The NDRC Pre-Accelerator is a six-week virtual programme designed for early-stage founders in Ireland with globally scalable technology startup ideas. It provides a structured opportunity for participants to validate their concepts, refine business models, and build early traction. The programme focuses on transforming ideas into viable ventures by offering expert mentoring, practical tools for sustainable development, and access to a community of peers, industry advisors, and potential partners. It is tailored for entrepreneurs who have moved beyond the initial concept stage but are not yet prepared for full-scale investment, helping them better understand their customers, sharpen their value propositions, and prepare for future fundraising efforts.
Program Details and Schedule
• Duration: 6 weeks.
• Format: The programme is delivered primarily virtually, with three optional in-person touchpoints held at the lead hub, including a cohort kick-off, a midpoint meetup, and a Showcase Day watch party.
• Time Commitment: Participants are expected to attend six core sessions over the six-week period, typically scheduled from 4pm to 7pm on Mondays. A weekly check-in call with a dedicated team lead is also scheduled for Thursdays. Full commitment to all programme dates is required.
• Cost: Participation in the Pre-Accelerator is free of charge.
• Funding: The programme does not provide direct funding. Instead, it offers an overview of available funding options and prepares founders for conversations with investors and progression into accelerator programmes.
• Delivery Partner: The programme is delivered on behalf of NDRC by RDI Hub.
Application Information
• Next Edition: Spring 2026 Batch.
• Application Deadline: February 27, 2026.
• Programme Dates: March 16 to April 24, 2026.
• Application Deck: While not mandatory, applicants are encouraged to include a deck to showcase their startup. A comprehensive deck should outline the problem, solution, potential market size, business model, traction to date, and team expertise.
Ideal Candidate Profile
• Stage: The programme is designed for pre-seed startups that are serious about achieving meaningful customer proof points and plan to apply to an accelerator programme within three to six months of completion.
• Focus: Founders should be working on a globally focused, scalable technology startup idea.
• Goals: Ideal candidates are those seeking to deepen their understanding of customer development, reach market validation, and gain clarity on pathways to funding.
• Experience: The programme is suitable for both first-time founders and teams that include more experienced entrepreneurs.
Eligibility Criteria
• Location: The company must be based in Ireland, or at least one of the co-founders must be based in Ireland.
• Solution: The company must have technology at the core of its solution.
• Industry Restrictions: The activities of applying companies must not be related to gambling, adult entertainment, tobacco, or military sectors.
Program Structure and Key Components
• Mentoring: Participants receive high-quality mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs who have built, scaled, and exited startups.
• Fireside Chats: Interactive sessions with successful founders and domain experts provide candid discussions and practical insights.
• Workshops: Structured sessions and on-demand content focused on the most critical topics for early-stage startup growth.
• Breakout Sessions: Opportunities for peer learning and feedback, supported by guidance from a dedicated team lead.
• Showcase Day: The programme concludes with a three-minute pitch presented to an audience of investors, ecosystem partners, and fellow entrepreneurs.
• Additional Support: Participants gain access to an on-demand learning portal, along with support for pitch and deck development.
Weekly Curriculum Overview
• Week 1: Customer Discovery & Development – Establishing a strong foundation by validating that the startup is solving a real and meaningful problem.
• Week 2: Product – Understanding how to design and build products that deliver clear value to customers.
• Week 3: Go-to-Market – Learning how to position the startup, define an initial target market, and deploy resources effectively.
• Week 4: Financial Modelling & Market Sizing – Developing credible financial projections and understanding market potential.
• Week 5: Refining Your Narrative – Crafting a compelling story to engage customers, accelerators, and investors.
• Week 6: Funding & Next Steps – Exploring funding options, understanding the investment process, and planning future capital needs.
By emphasising customer validation, strong business fundamentals, and strategic growth planning, the NDRC Pre-Accelerator helps founders make meaningful progress at a critical early stage. Participants typically emerge with stronger foundations, clearer strategic direction, and increased confidence to pursue further investment opportunities or market entry, while becoming part of Ireland’s broader startup and innovation ecosystem.