NDRC Startup Sprint - Your Gateway to Entrepreneurship in the South-East

 Guest blog written by Andy McManagan, Programme Associate in NDRC partner hub Republic of Work

Mentoring sessions in Cork’s Republic of Work with aspiring entrepreneurs

Ever had a light-bulb moment where you’re thinking of the next best website, service or app but dismissed this for one of many reasons such as “I don’t have the knowledge to build this,” or “I wouldn’t be able to afford this venture even if I tried.” Many talented and passionate individuals fall victim to the misconception that entrepreneurship in the Irish tech sector is a space they won’t be welcomed in and assume it’s a space where they’ll most certainly face failure. 

What if we told you that in Ireland, your light-bulb moment doesn’t have to remain just a flicker of inspiration? At NDRC we believe in nurturing innovation and supporting not only seasoned entrepreneurs but aspiring ones also - every step of the way. With the right guidance and resources, ideas grow into successful startups and aspiring entrepreneurs grow into inspiring founders, regardless of their initial background or level of experience.

In Ireland’s vibrant startup ecosystem, organisations such as NDRC play a crucial role in providing the support and infrastructure needed to turn ideas into reality. Mentorship opportunities, pathways to funding, networking sessions and many more resources are at your fingertips with NDRC. Our primary objective is to help you overcome the obstacles and challenges that previously may have held you back.

Introducing the NDRC Startup Sprint

On May 18th, we’re excited to be running the NDRC Startup Sprint, coming to you straight from the heart of Cork City, in Republic of Work. Now you may be wondering, what exactly is a startup sprint?

Well, it’s a full-day event that specifically focuses on the growth of ideas! We’re planning this unique programme to act as a pathway for capturing and cultivating that light-bulb moment. You’ll gain access to experienced mentors who’ll provide invaluable guidance and feedback to help shape your concept. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in workshops focused on concept growth. These workshops include customer discovery, product development and pitching. Lastly, you’ll receive a direct line of communication to NDRC and all the supports we offer through Republic of Work too. All this activity will conclude with a pitching session to test the knowledge you’ve gained throughout the day

Colleagues joking together as they work on a project at a Startup Sprint

Do I need an idea to take part?

No, you don’t need to come to the NDRC Startup Sprint with a fully formed idea in hand. All you need is a passion for being involved with startups, and we’ll take it from there. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur with a clear vision or looking to contribute your skills to a startup team, there’s a place for you at the NDRC Startup Sprint.

If you have an idea you’d like to explore, this one-day event provides the perfect environment. Our experienced mentors and workshops are here to help you refine and develop your concept, turning it into a viable business opportunity.

However, if you don’t have a specific idea but possess skills such as marketing, coding, communication, or any other relevant expertise, you can make a really valuable contribution to someone else’s team. 

That’s why we always describe the NDRC Startup Sprint as a great opportunity to network and find suitable co-founders. By connecting with like-minded people and pooling your talents, you can form a strong, complimentary team that has the potential to bring innovative ideas to life.

Do I have to be on a team?

No, you don’t need to be on a team to join in. Solo founders are welcome to participate individually. While we do encourage collaboration and team formation, we respect individual preferences. Whether you choose to work solo or to collaborate, the Startup Sprint is designed to support your idea’s growth.

What is the most valuable part of this programme?

What entrepreneurs love about this: getting clarity around the potential of an idea, and understanding whether it’s worth exploring further. Throughout the event, you’ll dive deep into crucial aspects of startup validation, including understanding your customer, analysing your market, and identifying the problem you aim to solve.

By focusing on these fundamentals, you’ll gain invaluable insights into the viability of your idea. If you discover your idea has promise, we’ll equip you with the tools, resources and direction needed to explore and develop it further. From refining your solution to creating a compelling pitch, the NDRC Startup Sprint provides the support and guidance necessary to turn your idea into a viable business opportunity. 

Hear what past participants have to say about the NDRC Startup Sprint

"I would say the experience gave me a great understanding of how you can go about putting your startup idea into action through the NDRC. From talking to the founders at the event, I also got great insight into the issues they faced in the early stage of their startup."

~ Aaron O’Sullivan, Participant at NDRC Startup Sprint in UL

Find Out More

We’re running a virtual 30-minute ‘Ask me Anything’ session regarding the upcoming Startup Sprint on May 1st at 1pm where you can hear from Andy McManagan, ask any questions you may have and get a strong understanding of what to expect on the day.

Register for the AMA session here.