Dublin, Ireland, is a metropolis brimming with innovation, creativity, and limitless prospects for enterprising thinkers. Nestled inside the colorful streets of this historical but progressive city is a dynamic environment brimming with startups from a variety of industries, making Dublin an ideal site for individuals looking to begin their entrepreneurial adventure.
Dublin provides a unique environment for entrepreneurs to grow, thanks to its strategic location as a gateway to Europe, strong infrastructure, supporting government policies, and a large pool of talent nourished by prestigious universities and research organizations. In this vibrant environment, joining a business incubator or accelerator in Dublin is an appealing opportunity for prospective entrepreneurs. In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of startup incubators and accelerators in Dublin. They have been subdivided into applicability for startups in their 'ideation' or 'launch' stages, so you can take a pick at one that suits you best!
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FULL LIST OF STARTUP INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS IN DUBLIN
Ideation Stage Startup Incubators in Dublin
The complete list of ideation phase incubators in Dublin:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Digital Media & Internet
The Media Cube, a start-up innovation center headquartered on the IADT campus in Dublin, offers a variety of programs and services to help entrepreneurs establish creative enterprises with worldwide scalability. The New Frontiers program, their key initiative, provides start-up space, research collaboration, internship/graduate recruitment opportunities, along with other programs such as the 24-Hour Design Challenge and Student Accelerator program. The Media Cube's initiatives aim to foster and accelerate early-stage enterprises, making it a vital resource for entrepreneurs looking to develop and expand their ventures in the vibrant Dublin start-up environment.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Finance, Education, Learning Technology
The NCI Business Incubation Centre in Dublin intends to facilitate the development and commercialization of research efforts within the university's areas of competence. The centre offers a variety of programs and activities, such as events, training programs, and leadership seminars, to promote greater collaboration between academics and industry. Participating startups benefit from the center's dedication to strengthening ties between academics and business by obtaining access to shared knowledge, resources, equipment, and assistance from entrepreneurs, state agencies, and the academic community. Furthermore, the center accommodates a varied spectrum of creative start-ups in many industries, providing an atmosphere suitable to cooperation and growth, eventually contributing to the success and expansion of the participating firms.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: MedTech, HealthTech
The BioInnovate Fellowship, founded in 2011 and associated with Stanford University's BioDesign program, is a ground-breaking initiative that acts as a global hub for medical technology innovation. Situated in the thriving medical device hub of Galway, Ireland, the program's major purpose is to bring together individuals from academic, clinical, and industrial backgrounds to work on addressing unmet healthcare needs and improving patient care. Participants in the intense 10-month fellowship receive clinical immersion, professional mentorship, and advice from industry mentors and serial entrepreneurs, all of which help to stimulate the creation of breakthrough medical devices. Furthermore, the program offers unique access to premier academic researchers, clinicians, and industry experts, ensuring that fellows and industry partners have the best opportunity of developing meaningful, impactful solutions to future healthcare challenges.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
DCU Invent provides a variety of initiatives and support to entrepreneurs and startups in Dublin, with the goal of encouraging innovation and facilitating the development of research-based business ideas. The program provides participants access to financial opportunities, experience, and significant industry networks, creating an entrepreneur-friendly atmosphere. Participants can also benefit from DCU's considerable research experience in fields including as data analytics, digital content, software, networks and communications, cloud computing, biotechnology, and more.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers program, which is accessible in several locations including Dublin, is a comprehensive entrepreneur development program designed to assist ambitious early-stage startups and entrepreneurs. The program provides mentorship, training, incubation space, access to R&D facilities, and financial assistance. It also provides a €15,000 tax-free grant, hot-desk and incubation facilities, and connections to government and private investment opportunities without requiring any equity. This program provides entrepreneurs with the opportunity to de-risk their business model, get access to critical skills and information, and receive financial support to help them succeed.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Situated in the heart of Dublin’s Digital Docklands, Dogpatch Labs is a thriving startup hub with a purpose to stimulate the growth of Ireland's startup ecosystem. Their goal is to build a community of innovators by providing assistance to businesses at all phases of their development, from first-time entrepreneurs to late-stage digital enterprises and remote workers. It offers a platform for entrepreneurs to network, learn, and develop. Dogpatch Labs provides flexible workspace, mentorship, and access to a worldwide network of startup hubs connected by Google for Startups. The center also operates Ireland's national accelerator program, which offers virtual training, professional coaching, and founder-first support. Furthermore, the program organizes a variety of events, including accelerator showcases and meetings with AI professionals, which provide participants with essential networking possibilities.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The Hartnett Centre in Dublin provides a variety of initiatives and services to help startups and scaleups prosper, stimulate innovation, and strengthen the Irish entrepreneurial environment. The Center offers inexpensive and professional workplaces, along with a thriving entrepreneurial community. It also provides business support through personalized training programs, one-on-one mentorship, and business plan evaluations. Furthermore, the Hartnett Centre is a primary contributor of the New Frontiers program, which provides entrepreneurs with the skills, funds, and coaching they need to drive their business growth.
