New Frontiers programme at MTU supports new Irish startups

A NEW group of entrepreneurs have started on the road to success as part of the Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers programme delivered at the Rubicon Centre, Munster Technological University (MTU).

The programme provides startup entrepreneurs with a package of supports valued at over €30,000, including a €15,000 tax-free stipend in phase 2.

It also provides opportunities for networking with other entrepreneurs and business development agencies, introductions to seed and early-stage capital investment networks, personalised one-to-one mentoring, access to entrepreneurship best practices training, and to R&D facilities as well as specialist expertise from MTU.

The programme plays a crucial role in developing start-ups and entrepreneurs in the southwest region and takes no equity in the startups.

Programme alumni from 2016 to 2019 have generated turnover in excess of €12m and created over 134 jobs.

New Frontiers participants benefit from invaluable support from the Rubicon Centre as well as the Local Enterprise Offices and a wide range of resources in MTU.

Rubicon Centre’s enterprise programmes manager Aoife McInerney said: “We are delighted to welcome these 15 entrepreneurs onto the New Frontiers Programme, and look forward to supporting them as they develop their solutions and strategic vision over the next six months.”

The 15 programme start-ups are: The Feed Ducks Initiative, Wizard & Grace, GlishArabic, The Ostomy Cube, ClearSight Decision Support Systems, The Mind Mechanic, Origin Xero, LA Edit, Gabro Games, eBee, DeliverAI, Sláinte & Ailleacht, as well as a system to provide a cancer/no-cancer result on the day a patient has a biopsy performed, and an AI-enabled technology to assist parents of children with developmental delays and disabilities.

Rubicon Centre general manager Paul Healy said: “The Rubicon Centre provides a supportive and collaborative environment for early-stage companies. It provides a range of services, including mentoring, training, and access to investors. Through its extensive resources, the Rubicon Centre helps entrepreneurs to develop and commercialise their innovative ideas, leading to job creation and economic growth in the region.”

New Frontiers national programme manager Paula Carroll said the “programme is a critically important element of Enterprise Ireland’s regional strategy. The programme delivered by MTU in both Cork and Kerry has a strong record of supporting entrepreneurs who have gone on to build successful businesses in the region.”