Startup Boost Ireland has announced NovaUCD, the Centre for New Ventures and Entrepreneurs at University College Dublin (UCD), as an ecosystem partner for its autumn programme which commences later this month.

Startup Boost Ireland, part of the global Startup Boost initiative, is a mentor-driven pre-acceleration programme for early-stage tech startups that runs over a six-week period.

Coaching and mentorship

Its goal is to prepare startups for accelerators, investors and/or revenue by providing pitch coaching and mentorship during the programme as well as connections after it has been completed.

Since 2017 Startup Boost has had more than 2,900 applications to its global programmes and the 200 startups selected to attend them have now gone on to raise $50 million-plus in investment.

Programmes are based in Europe, North America, Canada and, most recently Africa, and encompass 12 locations around the world.

Gene Murphy, founding member of Startup Boost, said: "Startup Boost Ireland is delighted to welcome NovaUCD as an ecosystem partner to the autumn 2020 programme.

'Achieve next-level growth'

"By collaborating around our shared mission of supporting promising startups to achieve next-level growth, NovaUCD and Startup Boost intend to create more meaningful commercial outcomes for our early innovators from across Ireland."

Tom Flanagan, UCD director of enterprise and commercialisation, said: “NovaUCD as a hub for high-tech startups is thrilled to be a partner in this year’s Startup Boost Ireland programme.”

The application process is currently open. Between six and eight pre-seed/seed stage tech teams will be selected to take part in this six-week online programme, which commences on September 29.

Prerequisites include a comprehensive business model, a minimum viable product (MVP), and market validation or traction. Working in tandem with keynote speakers, the Startup Boost Ireland directors offer industry insights alongside hands-on mentorship, guidance, validation and the necessary resources for building traction.

Not charged any fees

Startups accepted into the programme are not charged any fees and have no equity taken.

“Innovation is core to our nation's economic success, particularly today. Startup Boost Ireland delivers a powerful six-week programme to prepare early stage startups for an accelerator and investment, providing a critical bridge to their next level growth,” said Suzanne Mills, co-director, Startup Boost Ireland.

Concluding with a global demo day, this year’s autumn 2020 participants will gain exposure to potential new sales leads, and the opportunity to pitch and connect directly with investors and accelerator directors.

Companies also get promoted to investors globally through the Startup Boost virtual demo day which occurs six weeks after their programme and allows investors from around the world view their pitches online for a limited two-day period. Startup Boost alumni will be part of a growing global network globally.

Applications are now open to all pre-seed/seed stage startups for Startup Boost Ireland programme at http://startupboost.org/ireland with a closing date of September 16.