The event, which brought together 650 delegates from across the startup ecosystem, recognized the “Class of 2025” — a cohort that included 90 High Potential Startups (HPSUs) and 108 early-stage businesses backed through pre-seed funding.
Of the total investment, €23m was approved in equity funding for HPSUs, while €9.55m was allocated through the Pre-Seed Start Fund.
The agency also highlighted increasing diversity and technological focus among new ventures, with 55 female-led startups supported during the year and 99 companies incorporating artificial intelligence as a central element of their offering.
Additional funding activity included €80m invested in 76 Irish companies through Enterprise Ireland-backed Seed and Venture Capital Schemes.
A further 28 startups emerged directly from the research ecosystem, while 67 Commercialization Fund approvals worth €22m were awarded to third-level researchers.
Alongside the investment figures, Enterprise Ireland announced plans for a new National Accelerator Programme, backed by a €21m budget over three years.
The initiative will replace the National Digital Research Centre and is expected to open for applications from operators through a formal tender process in the coming weeks.
The programme aims to address evolving startup needs, with a focus on sector specialization, regional expansion, and stronger international connections.
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It will also prioritize founder-led mentorship and support for AI-driven innovation.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said the initiative reflects the growing importance of innovation in Ireland’s economic strategy.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke.
“Rapid advances in artificial intelligence are driving deep changes across business and the global economy,” Burke said.
“Ireland’s response to these changes must include a renewed and coordinated focus on innovation-led, Irish-owned enterprises with the ambition and capability to compete and scale globally.”
He added that the new accelerator is “designed to strengthen and streamline Ireland’s startup support ecosystem and unlock the next generation of high-growth, globally scalable startups.”
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Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail Alan Dillon said the programme comes at a time of increased global competition and uncertainty.
“The new €21m National Accelerator will support Irish founders to start, scale and internationalize in order to secure Ireland’s economy both nationally and internationally,” he said.
Enterprise Ireland CEO Jenny Melia said the latest figures underline the importance of startups to the Irish economy.
“Startups are critical for our future – economically, reputationally and societally,” she said, adding that the agency’s focus remains on ensuring founders have the resources needed to scale.
Head of Startups Conor O’Donovan said the new accelerator model was shaped by founder feedback, noting it will provide “early access to capital, experienced mentors, specialist expertise, and international markets and investors.”
* This article was originally published on BusinessPlus.ie.
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