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Munster Technological University (MTU) – Cork Campus

Rubicon Centre

Munster_Technological_University_Logo  Rubicon logo

The Rubicon Centre is home to 40 knowledge-based startups and is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs to start, scale and grow their business ideas. The centre opened in 2006, with further expansion in 2016 bringing the total incubation footprint to over 3,000m². It provides a modern and dynamic working environment, conveniently located on campus within one of Ireland’s top technological universities.

Rubicon clients enjoy access to a full development path in an environment of creativity and innovation, with a continual focus on nurturing growth. Entrepreneurs benefit from being part of the vibrant entrepreneurial community within the Rubicon Centre, with a wide portfolio of programmes available in addition to New Frontiers, including EXXCEL Women Entrepreneurship, Empower Cumasú and the Rio-Innovator Programme.

2500
JOBS CREATED BY OUR PROGRAMMES SINCE 1998
75
PERCENT SURVIVAL RATE AFTER FIVE YEARS
107
MILLION EUROS INVESTMENT RAISED SINCE 1998

What’s on offer?

Ready-to-go, own-door offices with dedicated broadband and direct phone lines. Training room, board room and meeting rooms with full AV capability.

MTU research facilities include the NIMBUS Centre, Centre for Advanced Photonics and Process Analysis (CAPPA ), Medical Engineering Design and Innovation Centre (MEDIC) & Centre for Research in Advanced Therapeutic Engineering (CREATE).

Business support includes one-to-one mentoring, access to finance, access to international markets, pre- and post-incubation assistance and networking opportunities.

Entrepreneurs benefit from 24/7 access, free car parking, security, reception services, a cafe and break-out areas. The centre also offers a virtual office facility.

Gallery

Graduating from the New Frontiers Phase 2 Programme 2024, hosted by the Rubicon Centre at Munster Technological University (MTU), Bishopstown Campus. The event celebrated the achievements of early-stage entrepreneurs who completed the intensive programme designed to support the development of innovative, scalable businesses. Photo: Joleen Cronin
An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, pictured with graduates of the New Frontiers Phase 2 Programme 2024 at Munster Technological University (MTU), Bishopstown Campus. Also pictured are Ciara Concannon (National New Frontiers Manager) and Aoife McInerney (Cork Programme Manager). The graduation event, hosted by the Rubicon Centre, celebrated the achievements of emerging entrepreneurs who completed the intensive startup development programme.
Dr Sinéad Mellett, recipient of the Best Business Opportunity Award for Natural Vet Co, and Marc O'Donovan Wyatt, recipient of the Peer Excellence Award, for Genni at the New Frontiers Phase 2 Programme 2024 Graduation at Munster Technological University (MTU), Bishopstown Campus. The event celebrated the achievements of innovative early-stage entrepreneurs completing the national startup development programme.
Aoife McInerney (Cork Programme Manager), Marc O'Donovan Wyatt (founder of Genni, recipient of the Peer Excellence Award), Dr Sinéad Mellett (founder of Natural Vet Co, recipient of the Best Business Opportunity Award), and Ciara Concannon (National New Frontiers Manager) at the New Frontiers Phase 2 Programme 2024 Graduation, held at Munster Technological University (MTU), Bishopstown Campus. Marc and Sinéad are pictured holding their well-deserved awards, celebrating their outstanding achievements in the national startup development programme.
Paul Healy (Innovation Centre Manager at The Rubicon Centre), Marc O'Donovan Wyatt (founder of Genni, recipient of the Peer Excellence Award), Dr Sinéad Mellett (founder of Natural Vet Co, recipient of the Best Business Opportunity Award), Ciara Concannon (National New Frontiers Manager), and Aoife McInerney (Cork Programme Manager) at the New Frontiers Phase 2 Programme 2024 Graduation, held at Munster Technological University (MTU), Bishopstown Campus. The event celebrated the achievements of Ireland’s next generation of innovative entrepreneurs.
Graduating from the New Frontiers Phase 2 Programme 2024, hosted by the Rubicon Centre at Munster Technological University (MTU), Bishopstown Campus. The event celebrated the achievements of early-stage entrepreneurs who completed the intensive programme designed to support the development of innovative, scalable businesses.
Graduating from the New Frontiers Phase 2 Programme 2024, hosted by the Rubicon Centre at Munster Technological University (MTU), Bishopstown Campus. The event celebrated the achievements of early-stage entrepreneurs who completed the intensive programme designed to support the development of innovative, scalable businesses.
An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin

The team

The New Frontiers Programme Manager at Munster Technological University (MTU) – Cork Campus is Aoife McInerney. Aoife has experience working across a variety of departments including Customer Service, Marketing, Product Development and Project Management, in-house and as a consultant.

Visit their website

Aoife McInerney

Aoife McInerney

Programme Manager

Paul Healy Innovation Centre Manager Rubicon Cork

Paul Healy

Innovation Centre Manager

George Bulman Project Manager Rubicon Cork

George Bulman

Project Manager

Kim Maquet Innovation Centre Operations Manager

Kim Maquet

Operations Manager

“The greatest advantage of the New Frontiers Programme for our business was gaining a clear sense of direction. The program fostered excellent team spirit and provided guided support, ensuring we knew our goals and how to achieve them from the start.”

Mary O’RiordanHaPPE Earth

“I’ve gained a new family. Especially for someone who is an immigrant, the more networks you have, the better it is to be able to run a business.”

Dr Justina UgwahClisteProbe

“The New Frontiers Programme not only gave me the time to further develop the company, it pushed me forward and provided me with the other necessary tools to develop my company. Without the New Frontiers Programme my company would not be in the position it is now.”

Dr Frank Riedewald, Composite Recycling

“We were provided with fantastic support from the Rubicon Centre team and the other people that we came into contact with on the programme. With 11 other businesses on the programme, it feels like we have already grown our team given the amount of support and advice on offer.”

Andrew Kingston, GroupBooked

“During the programme, we won a global award for passenger innovation, landed our first client and raised Enterprise Ireland Competitive Start funding. Any one of these achievements would significantly help any business, but I would never have envisaged all three! Thank you!”

Paul Brugger, TIC

Notable alumni

  • Lucy Lehane, All You Knead – local pre-weighed ingredients delivered to schools for home economics classes
  • Amel Sami, GlishArabic – Arabic learning experience for school children that engages them in games, vibrant animations and lively sounds
  • Mike Keane, Hibra Design – automotive engineering development company developing bespoke vehicle solutions
  • Mary O’Riordan, HaPPE Earth – sustainable compostable PPE solutions for healthcare services
  • Tom Cotter, OceanR – recycling ocean plastics into clothing and other products

Alumni news

The Mindful Maker on working with Irish wood

The Mindful Maker on working with Irish wood

Paul Murphy, the founder of Mindful Maker, is a furniture designer and maker based in Cork. He describes his business as part of his legacy to his children and future grandchildren. Read about his journey on thejournal.ie.
Therapixv finalist in the Diversity in Tech Awards

Therapixv finalist in the Diversity in Tech Awards

Congratulations to Banu Balaji and the Therapix team on being named Social Impact finalists in the Diversity in Tech Awards 2025. Therapix helps parents, teachers, and therapists to use therapy skills with children who have additional needs.

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.

Register your interest