A total of 15 Cork startup founders have completed Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers Programme in MTU’s Rubicon centre.
Starting last September, the group participated in a six-month, full-time acceleration programme, benefitting from seed funding of €15,000, individual professional mentoring, expert-led workshops, access to MTU’s research expertise and free office space for their startup.
The startups have moved from concept to investor readiness, pitching in front of investors in Ireland and the USA. In addition to the support from the Rubicon team, mentors and trainers, the founders benefited from the wide range of supports available for startups across the southwest region and the wide network of New Frontiers alumni.
Technology gateways
Nine of the startups have already launched their products on the market, with customers in Ireland and abroad. Enterprise Ireland and the local enterprise offices are continuing to provide assistance and many of the startups are working with MTU’s technology gateways which are providing technical supports to help them implement their product road maps.
New Frontiers programme manager Aoife McInerney said: “It’s been very rewarding to watch these founders develop their products and engage with the vibrant start up community that exists in the region. We look forward to seeing them continue to grow in the coming months and years.”
Elvis Seporaitis of Volta Robotics received the Best Business Opportunity Award at the end of programme and Paula McGovern of Wizard and Grace Candles received the award for Best Pitch.
L-R: Paul Healy, general manager of the Rubicon Centre, with Elvis Seporaitis of Volta Robotics, winner of Best Business Opportunity, Paula McGovern of Wizard & Grace Candles, winner of Best PItch with Michael Loftus, VP of external affairs, MTU.
Elvis Seporaitis commenting on receiving his award said: “New Frontiers provided me with new skills and networks to accelerate my startup business, in a dynamic entrepreneurial environment. I look forward to growing my business using the networks and support available, in the years ahead.”
Alumni of the New Frontiers programme in Cork include LegitFit, BladeBridge, HaPPE Earth, Swyft Energy, Spéire and Kuul Play.
Enterprise Ireland's New Frontiers programme equips ambitious founders with the right connections, the right skills, and the right route to capital. It empowers them to take an idea or early-stage business through the initial development phases and prepare for their first phases of fundraising and growth. Delivered nationally, New Frontiers is the right way to build a successful and sustainable startup.
For more information and applications please visit www.rubiconcentre.ie or www.newfrontiers.ie
Application deadline is June 7, 2024.