Almost 500 entrepreneurs took part in New Frontiers phase one in 2023.
170 graduates from Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers class of 2023 graduated at a national networking event this week in Athlone.
From Donegal to Kerry and Galway to Dublin, New Frontiers is Ireland’s national programme to develop the entrepreneurial skillset in early-stage founders.
“It is wonderful to see New Frontiers Alumni, investors and recent graduates come together to share expert advice and guidance with those seeking to grow their business”
The programme, funded by the Irish government through Enterprise Ireland, is delivered across 3 phases at a local level by the Technological Universities and Institutes of Technology in 18 locations around Ireland.
“The New Frontiers programme was launched in 2012 with the aim of accelerating the development of sustainable new businesses that have strong employment and growth potential, particularly in regional locations,” explained Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland.
“Since then, over 5,000 New Frontiers participants have received funding and intensive support to develop their start-up ideas. Sectors range from cleantech and food products to digital media and medical devices, with many founders going on to develop award-winning businesses to match their global ambition. It is wonderful to see New Frontiers Alumni, investors and recent graduates come together to share expert advice and guidance with those seeking to grow their business.“
Record year for New Frontiers
2023 was another record year for New Frontiers with almost 500 individuals taking part in Phase 1 of the programme, 170 completing Phase 2 and a further 34 founders receiving additional funding and mentoring in Phase 3.
The event brought together New Frontiers alumni and a panel of experts including Gianni Matera from Growing Capital, Anna-Marie Turley from Enterprise Ireland, Christine Charlton from the Local Enterprise Offices and Rosemary Gallagher from HBAN.
Attendees at the event engaged with a panel discussion featuring previous New Frontiers alumni, Nipun Kathuria (Smile Genius Dental), Shana Chu (Tailr) & Emma Meehan (Precision Sports Technology) who shared their start-up journeys and how to navigate the opportunities and challenges.
Sinead Crowther from Soothing Solutions and John Killian from GreyScout also discussed how companies can build scale.
“The New Frontiers programme has been instrumental in the success of many Irish start-up founders, connecting them with a vibrant community of founders, business experts and advisors to develop a wide range of business skills,” said Paula Carroll, New Frontiers national programme manager.
“This event gives the participants the opportunity to meet with other fellow founders from across the 13 national programmes allowing them to build an invaluable network to draw from as they build their businesses.”
Main image at top: Paula Carroll, New Frontiers National Programme Manager; Des Sheridan, Blanchardstown; Catherine Moonan, Athlone; Alan Yuen, Kerry; and Leo Clancy, CEO, Enterprise Ireland. Photo: Orla Murray/Coalesce
