News From The Frontier

The New Frontiers Programme is aimed at supporting the establishment and growth of technology or knowledge intensive ventures that have the potential to trade internationally and create employment in Ireland. DkIT have delivered the 3-phased programme in partnership with DCU since 2012. 

Three Phase 1 programmes were delivered since October last year with participants starting businesses in a wide range of sectors including: 

• food & consumer products
• information & communication technology
• engineering & electronics
• medical devices
• biotechnology
• pharma
• digital media
• eligible internationally traded services

The programme introduced each group to relevant startup strategies, challenged their business idea and encouraged participants to provide market validation for their proposed product or service.

We are now progressing to Phase 2 of the programme which provides a wider range of supports for participants leading towards the development of an investor ready business plan and includes financial support of up to €15,000 for each participant. Phase 2 participants must commit to work full-time on their venture, i.e. they cannot be employed by or work for another organisation and will have access to hotdesking space  in the Regional Development Centre in DkIT or in Invent, DCU. 

Applications are now open for Phase 2 of the programme. The closing date for completed applications is 5pm on the 16th March 2017.

To request an application form please click here and provide your contact details. 

Who should apply?

 Applicants who:

• can demonstrate the capability and commitment needed to develop a sustainable business
• are ambitious, intending that the business will grow to achieve turnover greater than €500,000 and create more than five jobs in three to five years
• plan to build a business on a strong foundation of innovation and/or technology
• can provide evidence of a commercial market for the proposed product or service
• propose setting up an enterprise that is a manufacturing or internationally traded services business, or a new domestically traded service business with the potential to trade internationally

What does New Frontiers provide entrepreneurs?

• Training in all areas of business including financial management, market research & validation, business process, patenting, sales training, etc.
• Mentoring from experienced business advisors and practitioners
• Hotdesking and other business incubation facilities
• Up to €15,000 for individuals participating on Phase 2 (*income tax liability will be the sole responsibility of the participant, and individuals are encouraged to seek professional advice)
• Networking with other entrepreneurs and business development agencies
• Introductions to seed and early stage capital investment networks
• Access to entrepreneurship best practice, both national and international
• Peer-group learning from participants in the region and across the country
• Access to expertise in Enterprise Ireland through the market information centre