Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers Program Fuels Irish Start-up Growth

Now in its 14th year, Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers program is a cornerstone for early-stage start-ups in Ireland, providing crucial connections, skills development, and access to capital. The program, which supported 500 participants in 2025, recently brought together 158 of its newest founders and entrepreneurs at a national networking event held on February 11th at the Heritage Hotel in Laois .

The Three Cs of Start-up Success

New Frontiers focuses on equipping founders with what are described as the “three Cs”: connections, skills, and capital. The program aims to build successful and sustainable businesses by providing a transformative journey for ambitious entrepreneurs . The recent New Frontiers Connect 2026 event, attended by over 150 start-ups from across Ireland, underscored the importance of building these connections . Attendees included members of the venture capital community, experts from Enterprise Ireland, the Local Enterprise Office, and business innovation centres .

Program Phases and Support

The New Frontiers program is delivered in three distinct phases:

• Phase 1: This part-time program, delivered on evenings and weekends, supports approximately 500 individuals annually. Participants engage in six mentoring sessions with experts from Institutes of Technology to refine their value proposition and assess market potential.
• Phase 2: A highly competitive, six-month full-time program focused on developing and validating business propositions. Successful applicants receive a support package exceeding €30,000, including a €15,000 tax-free allowance, access to Enterprise Ireland’s Market Research Centre, and expert mentorship. Free co-working space and R&D facilities are also available.
• Phase 3: Building on the foundation of the first two phases, this stage provides over €10,000 in support, continued mentoring, introductions to investment opportunities, and access to co-working space for an additional three months. The focus shifts to implementing business plans, launching products and services, and securing further funding.

Diverse Sectors and Alumni Success

New Frontiers alumni represent a wide range of sectors, from food and drink to medical technology, demonstrating the program’s broad applicability and the potential for ambitious founders to achieve significant success .

How to Apply

Interested applicants can register their interest on NewFrontiers.ie and select a participating technological university or institute of technology. Ciara Concannon serves as the New Frontiers program manager with Enterprise Ireland.

Key Takeaways

• New Frontiers provides a structured pathway for early-stage start-ups in Ireland.
• The program’s three-phase approach offers increasing levels of support and investment.
• Networking and mentorship are central to the New Frontiers experience.
• The program supports a diverse range of industries and entrepreneurial ambitions.