2024 Upstarts

Now in its 18th year, the ICAD Upstarts programme is the most established and recognised programme of its kind in Ireland, delivering tangible benefits to Upstarts, mentors and host agencies / studio alike. The programme has proven to be deeply relevant to participants. In recent years 75% of Upstarts felt the programme has had a significant impact on the career, while an overwhelming 98% of say they would recommend others participate in the programme. Likewise 94% of host agencies and studios say the would look to the programme as a primary hiring ground.

Upstarts have a distinct commercial advantage over other emerging creatives – 82% are in employment within 6 months of completing the programme.

Applications to the 2024 programme are now closed.

Thank You

As we build on the programme year on year, there have been nearly as many mentors and workshop hosts as there have been participants. We are hugely grateful for the energy and commitment our mentors and workshop hosts offer. And perhaps, this commitment is an indicator to just how much value the advertising and design industries place on nurturing fresh creative talent. It is certainly the spirit of collaboration and hard work that is the real key to the programme’s success.