The six months New Frontiers programme at SETU Waterford starts on December 5, 2022 and is the ideal platform for early-stage entrepreneurs from across the south east.
New Frontiers is inviting early-stage entrepreneurs who have an innovative business idea or an innovative technology that has the potential to be developed into a high-growth start-up company.
New Frontiers offers a supportive yet challenging environment to help entrepreneurs plan and launch their new business. South East Technological University (SETU) Waterford’s New Frontiers programme, which is funded by Enterprise Ireland and managed by the School of Business, is based at the ArcLabs Innovation Hub at SETU West Campus in Carriganore, Waterford.
The New Frontiers Programme Manager at SETU Waterford, Dr Eugene Crehan, says “the New Frontiers programme has saved past participants from making wrong financial decisions in relation to their business, as well as giving them the tools to take their idea or start-up to the next level.”
“The impact of the pandemic will inspire innovation in digital solutions for businesses and society and new ways of doing things. Phase 2 of the programme will help entrepreneurs and innovative start-ups to develop their business ideas and prepare an investment ready pitch. Eligible participants receive a stipend of €15,000 while participating on Phase 2 and may be eligible for a further €7,500 if selected to proceed to Phase 3 of the programme.”
New Frontiers SETU Waterford has proved to be a highly impactful programme for previous participants. Eugene explains, “In a review conducted by SETU, of the Waterford New Frontiers programme, for the five year period 2016 to 2021, the 48 participants of Phase 2 created 88 jobs in the region and have generated annual sales of over €4M.
“Between them they have secured €19.8M in follow-up funding and supports, €2.5M from private investors, €6.7M from an IPO and approximately another €10M in other state supports through Enterprise Ireland, the Local Enterprise Offices, the NDRC and the European Space Agency (Irl).”
The deadline for applications for the next New Frontiers is 17 November 2022 – apply online at www.wit.ie/newfrontiers.