World’s only early-stage aviation, travel and aerospace accelerator prepares for take-off

Propeller Shannon, the world’s only early-stage aviation, aerospace and travel technology accelerator for startups is inviting applications from across the globe to take part in cycle two of the business development and mentoring programme delivered by DCU Ryan Academy.

Launched in 2017, Propellor Shannon aims to drive the growth of start-up aviation companies and produce the next generation of Aviation and Travel Tech companies of global significance.

The aviation industry already plays a significant role in Ireland supporting 26,000 jobs directly and a further 16,000 in the supply chain. Ireland’s tourism industry, also dependent on aviation, accounts for another €5.3billion GDP contribution and 180,000 jobs.

In addition, Ireland is home to over half of the world’s leased aircraft. Furthermore, it is estimated that the global aviation industry is due to double over the next two decades.

Propellor Shannon is a collaboration between Shannon Group’s International Aviation Services Centre (IASC), DCU Ryan Academy and Journey Partners and it is supported by Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Aviation Authority, Boeing and Datalex.

Applications are now invited from interested early-stage aviation, aerospace and travel technology startups to take part in cycle 2 of the programme which will officially commence in January 2019.

The closing date for applications is November 5th 2018.

CEO of DCU Ryan Academy, Donal Brady said:

“The programme is the first of its kind in the world and it offers a platform to early-stage startups from aviation, aerospace and travel tech to avail of business development and mentoring, to take their start-up to the next level.

The participation of significant industry players and the support of Enterprise Ireland, provides an unrivalled level of expertise and support.

There are fantastic opportunities for aviation technologies in a rapidly emerging area and aviation has already been identified as a strategic priority for the government owing to its significant contribution to the economy. It is an industry that is growing both nationally and globally and Propellor Shannon is responding to the needs of this industry and the opportunities that it presents.”

About the Ryan Academy

The DCU Ryan Academy is a not-for-profit partnership between Dublin City University and the Ryan Family (Ryanair) with the objective to be the leading supporter of entrepreneurs and innovation in Ireland. Operating from its campus at Citywest, the DCU Ryan Academy bridges the gap between academia and entrepreneurial practice through a unique partnership between Ireland’s youngest university, DCU, and the family of one of Ireland’s greatest entrepreneurs, Tony Ryan. The DCU Ryan Academy supports a vision where entrepreneurship and innovation are recognised as key drivers of Irish business success and acts as a catalyst in helping to develop an entrepreneurial mind-set and a real focus on innovation amongst Irish SME’s, corporates, start-ups and researchers through a range of training, leadership and funding initiatives.