Inspiration & Insights At The 2025 New Frontiers Networking Event

Every year, the most recent Phase 2 cohorts from around the country are invited to a National Networking event. This year, 170 recent graduates from 18 locations around the country converged in Mullingar for a celebration of their achievements and some wise words to guide their next steps.

Opening remarks came from Kevin Sherry, Executive Director of Enterprise Ireland, who commented:

“New Frontiers is an extremely important and valuable element of our efforts to foster and nurture ambitious, scalable startups across the whole country. It is part of a wider ecosystem through which your startup can continue to secure support, advice, and connections as you continue to grow your business – with support from the partners including the LEOs, the BICs, Enterprise Ireland, and the mentor community.”

The impact of the New Frontiers programme is significant. In the 12 years since it started, over 6,000 individuals have gone through the programme and developed their skills, confidence, and networks. In a recent review of the programme, 75% of respondents stated that New Frontiers met or exceeded their expectations.

It’s a testament to the connections forged on the programme that so many alumni give up their time to talk at workshops, masterclasses, and events like this one. Our thanks to the alumni and other stakeholders who agreed to speak at this important event, and to our MC, Conor Carmody.

Ambition in Action – believe in your vision

• Stephen O’Dwyer of Trojan Track
• Margaret Rae of Konree Innovation
• Adrienne Magnier of Zarasyl

Go Global – market strategies & winning your first sales

• Emily Gallen, Senior Executive at Enterprise Ireland
• Louise Leonard Grey, Strategic marketing consultant
• Ed Hendrick of Sonru

Trailblazers’ Fireside

• Heidi Davis of Peri (EI HPSU Founder of the Year 2024)

Thriving in the startup ecosystem

• Conor O’Donovan, Head of Startups & Entrepreneurship at Enterprise Ireland

Funding the Future

• John Brennan, CEO of WestBIC
• Orla Martin, Head of Enterprise at Offaly Local Enterprise Office
• Brian Mc Nally, Senior Investment Adviser at Enterprise Ireland
• Saurabh Kumar, Principal of Sure Valley Ventures

Throughout the day, there were opportunities to network with fellow participants as well as key contacts from the ecosystem.

We were delighted to have a visit from Peter Burke T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment, who gave the keynote closing address at the end of a packed day.

“Fostering and nurturing entrepreneurship and ambitious startups is critical to the future security and health of the Irish economy. Irish startups from humble beginnings and ideation can, with the right support, flourish and grow into significant providers of valuable employment and regional prosperity and prospects.

“[…] I would like to congratulate the 170 founders of the 2024/2025 programme who are here today. Starting a new business is an exciting and brave prospect – all of you are at the beginning of an exciting, challenging and very important journey. I have no doubt that many of you will follow the footsteps of those alumni who have gone before you and go on to build successful businesses and, in many cases, go on to achieve global business success.”

Beyond networking, benefits of Phase 2 include expert-led workshops, mentoring, incubation space, access to R&D capabilities, and a tax-free allowance. New Frontiers is for early-stage founders who have yet to successfully scale a startup and most sectors are eligible. Read more about the features of the programme and eligibility criteria.

Follow us on LinkedIn to keep up with news from the programme and our current and past participants (you can also subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter).

[Featured image, our first panel: (l-r) Adrienne Magnier of Zarasyl, Stephen O’Dwyer of Trojan Track, and Margaret Rae of Konree Innovation]