Talent from Stripe, Google and NASA selected for second cycle of Founders

Ireland’s Startup Scene Gets a Boost With Powerful ‘Founders’ Program

Dublin’s startup scene is buzzing with excitement as the second cohort of the groundbreaking “Founders” program kicks off. Forty ambitious individuals from diverse backgrounds – engineers, business experts, and even alumni of giants like Stripe, Google, and NASA – have converged at the renowned Dogpatch Labs for a 12-week intensive journey.

This unique program pairs technical engineers with commercial specialists, empowering them to build innovative startups from the ground up. Guided by experienced mentors, participants nurture their entrepreneurial spirit and lay a solid foundation for success. “This is a new kind of startup Factory for ireland—a model that taps into one of our greatest untapped resources: transitioning talent from multinationals into impactful startups. The quality of this cohort is really something special,” says Amy Neale, partner at Delta VC and a mentor in the program.

The impact of the program is already being felt. in its pilot phase,Founders successfully incubated startups like Inspeq AI,which secured €1.1 million in funding for its cutting-edge AI-driven security platform, and glitch Ads, which raised €750,000 in angel funding to scale its ad optimization technology.

Stephen Kinsella, Director of Immersive Software Engineering at UL, emphasizes the program’s vital role in Ireland’s innovation ecosystem. “Talent is the single most critically critically important ingredient in any innovation ecosystem.Founders unlocks that talent and channels it into impactful startups, making it critical to Ireland’s future,” he states.

Powering Ireland’s AI Boom: Meet the Visionaries Shaping the Future

Ireland is rapidly becoming a global hub for AI innovation, driven by a dynamic group of entrepreneurs and tech leaders. These individuals, armed with diverse backgrounds and a shared passion for progress, are building the future, harnessing the transformative power of artificial intelligence to create solutions that benefit society. Their stories exemplify Ireland’s commitment to becoming a leader in this rapidly evolving field.

While government funding plays a crucial role,ensuring the continued growth and impact of this burgeoning ecosystem depends heavily on sustained investment. Bobby Healy, Founder and CEO of Manna Drone Delivery, a graduate of NDRC’s accelerator program, emphasizes the critical need for ongoing support. “This model has proven its value, creating startups that wouldn’t exist otherwise or else with extraordinary founding teams,” Healy states. “Ensuring its future is critical to building a world-class innovation ecosystem for Ireland.”

this commitment to innovation will be on full display at Dogpatch Labs’ upcoming “Demo Day” showcasing the talent and potential of Ireland’s newest AI startups. A highlight of this year’s cohort, set to conclude in November, will be a showcase of innovative solutions poised to make a global impact.

Among the 2025 cohort,several standout individuals are paving the way: Ryan Loughran,CEO,brings a wealth of experience leading teams at companies like Qualtrics and mckinsey. Renato Boemer, CTO, combines his expertise in Machine Learning, honed at RB and AI, with a strong academic foundation from Cambridge University. Brendan Regan, CEO, brings a proven track record of scaling businesses, leading Plaid Financial Limited’s European revenue from zero to €10 million. Fabia Becaus, CEO, stands out as a top graduate of Trinity College’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation program. David burke, CTO, currently serving as VP of Engineering at Inscribe, adds his valuable technical expertise to the mix.

these individuals, united by their vision and expertise, represent just a glimpse into Ireland’s burgeoning AI landscape. Their collective efforts promise to shape not only Ireland’s future but also contribute significantly to the global advancement of artificial intelligence.

Meet the Team: Brilliance and Innovation

This isn’t just any team; it’s a vibrant hub of extraordinary minds dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Each member brings a unique blend of experience, talent, and vision, creating a dynamic and inspiring environment where groundbreaking ideas come to life. Let’s take a closer look at these brilliant individuals who are shaping the future.

Evan Gordon, a highly regarded CTO, has earned a strong suggestion from storehero’s CEO, highlighting his expertise and leadership within the team.

At just a young age, Chirag Joshi shines as a gifted software engineer. This ambitious individual not only secured a third-place win in the prestigious BT Young Scientist competition but also ranks among Ireland’s top 10 STEM students. His drive and intellect are truly inspiring.Conall Walsh made his mark on the world at the remarkable age of 19 by contributing to NASA’s Electrical Testbed development. This early involvement in such a prestigious project speaks volumes about his exceptional abilities.

