Enterprise Ireland has selected 18 high-growth Irish startups for the latest Prep4Seed accelerator programme, giving founders a structured route to strengthen their businesses, prepare for investment and pursue international growth. The 12-week programme began in Cork on 8 September 2026 and brings together companies working across climate technology, life sciences, fintech, digital technology, food, drinks and consumer goods.
Delivered nationally by AxisBIC, Furthr, Propelor BIC and WestBIC in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland, the initiative is designed to help ambitious early-stage companies become more investor-ready. The programme reflects the wider role of Enterprise Ireland in supporting Irish businesses with global potential.
Enterprise Ireland Prep4Seed programme begins in Cork
The opening in-person masterclass took place in Cork, bringing together the new cohort and programme partners. Over 12 weeks, participating founders will complete five specialist masterclasses delivered by the Irish Business Innovation Centres, alongside six tailored one-to-one sessions with experienced BIC consultants.
This combination allows entrepreneurs to apply broader training directly to their own companies. Individual support will focus on each business’s investment plans, commercial development and longer-term growth journey.
Conor O’Donovan, Head of Startups at Enterprise Ireland, said the programme provides founders with the tools and investor-readiness support required to take their next step. AxisBIC CEO Larry O’Donoghue also highlighted the importance of helping early-stage companies build strong foundations for investment and sustainable expansion.
What the accelerator programme includes
- Five specialist masterclasses delivered by Irish BICs
- Six personalised consultancy sessions for participating companies
- Investor-pitch preparation and practical business guidance
- Support focused on investment readiness and sustainable growth
- A final Investor Pitch Day in Dublin
18 Irish startups selected for the cohort
The selected companies represent a broad cross-section of Ireland’s emerging business community. The participating startups are Ainmhí Beauty, Alfaeye, Bean Around, ComplyB4 Limited, Doctrine, Fashion Connect Ireland, Genotrial Health trading as Evident, Intelireg trading as Envaira, Kelvinix, Key2Biotics, Otis Technology, PharmaFast, Sea plus Solu, Seer Health, Slíglas, Talexa, Timeless Beauty and Well Preserved trading as Mór Taste.
The diversity of sectors demonstrates how Irish innovation is developing across technology, healthcare, sustainability, consumer brands and specialist commercial services. It also underlines the value of coordinated startup support through Enterprise Ireland and Ireland’s regional innovation infrastructure.
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Investor Pitch Day scheduled for November
The Prep4Seed programme will conclude with an Investor Pitch Day at Enterprise Ireland’s Eastpoint office in Dublin on Wednesday, 18 November 2026. The event will give founders the opportunity to present their companies and investment propositions after completing the programme’s training and mentoring stages.
For startups, investor readiness can involve refining a business model, clarifying market opportunity, strengthening financial plans and communicating a credible route to scale. The tailored format of Prep4Seed is intended to help each company address these areas according to its own needs.
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Why the Prep4Seed programme matters
Access to structured mentoring and practical investment preparation can be especially valuable for early-stage companies seeking to move from initial traction to scalable growth. Through the Irish BIC network and Enterprise Ireland, the cohort will receive national support while retaining access to locally delivered expertise.
The programme also creates opportunities for founders from different industries and regions to share experience, develop connections and build confidence before engaging with potential investors.
Key takeaway
The selection of 18 companies for the Enterprise Ireland Prep4Seed accelerator programme highlights the depth and variety of Ireland’s high-growth startup ecosystem. With specialist training, tailored mentoring and an Investor Pitch Day ahead, the cohort now has a focused platform to prepare for funding and international expansion.
Article/Image Courtesy: Enterprise Ireland