Skip to main content

Enterprise & Research Incubation Centre (ERIC)

eric Logo SETU logo New Frontiers

The New Frontiers programme at SETU – Carlow Campus is co-located at the Enterprise and Research Incubation Centre (ERIC) in Carlow and at the ArcLabs Research & Innovation Centre in Waterford.

ERIC is a purpose-built, fully serviced building on campus. 831m² of industrial and commercial space are available to support the growth of young knowledge-based companies – with units ranging in size from 133m² to 22.5m².

The aim of the Enterprise and Research Incubation Centre is to accelerate the development of startups through a comprehensive combination of infrastructure, business support services and specialised resources – before and during their foundation.

270
ENTREPRENEURS ASSISTED
50
PHASE 2 CLIENT ENTREPRENEURS
5
HIGH POTENTIAL START UPS (HPSU)

What’s on offer?

11 self-contained units (five industrial units for manufacturing operations and six units for technology firms), a hot-desk area for up to 12 people, training rooms, boardrooms & meeting rooms.

Research facilities include Designcore (Applied Design Research Centre in Industrial/Product Design Innovation), Gamecore (Centre of Research and Enterprise in Interactive Applications Software & Networks), Envirocore (Centre of Research and Enterprise in BioEnvironmental Technologies) & Geocore (Centre of Research and Enterprise in Green Energy Optimisation).

Support to help accelerate entrepreneurs embarking on their journey in business – from startup advice to information about the various forms of funding, from the provision of high-specification ICT infrastructures to networking and peer-to-peer support from fellow resident entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurs benefit from 24/7 access, car parking and security, admin services, broadband & canteen facilities.

Gallery

The team

The New Frontiers Programme Manager at SETU – Carlow Campus is Gemma Purcell. Gemma is Enterprise Development Manager with SETU, responsible for the promotion, management and growth of the Institute’s Enterprise & Research Incubation Centre and its allied range of support services and training programmes. She holds a BDES honours degree in Industrial Design from NCAD and an MBA from the Institute of Technology Carlow. With a proven track record in business development, enterprise support and multi-project management, Gemma’s past experience includes working for large multinational retailers as a Design Management specialist. 

Visit their website

Gemma Purcell New Frontiers Carlow

Gemma Purcell

New Frontiers Programme Manager

059 917 5208

Mary Beck New Frontiers

Mary Beck

New Frontiers Co-Ordinator

059 917 5220

I would highly recommend the programme and I would like to thank Ailish Delaney and her team for all their help and continued support. They have helped us to build a robust product range and provided us with the skills required to build a successful business.

Noel Doherty, NJ Doherty Solutions

Working with like-minded entrepreneurs was both refreshing and reassuring and the outcomes from the workshops have allowed me to push forward my business with confidence. The program is challenging but rewarding.

Rory McEvoy, Twiznight

It gave us the structure and know-how to go from idea to revenue-generating company. It was a fantastic opportunity to work with industry-leading mentors and helped us develop a strong value proposition and business plan.

Trevor Keane, Sportego

Notable alumni

  • Xuemei Germaine,MicroGen Biotech – bioremediation solutions
  • Owne Roche, OMF Engineering – process, simulation and die design
  • Janet Cody, Arc Rua – Autism resources
  • Niamh Sheehan, Higgleoo TV – puppet TV shows for children
  • Trevor Keane, Sportego – marketing and sports gaming
  • Noel Doherty, Hamstring Solo – exercise aids
  • Rory McEvoy, Twiznight – Twitter quizzes

Alumni news

South East Technological University Celebrates New Frontiers Graduates In Carlow

South East Technological University Celebrates New Frontiers Graduates In Carlow

On 21st February, a new cohort of founders graduated from Phase 2 of the New Frontiers programme in Carlow and delivered their four-minute pitches to a platform of judges and potential investors. The event at South East Technological University's Carlow Campus was attended by a range of stakeholders from the startup ecosystem including Professor Marie Claire Van Hout, Vice President of Research Innovation and Impact at SETU; Colin Hayes, Managing Director of Netwatch Ireland and UK; and Ciara Concannon, National New Frontiers Programme Manager at Enterprise Ireland. Alumna Audrey Vance of Activity Time (a previous Best Pitch winner) talked about her experience of the programme and her progress since finishing New Frontiers 12 months ago. Two awards were given following…
A sustainable and ethical alternative in the luxury sleepwear

A sustainable and ethical alternative in the luxury sleepwear

Hollianne Phelan is the founder of Cotone Collection, which makes luxury handmade sleepwear that is stocked in top stores such as Brown Thomas. Read the profile on laois-nationalist.ie.

This is the right time! Register your interest in New Frontiers and a Programme Manager will be in touch to guide you through the application process.