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Supporting startup founders across Ireland

This is the right time to start your business.

Register your interest
About the programme

Thinking of starting a business?

You have the right idea or the right business that you want to get off the ground. So, what’s stopping you?

This is the right time.

The right time to join Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers programme and embark on a transformative startup journey that will equip you with the right connections, the right skills, and the right route to capital to build a successful and sustainable startup business.

Connections

Connect with a vibrant community of founders, business experts, Enterprise Ireland advisers, and Local Enterprise Offices for invaluable support and insights on your journey.

Confidence

Build the knowledge and confidence to thrive as a founder through a comprehensive programme that equips you to navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Capital

Benefit from a support package worth over €40,000 as you build your business (without giving away any equity) and advice to establish your future fundraising options.

The national founder programme

Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers programme is delivered at 18 locations around the Republic of Ireland. Develop the skills to move from business idea towards an income-generating and investor-ready startup. You will receive mentoring, training, incubation space, access to R&D facilities, and financial support (once your idea has been validated).

Explore our locations

Ideal for first-time founders

New Frontiers is ideal for first-time founders who want to build their startup toolkit, learn about the Irish startup ecosystem, and grow their professional network. Thousands of startup founders have already gone through the programme and established successful companies in a wide range of sectors.

See our eligibility criteria

No equity taken

New Frontiers is different from accelerator programmes because we don’t take any equity in your startup. It remains 100% yours until you’re ready to start your funding search! Entry to the programme is competitive, but, when your application is reviewed, we are looking as much at you as a potential founder as at your business idea.

See our Frequently Asked Questions

Getting started

After you register your interest on this site, your chosen location will take you through the application and selection process. The Programme Manager will discuss this with you and also help you decide whether to apply to Phase 1 or Phase 2 (only a small number of successful Phase 2 participants are accepted onto Phase 3).

About the programme

“The New Frontiers programme helped me to understand what investors are looking for within a business plan. Phase 2 allowed me to test my assumptions and make the necessary changes within a supportive environment. Everyone wants you and your business to succeed.”

Ivan Tuohy, Great Visitor Experiences

“The programme gave me fabulous networking and learning opportunities, I actually met our now CTO and co-founder during Phase 2 at the Synergy Centre two years ago. We’ve received invaluable help and advice from experienced mentors and also was able to avail of the Market Research Centre who gave us access to several detailed reports on our industry and its trends.”

Sonia Neary, Wellola

“For me, the purpose of joining New Frontiers was not only to develop our investor-ready skillset but also to improve my personal business skills, network and exposure to the start-up community in Ireland. The programme gave me the confidence I needed and also showed us the support available from Local Enterprise Office and Enterprise Ireland to grow our business.”

Derya Sousa, Kianda Technologies

“New Frontiers brought clarity, focus and a real solid sense check on whether my idea for Frankli had the potential to be a viable, scalable business. The detailed business plan output from the programme laid a solid foundation from which we continue to execute today.”

Noel Dykes, Frankli Communication Technologies

“New Frontiers facilitated the growth of TeachKloud in just under 6 months. TeachKloud went from an idea to a viable business with the training and support offered through New Frontiers. The peer to peer support is also invaluable. Having New Frontiers based in the Rubicon is a key feature of the programme as participants have access to the full Rubicon Team in addition to the other supports available on the Cork Campus.”

Wendy Oke, TeachKloud

“New Frontiers is a place where you can shape your idea into a business with a group of peers and prepare your business plan for scrutiny from venture capitalists. It’s been instrumental in establishing a solid base for our continued success and the contacts we made during the programme will of course always be useful for advice and guidance going forward.”

David Whelan, Immersive VR Education

New Frontiers offers an exciting and supportive environment in which to test out your idea and then start building the foundations of a successful startup!

The programme is delivered at 18 locations around the country, with start dates throughout the year.

Register your interest

Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers programme map minimalist