Following the success of the Propeller Shannon Start-Up Accelerator at Shannon Airport earlier this year, Enterprise Ireland has announced the launch of phase two of the Aviation Accelerator programme which aims to further enhance the aviation and start-up ecosystem within Ireland.

Drive development of innovative Irish and international start-up companies in aviation sector

The Propeller Shannon start-up accelerator, a partnership between Shannon Group’s International Aviation Services Centre (IASC), DCU Ryan Academy for Entrepreneurs, and supported by Enterprise Ireland, Boeing, Datalex and the Irish Aviation Authority, aims to drive the development of innovative Irish and international start-up companies in the aviation sector. The Propeller Shannon accelerator is now open to applications from potential teams or individuals both in Ireland and from overseas working in the aviation, aerospace and travel tech sectors. There are 10 slots available within the programme which will be based at a dedicated innovation hub in the Shannon Free Zone adjacent to Shannon airport. Similar to the first programme, successful applicants will receive a place within the programme for an incubation period of three months where teams will be able to build and commercially validate their technologies by working with existing networks and mentors from global aviation companies. Joe Healy, divisional manager, High Potential Start-Ups, Enterprise Ireland, said: “We were extremely impressed not only by the quantity but the quality and calibre of the submissions we received following last year’s call for applications and building on its success, we are pleased to announce the opening call for applications for the second phase of the Propeller Accelerator programme.

Partnering with global players

"Enterprise Ireland’s mission is to help businesses with global ambition to build scale and expand reach, and we are delighted to support the programme to help drive the development of innovative start-up aviation companies, setting their sights on competing and partnering with global players in the sector.” Patrick Edmond, MD of Shannon Group’s International Aviation Services Centre (IASC), said: "Shannon Group co-founded Propeller Shannon because we could see a gap within the aviation sector for a focused start-up accelerator. The response from the major aerospace companies to whom we’ve introduced the companies on the programme to has been both positive and productive. "The most recent cohort of companies participating in the first programme are first-class, and it’s been very satisfying to see them engage with leaders in world aviation, making contacts and pitching their wares – we can see first-hand how the expertise and contacts made during the programme lift the efforts of the start-ups to an entirely different level." Donal Brady, chief executive, DCU Ryan Academy, said: “There are fantastic opportunities for aviation technologies in a rapidly emerging area and aviation has already been identified as a strategic priority for the government owing to its significant contribution to the economy. "It is an industry that is growing both nationally and globally and Propeller Shannon is responding to the needs of this industry and the opportunities that it presents.” Phase two of the Propeller Shannon Accelerator programme will commence on January 29, 2019. Applications are now being accepted, with closing date set for November 5, 2018. For further information please visit https://propellersnn.com