New Frontiers Celebrates 10 Years Of Supporting Innovative Irish Startups

One of the benefits of the New Frontiers programme – particularly Phase 2 – is the access to networking. Whether it’s exploring synergies within your programme cohort or more formal networking events, programme alumni agree that New Frontiers gives them lots of opportunities to build relationships far and wide.

Although interrupted by the pandemic, an annual networking event has been a regular feature of the programme over the past decade. This year it was finally back after the hiatus! Recent graduates from every programme around the country were invited to a day of informative insights and – importantly – opportunities to network with alumni from other locations. (To see a recap of the event, hop over to our YouTube channel. We will also be adding interviews with some of the participants in the coming weeks, so don’t forget to subscribe to the channel!)

This year’s New Frontiers Annual Networking Event was held in Mullingar on 23rd March. Three panels were held, hosted by our MC, Conor Carmody, with a lunch break providing valuable and timely sustenance over chats and introductions. There was also a breakout session (allowing participants to discuss their 2023 priorities in small groups) and plenty of other opportunities for attendees to mingle and exchange contact information.

Our thanks to the following alumni and supporters of the programme for agreeing to be on our panels:

New Frontiers, 10 Years Growing – alumni panel

• Kevin McCaffrey, Tr3dent
• Yvonne Comer, Rugby Smarts
• Deborah Brock, Nua Fertility
• Raj Lyons Chohan, EV Energy

The Funding Horizon – panel discussion 

• Chris Burge, Spark Crowdfunding
• Christine Charlton, LEO Westmeath
• Brian Sheridan, Enterprise Ireland

Building Scale – fireside chat

• Feargal Brady, No Frixion
• Rory O’Connor, Scurri

This was a special year for the New Frontiers family as the programme is 10 years old. Since 2013, New Frontiers has supported an incredible 5,000 early-stage entrepreneurs in a wide variety of sectors, with 1,700 going on to Phase 2. New Frontiers startups have raised many millions in funding (in fact, New Frontiers alumni made up a significant portion of successful Competitive Start Fund applicants – this fund has recently been replaced by PSSF, which we will be writing about soon) and created jobs all around Ireland.

Today, the programme is delivered at 18 locations nationwide. Beyond networking, benefits of the programme include training, mentoring, incubation space, access to research and development capabilities, and a financial stipend during Phase 2 (€15,000 tax-free). It’s the ideal programme for first-time entrepreneurs of any age and most sectors are eligible. You can see more features of the programme and eligibility criteria on our About page.

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