Ireland has launched a national programme designed to make it easier for entrepreneurs to turn ideas into scalable companies. Called Startup Ireland, the Enterprise Ireland-led initiative will bring together government, investors, universities, industry and founders, with an ambition to support 1,000 new startups and increase the number reaching €1 million in turnover by 20%.
The announcement places founder access, international growth and artificial intelligence at the centre of Ireland’s future enterprise strategy. It follows consultations with more than 500 entrepreneurs and responds to calls for simpler access to funding, mentoring, specialist expertise and overseas markets.
A more connected route from idea to international growth
Startup Ireland is built around three priorities: strengthening the national ecosystem, accelerating the creation and growth of companies, and connecting Irish founders with customers, investors and partners abroad.
A new National Startup Hub will be located alongside Enterprise Ireland’s Dublin city-centre headquarters. It is intended to act as a meeting point for founders, investors, multinational companies, researchers and international visitors. The hub will offer networking, peer learning, specialist guidance and events showcasing Irish innovation.
It will also link companies with regional partners and innovation infrastructure across the country, helping entrepreneurs outside Dublin access expertise and commercial relationships.
New accelerator programmes and funding pathways
The Startup Ireland National Accelerator Programme will provide support at several stages of the founder journey. Its planned elements include:
- A funded National Company Accelerator offering participants a €100,000 investment.
- A Talent Accelerator for experienced individuals who are still validating an idea or forming a company.
- Regional pre-accelerator and early-stage programmes leading towards pre-seed investment.
- Sector-focused support for companies operating in high-growth industries.
Together, these programmes are designed to create a clearer pathway from idea validation and company formation to investment readiness, revenue growth and international expansion.
AI accelerator brings global technology expertise to Ireland
The first specialist programme will be the Startup Ireland AI Accelerator, delivered by Dogpatch Labs. More than 30 technology, investment and ecosystem partners are expected to participate, including major names such as Microsoft, Google, NVIDIA, OpenAI, Stripe and Anthropic.
Selected companies will receive 12 weeks of technical, commercial and investor support. The programme will also include a visit to Paris, allowing participants to connect with AI founders, customers and investors at Station F. Eligible startups may gain access to more than €1 million in potential technology and cloud credits.
Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland will work together to introduce participating companies to multinational businesses in Ireland and international markets, creating opportunities for partnerships and potential customers.
What the roadmap means for founders
Other measures include a digital platform, a dedicated Founder Support Service, a national mentor network and a Founders Exchange connecting entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders. International accelerator partnerships and soft-landing zones are also planned to help companies enter new markets.
The refreshed New Frontiers programme will place greater emphasis on globally scalable ideas, enhanced support and investment readiness. Startup Ireland will also target greater inclusion, with an ambition for 35% of supported startups to be female-led.
Frequently asked questions
Who is leading Startup Ireland?
Enterprise Ireland is leading the initiative as a national, cross-government programme.
What support will be available?
Founders may access accelerators, mentoring, specialist expertise, investment pathways, networking and international connections.
Will regional founders be included?
Yes. The roadmap includes regional pre-accelerators, national networking and links to partners across Ireland.
What is the AI Accelerator?
It is a 12-week specialist programme offering selected AI companies access to technical expertise, investors, customers and potential technology credits.
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Startup Ireland represents a significant attempt to make the country’s support system easier to navigate and more internationally focused. If the planned hub, accelerators and mentoring networks deliver as intended, founders could gain a clearer route from early idea to global expansion. The programme’s progress will be an important measure of Ireland’s ambition to strengthen its startup ecosystem and long-term business growth.
