Explore how Ireland supports startups and innovative businesses through government programmes, funding schemes and innovation centres. From seed funding to growth-stage investment, Ireland offers broad support programmes that help startups succeed on the international stage.
Ireland has developed a broad support network for entrepreneurs and innovative businesses. Enterprise Ireland supports startups with international growth potential, while Local Enterprise Offices provide a local first point of contact for people starting or developing a business.
The 31 Local Enterprise Offices can connect startups with grants, mentoring and other local resources. Enterprise Ireland also provides access to programmes focused on skills, funding, investment and international growth.
Startups can access support at different stages of development. Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers programme provides entrepreneurs with skills, knowledge and financial support, while the Halo Business Angel Network provides access to angel investors and advice on pitching for investment. There are also four Business Innovation Centres across Ireland, offering specialist expertise, workspace, resources and funding. Accelerators provide additional support for scalable technology startups through investment and coaching from experienced mentors. For companies preparing to scale, Enterprise Ireland offers several funding options. These include the HPSU Feasibility Study Grant of up to €30,000, the Pre-Seed Start Fund of up to €100,000 and the Innovative HPSU Fund, which can provide up to €800,000 in co-funded equity investment.
Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-Up programme focuses on businesses with international ambitions. HPSUs are internationally focused companies that have developed an innovative product or service, demonstrated some commercial traction and had potential for significant growth. Enterprise Ireland identifies criteria including the potential to create ten jobs in Ireland and achieve €1 million in annual sales within three years.
Startup support is also connected to Ireland’s wider research and innovation system. Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Partnership Programme encourages companies to work with research institutes to develop products, processes and services. Other programmes, including Innovation Vouchers, Technology Gateways, Technology Centres and the Commercialisation Fund, help businesses access research expertise and develop ideas with commercial potential.
Ireland’s startup environment is supported not only by funding programmes but also by a growing network of communities, accelerators and innovation hubs. Dogpatch Labs operates the NDRC national accelerator alongside partners including Portershed, RDI Hub and Republic of Work. The programme provides coaching, mentoring, and investment for startups, while its pre-accelerator supports early-stage technology entrepreneurs. Together, these programmes and communities provide entrepreneurs with access to expertise, funding, research connections, and business networks as they develop and grow.
Enterprise Ireland. “Business Start-Up Grants | Business Support | Enterprise Ireland.” Www.Enterprise-Ireland.Com, https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/supports/start-ups
Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (Government of Ireland). Enterprise Ireland’s Research, Development and Innovation Programmes. 2026, https://www.enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/innovation-research-development/research-development-and-innovation-programmes/
Dogpatch Labs. “NDRC | Dogpatch Labs.” Dogpatch Labs, 26 Nov. 2020, https://dogpatchlabs.com/ndrc/?utm_source
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