Joe Neville (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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76. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average annual number of high potential start-ups supported by Enterprise Ireland in the past decade; the year in which the most start-ups were supported; the year in which the least were supported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50834/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Enterprise Ireland supported an average number of 90 High Potential Start Ups (HPSUs) per year from 2015 to 2024.

In total there have been 897 HPSUs across the 10 years.

The most HPSUs supported in a single year was 2015, when 105 HPSUs were supported

The fewest HPSUs supported in a single year was 2020, when 80 HPSUs were supported.

Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) offer is designed to support early-stage companies with strong growth potential in international markets. A HPSU is defined as a start-up that is innovative, export-oriented, and capable of creating at least 10 jobs and generating €1 million in sales within three to four years of starting operations. The programme provides a combination of financial and non-financial supports to help founders scale quickly and sustainably.

Financial supports include equity investment, typically through convertible loan notes or direct equity, and access to feasibility and innovation grants. Non-financial supports are equally critical: Enterprise Ireland offers mentoring, market research, and introductions to global networks of investors and partners. Start-ups also benefit from participation in accelerator programmes, trade missions, and access to Enterprise Ireland’s overseas offices in more than 30 countries.

The HPSU offer is sector-agnostic but prioritises high-value areas such as technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. By combining funding, expertise, and international reach, Enterprise Ireland aims to help Irish start-ups become globally competitive businesses, contributing to job creation and economic growth across Ireland.