Do you have an idea for a new tech start-up with global reach?
Let us help you build it and bring it to market with Fusion!
DCU Invent’s Fusion Programme offers ambitious entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to develop the technology and market for their idea. Working with a team of DCU experts, entrepreneurs can access world-class University resources not typically available to start-ups.
By matching entrepreneurs with ideas to talented University researchers, together we can create innovative tech start-ups and turn these ideas into global businesses. No prior connection with DCU is needed. This is a competitive process but if successful, approved entrepreneurs will be matched to a talented team of researchers with the appropriate expertise and supported with grant funding (€100k - €500k) to fund a development project team for up to 18 months. Ongoing support, training and mentoring will be provided throughout the project, before finally spinning out the new ambitious Irish based company led by the entrepreneur.
What We Require From You
You are an experienced entrepreneur, have a business idea with proven commercial potential and a global target market, along with confirmed market interest through direct customer feedback. However, you still have a significant research and development challenge that requires a technical team.
You are willing to join DCU as the paid full-time leader of a project team to develop and validate your idea.
You are committed to lead the new spin-out company on completion of the project.
What We Can Offer You
Significant grant funding (€100k - €500k) in excess of typical seed funding, usually for 18 months, to develop your MVP and validate your commercial market.
Opportunity to recruit your own tech team of DCU researchers.
Assistance with business plan development, go-to-market strategy, entrepreneurial training, pitching and access to investors.
Invaluable technical mentoring by expert senior DCU academics.
Access to DCU’s deep technology research expertise and resources, including state-of-the art labs and equipment.
Why are we doing it?
Universities are experts at building innovative technologies. Entrepreneurs have great ideas but often lack access to talent and capital. We want to link up both parties!
We can unlock more and better start-ups through combining experienced entrepreneurs with tech talent.
We want our entrepreneurs to talk to potential customers early and often and make products and services that people want.
We want to develop companies that can scale internationally.
Next Steps
We are constantly looking for entrepreneurs with innovative tech ideas!
If you think this programme could be for you, please submit your idea at DCU Fusion Programme Webform 2024
This form requires high-level details which include:
• Industry sector
• Description of the problem that your new business idea is solving
• Insights you have into this particular issue
• Description of your new business idea
• Summary of the market validation completed
• Technical expertise sought from DCU
Be assured that all information will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
Our DCU Invent team will revert within 5 working days!
Contact: Maria Johnston, DCU Invent, Dublin City University maria.johnston@dcu.ie
DCU Invent Fusion Programme for Entrepreneurs - Building Tech Start-Ups with Global Reach