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What is Founder Labs Accelerating Innovation Programme?

Founder Labs is a fully-funded six-month accelerator programme for ambitious, high-potential technology start-ups in Northern Ireland.  
 
We, along with New Deal Partnership Entrepreneurship Funding, fund the programme while Ormeau Labs leads the delivery, working with Dogpatch Labs in Dublin, The AMP in Derry~Londonderry, and Queen’s University Belfast. 

You can apply for Founder Labs until 23:59 on Sunday 15 February 2026. 

How can my business benefit from Founder Labs Accelerating Innovation Programme?

In addition to £25,000 funding, you will get: 

  • Workshops, events, and mentoring to help you grow your business
  • Funding to support your start-up journey
  • Access to a global network of investors
  • Support from the tech start-up community
  • Opportunities for international study visits
  • The chance to pitch your business to both local and international investors 

Founder Labs is an intense, six-month programme. We expect all participants to commit fully and work full time on their business during the programme.  

I would absolutely recommend Founder Labs to other start-ups. It’s a brilliant place to get your idea of a business into a reality surrounded by a cohort of other people all trying to do the same thing, and the amazing support of mentors and entrepreneurs in residence who have all been there and done that.

Rachel Brammer, On-Set

The three things we found most beneficial about the Founder Labs programme has been the financial support, the amazing entrepreneurs in residence, and also the rapid expansion of my network through a huge amount of supporting companies.

Hugh Morgan, Antigenesis Biologic

I applied to Founder Labs because I had an idea and wanted to accelerate my business. I would recommend it to anyone who has an idea to use the knowledge and expertise here to grow their business.

Gillian Noble, Last Say

Who is eligible for Founder Labs Accelerating Innovation Programme?

Any start-up in Northern Ireland can apply to Founder Labs if, by their third year of trading, they can: 

  • Achieve revenue or funding of more than £1 million 
  • Make at least 60% of their sales outside Northern Ireland 
  • Secure external investment 

How do I apply for the Founder Labs programme?

Apply for Founders Lab on the Founders Lab website.

  • The application call Founder Labs is open until 23:59 on Sunday 15 February 2026. 

    Apply now

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.

For information on how we use your personal data including your rights, see our privacy notice.
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