Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers 2024 Cohort Kicks Off at The Rubicon Centre at MTU

The Rubicon Centre at Munster Technological University (MTU) has announced the commencement of Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers Phase 2 Programme. This year, 15 promising start-ups, spanning various industries from sustainable packaging to AI-driven platforms, have been selected to participate in this highly competitive programme.

According to the Rubicon Centre, the 2024 cohort is not only remarkable for the breadth of its business ideas but also for its near gender parity, with 7 of the 15 being female founders. The  Rubicon Centre is part of Innovation and Enterprise at MTU.

Meet the 2024 Cohort: A Glimpse into the Future of Business

The businesses selected for this year’s programme represent a wide array of industries, each bringing a fresh and innovative approach to solving contemporary challenges. Here’s a look at the dynamic ventures from this year’s cohort:

1. ROWTEIC LIMITED (Founder: Sam O’Neill) – A biomechanics software platform transforming the sport of rowing by providing insights into technique and performance.
2. Cookease (Founder: Aoife Goulding) – Leveraging air fryer technology to make home baking mess-free and stress-free for modern consumers.
3. Quartz (Founder: Iarla Crewe) – Offering a crypto bank account that allows users to earn yield, manage transfers, and access funds with a debit card, all while maintaining custody of their crypto assets.
4. Product Otter (Founder: Mairead Maher) – An AI-driven RAAS platform that delivers real-time competitive intelligence and future insights to elevate product development and strategic decision-making.
5. All You Knead (Founder: Lucy Lehane) – A service providing pre-weighed, locally sourced ingredients to schools for Home Economics, supporting food literacy education.
6. a.chara (Founder: Reece Hogan) – A supportive app designed for healthcare professionals and caregivers of dementia patients, focusing on chronic pain management and well-being.
7. Zhy Biotechnologies Ltd (Founder: Zuhri Ajibola) – Developing microbiome-friendly bio-fermented ingredients for food, beverage, and personal care industries, targeting individuals with sensitive gut and skin.
8. Natural Vet Co. (Founder: Sinéad Mellett) – A veterinary supplement company providing novel formulations for cats and dogs, created by a vet and herbalist.
9. Nooneering (Founder: Michael Noonan) – Introducing Noonan’s Control Method, an innovation that reduces variance in stepper motor performance, improving efficiency.
10. Alternative Christmas Pudding (Bia Bona Dea) (Founder: Sadhbh Cosgrove) – A line of alternative Christmas puddings made with Belgian chocolate and liqueurs, offering a vegan and gluten-free option.
11. Vappa (Founder: Marc O’Donovan-Wyatt) – A loyalty rewards app that encourages positive daily habits through a rewards system.
12. Mindful Maker (Founder: Paul Murphy) – A business creating handmade, heritage-led furniture, homeware, and gifts from sustainably sourced Irish timbers.
13. Enertech Ltd. (Founder: Diarmuid Duggan) – A virtual power plant platform that aggregates electricity micro-generation and demand response to sell energy at optimal times.
14. Tower Watch (Founder: Robin Thankachan) – A building energy monitoring and management platform designed to optimize efficiency, offering features like predictive maintenance and sustainability goal tracking.
15. Eco Root (Founder: Lavanya Bhandaria) – Innovating in sustainable packaging by creating compostable materials from mycelium, contributing to eco-friendly alternatives for various industries.

New Frontiers Phase 2: A Launchpad for Innovation

Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers programme is designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs in transforming their innovative ideas into successful, scalable businesses. The Phase 2 programme, hosted by The Rubicon Centre at MTU, provides participants with a comprehensive six-month programme that includes practical mentoring, financial support, and access to vital resources. It equips entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge necessary to grow their businesses, from securing investment to scaling for international markets.

Key features of the New Frontiers Phase 2 programme include:

• Financial Support: Participants receive financial assistance that allows them to focus on business development full-time without the distraction of day-to-day financial pressures.
• Expert Mentorship: Each entrepreneur is paired with industry experts and mentors who provide guidance on everything from business strategy to market entry and product development.
• Incubation Space: Access to state-of-the-art facilities at The Rubicon Centre, one of Ireland’s leading business incubators, enables entrepreneurs to work in a supportive, collaborative environment.
• Networking Opportunities: Entrepreneurs are introduced to a broad network of investors, business leaders, and potential customers, opening doors for partnerships and funding.
• Tailored Training: A structured curriculum addresses critical areas such as business planning, product-market fit, financial management, and sales strategies, ensuring each participant is equipped for success.

Paul Healy, Manager of The Rubicon Centre, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming cohort: “We are extremely proud to host such a diverse and innovative group of entrepreneurs this year. The 2024 cohort is unique, not only for the innovative solutions they are developing but also for the equal representation of men and women, which is something we strive for in our programmes. These entrepreneurs are tackling real-world problems, and we are confident they will make a significant impact on both the Irish economy and beyond.”

Supporting the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Enterprise Ireland and The Rubicon Centre are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Irish entrepreneurs, helping them turn their ideas into sustainable, high-growth businesses. The New Frontiers programme, now in its 10th year at MTU, has played an integral role in the development of countless businesses, many of which have gone on to achieve significant success in national and international markets.

As the 2024 cohort embarks on their entrepreneurial journey, they join a long list of alumni who have benefited from the mentorship, support, and resources provided by the programme. From early-stage ideation to scaling for global markets, New Frontiers equips entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed in the highly competitive business world.

Looking Ahead

As these businesses grow and evolve, they will contribute to Ireland’s thriving start-up ecosystem, creating jobs, driving economic growth, and addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges. All at The Rubicon Centre and MTU look forward to seeing the impact these entrepreneurs will make in the years to come.