CeADAR and Propelor BIC Deliver High-Impact AI Masterclass for Start-up Founders in Waterford

(opens in a new window)CeADAR, Ireland’s Centre for AI, delivered a high-impact AI event for start-up founders earlier this week in partnership with (opens in a new window)Propelor BIC at the IDA Ireland building in Waterford.

The High-Impact AI Masterclass for Start-up Founders event, which was fully subscribed, featured insight-led sessions designed for ambitious, high-potential start-ups and innovation-led teams.

Attendees received a practical, high-value masterclass focused on using AI and digital best practices to accelerate early-stage validation and growth.

Speakers provided a combination of expert insight, real-world founder experience, and practical guidance to help start-ups make better decisions, faster and with less risk.

Attendees learned how to use AI to validate start-up ideas faster and cheaper and how to analyse markets, competitors and customers using AI. They gained practical insight into early-stage cybersecurity risks and how to mitigate them and heard first-hand founder lessons on building and scaling AI-enabled products.

Speakers included Aidan Shine, CEO, Propelor BIC, Laura Plunkett, Programme Manager of CeADAR’s European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) programme, Ramy Ebeid, EDIH Digital and AI Engagement Lead, Jacqueline Kehoe, ENTIRE EDIH Ireland and Dinesh Lalvani co-founder of Euryka AI.

Aidan Shine, welcomed attendees and noted the value of partnering with CeADAR through the European Digital Innovation Hub programme to support founders in building AI-ready start-ups.

Laura Plunkett introduced the EDIH for AI programme and outlined how the AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme, delivered by NovaUCD in partnership with CeADAR, supports Irish AI start-ups. The 2026 accelerator programme will open shortly for applications.

Laura Plunkett, Programme Manager, CeADAR’s European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) programme said, “We were delighted to see this High-Impact AI Masterclass for Start-up Founders fully subscribed, highlighting the strong demand among early-stage companies for practical and trusted guidance on AI adoption. Delivered through the CeADAR European Digital Innovation Hub programme, the session provided participants with high-level insights into how AI and digital best practices can support early validation, informed decision-making, and scalable growth.”

Ramy Ebeid delivered a practical demonstration showing how founders can use AI to rapidly validate ideas, analyse markets and competitors, and test real customer demand before committing serious time or capital. Jacqueline Kehoe delivered a practical overview of why cybersecurity is a start-up essential, covering key risks early-stage companies often overlook.

In addition Dinesh Lalvani shared founder-led insights on building AI-first products, navigating complexity and applying AI tools in real-world start-up environments, in a session moderated by Justin Kearns.

Laura Plunkett added, “We would like to thank Propelor BIC for their valued partnership and support in organising this event. We hope the masterclass inspired attendees to consider how programmes such as our AI Ecosystem Accelerator can support their next steps, and we look forward to continuing to deliver impactful AI initiatives for start-up communities across the country.”

ENDS

23 January 2026

For further information contact Micéal Whelan, Communications and Media Relations Manager, UCD Research and Innovation, e: (opens in a new window)miceal.whelan@ucd.ie or  Martha Kearns, StoryLab.

Editors Notes

CeADAR , Ireland’s Centre for AI is the national centre supporting organisations across Ireland to explore, experiment with, and integrate AI into products and processes.    Established in 2013 and funded by Enterprise Ireland and the IDA, CeADAR bridges the gap between academic research and industry needs, accelerating the journey from concept to market-ready solutions. With a strong focus on business impact, CeADAR empowers companies to boost productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability through innovative, real-world AI applications.

In addition to delivering technology services and collaborative research projects, CeADAR provides expert national and EU-level advisory, supports AI policy development, and plays a vital role in start-up incubation, workforce training, and innovation funding. CeADAR also actively participates in European-funded programmes, contributing to strategic AI advancements across the continent. (opens in a new window)www.ceadar.ie