Want to know more about our support?
What is Founder Labs Accelerating Innovation Programme?
Founder Labs is a six-month accelerator programme specifically focussed on technology-based innovation driven start-ups, providing support to the most ambitious and high potential founders across Northern Ireland.
Funded by us and New Deal Partnership Entrepreneurship Funding, the programme is delivered by Ormeau Labs in partnership with Dogpatch Labs in Dublin, The AMP in Derry~Londonderry and Queen’s University in Belfast.
The next application call for Founder Labs will open May/June 2025.
How can my business benefit from Founder Labs Accelerating Innovation Programme?
Those participating in Founder Labs can benefit from:
- workshops, events, and mentoring
- funding to help you start your business
- access to a global network of investors
- support from the tech start-up community
- international study visits
- opportunity to pitch to local and international investors
Founder Labs is an intense, six-month programme and participants are expected to commit fully to the programme and be working full time on their business.
Who is eligible for Founder Labs Accelerating Innovation Programme?
Founder Labs is open to any start-up in Northern Ireland that can achieve the following criteria by year three of trading:
- revenue or funding of more than £1m
- 60% of sales from outside Northern Ireland
- external investment
How to apply
The next application call for Founder Labs will open May/June 2025.
Once the call opens, you can check your eligibility on this page.
Sign up for our 2 Minute Update email newsletter to receive the latest support, events and news straight to your inbox.
Discover more
Find out why local entrepreneurs applied to Founder Labs and the effect the accelerator programme has had on their start-up.
Contact us
For more information about Founder Labs, contact our business Support Team on 0800 181 4422 or complete the enquiry form.