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Dublin City University (DCU)

DCU:Innovate

DCU logoDCUInnovate logo

DCU:Innovate and the RDC (Regional Development Centre) in Dundalk jointly deliver the New Frontiers programme in the Border mid-east region. This partnership between Dundalk Institute of Technology and Dublin City University gives early-stage entrepreneurs access to the combined strengths, expertise, and innovation infrastructure of two leading institutions.

DCU:Innovate is deeply embedded in Enterprise Ireland’s commercialisation and spin-out ecosystem, with a strong track record supporting deep-tech startups and university-based ventures. Participants benefit from access to high-quality mentoring, R&D collaboration opportunities, and a dynamic start-up community connected to DCU’s broader innovation network – all giving founders a valuable springboard to develop and grow scalable businesses in a supportive, research-driven environment.

460
COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH AGREEMENTS WITH INDUSTRY
174M
MILLION IN RESEARCH EXPENDITURE
100
INDUSTRY COLLABORATIONS WITH IRISH SMES

(2019 – 2023 | Republic of Ireland & Northern Ireland SMEs)

What’s on offer?

3,000m² of space offering 38 offices, three laboratories, hotdesking, reception area and café, meeting rooms, boardrooms, seminar room and video conference suite – along with high-speed broadband throughout.

Access to DCU research expertise, which includes data analytics, digital content, software, networks and communications, cloud computing, advanced processing technology, photonics, sensors, water, food for health, neurotherapeutics and biotechnology.

Business development support: enterprise training, mentoring and networking, varied programme of seminars and workshops, dedicated and experienced team.

Access to specialist facilities, equipment & testing such as the Nano-bioanalytical Research Facility.

Gallery

NF 2024 Launch Photo DCU Invent
laboratory DCU Invent New Frontiers
DCU Invent New Frontiers
Vince Cable in lab DCU Invent New Frontiers
Launch Day 2025 New Frontiers DCU

The team

The New Frontiers Programme Manager at Dundalk IT is April McCrave. April has gained commercial, project management, and operations experience with organisations in Ireland and internationally. She has also been involved in a number of startups and scale-ups.

Visit their website

April McCrave Programme Manager New Frontiers in Dundalk

April McCrave

New Frontiers Programme Manager

042 937 0448

Garrett-Duffy-New-Frontiers

Garrett Duffy

RDC Incubation Centre Manager

042 937 0427

Maria Johnston New Frontiers

Maria Johnston

Business Development Director, Humanities & Social Sciences
Invent DCU

01 700 7597

“The New frontiers Programme was critical in my decision to pursue this path, as it provided the external assessment and direction my idea needed to become a business. It gave me confidence in the idea; that it was a good business proposal and that I could make it as an entrepreneur.”

Padraig Doolan, Beat Your Manager

“There were a number of elements which were invaluable to me. The stipend in particular allowed me to focus on the business full time and to park my consulting work, which was preventing me from pushing ahead aggressively with the new business.”

Ronan Lucid, Avemtec Limited

Notable alumni

  • Shane Brett, Gecko – fintech governance software
  • Jimmy Gargan, Pure Heat – IR heat panelsAdrie
  • nne McArdle, Heat Hero – heating solution
  • Shane McAvinchey, Irish Dance Pro – dance products
  • David Duignan, RecEasy – account reconciliation software
  • Susanne McCorry, Galibier – technical bike wear
  • Edward McElroy, Social Arcade – gaming
  • Yvonne Brady, EVB Sports – sports apparel
  • Gerard Kiely, Mentor Pitch – SaaS mentorship management

Alumni news

‘Think global from day one’

‘Think global from day one’

New Frontiers participant Adelin Diac and his co-founder Emmanuel Karibiye are interviewed on independent.ie about their startup CallCrewAI, which aims to transform how trades, facilities and field-service firms by operating as a round-the-clock team member, answering calls 24/7 to boost bookings and improve customer satisfaction.
Irish therapy startup rethinking mental health

Irish therapy startup rethinking mental health

Co-founded by Dr Ciara McEnteggart, PBBT Institute plans to raise €500,000 early next year and add five staff over the next three years. Read more on businesspost.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.

Register your interest