Graduates breaking New Frontiers
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Dr Sinéad Mellett, recipient of the Best Business Opportunity Award for Natural Vet Co, receiving her award from An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Professor Maggie Cusack, President of MTU. Photos: Joleen CroninImage 2 of 2
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin pictured with graduates of the New Frontiers Phase 2 Programme 2024 at Munster Technological University (MTU), Bishopstown Campus. Also pictured are Ciara Concannon (National New Frontiers Manager) and Aoife McInerney (Cork Programme Manager).Daniel O’Neill
Some of Ireland’s most innovative new start-ups were celebrated recently at the graduation of Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers Programme at The Rubicon Centre, MTU.
Among the 2024 Cork cohort graduates, 15 new and interesting businesses have been created such as The Alternative Christmas Pudding by Sadhbh Cosgrove which offers a variety of biscuit puddings and AllYouKnead.ie by Lucy Lehane which transforms home economics for students by making cooking accessible for all.
The programmes’ goals are to foster entrepreneurship, drive economic growth, and support Ireland’s future business leaders.
Among the attendees at the celebrations were Taoiseach Micheál Martin and National New Frontiers Programme Manager Ciara Concannon. The Taoiseach said: “Innovation and entrepreneurship are key when it comes to Ireland’s future economic success. The New Frontiers Programme plays a pivotal role in equipping business founders with the skills, knowledge, and support they need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.”
Ciara Concannon added: “New Frontiers is a critical driver of Ireland’s start-up ecosystem, offering entrepreneurs not just funding, but mentorship, training, and access to invaluable networks. The success of these 15 businesses demonstrates the programme’s ability to turn vision into reality.”
The New Frontiers Programme has been a pillar of support for high-potential start-ups and businesses that contribute significantly to the local economy.
The 2024 businesses are diverse and spread across all types of fields such as sustainability, biotechnology, digital services, and consumer goods.
Some of the other graduates include Triple Edge Energy Ltd by Diarmuid Duggan which adjusts energy usage patterns, and EcoRoots Ltd by Lavanya Bhandari which operates in sustainability, specifically using mushrooms to create biomaterials.
The creation of these enterprises will generate employment, contribute to regional and national economies, and strengthen Ireland’s reputation as a hub for innovation.
Those interested in the programme should consider the next Phase 2 programme starting at The Rubicon Centre in September 2025.
For further information, see www.newfrontiers.ie and www.therubiconcentre.ie.