Support for Start-ups

Support for Start-ups

All start-ups need a variety of supports and we want to help you on your journey by providing a welcoming atmosphere along with a highly experienced team.  Whether it is advice on funding opportunities, introductions to key people in our networks.......just ask and see how we can support you!

 

Access to funding opportunities

There are numerous funding supports available to start-ups and many entrepreneurs are unaware of just how much is available to them. We have a vast knowledge of funding supports and would be delighted to assist you according to your particular company’s needs. Some opportunities include:

  • €5k Innovation Voucher scheme via Enterprise Ireland
  • €15k for New Frontiers training programme participants via Enterprise Ireland
  • Feasibility Grants, Priming Grants, Business Expansion Grants via Local Enterprise Offices
  • Variety of funding mechanisms available from Horizon Europe
  • Revenue Supports for start-ups and SMEs including Start Your Own Business Relief, Start Up Refunds for Entrepreneurs, Employment and Investment Incentive, Relief from Corporation Tax for start-up companies and The Research and Development Tax Credit



Access to talent

Our university researchers are our greatest asset. We want to help start-ups tap in to our community of researchers to help you innovate and be successful. You can avail of the extensive research expertise available in DCU in areas such as:

data analytics  -  digital content  -  software  -  networks and communications  -  cloud computing  -  water  
advanced processing technology - photonics - sensors - food for health - neurotherapeutics - biotechnology


With internationally recognised research centres such as INSIGHT for Data Analytics, ADAPT Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology, the National Centre for Sensor Research, along with the new Fraunhofer Project Centre, DCU has a growing reputation for research excellence. Our research strengths are closely aligned with the needs of industry and we actively work on bringing  technologies in these areas to market for economic and societal benefit. Enterprise Ireland has an excellent scheme to support start-ups companies who wish to engage with researchers offering them  a €5k Innovation Voucher.

 


Access to networks

We have access to an impressive range of contacts which can assist start-ups in many ways. We have a considerable expertise network within DCU itself and also among other Irish third level institutions. We have a network of entrepreneurs, advisors, mentors and investors that we have worked with over the years which can help our entrepreneurs. We also have key contacts within government agencies that can support the research and innovation activities of start-ups. Being part of our network gives you access to people that can make things happen!