Trinity Design & Craft Accelerator programme to run for second year
Posted on: 22 January 2025
The 2025 programme will be delivered between March and October, with ten companies set to receive €5,000 each.
2025 programme will be delivered between March and October, with ten companies set to receive €5,000 each
Irish design and craft SMEs are invited to take part in the second year of the Design & Craft Accelerator programme, run by Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) in partnership with Portal, Trinity College Dublin. Designed to aid design and craft small to medium enterprises with international export potential, and offering valuable startup support, applications for the programme are open until 6th March 2025.
In 2024, ten businesses were selected from the many applicants to participate in the Accelerator programme. Applications for the 2025 Programme can be made here.
Three of the businesses went on to be winners at the Showcase Ireland Awards 2025.
- Recycled stationery firm Badly Made Books won the Gift Award;
- Design firm Outcrop Ltd won the Sustainability Award
- Overall Best Product went to industrial design brand Kopper Kreation.
The winners’ achievements not only highlighted their unique contributions but also underscored the value of the Accelerator programme in fostering groundbreaking ideas and driving industry success. In 2025 all ten businesses will remain on the programme for the seven month duration.
The shared ambition for Trinity Portal and DCCI is to see more Irish companies competing for business on the international stage.
Neil Gordon, Executive Director of Trinity Portal said: “We are excited to once again partner with Design & Crafts Council Ireland on a new year of the Design & Craft Accelerator Programme. This collaboration is a pivotal step in empowering Irish design and craft SMEs to expand their international presence. We are committed to leveraging our expertise and resources to support these businesses as they navigate the complexities of global markets. By combining innovation, education, and industry-leading support, this programme will provide the foundation for lasting success and sustainable growth in the international arena.”
Mary Blanchfield, Interim CEO of Design & Crafts Council Ireland said, "We are delighted to launch the Design & Craft Accelerator programme in partnership with Trinity Portal. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for design and craft SMEs to unlock new growth avenues and support DCCI members to become exporters. The programme builds on the success of last year, where ten design and craft businesses took part during different stages of the programme. Through expert mentorship, tailored support, and access to world-class resources, we are empowering these creative businesses to scale and thrive on the global stage. At DCCI, we’re committed to fostering innovation and sustainability within the sector, and this programme is a testament to our continued dedication to the success of Irish design and craftsmanship.”
The design and craft sector significantly contributes to the growth and global recognition of both the Irish domestic economy and the Irish export economy. It is the 10th largest employment sector in Ireland with 63,000 people directly employed and 21,000 enterprises. A growth of over 6% in employees directly working in craft and design from 2022.
Sean O’Sullivan, Founder, Badly Made Books commented: "The Accelerator programme was a pivotal moment for Badly Made Books. It provided invaluable insights and practical tools that helped me refine my business strategy, connect with industry leaders, and scale operations effectively. The experience has been instrumental in growing my brand and reaching new customers both locally and internationally."
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of representatives including members from DCCI, Trinity College Dublin, Enterprise Ireland and industry experts. 20 companies will be shortlisted by late February and given the opportunity to pitch for one of ten places on the programme.
Throughout the programme, each company involved will receive individual coaching and mentoring, which will focus on sustainability of design and manufacturing, best practice, business policies, etc. The programme will culminate in October with a Demo Day - details of which will be announced in the latter part of the year.
Main image shows (l to r) Mary Blanchfield, Interim CEO DCCI, Emmet Bosonnet, Creator & Founder Kopper Kreation, Dr. Isha Tyagi, Head of Craft and Education DCCI, Gavan Drohan, Head of Entrepreneurship, Portal and Neil Gordon Executive Director Portal.
ENDS