SPRINT, a new accelerator programme, was launched today at Gateway UCC by CEO of Enterprise Ireland, Julie Sinnamon and UCC VP for Research & Innovation, Anita Maguire. 
 
The programme is designed to support early stage start-ups, entrepreneurs and UCC-based researchers. It puts particular focus on commercialisation strategies and routes to market.  
 
Gateway UCC works with clients from their idea stage of development right through to the eventual commercialisation of the product or service.  
 
The first 10 participants in the SPRINT accelerator are already signed up from diverse areas such as bioinformatics, digital mobile, medtech and ICT. These pre- and early stage startups will be working with seasoned and successful business mentors.  
 
Gateway UCC provides a uniquely supportive ecosystem for start-ups through its programme of business supports which include mentoring, business coaching and startup funding.
 
Since opening in 2011, GATEWAY UCC Business Incubation & Innovation Centre has supported over 30 start-ups, which between them now employ 180 people and contribute an estimated €13 million in wages and €4 million in tax annually to the local economy. 

CEO of Enterprise Ireland, Julie Sinnamon today commented, " This programme is yet another example of how the Government’s investment in research programmes under Enterprise Ireland and SFI can translate into commercially successful, global focused companies that create jobs and enhance all our lives."
 
Source: www.businessworld.ie