A Global Exit, Rooted in Irish Innovation

At Furthr, we’ve always believed that the boldest ideas deserve bold backing. Our involvement in the European Business Innovation Centre Network (EBN) has shown us that Furthr is unique not only in Ireland, but across Europe in having our own venture capital fund integrated into our broader enterprise support mission. 

 Irish BIC's Engaged with more than 1,000 new clients between 2022 and 2024 

Ireland’s four BIC's (Business Innovation Centres) backed by Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment - supported 1,000+ new clients between 2022 and 2024. During that time, there were 143 successful Pre‑Seed Start Fund (PSSF) applications, with 68% of all PSSF-funded companies nationwide benefiting from BIC support. In addition, BICs helped 157 companies achieve iHPSU status, representing 59% of all iHPSU awards in Ireland. These figures spotlight the BICs’ essential role in nurturing early-stage, high-potential Irish ventures.

Positive Carbon has launched “Scrappy,” an AI-powered, real‑time food‑waste monitoring system now rolling out across HSE hospitals and commercial kitchens. With estimated food‑waste costs in healthcare hitting nearly €12 million annually, the solution already cut waste by 33 % and saved over €90,000 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. By giving chefs unprecedented insight, Scrappy is transforming procurement, reducing waste, and driving sustainability in Irish healthcare..

Tympany Medical, a Galway med‑tech spin‑out and one of Furthr’s One2Watch companies in 2019, is pioneering a next‑generation endoscope for minimally invasive ENT surgery. In a recent crowdfunding campaign spotlighted by Silicon Republic, the company secured significant early backing and investor interest. Their progress underscores Ireland’s thriving innovation ecosystem and highlights the value of early support for high-potential health-tech ventures.. 

A Trinity College spin‑out and Furthr Client is deploying eAltra, an AI‑powered digital triage tool, to slash last‑minute chemotherapy cancellations by 25%, streamline patient -reported outcome sharing, and free up to 2.5 nurse-hours daily. With ~20% of sessions currently cancelled on arrival, eAltra’s conversational platform boosts clinical decision-making, improves patient experience, and enhances capacity in cancer care - marking a major step forward in Irish med‑tech innovation. 

Big win for Irish women-led med‑tech startups! Dublin’s CroíValve and Lios, both backed by Enterprise Ireland, have collectively secured €18.75 million from the prestigious Horizon Europe/EIC Accelerator programme. Selected from 959 applicants across 16 countries, they’re part of a small elite cohort (only 40 awarded) receiving intense EU support. This success spotlights Ireland’s growing strength in global innovation and gender-diverse leadership.

What role should startups play in solving Ireland’s biggest infrastructure challenges?

Martin Murray, CEO of Furthr explores how the €275 billion National Development Plan opens the door for innovative founders to shape the future of Ireland - not just abroad, but at home too.

Ireland’s National Enterprise Hub supported 6,500 SMEs across tourism, hospitality, retail, consumer products and professional services in the past year. This surge highlights how regional startups are tapping into tailored guidance, funding, and expert networks. The Hub’s reach is proving that high-quality enterprise support is alive and well across the country, unlocking growth and opportunity in every corner of Ireland.

From local roots to

global research 

Through its involvement in the EBN network of EU|BICs, Irish BIC's stay at the forefront of enterprise innovation - benchmarking against the best and accessing the latest in start-up support

As the only Irish organisations with externally certified programmes, Furthr and the Irish BICs deliver trusted, quality-controlled impact - reflected in the 2025 EU|BIC Report: nearly 29,000 scale-ups supported, €900m raised, and a three-year survival rate of 84.5% - well above the EU average.

Ireland’s start‑up ecosystem is booming

Business registrations rose by 9% in H1 2025,with regional hubs leading the charge.

This surge highlights growing entrepreneurial energy across the country, offering fresh market opportunities, diverse support networks, and increased investor interest.

For startups, this regional momentum means expanding beyond traditional centres is not only possible, but increasingly promising and strategic.

Ready Set Go Furthr - Applications Now Open!

Have a startup idea you want to explore? Ready Set Go Furthr is our high-impact workshop designed to help early-stage founders:

• Validate your idea
• Understand your target customer
• Map a clear path to market

Whether you’re shaping your concept or ready to launch, this workshop gives you practical tools, expert guidance, and the confidence to take your next step.

Applications for the next workshop on August 28th are now open.
If you're ready to test, learn, and grow — we're ready to help you go Furthr.

Get Funding-Ready:

Join the Pre-Seed Start Fund Workshop

On August 13th, from 11am to 1pm, the Irish BICs (AxisBIC, Propelor, Furthr & WestBIC) are hosting a live online workshop designed to help ambitious founders unlock up to €100,000 in early-stage funding from Enterprise Ireland’s Pre-Seed Start Fund.

Learn how to nail your application, understand eligibility, and fast-track your global growth journey.

Your roadmap to funding starts here.

Pitch Jam

Pitch Jam gives Furthr-backed startups the stage to pitch live to real investors, get expert feedback, and win the crowd. It’s a high-energy, low-pressure night where big ideas meet real opportunity, capped off by an audience vote for best pitch. Whether you're an aspiring founder or curious investor, come see Ireland’s next wave of innovation take the stage.

The next Pitch Jam will take place on Thursday, 25th of September: 5:00pm - 7:30pm at The Guinness Enterprise Centre 

If you'd like to connect with Furthr and learn more about our services, and maybe even pitch one day, drop us a message at hello@furthr.ie