Student entrepreneurs begin DIT start-up accelerator programme

The second instalment of I-Cubed, a student summer start-up accelerator run by Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), has got under way.

I-Cubed provides a €5,000 tax-free stipend, weekly one-on-one mentorship, nine workshops and office space in the Greenway Hub building on the new DIT Grangegorman campus to those selected.

The three-month programme is led by serial entrepreneur Neal O’Gorman, the director of the Dublin chapter of the Founder Institute, who previously led Tsunami Photonics and Artomatix, both of which were university spin-outs.

"Too often great final-year projects or masters projects gather dust on the thesis shelf. Many budding entrepreneurs simply require the right encouragement, backing and guidance to give it a go. To me, I-Cubed is that gentle kick, an excellent resource and a great opportunity which is structured to address the typical challenges that hinder the aspiring student entrepreneur," Mr O'Gorman told The Irish Times.

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Developed

Last year, I-Cubed graduate Brian Henderson, founder of Baon Diagnostics, who has developed diagnostic testing for infectious diseases suitable for use in GP clinics, reached the national final of Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) competition.

Overall, five teams have been selected to take part in I-Cubed this year, including Darragh Hughes, who has developed a child-friendly asthmatic spacer and Helen O’Shea, who is producing original food products using surplus fruit and vegetables.

I-Cubed is but one of a number of student accelerator programmes, which also includes Trinity College Dublin’s LaunchBox and University College Cork’s Ignite.