Accelerator programme, supported by Enterprise Ireland, now open to applications from entrepreneurs and teams across all technology sectors

Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research & Development, John Halligan TD, today announced the establishment of the NDRC@ArcLabs Start-up Accelerator programme, supported by Enterprise Ireland, to further enhance the start-up ecosystem within Ireland.

The accelerator, which is based in ArcLabs at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT), is open to applications from potential teams or individuals both in Ireland or overseas, in all technology sectors.

The investors and supporters of NDRC@ArcLabs, in addition to Enterprise Ireland, include Suir Valley Ventures, Bank of Ireland Seed and Early Stage Equity Fund, South East BIC, and Local Authorities of Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford, Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Centres.

There are 10 slots available within the ‘NDRC@ArcLabs’ Accelerator Programme with the first cohort to commence in early 2018. Successful applicants of the Enterprise Ireland supported accelerator programme will receive membership and a place within ‘NDRC@ArcLabs’ 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.

The Accelerator programme is part of Enterprise Ireland’s overall strategy to increase 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.

Announcing the establishment of the NDRC@ArcLabs accelerator programme Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research & Development, John Halligan TD said: “I’m delighted to welcome the establishment of this new accelerator programme in my own constituency. Ireland is recognised as a key hub for technology and innovation and this accelerator programme, supported by my Department through Enterprise Ireland, will make a real contribution to supporting more start-ups and ultimately more jobs in the South East of Ireland.

A key part of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs is targeting sectors where we have established strengths, and supporting growth and expansion in those areas to create jobs. The establishment of the NDRC@ArcLabs start-up accelerator in Waterford, where there is a strong tradition of entrepreneurship, is timely and very welcome.”

Welcoming the announcement, Kevin Sherry, Executive Director, Global Business Development Enterprise Ireland said: “A priority for Enterprise Ireland is to encourage and support entrepreneurs across all regions to start new companies with the ambition to scale in global markets. This new accelerator programme, a partnership between Enterprise Ireland, NDRC and ArcLabs strengthens the start – up support infrastructure in the South-East region. The accelerator leverages Ireland’s international reputation as a technology hub with a world-class start-up ecosystem supporting ambitious entrepreneurs to start, and build new companies that will create highly skilled jobs in the South-East region.”

NDRC CEO, Ben Hurley said: “World leading companies are already emerging from the South East in areas such as digital animation and software development and the potential for more growth is clear. We are delighted to be able to bring our accelerator investment experience and expertise to the South East and look forward to supporting the development of new digital enterprises rooted in the area.”

Welcoming the support of Enterprise Ireland, Professor Willie Donnelly, President of Waterford Institute of Technology outlined, "The institute has been at the forefront in the development of a High Potential Start-up Cluster which is beginning to transform the profile of indigenous industry in the region. The Accelerator Programme is an important next phase in the development of the HPSU platform centred around our ArcLabs incubation and innovation platform. The Accelerator programme will focus on ICT, AR/VR and Agricultural Technology companies ensuring that the funded companies continue to develop within the region.”