Founder Labs – Accelerating Innovation Programme
Applications closed | Support, funding, and expertise to bring your entrepreneurial vision to life.
Founder Labs programme for high-potential startups
The Founder Labs programme closed for applications on 30 June 2025.
The six-month Founder Labs accelerator, funded by Invest Northern Ireland, is designed to 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ early-stage, innovation-driven enterprises (IDEs) in Northern Ireland. The programme 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵs high-potential startups in scaling quickly by offering essential resources and mentorship to drive rapid growth and success.
What 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ is available?
Successful participants can receive £25,000 in grant funding and gain access to:
- workshops on business development and scaling
- mentorship from industry experts
- pitching opportunities to investors
- shared workspaces to foster collaboration
- international study visits for global insights
Additionally, participants can gain access to up to £500,000 in credits from select technology partners to 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ growth.
Who can apply?
Founder Labs is for anyone who has an ambitious and transformative idea with a tech focus. Participants should be aiming for the following milestones by their third year of trading:
- over £1 million in revenue or funding
- 60% of sales from outside Northern Ireland
- external investment
Successful applicants must be based in Northern Ireland and either working full-time on their startup or committed to doing so upon acceptance into the programme.
Find more information about the .
Founder Labs is delivered by Ormeau Labs in partnership with Dogpatch Labs, Queen's University Belfast and The AMP. The programme is funded by Invest Northern Ireland and New Deal Entrepreneurship Funding.
First published 21 March 2024