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Regional Development Centre

Logo DkIT RDC

The RDC (Regional Development Centre) in Dundalk and Invent DCU in Dublin jointly deliver the New Frontiers programme in the Border mid-east region. This partnership between Dundalk Institute of Technology and Dublin City University means that New Frontiers participants have access to the expertise, facilities and resources of both locations.

Located in the heart of the strategic M1 corridor within 1 hour of Dublin and Belfast, the innovation hub at the RDC (Regional Development Centre) on the campus of the DkIT, offers a supporting, nurturing and vibrant environment in which to develop and grow your startup.

Established in 1989, the dedicated team at the RDC have a strong track record of supporting, nurturing and developing entrepreneurs from concept stage to scaling internationally.

1362
ENTREPRENEURS ASSISTED
315
APPLIED RESEARCH PROJECTS
204
COMPANIES INCUBATED

What’s on offer?

Access our expert panels for advice on intellectual property, copyright, trademarks, patents, EI Innovation Vouchers, and collaborative technology development programmes.

Attend our funding workshops, invites to RDC & DkIT seminars. Access our students for projects, placements or internships. Advertise to our graduates and alumni through our careers department.

Access to our researchers in ICT, health and ageing, energy and the environment, creative arts, entrepreneurship, humanities and social sciences.

20 office units capable of accommodating 6-12 people, hot-desking with 24/7 access, use of boardrooms and meeting rooms, video-conferencing facilities, welcoming and friendly reception facilities, cafe, canteen, catering facilities, parking, security and postal services.

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The team

The New Frontiers Programme Manager at Dundalk IT is David Connolly. David has worked in a number of enterprise development positions with multiple agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) of Dublin City and Cavan. He brings a deep knowledge of the domestic and international startup ecosystems, having held voluntary positions on initiatives such as Director of StartUp Grind Dublin and Pre-Accelerator Programme Manager of the Founders Institute Dublin.

Visit their website

David Connolly New Frontiers programme manager

David Connolly

New Frontiers Programme Manager

042 937 0481

Garrett-Duffy-New-Frontiers

Garrett Duffy

RDC Incubation Centre Manager

042 937 0427
@GarrettDuffy

Maria Johnston New Frontiers

Maria Johnston

Operations & Enterprise Development Manager
Invent DCU

01 700 7597
@inventdcu

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 panels
  • Adrienne 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

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Sinéad Crowther of Soothing Solutions – HPSU founder of the year

New Frontiers alumna and founder of Soothing Solutions, Sinéad Crowther, was announced as the Enterprise Ireland High-Potential Start-Up (HPSU) Founder of the Year for 2023 at their awards event. Founded in 2017, Louth-based healthcare firm Soothing Solutions manufactures a range of honey jelly pops called Tonstix aimed at providing a children's alternative to lozenges.

GoPlugable is the ‘AirBnB of EV chargers’

Founder and CEO Maebh Reynolds has a grant-only funding target of €100,000 for the venture. Her idea is to allow EV owners to avail of privately owned charging stations in their area. Read more on BusinessPlus.

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.