42 participants have been chosen to take part in the first phase of Dogpatch Labs’ new talent accelerator programme, Founders, which launches today.

The programme, which is aimed at people rather than startup ideas, gives those taking part access to a network to find a co-founder, build a startup and pitch for €100,000 of investment.

The three-month initiative will involve pairing participants with a co-founder, the development of business ideas with experts, coaching, group workshops and access to a network of mentors.

Those taking part in the full-time on-site scheme, which begins on September 18th, will be paid a monthly stipend.

The programme is to be led by Managing Director Heather Morris, an angel investor and Silicon Valley veteran.

“Having spent over a decade in Silicon Valley, Heather brings a wealth of relevant experience as both an operator, adviser and angel investor,” said Patrick Walsh, Chief Executive of Dogpatch Labs.

“She has spent her career identifying high potential early stage companies and founders in various capacities at amazing companies like Chegg and JP Morgan, and helping them overcome obstacles to get to the next level.”

More than 500 people from a wide variety of backgrounds, of different ages and with a range of skillsets applied for inclusion on Founders.

Over 40% of the first cohort come from under-represented minorities, including 30% women.

The cohort is also split equally between those with technology backgrounds and individuals with business or product expertise.

“I have been absolutely blown away by the level of ambition, drive and determination from all four corners of Ireland and beyond,” Heather Morris said.

“Now, through Founders and leveraging the incredible Dogpatch platform, we have an opportunity to unleash this untapped resource of talent to help ‘people’ become ‘founders’, and create the next great thing – and in doing so, we can democratise access to entrepreneurship as a career choice.”

Among the mentors assisting are Bobby Healy, founder of drone delivery company Manna, entrepreneur and broadcaster, Aine Kerr and Stephen Kinsella, Director of the world-renowned, Immersive Software Engineering program at the University of Limerick.