IADT Media Cube and NovaUCD launch €1.6 million New Frontiers programme to support early stage start-ups

(Pictured above from left, Cormac Finn – Sideteams, Lisa Geoghan, Sonalife, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, TD, Fiona Kiernan – Zeumed, and Conor Duggan – TaxZap. Photo Chris Bellew Fennell Photography)

The Institute of Art, Design and Technology Dún Laoghaire (IADT) and NovaUCD yesterday welcomed the first cohort of entrepreneurs to its Enterprise Ireland backed New Frontiers programme.

Enterprise Ireland says it has committed €1.6 million in funding over the next five years on a New Frontiers programme to support up to 265 entrepreneurs in the greater South Dublin area incorporating Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and North Wicklow.

Pictured from left Cormac Finn, Sideteams, Lisa Geoghan, Sonalife, David Smith, President, IADT, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill,TD, Fiona Kiernan – Zeumed, and Conor Duggan – TaxZap.
Photo Chris Bellew Fennell Photography.

The launch of this Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers programme will commence with 13 participants selected as part of a competitive process from 56 applicants.

They are working on early-stage business concepts ranging from fintech, medtech, digital media, innovation in healthcare and food products and software to help organisations embed diversity and inclusion.

The programme will see each participant receive financial support of €15,000 scholarship to cover full-time participation in the 6 month course, as they focus on moving their business from concept to market. IADT, in partnership with NovaUCD, will host the programme participants in the IADT Media Cube building and in NovaUCD.

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (TD) said: “It is a privilege to launch the New Frontiers programme here at IADT today, delivering this critically important programme to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown.

“One of the striking elements of this intake is the diversity of sectors they are working on, from healthy eating to software to promoting diversity and inclusion.

“I wish all the participants the best of luck as they begin the programme.”

Tom Flanagan – NovaUCD said: “I am delighted that our first joint New Frontiers Programme with IADT Media Cube has such fantastic participants.

“We look forward to working with them to further develop and grow their start-ups into companies with the potential to scale on an international stage.”

Orla Reynolds – IADT Media Cube said: “Following many years of success with the New Frontiers programme, IADT is delighted to be the lead partner in this collaboration with NovaUCD.

“The New Frontiers team, mentors and facilitators are exceptional if you want to take the leap and focus on creating a successful business.

“The energy and camaraderie amongst your fellow participants fuels your drive as they understand the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship.

“I can’t wait to support our 13 participants on their journey.”