Thursday 17 September 2026
Eighteen high-growth start-ups from across Ireland have been selected by Enterprise Ireland to participate in the latest Prep4Seed Programme. The 12-week investor-readiness focused programme is delivered nationally in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland by the Irish BICs (Business Innovation Centres): AxisBIC, Furthr, Propelor BIC and WestBIC.
The programme kicked off in Cork yesterday, Tuesday, September 8, with the first in-person Masterclass, bringing together a diverse range of innovative businesses from across Ireland, spanning sectors – Climate Tech and Sustainability, Life Sciences, Fintech, Digital Tech, Consumer Food, Drinks & Consumer Goods.
Supporting ambitious startups to scale and compete internationally
Conor O'Donovan, head of startups, Enterprise Ireland, said: "Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting ambitious startups to scale and compete internationally. Prep4Seed equips founders with the tools and investor-readiness support they need to take that next step, and we look forward to seeing this latest cohort progress through the programme and beyond."
Larry O'Donoghue, CEO AxisBIC, said: "It is fantastic to welcome the latest Prep4Seed cohort to Cork. Delivered in partnership with the IrishBICs and Enterprise Ireland, Prep4Seed plays an important role in supporting ambitious early-stage companies to build the foundations for investment and sustainable growth. We have seen first-hand the impact Prep4Seed has in helping to develop the next generation of high-potential Irish startups, giving founders the skills, confidence and investor readiness they need to turn ambition into growth."
Prep4Seed combines five specialist master classes delivered by the Irish BICs with six tailored one-to-one sessions with experienced BIC consultants. The one-to-one sessions allow each company to apply the learning from the master classes directly to its own business, with bespoke support focused on its individual growth and investment journey.
Participants will also undertake intensive investor-pitch preparation with the programme culminating in an Investor Pitch Day at Enterprise Ireland's Eastpoint office, Dublin on Wednesday, November 18.
L to R: Mary Ryan, WestBIC; Dan Murphy, AxisBIC; Vivian Cullen, Comply4B; Felix Oster, Mór Taste ; Emma Jayne Burke, Enterprise Ireland; Evelyn Simth, Enterprise Ireland; Sarah Farrar, Ainmhí Beauty; David Gannon, PharmaFast; Michael O'Shea, Envaira; Sarah Phelan, AxisBIC; Tracey Ryan, Doctrine Skincare; Anneliese Duffy Fallon, Fashion Connect Ireland; Ali Winger, Key2Biotics; Ivan Tuzhilkin, Talexa; Ayzel Chiel Guimba, Propelor BIC; Dr Dean Minnock, SeerHealth; Alberto Guzman, Alfaeye; AnnMarie McSorley, Propelor BIC; Majella Murphy, Furthr.
The 18 participating companies are:
Ainmhí Beauty, Alfaeye, Bean Around, ComplyB4 Limited, Doctrine, Fashion Connect Ireland Limited, Genotrial Health Ltd t/a Evident, Intelireg Limited t/a Envaira, Kelvinix, Key2Biotics Limited, Otis Technology, PharmaFast, Sea plus Solu, Seer Health Limited, Slíglas Limited, Talexa, Timeless Beauty, Well Preserved Limited TA Mór Taste