A group of aspiring student entrepreneurs from South East Technological University (SETU) have been selected to participate in the 2026 Student Inc. accelerator programme, Ireland’s longest-running student accelerator initiative.
Designed to help students assess the feasibility of new business ideas and take the first steps towards building a company, Student Inc. provides participants with the time, funding, mentorship, and practical supports needed to develop their ventures in a structured and supportive environment.
The full-time programme will run over 13 weeks during summer 2026 and will allow participants to remain at their home university and campus incubators while progressing their business ideas. Students will be based within the SETU Xcelerate Centres in Carlow and Waterford, the University’s business incubators, which support entrepreneurs in transforming creativity and innovation into sustainable enterprises.
As part of the programme, successful applicants will receive €4,000 in seed funding, alongside access to expert-led workshops, one-to-one mentoring, office space, networking opportunities, and ongoing entrepreneurial guidance.
This year’s programme places are supported through a combination of national and institutional investment, with four places funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and a further two places funded directly by SETU.
The programme was open to all third-level students at SETU, regardless of discipline or academic year, and attracted applications from students with innovative ideas spanning a range of sectors and interests.
The successful students based in the SETU Xcelerate Centre on the Waterford campus are Annabel Allenden, Raveli Kilonda, and Steven Condra.
The successful students based in the SETU Xcelerate Centre on the Carlow campus are Summer Venn-Keane, Keela Toner, Tyler Riley-Byrne, and Max Jones, who will participate as a group venture, alongside Ihor Melashchenko and Ryan Mulcahy.
Entrepreneurship is an important part of the SETU ecosystem, and programmes like Student Inc. help students to build confidence, develop new skills, and explore the potential of their ideas in a meaningful way."
Brian Ogilvie, SETU Head of Entrepreneurship and Rural Engagement
Brian Ogilvie, Head of Entrepreneurship at SETU, said the programme continues to play an important role in developing entrepreneurial ambition and innovation among students across the University.
“Student Inc. gives students the opportunity to dedicate time and energy to exploring their ideas in a supportive environment, while gaining practical business experience and access to expert guidance. Entrepreneurship is an important part of the SETU ecosystem, and programmes like Student Inc. help students to build confidence, develop new skills, and explore the potential of their ideas in a meaningful way.”
Dr Karl Haslam, SETU Xcelerate Manager, Waterford, said the programme offers students a valuable opportunity to develop both personally and professionally over the summer period. He said “The Student Inc. programme provides participants with the space, mentorship, and support needed to test ideas and develop entrepreneurial capability. Through the SETU Xcelerate Centres, students become part of a wider innovation community where they can learn from experienced entrepreneurs, industry mentors, and one another. We are looking forward to supporting this year’s cohort as they begin their entrepreneurial journey.”
Through the SETU Xcelerate Centres, students become part of a wider innovation community where they can learn from experienced entrepreneurs, industry mentors, and one another."
Dr Karl Haslam, SETU Xcelerate Centre, Waterford campus.
Student Inc. continues to support the development of entrepreneurship and innovation within SETU, helping students transform ideas into potential future enterprises while contributing to the growth of the regional start-up ecosystem.
Notably, in 2025, SETU graduate Sam McGrath picked up the award for 'Best Pitch' for his eco-driven business idea, and placed second in the poster category at the Student Inc. National Showcase.