Startup Stage - powered by NDRC x AI Venture Forge
Welcome to the Startup Stage
The Startup Stage is where innovation takes the spotlight.
NDRC and PorterShed are bringing together cohorts from the AI Venture Forge Accelerator and the NDRC Pre-Accelerator for an exciting pitch day live in Galway City.
Attendees will get a first-hand look at what these founders have been building, with the Pre-Accelerator teams delivering sharp elevator pitches and the AI Venture Forge companies sharing the latest developments from their journeys in AI.
Whether you’re curious about the future of AI, passionate about startups, or simply eager to support Ireland’s next wave of innovators, this is an event not to miss. Join us at PorterShed in person on Wednesday 24th September, or tune in online to be part of the energy, ideas, and connections shaping tomorrow’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Full Agenda
13:00 - 13:15 | Welcome & Check-in
13:15 - 13:45 | NDRC Pre-Accelerator Elevator Pitches
13:45 - 14:30 | Lunch & Networking
14:30 - 14:45 | AI Venture Forge Opening Remarks
14:45 - 15:45 | AI Venture Forge Pitches
15:45 - 16:00 | Closing Remarks
16:00 - 17:00 | Networking
More on NDRC Pre-Accelerator
From AI fintech tools transforming personal finance to platform reimagining fashion supply chains, from cybersecurity education made simple to solar-as-a-service powering Europe’s energy future — this Pre-Accelerator cohort of 20 companies, led by young talent and industry experts, is building bold, tech-driven solutions with the potential to shape industries and drive global impact.
Meet the Autumn Cohort: https://www.ndrc.ie/pre-accelerator-cohort-autumn-2025
More on AI Venture Forge
The inaugural AI Venture Forge Accelerator cohort has spent the past 12 weeks at PorterShed transforming bold AI ideas into globally scalable companies. Supported by world-class mentors and founders, these startups are building breakthrough solutions across DevOps, robotics, cybersecurity, sports, real estate, construction, agriculture, and more.
From automating manufacturing and sales to reimagining farming, housing, performance analytics, and how organisations unlock funding, this first-ever cohort is showing what it means to build AI-first companies with global ambition.
Check out this year's cohort: https://portershed.com/ai-venture-forge-cohort/
Can't make it to Galway?
We know nothing beats being in person. Feeling the startup energy in the room, soaking up the founder buzz, connecting with ecosystem builders. For those who can't travel in-person to Galway — we've got you.
Register for the online stream: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/KJuBr_78RIGa9dq1Lns0tA
T&Cs
Photos and videos will be taken during this event and may be used for marketing purposes. To opt out, please email [email protected].
All data is processed in accordance with NDRC's and PorterShed's privacy policies. Diversity information is used to benchmark and measure our objective of having healthy diversity ratios across our programs. Data is not used in a discriminatory way, merely to analyse and report (in aggregate).