Strong cohort named for Google’s Adopt a Startup 2017

17 Jan 2017

Google EMEA HQ in Dublin. Image: Shutterstock/EQRoy

With 25 from Dublin, three from Kerry, two Galwegian and one from Waterford, Google has revealed its 2017 class for the Adopt a Startup programme.

A surprise move from Google has seen an extra start-up entered into the Adopt a Startup programme run by the company each year. The 2017 cohort welcomes 31 into the fold.

Each start-up will receive 12 weeks of hands-on mentoring, and access to exclusive lectures and workshops. The lecture series will be held at the Google offices, with the grand final at Google’s EMEA HQ on 6 April.

When the candidates applied late last year, Google Ireland’s Paddy Flynn noted the importance of companies’ availability for a three-month hands-on mentoring schedule, and that they “be willing to embrace change and take action on feedback given”.

“Since we launched our Adopt a Startup programme in 2014, we have worked with almost 100 high-potential Irish start-ups, and many have gone on to raise significant capital funding and greatly increase their employee numbers,” said Flynn.

Last July, Donegal-based Arklu was named the winner of the 2016 programme, capping off a fine year for the doll-maker.

Arklu – a start-up that creates dolls based on characters who are nine-year-olds – has had a literal cosmic rise in recent years. The dolls are created to be positive role models for children, to stimulate their imaginations, and to inspire learning and fun through play.

No doubt the highlight of the company’s success to date has been one of its creations becoming the first doll to head into space, travelling aboard the ISS with British astronaut Tim Peake.

The 2017 class comprises: