Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the establishment of Startup Ireland, a new Government initiative aimed at supporting entrepreneurship, innovation and business growth across the country.

Led by Enterprise Ireland, the Startup Ireland Roadmap 2026–2030 sets out targets to support 10,000 entrepreneurs and provide direct investment to 1,000 new startups, with 35% of these to be female-led.

The roadmap also aims to provide €150 million in early-stage investment, unlock €350 million in venture capital funding and achieve a 20% increase in startups scaling to annual turnover of €1 million or more.

Minister Canney said: “This initiative will provide important opportunities for entrepreneurs to turn innovative ideas into successful businesses, creating jobs and supporting economic growth.

“I particularly welcome the strong regional focus, ensuring that entrepreneurs across our regions can access the funding, expertise and supports needed to establish and grow their businesses.

“Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship outside our major cities is essential to balanced regional development.”

Key measures include the establishment of a National Startup Hub, a new National Accelerator Programme to succeed the National Digital Research Centre, and a network of regional accelerators and founder supports.

Existing programmes, including New Frontiers and regional Business Innovation Centres, will also form part of the initiative, alongside stronger links between startups, universities, research organisations and industry.

Minister Canney added: “We have considerable talent and expertise across our regions, particularly in areas such as technology, research, agriculture and food innovation. We need to ensure that potential is supported and that businesses have the opportunity to grow and compete internationally.”