History was made today as the Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers programme saw the highest number of women participants since the programme’s inception over a decade ago. Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland, Simon Coveney addressed the 15 successful start-up companies from the Cork region, as they graduated from the second phase of the programme.

Paula Carroll, New Frontiers National Programme Manager said, “Enterprise Ireland is proud to support and fund this critically-important entrepreneurial development programme delivered by Munster Technological University in Cork and Kerry. Both programmes have a strong record of supporting entrepreneurs who have gone on to build successful businesses, contributing to both economic growth and employment in the region.”

Delivered at The Rubicon Centre at Munster Technological University, The Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers programme is dedicated to providing entrepreneurs at start-up stage with an ecosystem that supports and guides them in meeting a wide variety of challenges. The programme has played a crucial role in developing start-ups and entrepreneurs in the Cork region, along with invaluable support from the Local Enterprise Offices. New Frontiers participants benefit from a wide range of resources in MTU such as the technological gateways and graduate and undergraduate talent.

The fifteen start-ups graduating from the 2022 programme are:

Blade Bridge Ltd –An engineering firm that reuses windmill blades for short-span bridges and other functional items

HaPPE Earth – a manufacturer of single-use compostable aprons made from a bio-resin produced and made in Ireland

Hibra Design – offers decarbonization as a service (DasS) by electrifying traditional diesel off-road vehicles, e.g. mining trucks, airport vehicles

Travella Ltd – an online platform to provide tourist attractions with data to drive visitor engagement and improve the visitor experience

Lughcent Technology – A technology company that uses UV pasteurisation to significantly decrease the water and energy requirements of traditional pasteurisation

Clisteprobe – a handheld biopsy device that will deliver instant results on whether a tumour is malignant or benign

Second Street Bakeshop – A confectionary company that creates quintessential US confectionary, toffee brittle, for the Irish market and beyond

Everywhere English – A platform for teaching business English that provides progress reporting for employers, it promotes social inclusion and workplace progression by enabling learners to feel confident in English specific to their sector

Doctrine – an independent skincare brand that blends key functional ingredients with beautiful packaging to create skincare to believe in

Sifter Media – an open-source platform that allows research and investigation to be graphically tracked

Buildzon – offers construction industry procurement real-time access to prices from multiple vendors for building products in short supply or not available in Ireland

eofis – an AI summarisation and adaptive learning tool to allow the learner to acquire, organise and retain information more easily

BioEnz – a proprietary enzyme discovery platform and unique biobank, developing novel enzyme solutions from nature to protect the environment, improve nutrition and treat disease

Silvermine Studios – with Video Game ChaosRiders, is a traditional couch co-op video game delivering unique cooperative gameplay

CRAOI – an expertly designed platform which combines a personal approach with interactive tools and on-demand content, backed by science, to empower employees to prioritise their well-being. Focusing on four holistic pillars: Movement, Mindfulness, Nutrition and Happiness, CRAOI supports the whole person, not just one aspect of well-being.

Aoife McInerney, New Frontiers Programme Manager at the Rubicon Centre, Munster Technological University, said, “It has been an immense privilege to work with such a talented and committed group of founders and support them on part of their journey. The most valuable thing they build, while on the New Frontiers programme, is the network with their peers and their knowledge of the ongoing support available throughout the Irish start-up ecosystem”.

Enterprise Ireland continues to support and fund this critically-important entrepreneurial development programme, delivered by Munster Technological University in Cork and Kerry. Both programmes have a strong record of supporting entrepreneurs who have gone on to build successful businesses, contributing to both economic growth and employment in the region.

The Rubicon Centre provides a supportive and collaborative environment for early-stage companies. It works closely with Enterprise Ireland and the New Frontiers programme to provide a range of services, including mentoring, funding, training, and access to investors.

Through its extensive resources, the Rubicon Centre helps entrepreneurs to develop and commercialise their innovative ideas, leading to job creation and economic growth in the region. Applications for the 2023 programme have officially opened and expressions of interest can be submitted at https://www.newfrontiers.ie/apply or at www.rubiconcentre.ie.

Reporting: Irish Tech News