FAST-IP

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).