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ALPHA Innovation has announced its 2024 Startup Bootcamp, with individuals and early-stage start-ups from across Donegal being encouraged to apply to the 7-session programme taking place throughout May and June.
Spearheading Bootcamp is Head of Innovation, Kevin Sexton.

Speaking on the launch, he said:
“Throughout the programme, we provide the opportunity for passionate problem solvers and fearless disruptors to target the next big opportunity. The weekly workshops are designed to shift the needle of your proposition with practical next steps that enable participants to progress rapidly from validating the market size and often pivot to much larger opportunities.”

Bootcamp will take place at CoLab, ATU Donegal Campus Letterkenny, and pre-founders, founders and established startups needing a reset or pivot are encouraged to apply. Industry experts who have built, scaled and exited businesses are on hand throughout the 7 weeks to provide mentoring to participants and propel them forward.
The short programme concludes with a grand finale showcase event open to the public. Participants will be trained to pitch their accelerated propositions to a panel of experts and target pilot customers. Last year’s cohort included Christina McAlinden, a native of Ballybofey. After returning from New Zealand where she worked as a neonatal nurse, Christina spotted an opportunity to improve the health outcomes of premature babies using a technique known as Kangaroo Mother Care. Her wearable solution helps facilitate skin-to-skin contact time in what is a challenging clinical environment.

Recalling her experience, Christina commented that she was “thrilled” her application was accepted to last year’s Bootcamp. “The team at ALPHA saved me months of time by providing me with clear direction, constructive feedback, easy-to-use templates and honesty to propel me forward.” “I loved the fact I created a lasting connection with like-minded individuals on the same journey as me. It has really opened a lot of doors since completing Bootcamp!”

Those doors included securing a place on New Frontiers Phase 2, a national entrepreneurship programme and securing feedback projects in hospitals.
In November, Christina took part in Pathfinders, a go-to-market lab at the Cambridge Innovation Centre, Boston, funded jointly by Donegal County Council and Derry City & Strabane Council with ALPHA Innovation and Donegal LEO selecting participants. “We see Bootcamp as a stepping stone that prepares more quality candidates for follow-on support available across the ecosystem”, Kevin concluded. “For me, it is all about opening doors for these pre and early-stage startups so they can drive forward and grow quickly.” Since launching in mid-2022, the ALPHA team has been offering advice clinics, workshops, and programmes to established SMEs, and ambitious individuals seeking to establish businesses that can scale globally.

The organisation is also behind the illustrious Disrupt By The Sea Dragon’s Den-style event that took place in Rathmullan back in September 2023. The event had a festival feel under the pavilion tent where 6 Irish scaleups pitched to US investors in front of a live audience, with a potential $100,000 cash investment on the table also.