Nick Holden

FAST-IP (Food and Agriculture Sustainable Technology Innovation Programme) is a specialist agrifood innovation pathway delivered by University College Dublin in partnership with Teagasc . It is designed for innovation-curious professionals who want to translate ideas into market-ready solutions and build entrepreneurial capability in the agrifood sector. The programme leads to a Graduate Diploma and runs as a 12-month, in-person programme commencing in September 2026 . Participants receive a €38,000 tax-free scholarship and have €9,000 in EU fees covered . The programme also offers access to mentors, coaches, co-working space at AgTechUCD Innovation Centre, and a network of founders, investors, business partners, and agrifood experts. FAST-IP is aimed at mid-career professionals with 3-5 years of experience , especially those interested in agriculture, food, IT, sustainability, finance, engineering, and science . It is also open to applicants with a PhD and at least 2 years of postdoctoral experience . The programme emphasizes entrepreneurial drive, needs-led innovation, and the development of viable products, services, or businesses for the agrifood industry. Applications for the 2026/2027 FAST-IP programme are open, with rolling recruitment . Key stages include applications opening in February, information webinars, selection days, places offered to successful candidates, formal UCD admission in August, and programme commencement in September. Contact: Professor Nick Holden (FAST-IP Academic Director, UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering) and Edel Mitchell (FAST-IP Programme Manager).