Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers is the nationwide programme for ambitious startup founders with an innovative business idea that has the potential to scale and provide employment.
It is delivered at different stages throughout the year by South East Technological University (SETU) across the two campus incubation centres, at Carlow and Waterford. Both Campuses have strong track records of successfully providing a business incubation environment that supports entrepreneurial development and company growth.
Since New Frontiers was launched nationally in 2012 SETU has worked with 341 participants (figure will be combined Phase 1&2 participants) Our former Phase 2 of New Frontiers participants’ businesses now employ 257 people and have an estimated combined annual turnover of €6.94m.
If you have an innovative business idea and are planning to establish and run your own company, the New Frontiers Programme could be for you. We provide a package of supports to help accelerate your business, and to equip you, as the founder, with the skills and contacts that you need to successfully start and grow your company. We will support you as you build your business, and no equity is taken by Enterprise Ireland or SETU for participation on New Frontiers.
We seek passionate and dedicated founders with innovative business ideas. Our ideal candidates demonstrate drive, ambition, and the potential to disrupt the market with innovative products or services.
This three phase programme will provide, a professional practical support programme targeted at people who are in the early stages of setting up a technology-based or knowledge-intensive business. Training and support will be provided by experienced practitioners through a structured delivery and assessment process which will provide the required assistance and guidance for the development of commercially viable enterprises.
Have the drive and ambition required to commit fully to building a successful start-up.
Have the drive and ambition required to commit fully to building a successful start-up.
Can show evidence of a commercial market for their proposed product/service.
Have experience, sectoral and/or technical knowledge in the area of their business idea.
This three phase programme will provide, a professional practical support programme targeted at people who are in the early stages of setting up a technology-based or knowledge-intensive business. Training and support will be provided by experienced practitioners through a structured delivery and assessment process which will provide the required assistance and guidance for the development of commercially viable enterprises.
Online and part-time over a 4–6-week period. Phase 1 will help you to research and test the market potential of your business idea.
A full-time 6-month intensive programme and places are offered following a competitive selection process. The focus during Phase 2 is on developing the skills of the entrepreneur and validating your business proposition.
Having successfully completed Phase 2, participants can apply to participate in Phase 3. Phase 3 is a full-time 3-month programme where participants will focus on implementing their business plan by bringing their product/service to market and preparing to acquire further funding.
