The main benefits of the programme are:

• 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 a €15,000 tax-free stipend in Phase 2 – subject to satisfactory performance – with no equity 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 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 & 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.
• Opportunity to connect with relevant agencies (Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland) to get information on other funding and supports available.
• Access to Enterprise Ireland’s Market Research Centre.
• Introductions to seed and early-stage capital investment networks.

Recruitment dates vary around the country. You can consult each location’s deadline for applications in our online calendar.

If you are interested in applying, the first step is to register your interest with the Programme Manager at your chosen location using our online form.

You can apply to more than one location. If your application is not successful, you are still welcome to apply to a different location or a new cycle of the programme.

New Frontiers differs from privately-funded accelerator programmes in that it does not take equity in the startups it supports. The main focus of the programme is supporting the entrepreneur (promoter) rather than the startup itself. The goal of the programme is to help the entrepreneur take their early-stage idea from business concept to investable business.

No, you don’t have to complete Phase 1 in order to join Phase 2 of New Frontiers. However, it is recommended that you complete both phases in order to benefit as much as possible from the programme. Participating on Phase 1 will also help you to make a stronger application for Phase 2 and improve your chances of being accepted.

When completing the application form for Phase 2 of the programme, it is necessary to disclose any funding either recently received or applied for at the time of your application. If funding has been applied for or previously received by a co-founder, this information should also be declared on the form.

If you have received Enterprise Ireland or Local Enterprise Office (LEO) funding, you may still participate in the programme but may not be eligible for the €15,000 stipend*. The exceptions to this rule are:

• Enterprise Ireland Innovation Vouchers
• SBIR funding
• LEO Priming Grant where the salary cost of a member of the team (other than the recipient of the stipend) is eligible

*If you are unsure of how past funding may affect your participation on New Frontiers, please contact the Programme Manager at the location you are interested in.

You can both apply to the programme, but only one individual may be nominated to attend the programme and receive the €15,000 stipend.