SETU hosted the annual New Frontiers showcase at its campus in Carlow on 20 February, marking the end of Phase 2 of the programme for 2026.
The showcase celebrated the latest cohort of early-stage entrepreneurs to complete the national start-up development programme. Funded by Enterprise Ireland, the New Frontiers Programme supports innovative, high-potential start-ups across the country. The showcase marked the culmination of six months of intensive business development, mentoring and market validation.
Nine Entrepreneurs pitched their ventures to members of the south-east start-up ecosystem and an expert judging panel including Aidan Shine of Propeller BIC, Gillian Baker of Enterprise Ireland and Alan Nolan, Finance & Strategy Director at Netwatch.
A warm welcome
Welcoming attendees, Gemma Purcell, New Frontiers Programme Manager at SETU, highlighted the importance of supporting founders at the early stages of their journey. Brian Ogilvie, Head of Entrepreneurship & Rural Engagement at SETU, noted that this is the third consecutive year the Phase 2 showcase has been hosted at SETU’s Carlow campus — reflecting continued growth in entrepreneurial activity in the region.
Best pitch winner
Bó Bar Soap, founded by Gail Daniels, was named Best Pitch – Overall Winner, securing a €1,000 cash prize sponsored by Netwatch and €1,000 worth of mentoring and business supports from Kilkenny Local Enterprise Office. Bó Bar soaps are handmade on the family-run Kilkenny dairy farm using fresh cow’s milk from grass-fed cows and formulated with 100% natural ingredients.
Most innovative business idea
The other winner on the day was MediTreats, founded by SETU graduate Jack Honnen, who received the Most Innovative Business Idea award along with a €1,000 prize sponsored by Unum. While completing his Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Marketing, Jack first developed his concept through a New Product Innovation module, creating a solution to simplify the administration of liquid medication to dogs.
Guest speakers
Guest speakers Kevin Barrett and Rob Brown, co-founders of Genotrial and New Frontiers alumni, shared insights into their entrepreneurial journey since completing the programme, including winning last year’s Most Innovative Business Award and being awarded PSSF funding from Enterprise Ireland.
Ciara Corcoran, National Manager of the New Frontiers Programme, also addressed attendees and announced the participants who were successful in securing Phase 3 funding.
Concluding the event, Gemma noted that “It was a tough decision for the judging panel. I am extremely proud of the progress this group has made over the past six months. New Frontiers offers second-to-none support for founders in growing their connections, confidence and capital.”
The 2025 cohort also featured entrepreneurs developing ventures across a range of sectors including product innovation, digital services and wellness.
Applications are now open for the part-time New Frontiers Phase 1 programme at SETU’s campus in Carlow commencing in April, and the full-time Phase 2 starts in August 2026.
For more information email [email protected] or visit newfrontiers.ie.
