Nine start-ups selected for UCD’s AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme

23 May 2025

^{Sean Boyle, founder, UnitMode; Denise O’Grady, founder, UniDoodle and Allen Corcoran, Chief Product Officer, TrojanTrack Credit: Paul Sharp/Sharppix}

Nine start-up companies have been chosen for a six-month AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme at UCD.

The programme – delivered by NovaUCD and (opens in a new window)CeADAR, Ireland’s Centre for AI based at NexusUCD – supports entrepreneurs who are developing disruptive AI solutions across various industries.

Participants will receive guidance from CeADAR’s AI experts and experienced commercial mentors, and attend workshops on value proposition, scaling and investor readiness. They will also have access to collaborative co-working spaces at NovaUCD.

The participating start-ups are:

• Ailtir
  • Product: A platform revolutionising the construction tendering process by dramatically reducing the time and cost of bid preparation
    
    
• Leapifai
  • Product: A digital tax copilot that empowers accountants to handle their clients’ tax-related queries more effectively and efficiently
    
    
• NestiFi
  • Product: A platform providing a collaborative investing environment where parents, grandparents, and extended family can contribute to a child’s financial future
    
    
• PacSana
  • Product: A smart bracelet that helps older people to remain independent for longer by informing carers when an intervention is needed and how best to respond
    
    
• Reactable AI
  • Product: A marketing tool that learns and reacts to how content performs, then uses this data to optimise it for better engagement and reach
    
    
• Run Audit
  • Product: An automated cybersecurity audit, risk and compliance software using AI to augment the work output of auditors and consultants
    
    
• TrojanTrack
  • Product: A tool that allows horse trainers and owners to record videos that can detect problems with the animal’s gait before they become injuries
    
    
• UniDoodle
  • Product: A student response system for teachers and lecturers that can create interactive questions, display answers in real time, assign and correct homework, track progress and identify students at risk
    
    
• UnitMode
  • Product: A platform that gives brands the tools to communicate environmental claims that are clear, compliant and trusted, helping them to avoid fines and reputational damage

“Over the next few months, we will be supporting this dynamic cohort of Irish start-ups and entrepreneurs who are focused on using AI technologies to deliver a range of disruptive products and services, for the benefit of society not only here in Ireland, but on a global stage,” said Michelle Doyle, Senior Manager, Strategic Innovation Partnerships at NovaUCD.

“The AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme is one of the key services of CeADAR’s European Digital Innovation Hub programme,” added Dr Ricardo Simon Carbajo, Director of Innovation and Development at CeADAR.

“The CeADAR and NovaUCD teams look forward to supporting the participating entrepreneurs, who are leveraging the power of AI, through our knowledge, expertise and networks, as they accelerate their start-ups to the next stage of their entrepreneurial journeys.”

The AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme is funded through the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) framework. It will end with a showcase event in October.

By: Rebecca Hastings, Digital Journalist, UCD University Relations (with materials from Micéal Whelan, UCD Research and Innovation)

To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie