Accelerator Programme Launched at NUI Galway

NUI Galway has launched the new BioExel Accelerator, which will act to enhance the medical technology sector start-up ecosystem within Ireland and attract global talent to the Galway region. Other partnership sponsors for this Enterprise Ireland supported Accelerator are the Western Development Commission, the Galway University Foundation and the Bank of Ireland Seed and Early Stage Equity Fund.

The Accelerator programme offers up to 14 slots for potential teams or individuals over two cohorts with the first to commence later this year. Successful applicants will receive a place within NUI Galway for a period of six months, where teams will be able to build and commercially validate their technologies by working with existing entrepreneurial networks and mentors.

The Medtech Accelerator programme is part of Enterprise Ireland’s overall strategy to increase the number and quality of start-ups that have the potential to employ more than ten people and achieve €1 million in export sales within three years.

Announcing the launch of the BioExel Accelerator programme, An Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD said: “Ireland is recognised as a key hub for medical technology and innovation and the launch of this new accelerator is an opportunity to further build on our strong international reputation for excellence and innovation in healthcare and medtech. The Accelerator programme located at NUI Galway and supported by my Department DBEI through Enterprise Ireland will further enhance the High Potential Start-up (HPSU) eco-system and develop start-up capability, infrastructure and capital investment within the Galway region. We are delighted to support the initiative, which will go towards sustaining Ireland’s status as a global leader in medical technology innovation.”

NUI Galway is also home to the CÚRAM Centre for Medical Device Research and the entrepreneurial BioInnovate-Ireland Fellowship Programme.