Dogpatch Labs will run ESB's X_Potential Incubator, a structured programme that allows staff to propose new low-carbon ideas, and work in teams like startups to develop them into new sustainable and commercially viable businesses in areas such as transport, infrastructure and stimulating the hydrogen economy.
Dogpatch Labs was chosen by ESB as part of a competitive tender process. Its track-record developing new tools and methods to get complex propositions to market quickly for corporate partners were key factors in winning the bid. Dogpatch Labs runs a number of award-winning innovation programmes, including the X-Potential Incubator 2019-2020, and is also home to Ireland's national startup accelerator programme, the NDRC.
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"We have immense entrepreneurial talent within ESB, and by immersing staff within the Dogpatch startup community we’ve seen what they can achieve. It’s very impressive," said Denis O’Leary, Strategy and Innovation, ESB. "The length and scale of this new partnership demonstrates our belief in this programme and our staff's ability to bring new sustainable business ideas to life."
The annual incubator programme is run over three months each year, with top entrepreneurs, sector experts and startups from Dogpatch Labs' extensive international network supporting staff throughout the process.
It culminates in a 'Demo Day', where ESB staff have the opportunity to engage with and pitch their ideas to senior leadership.
The X-Potential Incubator has already demonstrated success with five propositions from the 2020 programme, which were developed in Dogpatch Labs, progressing to the next stage by either developing partnerships, securing funding or executing pilots.
