.jpg)
In an era where AI is transforming how startups access knowledge, one thing remains irreplaceable: human connection. Reflecting on the Irish BICs' role as Headline Sponsors of the Accelerate Stage at Dublin Tech Summit 2026, this article explores why ecosystem events matter more than ever, the importance of collaboration in helping startups scale, and how the Irish BIC network continues to support ambitious founders long after the summit ends.
The twice-yearly Prep4Seed programme culminated this week with the investor day, where early-stage companies pitched to an audience of angel investors and venture capital firms. ''The programme challenged us to pressure-test every aspect of our business and present it with real clarity and conviction. We came in with a strong idea; we leave investor-ready and confident about the funding conversations ahead.”
Irish BIC supported startups secured an impressive €34 million in funding last year, highlighting the impact of investment readiness, expert mentoring and strategic support. Discover how the Irish BIC network is helping ambitious founders across Ireland access funding, scale their businesses and drive innovation nationwide.
Prep4Seed is a proven 12-week accelerator delivered by Ireland’s four Business Innovation Centres (BICs) in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland, designed to bring high-growth start-up clients through the investor-readiness process quickly and effectively.
NextWave, a new national women founders accelerator programme, has started today, offering tailored supports for female entrepreneurs who have founded high-potential start-ups. This ten-week programme is focused on supporting participants to build momentum towards investor-readiness and accelerate their path to growth.
.png)
The NextWave Programme is a 10-week+ national accelerator designed exclusively for women founders. Through an energised mix of structured learning, mentorship, and peer connection, participants will validate their ideas, refine compelling narratives, and build momentum toward investor readiness.
13 high-growth start-ups selected to complete the Prep4Seed Programme Prep4Seed is a 12-week intensive investor-readiness programme delivered by the Irish BICs - AxisBIC, Furthr, Propelor & WestBIC - in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland Programme culminates in November with an Investor Pitch Day
The 2025 EU|BIC Impact Report highlights the tangible difference EU|BICs are making across Europe supporting entrepreneurs, creating jobs and fuelling innovation where it matters most.
%20(1).png)
Irish BICs (Business Innovation Centres), which supports start-ups to access funding, mentorship and specialised resources, has launched an Impact Report. This is the first time the four BICs from around Ireland have come together to launch the report.