NovaUCD, CeADAR open applications for 2026 AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme
NovaUCD and CeADAR are seeking applications from Irish-based AI start-ups to participate in the 2026 AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme at UCD.
The accelerator is delivered by NovaUCD and CeADAR as part of CeADAR’s European Digital Innovation Hub for AI programme which supports Irish start-ups and SMEs innovating with AI.
“This year’s programme is designed as a conversion engine, supporting ambitious, AI-first start-ups that already have market validation or live pilots underway and are now focused on accelerating traction and closing a funding round in 2026,” said Michelle Doyle, senior manager, strategic innovation partnerships, NovaUCD.
Now in its third year this six-month accelerator is designed to support Ireland’s most promising and disruptive AI-first start-ups to accelerate commercial traction for global markets and become investment-ready scalable businesses, with a particular focus on start-ups actively raising and aiming to close a funding round in 2026.
The AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme provides a structured pathway for founders who have moved beyond early ideation and are ready to convert validated momentum into scalable growth and investor readiness.
The programme also delivers a combination of commercial, fundraising and technical supports, including guidance from CeADAR’s AI experts to strengthen AI implementation and readiness for scale.
This includes support on data strategy, model evaluation, AI deployment readiness, and ensuring the underlying AI is robust, reliable and fit for real-world use.
“In partnership with NovaUCD, we support founders to accelerate from traction to investment readiness through a blend of commercial supports and technical guidance,” said Dr Ricardo Simon Carbajo, director of innovation and development at CeADAR. “We encourage AI entrepreneurs to apply and benefit from the expertise, network and funded supports available through CeADAR’s EDIH programme.”
A total of 20 start-ups have completed the programme in the last two years, including, NestiFi, TrojanTrack, UniDoodle and UnitMode.
Targeted supports for programme participants also include experienced commercial mentors and practical workshops focused on positioning, value proposition refinement, scaling and investor readiness.
Participants will also benefit from access to collaborative co-working space at NovaUCD, with opportunities to connect with successful entrepreneurs, start-ups, corporates, investors and access to skilled interns.
The 2026 AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme, which starts in April, will culminate with an Investor Showcase event, connecting founders with investors and strategic partners at the point they are ready to progress and accelerate their next stage of growth.
The AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme is funded through the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) framework, a Europe-wide initiative supported by the European Commission and the Governments of member states.
In Ireland, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, through Enterprise Ireland, leads on the EDIH programme.
Patryk Goron
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