Enterprise Ireland launches Startup Ireland to create 1,000 new businesses

Startup Ireland was formally established by the Government on Tuesday alongside the publication of a roadmap outlining plans to make it easier for entrepreneurs to establish, grow, and scale businesses from Ireland.

The initiative will bring together Government departments, enterprise agencies, investors, universities and industry to create a more coordinated startup ecosystem, with improved access to funding, mentorship, specialist expertise and international markets.

The first major initiatives include a National Startup Hub in Dublin and a dedicated artificial intelligence accelerator involving more than 30 partners, including some of the world's leading technology companies.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said Startup Ireland was a “landmark initiative” that would strengthen the country's future economy.
 
“By speeding up founder access to support, funding and international connections, we can help more Irish startups grow into successful companies with global ambition,” he said.

 Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said Startup Ireland was a “landmark initiative” that would strengthen the country's future economy.

The National Startup Hub will be co-located with Enterprise Ireland's new Dublin city-center headquarters.

It will provide a meeting point for founders, investors, multinational companies and researchers, while offering networking, specialist expertise and international connections.

A national accelerator program will also be introduced, including a company accelerator providing participants with a €100,000 investment to support growth and international expansion.

A dedicated talent accelerator will target experienced individuals who have yet to establish a company or settle on a business idea, helping them validate opportunities, form companies and progress towards pre-seed investment.

Regional pre-accelerator programmes and specialist initiatives for high-growth sectors will form part of a wider pathway intended to take entrepreneurs from the initial idea stage through to investment readiness and international scaling.

The Startup Ireland AI Accelerator will be delivered by Dogpatch Labs and will bring together more than 30 technology, investment, and ecosystem partners. The named technology partners include Analog Devices, Anthropic, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, OpenAI and Stripe.

Selected companies will receive 12 weeks of direct access to technical expertise, customers and investors, alongside an international trip to Paris to connect with investors and AI founders.

Eligible startups will also have access to more than €1m in potential technology and cloud credits.

Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland will work together to connect participating companies with multinational businesses in Ireland and overseas, creating opportunities for commercial partnerships and access to potential customers.

Enterprise Ireland chief executive Jenny Melia said the initiative represented a “major step change” in how founders are supported.

“Startups are central to Ireland’s future economic strength, providing the pipeline of companies that will drive exports, innovation, high-value employment and economic growth,” she said.

Other measures in the roadmap include an AI-enabled digital platform to simplify applications, a dedicated website and founder support service, a nationwide network connecting entrepreneurs with experienced founders and investors, and expanded international accelerator partnerships.

A refreshed New Frontiers program will also seek to help entrepreneurs develop innovative ideas into scalable, investment-ready businesses.

Startup Ireland will target female-led businesses for 35% of supported startups, alongside measures designed to improve inclusion and regional development.

The roadmap follows consultation with founders and industry stakeholders, including Enterprise Ireland's 2025 Founders Listening Tour, which engaged more than 500 entrepreneurs.

The initiative also draws on OECD recommendations calling for stronger coordination, improved mentoring, more sector-focused programs and clearer pathways for founders seeking to expand internationally.

* This article was originally published on BusinessPlus.ie.