A six-month accelerator in Belfast for up to 10 ambitious, tech-focused companies, funded by Invest Northern Ireland. Applications close on Friday 20 November 2026. The programme starts on Monday 11 January 2027.
£25k non-dilutive grant from Invest NI. No equity, no repayment.
Over £500k in partner credits.
Three months intensive and in person at Ormeau Labs, then three months of concierge support.
Weekly support from entrepreneurs in residence and a bench of operator mentors.
International trips to meet customers, founders and investors.
Who it is for
Tech-focused, scalable companies, from idea stage to first customers.
At least one founder working full time on the business for the six months, in person in Belfast. You can apply while employed if you will go full time on acceptance.
A Northern Ireland limited company (or one set up if you are accepted) and an NI residential address for at least one founder.
Mon 5 Oct 2026Applications open. Office hours open.
Fri 20 Nov 2026Applications close
Mon 30 Nov and Tue 1 Dec 2026Interviews
Thu 3 Dec 2026Successful applicants told
December 2026Onboarding and contracts
Mon 11 Jan 2027Cohort 5 starts at Ormeau Labs
Questions before you apply?
Tell us about you and your idea. Someone from the Founder Labs team will get back to you, and if a free 20-minute office hours call makes sense, we will send you a link to book one.