Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art Design and Technology

Media Cube

IADT’s Media Cube is home to approximately 15 early-stage companies as well as a range of New Frontiers participants, who find the dedicated workspace and networking opportunities available at the Cube hugely beneficial in the formative stages of their venture.

The Media Cube team, along with our New Frontiers partners at DIT Hothouse, work closely with our client ventures to help them formulate and refine their proposition and navigate the investment options available to support the growth of their start-up. The Media Cube offers multiple opportunities to expand networks: networking events see a range of successful founders, investors and professional advisers sharing their experience and expertise with our client companies.

As its name suggests, IADT – the Institute of Art, Design and Technology – focuses its teaching and research on the convergence of creativity, technology and design. That is why Media Cube companies frequently engage interns and graduates to bolster their teams with young people who live and breathe digital technologies. Working through schemes like Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Voucher Programme, our client companies often work with technologists and designers from the Institute who help them ensure that their products and services offer users an exceptional experience that drives adoption.

Media Cube website ￫

successful companies

jobs created

million euros in equity

What does the Media Cube offer?

Hotdesks and offices of 14m², 18m² and 24m² (with flexible terms available to all companies), meeting rooms and an informal space for team meetings or a catch-up over coffee.

The IADT, through its applied research programmes, addresses the nature and implications of the changing landscape of the digital media industry and, by doing so, is assisting in the reformulation of professional activities for the sector.

Parking is available on-campus, while the 46A bus route offers a regular and efficient service into central Dublin.

Shower facilities are available for clients who like to cycle to work or squeeze in a run at lunchtime.

Gallery

The Media Cube team

The New Frontiers Programme at IADT is delivered by Ann Marie Phelan, in conjunction with colleagues from DIT Hothouse. Ann Marie has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. She is a qualified barrister and has worked for many years in commercial law matters in the Irish courts representing a range of commercial organisations, state bodies and individual directors. Her interest in supporting startups arose from her own experience of founding her own company and developing commercial links with the Chinese market.

Ann Marie Phelan

New Frontiers Programme Manager

01 239 4625

Fionnghuala Ní Neill

Media Cube Administrator

01 239 4750

While at the Cube, we were able to make the most of expertise within IADT, with college teams working with us on UI design and data visualisation. We’ve just sealed a first VC round of $8 Million, and will probably soon be moving to new pastures, but the Cube has been a great place throughout the formative years of our venture.

Vol Pigrukh, Profitero

I cannot recommend the Media Cube highly enough as an incubator space. It was of immense benefit to us to be among a whole host of startups at various stages. From picking brains, to chats over coffee in the canteen, to a friendly face when sometimes things didn’t go to plan; it is an incredibly inviting, welcoming and nurturing space for any entrepreneur.

Sharon Kavanagh-Banks, Luminosity

New Frontiers puts you in an environment where you constantly look to improve your own model. You mix with other startups in similar situations and end up both learning from and helping one another. The programme is directly applicable to daily life in a start-up, with mentors and facilitators always on hand to steer you in the right direction when required.

Mike Morrissey, MyDealDoc

Not only did the Media Cube provide me with great office space and facilities,it also helped me through a crucial stage in the development of my company: relocating to Dublin from France and getting acquainted with the local startup landscape. New Frontiers was instrumental in helping me develop my proposition and secure funding from Enterprise Ireland.

Luca Marchesotti, Beautifeye

Some of our previous participants

Adrian Walsh, Checkventory – inventory control solutions
Alison Stroh, Dr Coys – innovation in health foods
Graham Byrne, Your Smile Direct – online dental solutions
Sharon Kavanagh-Banks, SOAR – automotive asset recognition software

The latest news from the Media Cube

Brewing up the perfect business with tea

Dr Rosalind Beere’s business, Chi Fit, is featured on dublingazette.com. Rosalind came up with the concept for her business after a serious accident, and her tea blend is now stocked in shops around the country. Read the article.

Two New Frontiers participants are The Pitch finalists

Congratulations to New Frontiers alumni, Siobhán Berry (Mummy Cooks) and Dan Nugent (co-founder of Ambr Eyewear), who are among the nine finalists of The Pitch 2019. They will be competing at September’s live event to win a top prize worth up to €100,000! Best of luck!

Have a startup idea? Register your interest in New Frontiers and one of our Programme Managers will be in touch soon!

Further reading

Still not ready to apply? We have some useful links that might help:

the Media Cube website
more information about the New Frontiers programme
see our Frequently Asked Questions
check out our 10 tips for entrepreneurs thinking of applying to New Frontiers