PorterShed has officially launched the AI Venture Forge Accelerator, a new 12-week programme aimed at helping Ireland’s most promising AI-first start-ups and corporate innovation teams achieve commercial traction and investor readiness.
The accelerator is built on the globally respected Disciplined Entrepreneurship model and is designed specifically for teams where artificial intelligence is central to the product, not just a buzzword or added feature. As AI continues to dominate headlines, PorterShed is positioning itself to support start-ups developing truly transformative technologies.
Speaking at the launch, PorterShed CEO Mary Rodgers said, “The noise around AI is deafening, however, very few companies are truly innovating at a deep technical level. AI Venture Forge is about cutting through the noise and backing teams with the technical ability and vision to redefine industries.”
The programme will be delivered in a hybrid format, combining onsite sessions in Galway city with virtual support, led by Programme Manager Dushyant Singh and the experienced PorterShed Programmes team. It includes international exposure, with participants travelling to either London or Paris to strengthen their market insight and global networks. A further three-month post-programme phase will see participating companies travel to San Francisco to focus on fundraising, building their sales pipeline, and preparing for US market entry.
The launch follows a year-long strategic focus by PorterShed on building AI innovation capacity in the West of Ireland. This included hosting the GenAI Hackathon in June 2024, contributing to the National AI Challenge led by TechIreland, and introducing an AI track at the NDRC Founder Weekend in September.
Defining future industries
Reflecting on lessons from these initiatives, Programme Manager Dushyant Singh said, “We saw a clear distinction between teams using AI for real product innovation and those applying AI superficially. The programme is designed to work with technical teams building infrastructure and applications that will define industries in five years’ time, not just bolt-on features. This programme will be supported by AI experts and founders, who will be on site to give mentorship, feedback and provide support.”
The AI Venture Forge will run a nationwide search for applicants, supported by innovation hubs including the RDI Hub in Kerry, Republic of Work in Cork and Dogpatch Labs in Dublin.
Applications are now open. Selected start-ups will receive six months of membership at PorterShed and access to a network of mentors, investors, and peers focused on the future of AI-first innovation.
The programme is open to early-stage Irish AI start-ups and innovation teams from established Irish tech scale-ups and SMEs. Participating companies will be expected to show strong technical leadership, freedom to operate, and a clear ambition to scale globally.
Funded through returns from successful NDRC investments in Irish start-ups, AI Venture Forge offers an intensive three-phase structure: Product Definition, Venture Development and Fundraising to Scale. Weekly mentorship, hands-on workshops, and strategic board reviews will help start-ups refine their business and product roadmap.
More information and application details can be found at https://portershed.com/ai-venture-forge.
