Four startups win Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers Programme. Business and Careers editor, Vanshika Dhyani reports on the latest startups in the making at NovaUCD.
The New Frontiers Programme incubates first-time entrepreneurs to develop their idea “in a structured and supportive way.” Backed by Enterprise Ireland, the IADT Media Cube/NovaUCD New Frontiers Programme was launched in June 2021 with funding of €1.6 million. New Frontiers is delivered in three phases and aims to help Irish startup founders find their footing in the industry and build scalable businesses.
The focus of the programme is to bring together Ireland's top business-minded individuals and support them in building businesses suited to the Irish economy. New Frontiers provides a platform to businesses from a multitude of sectors, from online media to cleantech. It is delivered in three phases—test, develop and implement.
Phase 1 introduces participants to testing through a structured part-time programme. It supports them with beginner startup training, market evaluation, and an understanding of the viability of their idea.
Phase 2 is focused on developing the idea and helps the founders secure seed funding and early-stage investments. In a six-month period, the cohort is trained in financial management, market research, business modelling, patenting, product development, as well as marketing and sales. This full-time opportunity comes with funding of €15,000, a dedicated workspace, access to Enterprise Ireland’s ‘Market Information Centre,’ academic expertise, and networking opportunities with business advisers and entrepreneurs.
Last September, Phase 2 winners of IADT/NovaUCD New Frontiers Programme were announced at an award ceremony held at the Haddington House hotel in Dún Laoghaire. The star performers at the showcase were four award-winning startups: Evogen, PolliKnow, SoloBook and UnitMode.
Speaking about the programme, Michelle Doyle, Senior Manager, Strategic Innovation Partnerships at NovaUCD, said, “A key goal is to help entrepreneurs to develop their business idea into a successful startup with the potential to scale internationally.”
Evogen is evolving the way farmers make breeding decisions by providing independent, data-driven recommendations for genetic optimization. In conversation with The University Observer, Evogen founder Andrew Moore said "UCD has provided me with the opportunity to challenge myself and take bold steps outside my comfort zone. Winning the 'One to Watch' Award was a great reminder of the value of testing your own capabilities. I encourage students to use their time here to experiment, take risks, and explore new paths. You might surprise yourself with what you can achieve."
UnitMode is a climate action coach for businesses and their sustainable marketing campaigns. It is a tool that ensures the credibility of these campaigns and connects consumers with brands that align with their individual sustainability goals.
UnitMode founder Seán Boyle was named winner of the ‘Most Likely to Scale Award’ and took home an award of €5,000 in legal services.
Speaking about his time at the IADT Media Cube, he said, "Trust and compliance go hand in hand, and the recognition by a legal firm like Flynn O'Driscoll reinforces the potential of our solution towards advancing responsible advertising. Scaling a business requires clarity, strategy, and the right ecosystem, and the support from UCD, Enterprise Ireland and IADT has been instrumental in helping UnitMode develop a scalable approach to solving this critical industry challenge."
SoloBook is the next generation of trip advisory, an AI-powered platform with a mission to plan safe, reliable travel for solo travellers. SoloBook founder Pierre Yimbog was named winner of the ‘Best Pitch Award’ and won six months of free desk space at IADT Media Cube. “I’m looking forward to continuing the momentum,” he told The UO, sharing SoloBook’s year-long journey “from a concept to a prototype that can be tested by solo travellers.”
PolliKnow is trailblazing in bee pollination by collecting critical data and monitoring pollinator populations to track their health, behaviour, and overall population dynamics. It won the ‘Most Likely to Succeed Award’ at the Showcase event, and will receive €1,500.
Thirty-six start-ups have now completed the three Phase 2 New Frontiers Programmes delivered by IADT Media Cube and NovaUCD to date.
A number of Phase 2 graduates enter Phase 3, which focuses on scaling the business. The cohort works on expanding its customer base, generating more revenue, and fine-tuning their market strategy.
Applying for the programme requires candidates to submit an application and go through a round of interviews. Selected companies set up a base at IADT Media Cube or NovaUCD, and undergo general startup training. The programme backs businesses that have a proven market need, potential to break into international markets and boosting workforce opportunities in Ireland.