Applications are now open for The South East Innovators Entrepreneurship Academy, a new six-month programme designed to support ambitious individuals looking to start their own high-potential scalable businesses across the region.
With places strictly limited, those interested are being encouraged to apply early via www.theinnovators.ie
Led by Waterford Chamber, and supported by Waterford Local Enterprise Office and Klearcom, the Academy is focused on identifying ambitious entrepreneurs with the potential to build businesses capable of competing nationally and internationally, particularly across sectors such as technology, software, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and product innovation.
Backed by Leading Entrepreneurs
A defining feature of the Academy is the calibre of mentors involved. Participants will work one-to-one with experienced business leaders who have built and scaled successful companies.
Mentors include a number of leading regional entrepreneurs, among them David Brennan, Eastgate Engineering; Jordan Casey, MindPath; Patsy Carney, Louise Grubb, Trivium Vet; Pat Power, Harcourt Developments; Niall Harrington, WhiteBox Developments; Michael Flynn, FLI Group, as well as Liam Dunne and Mark Rohan of Klearcom and Seamus Kilgannon, WorkLabs.
This level of direct access to proven entrepreneurs is intended to provide participants with practical insight, challenge and support at a critical stage in their development.
Leadership Perspective
Commenting on the launch, Gerald Hurley said: “Entrepreneurship and innovation are critical to the continued growth and competitiveness of the Waterford and South East economy. Supporting ambitious potential entrepreneurs and helping scalable businesses emerge locally is essential for driving investment, creating high-value jobs, retaining talent and strengthening the region’s long-term economic future.
“The South East Innovators Entrepreneurship Academy is focused on identifying individials with real potential and providing them with access to the experience, networks and challenge required to build successful businesses. It reflects a strong commitment from the business community to invest in the future of enterprise in the region.”
Pipeline of Scalable Businesses
The initiative forms part of a broader effort to strengthen the South East’s position as a centre for entrepreneurship and innovation, addressing the need for a stronger pipeline of scalable, investment-ready businesses emerging from the region.
Participants will take part in a structured programme combining one-to-one mentoring, expert-led workshops and access to business leaders, partners and investors. The programme will culminate in an Innovation Showcase, where participants will present their ventures to the wider business community.
The Academy has been designed to accommodate participants at different stages, including those working full-time or building their ventures alongside existing employment, with a flexible structure requiring only a small number of formal engagements each month.
A Selective Programme
The Academy will operate on a highly selective basis, with places awarded to applicants demonstrating strong potential for growth, scalability and impact.
The programme is not intended as a general business support initiative, but as a targeted intervention for individuals building ventures with the capacity to generate employment, attract investment and contribute to long-term regional competitiveness.
Participation is free, with a refundable deposit required to secure a place.
Apply Now
Applications are now open until May 31st and expected to be highly competitive. Those interested are encouraged to apply early at: www.theinnovators.ie
