Amel Sami, GlishArabic; Carolyn Houlihan The Ostomy Cube; Paula McGovern, Wizard & Grace; Banu Balaji and Emily Murphy, The Mind Mechanic of the MTU Rubicon New Frontiers Programme. Photo: Darragh Kane

15 of the best the Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers Programme

15 start-ups have been selected for the Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers programme which is helping to shape the future of technology and sustainability. Delivered at MTU’s Rubicon Centre, this year’s intake comprising some of the best and brightest entrepreneurs in Ireland.

The programme plays a crucial role in developing start-ups and entrepreneurs in the southwest region and takes no equity in the startups. Programme alumni from 2016 to 2019 have generated turnover in excess of €12 million and created over 134 jobs.

Paula Carroll, New Frontiers National Programme Manager said: “The New Frontiers Programme is a critically important element of Enterprise Ireland’s regional strategy. The programme delivered by MTU in both Cork and Kerry has a strong record of supporting entrepreneurs who have gone on to build successful businesses in the region.”

New Frontiers participants benefit from invaluable support from the Rubicon Centre as well as the Local Enterprise Offices and a wide range of resources in MTU including the four technology gateways and graduate and undergraduate talent.

Aoife McInerney, Enterprise Programmes Manager at The Rubicon Centre, said: “We are delighted to welcome these 15 entrepreneurs onto the New Frontiers Programme, and look forward to supporting them as they develop their solutions and strategic vision over the next six months.

• GlishArabic (Arabic through English) - An interactive game application to teach English through Arabic.

• Banu Balaji is working on an AI enabled technology that will assist parents of children with developmental delays and disabilities to quickly assess and address their needs.

• The Mind Mechanic - Aims to move away from current reactive approach to mental health, to adopting proactive strategies that everyone can use.

• Origin Xero - A platform and service to compensate your emissions footprint, which tracks, measures & verifies data, provides integrity, transparency & certified assurance to ESG investment planning.

• LA Edit - An all-in-one platform for creators to design and manage their content for social media under one monthly subscription.

The Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers programme at the Rubicon Centre provides entrepreneurs at start-up stage with an ecosystem of supports including:• Support package valued at €30,000+ including €15,000 tax-free stipend in Phase 2.

• Networking with other entrepreneurs & business development agencies.

• Introductions to seed and early-stage capital investment networks.

• Access to entrepreneurship best practices training.

• Personalised one to one mentoring

• Access to R&D facilities and specialist expertise from within the university.

Paul Healy, General Manager at the Rubicon Centre, MTU, said: “The Rubicon Centre provides a supportive and collaborative environment for early-stage companies. It provides a range of services, including mentoring, training, and access to investors. Through its extensive resources, the Rubicon Centre helps entrepreneurs to develop and commercialise their innovative ideas, leading to job creation and economic growth in the region.”