Eoin Gahan’s dedication to innovation is evident in his work. He earned a 1.1 masters degree from UCD for his groundbreaking research on solar satellites, demonstrating his commitment to exploring new frontiers.Pramodith Ballapuram, a renowned AI Thought Leader and Senior AI Engineer on LinkedIn, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team. His insights and contributions are invaluable as the field of artificial intelligence continues to evolve.

meet Jeferson Oliveira, a skilled lead SRE at Fivetran, who has achieved remarkable success in acquiring over 50 paying SMB customers within a month. His dedication and entrepreneurial spirit are truly extraordinary.

Jackson Helio De Cerqueira, a serial CTO, joins the team with extensive experience. His recent role as co-founder and CTO at Só Vaquinha Boa showcases his ability to drive innovation and success in shaping impactful businesses.we have Nikhil Pati, a young and dynamic builder who brings boundless energy and a fresh viewpoint to the team.

This is a team that stands apart, driven by a shared passion for innovation and a commitment to making a real difference in the world.

Driving Ireland’s AI Boom: A conversation with Industry Leaders

Ireland is rapidly emerging as a hub for artificial intelligence, attracting both established tech giants and innovative startups. This surge in AI activity is fueled by a confluence of factors, from a supportive government policy to a burgeoning talent pool.

To understand the forces driving this AI boom, we spoke with three prominent figures in the Irish tech landscape: Andrew Meegan, CEO of Feast; Collette Doyle, Co-founder of Shelfleet; and Vessy Tasheva, Founder of Vessy.com.

Andrew Meegan, CEO, Feast

Andrew brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at leading tech companies like Palantir. But what drew him to the AI space, specifically in Ireland?

“Dublin has become a magnet for innovative minds, fostering a unique ecosystem,” Andrew explains. “The government’s proactive focus on AI development and the existing talent pool are compelling reasons to be here. Feast aims to revolutionize the food industry thru AI, and Ireland’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit provides the perfect launchpad.”

Collette Doyle, Co-founder, Shelfleet

Collette’s background scaling businesses has given her a unique perspective on the Irish startup scene. “I’m incredibly optimistic!” she states. “Ireland is ready to take the next leap in AI. We’re seeing a surge in funded startups, attracting international talent, and gaining recognition for cutting-edge research. It’s a dynamic ecosystem waiting to explode.”

Vessy Tasheva, Founder, Vessy.com

Vessy,a prominent figure in the irish tech community,offers valuable advice for aspiring AI entrepreneurs. “Don’t be afraid to experiment and iterate,” she advises.“The field of AI is constantly evolving, so be adaptable and embrace challenges. Seek out mentors and connect with other startups – collaboration is key in this space.”

these insights paint a vibrant picture of Ireland’s AI landscape. The country is poised to become a major player in the global AI revolution,offering exciting opportunities for both established companies and budding entrepreneurs.

How can Ireland ensure equitable access to AI education and opportunities across all demographics?

Ireland’s AI Boom: A Conversation with Industry Leaders

Ireland is rapidly emerging as a hub for artificial intelligence, attracting both established tech giants and innovative startups.This surge in AI activity is fueled by a confluence of factors, from a supportive government policy to a burgeoning talent pool.To understand the forces driving this AI boom, we spoke with three prominent figures in the Irish tech landscape: Andrew Meegan, CEO of Feast; Collette Doyle, Co-founder of Shelfleet; and Vessy Tasheva, Founder of Vessy.com.

Andrew Meegan, CEO, Feast

Andrew brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at leading tech companies like Palantir. But what drew him to the AI space, specifically in Ireland?

“Dublin has become a magnet for innovative minds, fostering a unique ecosystem,” Andrew explains. “The government’s proactive focus on AI development and the existing talent pool are compelling reasons to be here. Feast aims to revolutionize the food industry thru AI, and Ireland’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit provides the perfect launchpad.”

Collette Doyle, Co-founder, shelfleet

Collette’s background scaling businesses has given her a unique perspective on the Irish startup scene.

“I’m incredibly optimistic!” she states. “Ireland is ready to take the next leap in AI. We’re seeing a surge in funded startups, attracting international talent, and gaining recognition for cutting-edge research. it’s a dynamic ecosystem waiting to explode.”

Vessy Tasheva, Founder, Vessy.com

Vessy, a prominent figure in the Irish tech community, offers valuable advice for aspiring AI entrepreneurs.

“Don’t be afraid to experiment and iterate,” she advises.“the field of AI is constantly evolving, so be adaptable and embrace challenges. Seek out mentors and connect with other startups – collaboration is key in this space.”

These insights paint a vibrant picture of Ireland’s AI landscape. the country is poised to become a major player in the global AI revolution, offering exciting opportunities for both established companies and budding entrepreneurs.

What do you think are the key challenges facing Ireland as it seeks to become a global leader in AI?