SETU New Frontiers

New Frontiers Programme

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.

Benefits of the Programme

Support Package

Support package valued at €40,000 including €15,000 tax-free stipend in Phase 2, subject to satisfactory performance. Free co-working space during Phase 2 and Phase 3. Access to SETU Incubation Centres.

No Equity Taken

Rest assured, participating in this program means you retain full ownership and control, as no equity will be taken from your business.


Further Support

Further support is available in Phase 3 to the value of €10,000+, offering extensive resources for the expansion of your business initiatives.


Personalised Mentoring

Personalised one-to-one mentoring offered by business mentors from the Enterprise Ireland Mentor network




Expert Advice

Expert advice and guidance through workshop presenters, the New Frontiers Programme Manager and Enterprise Ireland mentors. Support and guidance in the development of an investment ready business plan.

Peer-group learning

Engage in peer-group learning from other founders, benefiting from shared experiences, collaborative problem-solving, and diverse perspectives to enhance your business strategies.


What We Look For

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.

Have the drive and ambition required to commit fully to building a successful start-up.

How Will It Work

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.

Phase 1

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.









Phase 2

A full-time 6-month intensive programme and places are offered following a competitive selection process. €15,000 stipend (€2,500 paid monthly) to cover full time participation in the six month programme (full time engagement and participation is a requirement for ongoing funding). This funding is paid to the participant directly as a scholarship. The focus during Phase 2 is on developing the skills of the founder and validating your business proposition.

Phase 3

Having successfully completed Phase 2, participants can apply via a competitive application process, to participate in Phase 3 of the programme. Benefits include stipend of €7,500 (€2,500 paid monthly) to cover full-time participation in the three month programmes plus other supports. Phase 3 is a full-time 3-month programme where founders will focus on implementing their business plan by bringing their product/service to market and preparing to acquire further funding.

Benefits of the Programme

What we look for

Drive and Ambition

Have the drive and ambition required to commit fully to building a successful start-up.

Innovative business idea

Have the drive and ambition required to commit fully to building a successful start-up.

Commercial market

Can show evidence of a commercial market for their proposed product/service.

Experience

Have experience, sectoral and/or technical knowledge in the area of their business idea.

How will it work?

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.

Phase 1

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.

Phase 2

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. 

Phase 3

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.

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