SETU has welcomed a new cohort of ambitious entrepreneurs to the 2026 New Frontiers Phase 2 programme at the Xcelerate Centre on its Carlow Campus.
The six-month programme, delivered by SETU and funded by Enterprise Ireland, supports early-stage founders to test and validate their business opportunities, develop robust business models and build towards commercialisation. The Welcome Day on Wednesday, 26 August marked the official start of Phase 2 for the new cohort.
This year’s 10 participants reflect a diverse mix of sectors and business opportunities, including Life Sciences, Biomedical, Ed Tech, Agri Tech and Construction.
Speaking at the Welcome Day, Gemma Purcell, Enterprise Development Manager at SETU’s Xcelerate Centre, said:
We are delighted to welcome this year’s Phase 2 participants to the Xcelerate Centre. The diversity of the cohort is a real strength. Over the next six months, participants will be challenged to test their assumptions, engage with customers, validate demand and make evidence-based decisions about the direction of their businesses
Gemma Purcell Enterprise Development Manager at SETU's Xcelerate Centre
Participants on Phase 2 receive a €17,500 tax-free stipend, with no equity taken, alongside expert-led workshops, one-to-one mentoring, specialist clinics and peer learning. They can also access SETU expertise, facilities, research connections, students and graduates, together with Enterprise Ireland and investor exposure.
The six-month programme focuses on customer and market validation, business model development, financial planning, sales and marketing, operations, legal and intellectual property considerations and founder development.
The Welcome Day introduced participants to the network of support available throughout the programme. Gillian Baker of Enterprise Ireland spoke to the cohort about Enterprise Ireland and its Mentor Programme, while Rosemary Ward of Propelor BIC introduced Propelor BIC the supports available through the regional enterprise ecosystem.
Participants also heard from entrepreneur Michelle McDonald of Sasta Skincare, who shared her experience and insights with the incoming founders. The morning concluded with a campus tour before participants began their first peer-review clinic in the afternoon.
Throughout Phase 2, founders will work towards defined commercial milestones and participate in three Enterprise Ireland progress reviews. Gemma Purcell added:
One of the most valuable elements of New Frontiers is the cohort itself. We encourage our founders to share experiences and contacts, challenge one another’s assumptions and make introductions. Alongside the expertise available through SETU, Enterprise Ireland, mentors and our wider business network, that peer support can be hugely valuable.
Gemma Purcell Enterprise Development Manager at SETU's Xcelerate Centre
The programme aims to see participants complete Phase 2 with a validated opportunity, credible business model, stronger founder capability, clear commercialisation plan and an evidence-backed proposition for the next stage of their business journey.