Launch Stage Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Dublin
The complete list of launch phase incubators and accelerators in Dublin:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Furthr is a prominent organization that provides a wide range of programs and services to help entrepreneurs and startups succeed. Their main initiatives include an accelerator program, mentorship programs, and pre-accelerator seminars, all designed at equipping businesses with the skills and assistance they need to succeed. Furthr's accelerator program takes a comprehensive approach, providing mentor-led masterclasses, substantial networking opportunities, and access to potential investors without requiring equity from participating firms. Furthermore, the mentorship program offers entrepreneurs one-on-one coaching to help them refine their business models, prepare for financing, and establish a compelling investor proposition. Furthermore, the pre-accelerator workshop is an engaging and practical session taught by experienced consultants that promotes a thorough grasp of entrepreneurial foundations.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: AgTech
The Pearse Lyons Cultivator is a pioneering initiative for ag-tech entrepreneurs, seeking to foster collaborations that improve the food supply chain. By using Alltech's worldwide expertise, the initiative enables the implementation of new solutions that support a Planet of PlentyTM, providing year-round assistance and paths for entrepreneurs to create commercial pilots with Alltech or its partner firms. The program's core features include pilot projects for rapid idea validation, tailored startup tracks, and rigorously monitored pilot programs. Notably, the program does not require equity from entrepreneurs and instead provides substantial support for company development and route to market, culminating in the opportunity to present to top global agricultural thinking leaders at the ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: FinTech, Blockchain, Digital Assets
The Mastercard Start Path initiative provides a compelling opportunity for Dublin entrepreneurs and startups, with a focus on organizations that meet the digital needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The initiative intends to assist entrepreneurs in scaling solutions that enable easy and safe digital experiences for SMEs by granting access to Mastercard's network, SME knowledge, and opportunities for partnership. Accepted entrepreneurs may take leverage of Mastercard's worldwide network, including selected programming, specialized mentorship, and platforms for pitching their ideas to prospects. Startups who participate in the Start Path program may uncover collaboration opportunities, expand their businesses, and power solutions that provide safe, secure, and simple experiences for SMEs.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Food & Beverage
Food Works Ireland is a premier accelerator program for food and drink businesses in Dublin, integrating the resources of three agencies: Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland, and Teagasc. The program seeks to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the food and beverage industry by providing a 10-month intense accelerator program aimed to challenge and grow firms, including preparing them for investor readiness. Participants receive essential industry connections and networks, foreign excursions, and business consultants that provide personalized help for expanding their enterprises. The program's partnership with state authorities and industry experts, as well as its focus on cultivating a vibrant environment for food and drink innovators, makes it an indispensable resource for entrepreneurs looking to develop and grow their businesses in Dublin’s f&b sector.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Multiple Sectors
NovaUCD, based in University College Dublin, provides a comprehensive array of programs and services dedicated to Dublin's entrepreneurs and startups. The center provides an atmosphere suitable to the creation and development of new projects by offering a variety of amenities such as co-working spaces, offices, and labs. Startups receive a number of benefits, including guidance for business plan development, access to grants and sources of investment, mentorship, and access to NovaUCD's network of scholars, business leaders, and investors. NovaUCD also collaborates with a variety of initiatives, including the AI Ecosystem Accelerator, the ESA Space Solutions Programme, and the New Frontiers Programme, which provide more diverse opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Multiple Sectors
Tangent, Trinity's Ideas Workspace in Dublin, provides a variety of programs to support entrepreneurs and startups, such as accelerators, masterclasses, and mentorship opportunities. Their workshops cover a wide range of topics, including creativity, innovation, corporate entrepreneurship, and design skills, and are geared toward individuals and organizations looking to define their future and identify possibilities. Tangent offers transformative learning experiences and collaborative places that promote creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Startups benefit from intensive education courses, mentorship, and access to accelerators and hackathons, which help them get the knowledge and skills needed to create and launch new businesses. The center's commitment to offering a supporting ecosystem has led to the successful establishment and growth of countless entrepreneurs in Dublin.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Multiple Sectors, Underrepresented Communities
Huckletree's Alpha Accelerator is a prestigious 12-week program in Dublin aimed for pre-seed entrepreneurs looking to raise at least £350,000 within six months. The initiative is dedicated to assisting underrepresented founders from varied backgrounds and focuses on urban businesses that have a beta or MVP version of their product. It provides an intense curriculum that includes seminars taught by industry experts, targeted input from the startup community, fundraising principles, and weekly pitch practice sessions with top investors. Selected businesses also benefit from exposure through introductions to a network of talent, partners, and investors, frequent group standups, and one-on-one consultations to keep them on track on their goals. Notably, the Alpha Accelerator does not collect fees and does not require any equity.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
NDRC, Ireland's National Startup Accelerator, provides a variety of initiatives aimed at aiding entrepreneurs with worldwide ambitions. The accelerator offers financing and world-class coaching to Irish and international firms, as well as a pre-accelerator program to assist early-stage digital entrepreneurs with the non-equity support they need. With a founder-first approach, NDRC provides real, hands-on mentorship and assistance from experienced founders to assist entrepreneurs in building and growing their businesses. Participants also gain access to a large network of investors, business partners, and potential clients, as well as other benefits such as worldwide travels and a year of free office space.
Closing Thoughts on Joining a Startup Accelerator or Incubator in Dublin
Dublin's startup scene is dynamic and fertile ground for entrepreneurial ventures, with numerous prospects for development, innovation, and success. Entrepreneurs who join a startup incubator or accelerator in Dublin may not only gain a massive competitive advantage, but also become members of a thriving community where ideas are nourished, obstacles are confronted with fortitude, and dreams are made real. Whether you're a new entrepreneur or an experienced investor wanting to develop your business, Dublin calls with its promise of limitless opportunities in the vibrant world of startups.