Applications for the 2025 EdTech Accelerator Programme are now open

Posted on: 02 April 2025

Ten places are available on the 8-week programme, which will provide start-ups with mentoring by leading experts in business and product development as well as significant AWS cloud computing credits.

Those who are accepted onto the programme also have a chance to win $100,000 USD worth of AWS products and services at the end of the 8 weeks.

The EdTech Accelerator Programme is a collaboration between Learnovate, a leading global future of work and learning research hub in Trinity College Dublin, and AWS. 

AWS is a Patron Member of Learnovate joining a global community of leaders in learning and technology driving innovation in learning and education.

This is the second year of the  EdTech Accelerator Programme, which is open to early-stage start-ups that are developing digital solutions to problems related to education and wish to accelerate growth and scale operations. The deadline for applications is Friday, 4 April, 2025. 

Each participant in the programme may be eligible for significant credits for AWS cloud computing services across a range of areas, including compute power, database storage, content delivery and other functionality. 

Over the course of the 8 weeks, they will also receive 7 full-day workshops led by experts in learning, business and technology at AWS offices at Charlemont Square and Burlington Road in Dublin. Successful applicants will also receive free access to certified AWS training. 

All participants will present their solutions at the final ‘Demo Day’ showcase where a winner —  chosen by Learnovate, AWS and industry judges — will receive $100,000 USD of AWS credits.  Last year, ALPACA – which developed a game-based tool that identifies potential reading issues in children earlier — was announced as the winner.

This year’s Accelerator Programme begins on 29 April 2025 and finishes on 17 June 2025. The deadline for applications is 4 April 2025. Applications can be made via the website, learnovatecentre.org/startups.

Pictured at the 2024 EdTech Accelerator Pitch Day in Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Dublin were judges Rory Barrins, AWS; Weili Wang, Atlantic Bridge; Nessa McEniff, Learnovate; Ciara Ni Fhloinn, SOLAS; and Piero Tintori, Terminalfour

The programme aims to provide business mentoring, technical guidance on building and scaling in the cloud, as well as regulatory, data privacy and cybersecurity considerations. Specialist expertise will also be available on topics such as pilot studies, trials, pathways to market, public procurement and investor readiness.

Eligibility criteria for the EdTech Accelerator Programme include:

• Companies must have identified a learning problem or need
• Applicants must have a working prototype for their solution or require help developing one 
• The proposed digital solution must be one that improves learner outcomes, enhances workflow, or reduces costs related to learning 
• Companies must be registered and based in the Republic of Ireland.

Learnovate Director Nessa McEniff said: 

"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with AWS in fostering innovation among startups. The accelerator programme has been instrumental in providing emerging companies with the resources and mentorship needed to scale their solutions effectively. We look forward to supporting a new cohort of startups in 2025 as they navigate the challenges and opportunities in the EdTech  landscape." 

Learnovate Commercialisation Manager Tom Pollock said: 

“The global EdTech market continues to rapidly expand, and Irish start-ups are key players worldwide, providing learning solutions that are used in companies, schools, universities and at home. Last year’s Accelerator Programme was a huge success with those accepted onto it enjoying the benefits of expert business and technology mentoring. We are delighted to continue to provide this start-up programme in partnership with AWS to increase the support Learnovate already provides to Irish companies building products that fuse learning and technology.”

Pictured at the 2024 EdTech Accelerator Pitch Day in Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Dublin were judges Rory Barrins, AWS, and Nessa McEniff, Learnovate, and winner Joe Fernandez, founder of ALPACA, which creates evidence-based games that help teachers and parents identify children who may struggle to read, before they can read print.

Stephen Bonney of AWS said:

“We are delighted to be launching the second year of the EdTech Accelerator Programme, in partnership with Learnovate. We support EdTech firms, all of whom start out with an important problem to solve, and this programme is designed to help the very best EdTech start-ups in Ireland develop optimal solutions. As AWS has a history of innovation and bringing disruptive solutions to the market, our expertise can really have an impact on the companies selected and we look forward to supporting another 10 bright start-ups on their journeys this year.” 

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