Enterprise Ireland Launches Regional Accelerator Programme at NDRC at Portershed, Galway

Enterprise Ireland today launched the NDRC at PorterShed Accelerator in Galway to further enhance the High Potential Start-up (HPSU) eco-system and develop start-up capability, infrastructure and capital investment within the region. The accelerator is open to applications from potential teams or individuals both in Ireland or overseas, in all technology sectors.

There are 10 places available in the NDRC at PorterShed Accelerator Programme with the first cohort to commence over the summer. Successful applicants of the Enterprise Ireland accelerator will receive membership and a place within NDRC at PorterShed for a period of 100 days, where teams will be able to build and commercially validate their technologies by working with existing entrepreneurial networks and mentors.

Located in the Galway City Innovation District, PorterShed provides a co-working space that fosters collaboration between entrepreneurs. Working alongside like-minded people, entrepreneurs and start-ups have an opportunity to innovate and network with access to investors and financial advice.

Launching the fund Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Mary Mitchell O’Connor said: “A key part of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs is targeting sectors where we have established strengths, and support growth and expansion in those areas to create jobs. Ireland is recognised as a key hub for technology and innovation and this accelerator programme will make a real contribution to supporting more start-ups and ultimately more jobs in the west of Ireland.”

Brendan Flood, Divisional Manager Regions and Entrepreneurship at Enterprise Ireland said: “A priority for Enterprise Ireland is to help Irish entrepreneurs and companies to start up. By introducing this accelerator programme in co-ordination with NDRC, AIB and Galway City Innovation District, Enterprise Ireland is leveraging our strong international reputation as a technology hub and our world-class start-up ecosystem to allow ambitious entrepreneurs to start, scale and succeed – providing valuable and highly skilled jobs here into the future”.

NDRC CEO, Ben Hurley said, “NDRC looks forward to working with our partners to deliver this new accelerator programme which will provide intensive commercial support and expert mentoring to high potential startup businesses with a digital focus. There is a very strong culture of technology entrepreneurship and innovation within Galway and its environs and we are confident we can build strong digital companies with global potential”.

Galway City Innovation District Chairman, Maurice O’Gorman said “GCID is excited to work with our partners to launch the NDRC at PorterShed Accelerator. The accelerator programme is an important addition to the vibrant start-up eco-system in Galway and the West of Ireland. GCID looks forward to welcoming the first companies, providing an environment where they can flourish.”

The Accelerator programme is part of Enterprise Ireland’s overall strategy for increasing the number and quality of start-ups that have the potential to employ more than 10 persons and achieve €1 million in export sales within three years.