New Frontiers

The New Frontiers programme from Enterprise Ireland helps early-stage entrepreneurs develop their business idea. Delivered on behalf of Enterprise Ireland by the Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities, New Frontiers offers a combination of practical and interactive workshops, personalised mentorship, co-working space, and funding.

Over three phases, you will gain the confidence and skills to develop your business idea within a supportive and encouraging environment.

New Frontiers is the national entrepreneurial development programme for ambitious early-stage entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas which have the potential to scale and provide employment. It provides the skills, support, and confidence needed to make the leap to starting a successful business.

If you believe that you are capable of building a sustainable new business, creating employment and generating revenue in your locality, act now and apply for a place on Ireland’s largest entrepreneur development programme!

New Frontiers is designed for individuals who:

Are early-stage entrepreneurs
May be in full-time employment but have the desire to start their own business
Have an innovative business idea with export and employment potential
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
Have the drive and ambition required to commit fully to building a successful start-up

See the eligibility section below for more details on eligibility.

How Does New Frontiers Benefit Entrepreneurs?

It offers regional access to applicants across 14 programmes and 16 locations.
Open to business ideas from across all sectors including food & consumer products; information & communication technology; engineering & electronics; medical devices; biotechnology; pharma, digital media; cleantech/renewable energy; and eligible internationally-traded services
Support package valued at €30,000 including €15,000 tax-free stipend in Phase 2, subject to satisfactory performance – no equity is taken in your business
Further support available in Phase 3 to the value of €10,000+
Personalised one-to-one mentoring offered by seasoned business mentors from the Enterprise Ireland Mentor network.
Expert advice and guidance from an experienced programme team, business practitioners, investors and other entrepreneurs within the Institutes of Technology and Universities.
Access to R&D facilities and specialist expertise from within the Institutes of Technology/Universities, including access to interns and graduates.
Practitioner-led workshops in all areas of building a business.
Regular milestone review meetings to monitor your progress.
Free co-working space (during Phase 2 and 3).
Support and guidance in the development of a strong business plan.