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Design & Crafts Council Ireland partners with Portal at Trinity College Dublin to launch second year of accelerator programme

Posted 21.01.2025
Press Releases

  • The Design & Craft Accelerator programme supports SMEs with international export potential
  • Design and craft sector employs 63,000 people and has 21,000 enterprises
  • Kopper Kreation; Urban Aran; Badly Made Books; Sully & Juno and OutCrop Design took part in the first Design & Craft Accelerator programme during 2024
  • 2025 programme will be delivered between March and October, with ten companies set to receive €5,000 each during the course of the programme

Tuesday, 21st January, 2025: Today, Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) officially launched the second year of the Design & Craft Accelerator programme in partnership with Portal, Trinity College Dublin (TCD) at Showcase – Ireland’s International Creative Expo® in the RDS, Dublin. The Accelerator Programme is designed to aid design and craft SMEs with international export potential, offering valuable startup support. The deadline for applications is 6th March 2025.

 

In 2024, ten innovative businesses were selected from the many applicants to participate in the Accelerator programme and five of these businesses were selected to take part in the second stage of the programme. Three of the businesses went on to be winners at the Showcase Ireland Awards 2025; Badly Made Books won the Gift Award; Outcrop Ltd won the Sustainability Award and the Showcase Overall Best Product went to Kopper Kreation. These awards celebrate outstanding creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship within Irish industries, spanning design, retail, and entrepreneurship. 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.

 

Craft and design play a vital role in driving the Irish economy, contributing to its growth and global recognition. Ireland has a rich heritage of craftsmanship and artistic traditions that have been nurtured and passed down through generations. The country’s commitment to promoting and supporting its artisans has created a thriving creative sector, attracting both domestic and international attention. The Trinity Portal Accelerator invites ten companies to participate on a programme that will assist diverse, multi-sectoral entrepreneurs develop viable business models and business plans and then quickly translate those plans into concrete and scalable value propositions. The shared ambition for Trinity Portal and DCCI is to see more Irish companies competing for business on the international stage.

 

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.”

 

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.”

To apply for the Design & Craft  Accelerator Programme, visit: https://www.dcci.ie/the-accelerator-programme/ (Deadline for applications is 5pm, Thursday, 6th March)

 

ENDS

For more information, please contact Eimear Harding, Communications and Public Affairs Manager, DCCI, 083 023 8743 or email [email protected]

 

For further press information please contact Emma Kelly, Claire Feely or Laura Daly at Elevate PR, 01 662 5652 or email [email protected]

 

About Design & Craft Council Ireland

Design & Crafts Council Ireland is the national agency for design and craft in Ireland, we support designers and makers to develop their businesses in a sustainable way, and advocate for the societal benefits of design and craft. DCCI’s activities are funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment via Enterprise Ireland. DCCI currently has 64 member organisations and over 3,500 registered clients.

www.dcci.ie / @dccireland

 

About Portal at Trinity

Portal is Trinity College Dublin’s gateway to connect with our world-renowned researchers and academics, our enterprising students, and our campus companies. We help meet the challenges of the future through research collaborations, licensing opportunities, professional consulting, education, executive training and entrepreneurship programmes.

 

About The Accelerator Programme

The programme will be  delivered between March and October  2025, with 10 companies set to receive  €5,000 each during the course of the programme. Companies looking to take part in The Accelerator Programme can apply now via https://www.dcci.ie/the-accelerator-programme/

 

Completed application forms submitted by 5pm on Thursday, 6th March 2025 and 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.