alt|start

alt|start FAQs

Q. So what is alt|start?
A. Well the answer really depends on who you are…

alt|start is an embedded, design-led, inventor-centric technology accelerator program for academic institutions. We identify promising technologies early in the innovation pipeline and work one-on-one with the academic entrepreneur to bring them to the market faster and with a greater focus on customer development. alt|start serves as a catalyst bringing together the necessary resources and people who are best positioned to execute on a strategic vision prior to and after spinning-out.

Researchers & Students (Undergrad & Graduate)
If you are a Student or Researcher in Ireland working in the ICT space and are interested in starting a company then you should be talking with us.  If you are selected to participate in alt|start expect a roller coaster ride as we challenge assumptions, redefine expectations, and in the process create some awesome companies!

Investors
If you are an investor, alt|start is a window into some of the hottest coders, coolest technologies, and impressive spin-outs coming out of Irish Universities. If you are interested in supporting this effort please get in touch with us!

Government
If you are from a government/funding agency alt|start is a mechanism for economic development and job creation.  If you would like to support our activities we would love to hear from you.

Other Universities
The alt|start program is designed to be modular so give us a shout if you are interested in rolling it out at your University.

Q. So are you guys just another Y-combinator/TechStars/SeedCamp/etc.
A. Yes and no!  Like the above mentioned programs we are a technology accelerator, helping you move from idea to product much more rapidly.  Unlike traditional accelerators we don’t take any equity or warrants.

We have spoken to most of the folks from the well-known accelerators out there and think they are doing a phenomenal job! However we think there is an opportunity to move farther back in the innovation pipeline in order to give University entrepreneurs a running start as they approach graduation/spin-out. If anything, we are complementary to many of the existing accelerator programs.  Companies coming out of alt|start and looking to head down the fund raising path will be well positioned to apply to programs like Y-combinator/TechStars/SeedCamp.  In fact the timing of our program is scheduled to facilitate a seamless transition to one of any number of accelerator programs.

Q. Do you offer any money/prize money?
A. Let us get back to you on this one!

Q. Do you offer access to money?
A. Let’s just say we know people, who know people!

Q. Do you offer office/lab space?
A. You bet!

Q. Why are you doing this?
A. Because starting companies is cool!  We’re looking for a social return on this program, not a financial one.

Q. Awesome, how do I get involved?
A. The program is coming together as we speak.  The best way for you to stay up to date is to subscribe to our blog feed, follow us on twitter (@altstart) or join the alt|start group on Linkedin.

Announcing alt|start

Last night we announced the launch of the alt|start program which is one part Y-Combinator/Techstars/SeedCamp for the University and one part crazy grass roots movement.  In the coming days we will be posting more information about how you can get involved and what we are looking for.

If you were at the @dublinDEFUSE event last night, thanks for coming along!  We look forward to getting everyone involved in some really cool startups!

alt|start Launch Presentation