2026/004 Establishment of a single framework for the coordination, design, implementation, and training for the National Start-Up Accelerator Programme(s) - Company and Talent for Startups

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1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

The contractor will be responsible for the coordination, design, implementation, and training for the National Start-Up Accelerator Programme(s) under the Company and Talent streams. This initiative aims to enhance Ireland's startup ecosystem by supporting the creation and scaling of innovative startups. The contractor will engage in the following activities:

• Coordination: Oversee the integration of various accelerator programs, ensuring a cohesive experience for participants.
• Design: Develop tailored accelerator programs that cater to the needs of both company-focused and founder-focused startups.
• Implementation: Execute the designed programs, including immersive training sessions and mentorship opportunities.
• Training: Provide training that emphasizes AI-native innovation, investor readiness, and corporate connectivity.
• Participant Selection: Establish a robust recruitment process to select participants for the accelerator programs.
• Collaboration: Work closely with Enterprise Ireland to align with funding opportunities such as the Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) and High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) funding.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Conduct data analysis and program tracking, reporting progress to Enterprise Ireland as required.

The contractor will also be expected to deliver best-in-class accelerator programs that align with international best practices, focusing on creating a diverse pipeline of startups and preparing them for investment.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is part of the National Accelerator Programme, a flagship initiative under Startup Ireland, which aims to support the creation of 1,000 new startups by 2029. The program responds to global economic shifts and aims to enhance Ireland's capacity to foster innovation-led enterprises. The initiative is strategically aligned with the Action Plan for Competitiveness and Productivity, addressing systemic challenges identified in the 2024 OECD report regarding startup support in Ireland.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13 million
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million
• Cyber Insurance: €5 million
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Candidates must demonstrate experience in delivering comparable projects within the last 60 months.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The overall scoring will follow a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Complete Appendix A (Response Document) available on eTenders.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Use the specified format in the provided template.
• Case studies: Provide 2-3 case studies of relevant projects, with values ranging from €100,000 to €1 million.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: Responses must be submitted via the eTenders postbox facility as a ZIP file.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term + extension structure: Not specified.
• Payment terms: Not specified.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Performance metrics will be established in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland.
• Liquidated damages or penalty regimes: Not specified.
• Termination clauses: Not specified.
• IP ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting rules: Allowed, but the Prime Candidate must assume overall responsibility.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Turnover threshold: The absence of a specified turnover requirement may indicate a preference for larger firms.
• Geographic constraints: Not specified, but the focus on national coverage may limit participation from smaller, regionally focused firms.
• Funding dependency: The program's success is contingent on the availability of funding from Enterprise Ireland, which may introduce uncertainty.

10. SME fit assessment

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can credibly bid should have:

• Experience in delivering accelerator programs or similar services.
• The capacity to engage with startups and provide tailored support.
• The ability to collaborate with other entities, as consortiums are permitted.
• An indicative bid-preparation effort of approximately 10-15 days.

The presence of a strong incumbent or previous winners may signal a competitive landscape, but the tender is open to a range of firms capable of meeting the outlined criteria.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: 2026-004 National Accelerator - Company and Talent Accelerator (QQ Document).pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: 8193560
• Contact email: Not specified; queries must be submitted via eTenders messaging.
• Important attachments: Appendix A — Response Document, Qualification Questionnaire.