New Frontiers at TUS Midlands and Maynooth University

Thinking of starting a business?

You have the right idea or the right business that you want to get off the ground. So, what’s stopping you?

This is the right time.

The right time to join Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers programme at TUS Midlands and Maynooth University, and embark on a transformative start-up journey that will equip you with the right connections, the right skills, and the right route to capital to build a successful and sustainable start-up business.

What is New Frontiers?

New Frontiers is an Enterprise Ireland programme aimed at supporting the establishment and growth of technology or knowledge intensive ventures that have the potential to trade internationally and create employment in Ireland.

New Frontiers is delivered in the Midlands Mid-East region by Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) in partnership with Maynooth University (MU).

Phase 1

Phase 1 lasts approximately six weeks and is part-time in nature – involving one evening session per week and normally includes a pitching bootcamp and formal pitching competition.   Phase 1 runs just once each year from early June to early July in Athlone and Maynooth.

The Phase 1 programme will introduce you to relevant start-up strategies, challenge your business idea and encourage you to demonstrate market validation of your proposed product or service. The goal is to see if you have a viable idea worth taking forward and to learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.

Participants who complete Phase 1 will be encouraged to apply for Phase 2 of New Frontiers.

Phase 2

Phase 2 includes Enterprise Ireland funding support for each participant of up to €22,500, subject to assessment of performance and progress. Phase 2 participants, who must be working full-time on their venture, engage in a series of interactive workshops and 1:1 supports addressing all aspects of accelerating the development of their business. Phase 2 participants are provided with start-up facilities in the Midlands Innovation & Research Centre at TUS Midlands or in MaynoothWorks at Maynooth University.

Please note that participation in Phase 1 is not a prerequisite to applying for Phase 2

Phase 3

Phase 3 is a period of flexible support, helping successful participants towards investment and expansion. Three participants are selected at the end of Phase 2 and they progress for a further three months on the paid stipend.

What does New Frontiers provide entrepreneurs?

• Training in all areas of business including financial management, market research & validation, business process, business planning, product development, sales training.
• Mentoring from experienced business advisers and practitioners.
• Business incubation facilities in the Midlands Innovation & Research Centre at TUS Midlands or in MaynoothWorks at Maynooth University.
• Access to the facilities, R&D resources and expertise of Technological University of the Shannon and Maynooth University.
• PHASE 2 STIPEND: €15,000 from Enterprise Ireland for individuals participating in Phase 2 (*income tax liability will be the sole responsibility of the participant, and individuals are encouraged to seek professional advice).
• PHASE 3 STIPEND: €7,500 as an extension for three participants who will continue on the programme for a further 3 months.
• Networking with other entrepreneurs and business development agencies.
• Introductions to seed and early stage capital investment networks.
• Access to entrepreneurship best practice, both national and international.
• Peer-group learning from participants in the region and across the country.
• Access to expertise in Enterprise Ireland.

Applications are now open for TUS MU New Frontiers Phase 2 2025.

We are now accepting applications for our Phase 2 programme which will commence in early October 2025.

The closing date for applications is September 1^st 2025 @ 5:00pm, and you are free to save and edit your application right up to submission. 

Places on our programme will be limited and shortlisting will apply.

For more information or if you are having any issues please do not hesitate to contact the New Frontiers team at newfrontiers.midlands@tus.ie 

Important Dates 2025 / 26

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