable for real‑world use. Participants also gain access to mentors, workshops on positioning and investor preparation, and collaborative workspace at NovaUCD with links to entrepreneurs, corporates, investors and interns.
Twenty companies have completed the programme since its launch, including NestiFi, TrojanTrack, UniDoodle and UnitMode.
Stephen O’Dwyer, founder of TrojanTrack and winner of the One to Watch Award at the conclusion of the 2025 programme, said the experience had helped sharpen the company’s approach as it began closing its €1.3m seed round.
“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,” he said.
The 2026 cohort will begin in April and conclude with an investor showcase intended to connect founders with funders and strategic partners at a point when companies expect to accelerate their next phase of growth.
Dr Ricardo Simon Carbajo, director of innovation and development at CeADAR, said the accelerator had become a central offering within the centre’s European Digital Innovation Hub activities.
“In partnership with NovaUCD, we support founders to accelerate from traction to investment readiness through a blend of commercial supports and technical guidance,” he said. He encouraged entrepreneurs to apply and benefit from the expertise and funded supports available through the programme.
The accelerator is funded through the European Digital Innovation Hubs framework, which is supported by the European Commission and national governments. In Ireland, the initiative is overseen by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment through Enterprise Ireland.
Applications are open here
Top image: Stephen O’Dwyer, TrojanTrack; Seán Boyle, UnitMode; Denise O’Grady, UniDoodle and Niall Dennehy, NestiFi. Photo: Paul Sharp/Sharppix
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