Pictured (L-R): Justin Kearns, Business Consultant, Regional Engagement, Propelor; Jacqueline Kehoe, Programme Manager, Munster Technological University; Ramy Ebeid, Digital & AI Engagement Lead, CeADAR; Laura Plunkett, EDIH Programme Manager, CeADAR; Dinesh Lalvani, Co-Founder & CEO, Euryka AI; Aidan Shine, CEO, Propelor.
- Startups received a masterclass in using AI to drive validation and growth
- Applications for AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme open early next week.
CeADAR, Ireland’s Centre for AI, delivered a high-impact AI event for startup founders in partnership with Propelor BIC today (Tuesday, January 20th) at the IDA Ireland building in Waterford.
The High-Impact AI Masterclass for Startup Founders event, which was fully subscribed, featured insight-led sessions designed for ambitious, high-potential startups 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 startups make better decisions – faster and with less risk.
Attendees at the Déise Room, IDA Ireland learned how to use AI to validate startup 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, EDIHCeADAR’s Digital & AI Engagement Lead, Jacqueline Kehoe of 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 startups
Laura Plunkett introduced the EDIH for AI programme and outlined how the AI Ecosystem Accelerator, delivered by CeADAR in partnership with NovaUCD, supports Irish AI startups. The accelerator programme opens for applications early next week.
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 startup essential, covering key risks early-stage companies often overlook.
Dinesh Lalvani shared founder-led insights on building AI-first products, navigating complexity and applying AI tools in real-world startup environments, in a session moderated by Justin Kearns.
Laura Plunkett, EDIH for AI Programme Manager CeADAR said:
“We were delighted to see this High-Impact AI Masterclass for Startup 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. 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 startup communities across the country.”
