NDRC
We invest in Irish-based early-stage startups and offer founder-friendly investment with mentorship from proven entrepreneurs and a whole range of value-adds.
NDRC at a glance
| Address | Dogpatch Labs, the CHQ Building, Custom House Quay |
|---|---|
| Programmes | 2 standing programmes |
| Official website | www.ndrc.ie/accelerator |
Programmes they run
Standing programmes at NDRC, separate from the funding calls above.
Accelerator
AcceleratorDesigned for ambitious founders building globally scalable technology companies, offering a €100k uncapped SAFE note investment and extensive support.
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
The NDRC Accelerator combines the speed of a VC fund with the support and platform of an accelerator. It offers founder-friendly investment with highly personalized mentoring from over 40 proven entrepreneurs and dedicated Entrepreneurs in Residence. Value-adds include tailored supports, investor lunches, 12 months free office space at Dogpatch Labs, €500k in software perks, post-accelerator support, and international passporting which provides access to a global network of 50+ startup hubs and free hot-desking space in major cities. The program culminates in an in-person, closed-door Demo Day for exposure to investors. Investment is €100k per startup using a 'founder friendly' uncapped SAFE with a 20% discount, divided into two installments (€50k at the start, €50k upon completion of a goal). It operates in a hybrid fashion, with 3 “core” weeks on-site at Dogpatch Labs in Dublin and the rest virtually. NDRC is looking for founders building global solutions, typically at the pre-seed investment stage, developing or testing an early product/MVP with some early proof-points, and with a team possessing unique insights or competency in their domain. Non-Irish startups can apply if they have a strong intent to relocate to or incorporate in Ireland.
Pre-Accelerator
IncubationA six-week virtual program designed to help founders validate their tech startup idea, refine their pitch, and connect with an incredible network.
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
This fully virtual, 6-week programme is designed to help founders validate their idea, refine their pitch, and connect with an incredible network of fellow founders. It provides a structured syllabus, mentors tailored to needs, and speakers who share insights. Weekly sessions cover customer development, product roadmap, pitch refinement, crafting a compelling narrative, market validation, go-to-market strategies, financial modeling & market sizing, and understanding funding options. The program includes Fireside Chats, Mentoring, weekly Check-Ins with regional team leads, Workshops, and Breakout Sessions. It culminates in a Showcase Day where founders pitch their ideas to investors and entrepreneurs. The program is free of cost and does not provide funding directly but prepares startups for funding conversations and accelerator applications. Eligibility requires the company or at least one co-founder to be based in Ireland, with technology at the core of its solutions, and activities must not relate to gambling, adult entertainment, tobacco, or military sectors. The majority of the program is delivered virtually, but there are three in-person sessions (a cohort kick-off, a midpoint meetup, and a Showcase Day watch party) held at the lead hub.
Incubation tracks
The routes into NDRC, and what each one includes.
| Track | Type | Space | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AcceleratorNo fixed cohorts. No deadlines. Just an always-on model built for startup speed. It operates in a hybrid fashion, with startups asked to be on-site at Dogpatch Labs in Dublin for 3 “core” weeks throughout the programme, and the rest facilitated virtually. The €100k investment is divided into two installments: €50k at the beginning and €50k upon completion of an accelerator goal set at the outset. | Acceleration | — | €100k uncapped SAFE note investment, coaching from experienced founders, mentors, and Entrepreneurs in Residence, fundraising support, investor introductions, co-working space, Ireland’s leading startup community and alumni network, tailored supports, investor lunches, 12 months free office space, €500k perks, post-accelerator support, global network of 50+ startup hubs, free hot-desking space in major cities, Global Demo Day Experience, exclusive access to NDRC’s ecosystem network, ever-growing startup alumni community, 1:1 mentoring from top investors, entrepreneurs, and technical experts |
| Pre-AcceleratorThis is a fully virtual, 6-week programme accessible from practically anywhere in Ireland with an internet connection. The majority of the programme is delivered virtually, but there are three in-person sessions (cohort kick-off, midpoint meetup, and a Showcase Day watch party) held at the lead hub. No funding is tied to participation, and the program has no cost to the participant. It is designed for pre-seed startups serious about achieving impactful customer proof points and applying to an accelerator programme within 3-6 months of completion. | Pre-incubation | — | validate your idea, refine your pitch, connect with an incredible network of fellow founders, structured syllabus of content, mentors tailored to your needs and industry, Ireland’s top techies (speakers), understanding your customer, developing a solid product roadmap, refining your pitch, crafting a compelling narrative for their business, workshops, mentoring sessions, Showcase (pitch ideas live), networking with investors, potential customers and partners, and startup enthusiasts, Office Hour session, Fireside Chats, Mentoring, Check-Ins with regional team leads, Workshops (on-demand access to content), Breakout Sessions, overview of available funding options, prepares you for conversations with investors, prepares you for entering an Accelerator programme, Customer Discovery & Development, Product building, Go-to-Market strategies, Financial Modeling & Market Sizing, Refining your Narrative, Funding & Next Steps |
Labs & facilities
Equipment and space on campus.
office space
Access via Dogpatch Labs
12 months of free office space
hot-desking space
in major cities around the world
Support services
Help offered alongside funding and space.
Recognitions & empanelments
Official approvals this incubator holds.
About NDRC
We invest in Irish-based early-stage startups and offer founder-friendly investment with mentorship from proven entrepreneurs and a whole range of value-adds.
Who they work with
Stage
Tags
Frequently asked questions about NDRC
What does NDRC do?
We invest in Irish-based early-stage startups and offer founder-friendly investment with mentorship from proven entrepreneurs and a whole range of value-adds.
Where is NDRC located?
NDRC is located at Dogpatch Labs, the CHQ Building, Custom House Quay.
What programs does NDRC run?
NDRC runs Accelerator and Pre-Accelerator.
What stage of startup does NDRC support?
NDRC supports startups at the Ideation, Validation and Early Revenue stages.
What facilities does NDRC offer?
NDRC offers hot-desking space. Incubatees also get access to office space through its host institution.
Is NDRC government recognised?
NDRC holds the following recognitions and affiliations: Irish Government backed.
Recommended grants & schemes
Other open programmes matching NDRC's focus areas.
