New AI accelerator programme announced for startups at University College Dublin

A new Artificial Intelligence (AI) accelerator programme has been announced today for startups at University College Dublin (UCD).

The six-month AI Ecosystem Accelerator, which begins in April, will be delivered by NovaUCD, the university’s hub of innovation and startup activities, in partnership with CeADAR, Ireland’s National Centre for Applied AI.

The focus of the new accelerator programme is to support entrepreneurs who are developing disruptive AI solutions in sectors including, healthcare, cybersecurity, education, sustainability, finance, content creation, supply chain and customer service, for a global market.

The programme is being funded through the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) framework, a Europe-wide initiative with funding of €700m from both the European Commission and the Governments of member states.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, through Enterprise Ireland, is leading on the EDIH programme for Ireland and CeADAR has been designated as the European Digital Innovation Hub in AI for Ireland.

Targeted support for participants on the AI Ecosystem Accelerator include a dedicated commercial mentor and workshops on value proposition, route to market, sales strategies and securing investment.

Participants will have access to co-working space at NovaUCD and access to the NovaUCD community of founders, investors, business partners and student interns. Participants will also have access to CeADAR’s EDIH services which include AI technologies, and research expertise with technical mentorship.

Announcing the AI Ecosystem Accelerator Irish Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD, commented: “There is no doubt Ireland’s entrepreneurs and founders have the talent, the creativity, and the drive to seize the opportunities of AI to improve the way we all live and work.

“Sitting at the crossroads of higher education, industry, and research, the AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme aims to support AI startups grow through dedicated technical and commercial support.

“I am delighted that funding is in place to support the acceleration of enterprises in this space, which is a key element in our National AI Strategy “AI - Here for Good”. My ambition is for Ireland to become a leading country in using AI to the benefit of our citizens, through a people centred and ethical approach to AI adoption and use.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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