Navigating Ireland’s Startup & SME Support Landscape

Learn how the different programmes (Enterprise Ireland, LEO, NDRC, Axis Bic, New Frontiers, Ignite, Nimbus) fit together along the founder journey.

Ireland’s Startup Support Ecosystem Explained

This special Ecosystem Masterclass brings together key support organisations to give early-stage founders a clear understanding of Ireland’s funding, accelerator, and support landscape.

Learn how the different programmes (Enterprise Ireland, LEO, NDRC, Axis Bic, New Frontiers, Ignite, Nimbus) fit together along the founder journey.

Previous Speakers

Hear global thought leaders speak about their startup ecosystems from around the world and how they are growing and evolving.

Marta Krupinska

Head of Google for Startups UK

Marta is a three-time founder, Forbes 30 under 30 recipient, and global ecosystem builder. She now leads initiatives across Europe for Google for Startups.

Josh Baer

Founder | Capital Factory

Josh leads Texas’s largest startup hub in Austin while also investing in and connecting the 4 largest ecosystems across the state.

Patrick Walsh

CEO | Dogpatch Labs

Founder & ecosystem builder. Launched Scale Ireland to support policy development for startups. Member of Ireland’s National Competitiveness Council.

Knowledge You Will Gain

Leave with a holistic understanding of startup ecosystems and their impact locally and globally.

Theory

Learn why startup ecosystems exist, how they create impact, and the theory behind it.

Landscape

Understand the Irish startup ecosystem, and what makes each region unique.

Insights

Hear global ecosystem development thought leaders share insights and success stories.

Opportunities

Find out how you can get involved and make an impact in your local ecosystem.

“NDRC events and programmes bring a huge amount of energy and vitality to the ecosystem, especially at a regional level where they act as a real beacon for entrepreneurs and founders across the island.”

Donnchadh Cullinan | Head of Enterprise Solutions

Enterprise Ireland

An Interactive & Immersive Schedule

This Masterclass will cover the following topics:

1. Welcome & Introduction (11:00 - 11:10)
Masterclass overview: understanding Ireland’s enterprise support landscape and how to navigate it strategically, whether you are an early-stage founder or an established SME.

2. The Regional Landscape (11:10 - 11:40)
What’s Available Locally?
Overview of regional supports. Who they are for, what stage they support, and how to engage at the right time.
Practical insights into mentoring, feasibility funding, innovation vouchers and early growth supports.

3. Funding & National Supports (11:40 - 12:10)
What Funding Is Actually Available?
Overview of national programmes, understanding grants, innovation supports, structured acceleration and investment pathways.
Clarity on when & how to apply.

4. Growth, Scale & Investment (12:10 - 12:40)
Supports for trading businesses and high-growth startups.
Export supports, R&D funding, investment routes and scaling programmes.

5. Panel Discussion & Next Steps (12:40 - 1:00)
Interactive Q&A with ecosystem representatives. Common mistakes founders and SMEs make. Clear next steps and how to get involved with the right supports for your stage.
Followed by a Q&A

Course Details

When is it: Thursday, March 12, 2026. 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Time Commitment: 2.5 hours (includes breaks)

Format: Republic of Work, 12 South MallCork, CO, T12 RD43 & Streaming Virtually.

Description: This focused masterclass breaks down Ireland’s startup and SME support landscape, helping you understand what’s available, when to engage, and how programmes fit together along your growth journey. From regional mentoring and early funding to national grants, acceleration, scaling and investment supports, you’ll gain practical clarity, plus expert insights and next steps during an interactive panel discussion.