A new accelerator will be based at the PorterShed, Galway. Image: Iain White/Fennell Photography
A regional accelerator programme in Galway has been created by NDRC, Enterprise Ireland and PorterShed, with ten places for start-ups up for grabs.
With a strong portfolio of start-ups already running through its books – including Nuritas, Logentries, Bizimply, Boxever and SilverCloud Health – NDRC is eyeing a Galway prize.
To be situated at PorterShed, the organisation’s first ever ‘regional accelerator’ will see 10 start-ups hosted in the west of Ireland.
Quality
The accelerator is supported by Galway City Innovation District, with Enterprise Ireland focused on a national project to grow the number of quality start-ups.
Entry will be through a competitive process designed to find and support those digital companies with the best potential for growth and expansion. Applications can be made through NDRC.ie.
“We are delighted to bring our experience and expertise to a new location,” said Ben Hurley, CEO of NDRC.
“NDRC has a proven approach where our programmes work with start-ups to bridge the gap between their initial formation and onward investment, and we play an important and leading role in enhancing the start-up ecosystem nationally, and in supporting the early-stage development of start-up companies.”
At the moment, PorterShed hosts 22 innovative companies and up to 62 people in total, with hot desks for visiting entrepreneurs and an open space for events and workshops.
Summer start
The first cohort of start-ups and entrepreneurs will begin their accelerator over the summer. Successful applicants will spend 100 days at PorterShed, where teams will be able to build and commercially validate their technologies.
“A priority for Enterprise Ireland is to help Irish entrepreneurs and companies to start up,” said Brendan Flood, divisional manager of regions and entrepreneurship at Enterprise Ireland.
“Enterprise Ireland is leveraging our strong international reputation as a technology hub and our world-class start-up ecosystem to allow ambitious entrepreneurs to start, scale and succeed – providing valuable and highly skilled jobs here into the future.”
“There is an active tech ecosystem in the environs of Galway, but Galway (and the west) is missing an accelerator as a generator of high-potential start-ups,” added Hurley.
“The PorterShed is an ideal location for an accelerator in the heart of Galway and the west of Ireland.”
