Enterprise Ireland has unveiled a new €21m National Accelerator Programme designed to strengthen Ireland’s operational excellence and innovation ecosystem through startup scaling, AI adoption and commercialisation support. The three-year initiative will replace the National Digital Research Centre and forms part of the Government’s Action Plan for Competitiveness and Productivity.

Irish Independent reported that the programme will focus on native AI, emerging technologies, specialist sectors and broader regional access, while also accelerating routes to funding and international markets. Enterprise Ireland said the programme was developed following consultations with founders seeking earlier access to investment, mentorship and specialist expertise.

The initiative was announced during Enterprise Ireland’s Start-Up Day 2026 at the Aviva Stadium, where more than 650 entrepreneurs, investors and state agencies gathered to discuss scaling Irish enterprises and improving global competitiveness.

Enterprise Ireland executive director Kevin Sherry opened the event with an overview of Ireland’s startup landscape, while minister of state Alan Dillon addressed operational and commercial challenges facing emerging businesses. Eight research-driven spinouts presented live pitches during showcase sessions focused on deep-tech and medtech innovation.

Irish medtech company Substrato Medical won the Spinout Showcase Award, with cofounder and CTO Maeve McCarthy securing participation in a European market access programme. Irish space-tech company MBRYONICS also delivered a keynote focused on Ireland’s growing role in the space technology sector.

Enterprise Ireland invested €32.9m into 198 Irish startups during 2025, including 90 high-potential start-ups supported through scaling and early-stage funding programmes.

Follow the full details and discover more about the accelerator initiative and startup support.