A new programme called StartX has been launched by South East Technological University (SETU) that addresses the need for strengthened innovation and entrepreneurship in the south east region. The programme will support four cohorts of ambitious early-stage innovators with pre-accelerator programmes running between March and May 2024.

Each pre-accelerator programme is thematically focused on a specific area of innovation which aligns with the research areas of the four Technology Gateways within SETU: Design+; PMBRC; SEAM; and the ICS Technology Gateway at Walton Institute

Over the course of the programme, participants will gain a better understanding of entrepreneurship, and will be provided with best-in-class tools to think clearly about the opportunities they wish to pursue. StartX will also expose them to world-class insights and experience from industry veterans and participants will be signposted towards right-sized supports within the local ecosystem which are appropriate to their stage of development.

The programme is fully funded by SETU, and will be delivered by Resolve Partners, a specialist innovation advisory firm, with a long and successful track record of delivering innovation development programmes in the south east region. The StartX programme will be delivered in-person, at a range of venues across the south east. The participants will be brought through a series of deep learning and mentoring sessions and engage with a broad array of speakers from enterprise and innovation agencies, local corporates, research networks, investors, and successful business leaders – all with a particular focus on the wealth of research, technical, and commercial expertise available within the SETU network.

Speaking about the programme, Dr James O’Sullivan, Head of Innovation and Commercialisation at SETU, said, “As the fulcrum for innovation in the region, supported by our internationally renowned Gateways, SETU is delighted and excited to be in a position to provide this wonderful opportunity to train and work with our entrepreneurial community. StartX is uniquely designed for regional engagement between participants and SETU to develop the most impactful start-up environment.”

StartX participants will come from a variety of backgrounds including the academic community, early-stage entrepreneurs, and local businesses looking for an innovative edge to fuel their growth. In addition to the excellent programme content, participants will be in-line to compete for cash prizes, hot-desking facilities at Arclabs and ERIC, and free consultancy sessions with leading professional services firms. They will also join in a leading innovation conference taking place in May 2024, to coincide with the programme finish date.

For more information on StartX and how to apply visit setu.ie/startx