Have a good idea? IGNITE can help you build a great business.
Applications now open for our July 2026 programme
Join Ireland’s leading full-time, in-person start-up programme for recent graduates and place yourself in an office surrounded by ambitious founders, supportive peers and start-ups at different stages of their journey.
This is where you work on your idea every day, learn from people building alongside you, get regular feedback and mentoring, and keep moving forward.
IGNITE alumni include TrustAp, LegitFit, Vconnecta, Zirkulu and Addaptiv - companies that started with an idea and grew into something much bigger.
On IGNITE, you get expert coaching, practical workshops, founder seminars, intimate sessions with successful business people, desk space at UCC, funding support and no equity taken.
Places are limited for our July start, but you do not need a perfect plan, this is what we are here for. If you have a good idea, we can help you build it into a great business. Apply now or talk to us about a discovery call. Email Damien dmulley@ucc.ie to arrange a call.
Timeline
- Closing date for applications: Mon 15 June at 17.00
- Interviews for those shortlisted: Fri 26 Jun in person in UCC
- Programme Start Date: Tues 7 Jul in UCC
Applying
The quick application requires:
- Your contact details, address and mobile number, and 3rd level qualifications.
- A short written description of the product idea, the market opportunity and your business goals (150 words or less for each).
- A 60 sec video to tell us how you'll benefit from your participation on IGNITE (upload a video file).
- Your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Details of at least one person who is familiar with your work.
- Tell us where you heard about IGNITE.
More about the IGNITE Advantage
- A programme valued at €20,000
- A cash stipend to help you kickstart your business
- One-to-one coaching and tailored mentorship
- Practical workshops and founder-focused seminars
- Intimate sessions with successful business people, investors and industry experts
- Help securing grants, investment and business supports
- Desk space at UCC
- Support with pitching, strategy, IP, customer discovery and more
- No equity taken
Who can apply?
IGNITE is open to recent graduates with an Ordinary Bachelor Degree, Honours Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree, Doctoral Degree, Higher Diploma or Post-Doctoral Diploma (NFQ Level 7, 8, 9 or 10 qualification) in any discipline from any 3rd level institution. It is expected that most applicants will graduate in the year in which they begin the programme. In certain cases, applicants may have graduated in the immediately previous 2-3 years and either a) continued in postdoctoral research, b) started developing the business on a full-time or part-time basis or c) engaged in relevant work experience.