NDRC embarks on start-up journey with WIT

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Ben Hurley, NDRC

NDRC has opened a new start-up accelerator at Waterford Institute of Technology’s ArcLabs.

There will be 10 places available at the NDRC@ArcLabs programme with the first cohort to commence in early 2018. preference will be given to companies in the ICT, AR/VR and Agricultural Technology spaces.

Investors and supporters of NDRC@ArcLabs include Enterprise Ireland, Suir Valley Ventures, Bank of Ireland Seed and Early Stage Equity Fund, South East BIC, and local authorities of Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford, local enterprise offices and enterprise centres.

The successful applicants will receive membership and a place within NDRC@ArcLabs for a period of 100 days, where teams will be able to build and commercially validate their technologies by working with existing entrepreneurial networks and mentors.

“A priority for Enterprise Ireland is to encourage and support entrepreneurs across all regions to start new companies with the ambition to scale in global markets,” said Kevin Sherry, executive director, global business development, Enterprise Ireland.

“This new accelerator programme, a partnership between Enterprise Ireland, NDRC and ArcLabs strengthens the start-up support infrastructure in the South-East region. The accelerator leverages Ireland’s international reputation as a technology hub with a world-class start-up ecosystem supporting ambitious entrepreneurs to start, and build new companies that will create highly skilled jobs in the South-East region.”

NDRC CEO Ben Hurley (pictured) said: “World-leading companies are already emerging from the South East in areas such as digital animation and software development and the potential for more growth is clear. We are delighted to be able to bring our accelerator investment experience and expertise to the South East and look forward to supporting the development of new digital enterprises rooted in the area.”

Prof Willie Donnelly, President of Waterford Institute of Technology, said: “The institute has been at the forefront in the development of a high-potential start-up cluster, which is beginning to transform the profile of indigenous industry in the region. The accelerator programme is an important next phase in the development of the HPSU platform centred around our ArcLabs incubation and innovation platform.”

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