Featured

Campus Accommodation

Campus Accommodation

Find out more
Supports for CAO applicants

Supports for CAO applicants

Find out more
Virtual Campus Tours

Virtual Campus Tours

Find out more

Courses

WIT offers a broad range of academic programmes from levels 6 to 10 on the national framework of qualifications across Business, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Science and Computing.

Courses Landing page

Study at WIT

Discover the routes into studying at WIT for school leavers, adult learners, further education students, graduates and people who have already started studies elsewhere as well as options for those interested in online courses.

Study at WIT landing Page

Students

Discover the routes into studying at WIT for school leavers, adult learners, further education students, graduates and people who have already started studies elsewhere as well as options for those interested in online courses.

Students Landing Page

Schools

WIT offers a broad range of academic programmes from levels 6 to 10 on the national framework of qualifications across Business, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Science and Computing.

Schools Landing Page

International

The Office for International Relations co-ordinates the admission, administration and support for international students throughout the course of their studies at WIT.

International Landing Page

Research

WIT is recognised as the leading research performer in the institute of technology sector with research activities that are internationally benchmarked, strategic, and economically relevant. Find out about the amazing multi disciplinary research under way

Research Landing Page

About

Discover the routes into studying at WIT for school leavers, adult learners, further education students, graduates and people who have already started studies elsewhere as well as options for those interested in online courses.

About Landing Page

News

Uncover the research discoveries, student and staff achievements, human stories, community spirit, global links and external engagement news at WIT

News Landing Page

Events

From virtual events to conferences, talks, public lectures and happenings in on-campus venues Waterford Institute of Technology is a hub of activity. Stay up to date with our calendar of upcoming events.

Events Landing Page

New Frontiers Entrepreneur Development Programme - Phase 1 Commences September 2021

Contact [email protected]

new frontieers logo

The New Frontiers Entrepreneur Development Programme, funded by Enterprise Ireland, will be delivered twice annually across the South East region by Waterford Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Carlow.  Over an intensive 6 month period, participants will learn how to establish and run a new high growth company.  Participants will also hear from start-up promoters such as David Whelan, CEO & Founder of Immersive VR Education, Patsy Carney, CEO & Founder of EirGen Pharma, Edward Henrick, CEO & Founder of Sonru, Richard Rodger, Co-Founder of NearForm and CEO & Founder of Voxgig, and from many others about their start-up journey.

If you believe that you are capable of building a new company, creating employment and generating revenue and export sales from Ireland, you should apply for a place on Ireland’s largest entrepreneur development programme.  The next Phase 1 of the programme at Waterford Institute of Technology will commence in September, 2021.  If you would like to be considered for Phase 1 of the programme at Waterford Institute of Technology please register your interest to [email protected]     

Also, check out the New Frontiers Entrepreneur Development Programme website and blog.  It shows the benefits of the programme and offers advice to help people thinking of starting their own business. You can find it on www.newfrontiers.ie

For more Information see our frequently asked questions

twitter_logo Newfrontiers Southeast Twitter                      twitter_logo WIT Entrepreneurs Twitter

Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required
arrow-down

New Frontiers Programme at WIT 

New Frontiers is for potential entrepreneurs who have a well thought-out innovative business idea or an innovative technology that has the potential to be developed into a scalable high potential start-up company. Applicants should have enthusiasm, confidence and single-mindedness about setting up and running your own business and should be committed to spending time on researching the market potential and launching a new business.

This intensive training and support programme provides desk space, mentoring, business master classes, networking plus €15,000 in financial support to accelerate business start-ups across the Southeast region. The New Frontiers programme is now entering its seventh year and is ready to accept new applications. Phase 1 of the programme will commence in Waterford in September 2021 on a part-time basis, with Phase 2 commencing in December 2021.

 

 New Frontiers Brochure

For more information on the New Frontiers Entrepreneur Development Programme in this institute and of other students around the country click the link below

 New Frontiers Entrepreneur Programme Information

  1. What is the New Frontiers Programme?

  2. Where is it based?

  3. How will it work?

  4. Who is eligible to Apply?

  5. What supports are offered?

  6. Duration of Programme

 

What is the New Frontiers Programme?

The New Frontiers Entrepreneur Development Programme is for people with new ideas who are starting scalable knowledge based businesses and have the potential to be transferred to Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-up Unit. It is a structured programme that supports promoters to learn new skills critical at the start-up phase and guides them in the transition to successful self employment. Waterford Institute of Technology has been running the Entrepreneur Development Programme successfully for over sixteen years supporting companies such as Immersive VR Education www.immersivevreducation.com , Sonru www.sonru.com/, Stitcher ads, www.stitcherads.com/, Taoglas www.taoglas.com, Scurri www.scurri.com, Hybrid Energy www.hybrid.ie and Near Form www.nearform.com. The programme has in the past supported projects diverse as medical components/devices, social media, original food products and software.

Where is it based?

The New Frontiers Entrepreneur Development Programme is co-located at the ArcLabs Research and Innovation Centre in Waterford Institute of Technology and at the Enterprise and Research Incubation Centre (ERIC) in IT Carlow. Both Centres have strong track records of successfully providing a business incubation environment that supports entrepreneurial development and company growth. The partnership between the two Institutes provides an extensive support network for wider regional business development.

How will it work?

This three-phase programme will provide a professional practical support programme targeted at people who are in the early stages of setting up a technology-based or knowledge-intensive business. Training and support will be provided by experienced practitioners through a structured delivery and assessment process which will provide the required assistance and guidance for the development of commercially viable enterprises.
 

Phase 1
 

Phase 2
 

Phase 3
 

Business Feasibility

Business Development Business Commercialisation
6-8 weeks part-time 6 months full-time Customised supports
Validating the business idea Structured training Route to Market strategies
Prepare detailed application for
Phase 2		 Business Mentoring Secure investment
  Investor pitch preparation Scale the business
  Free Hot desk facilities  
 

Enterprise Ireland funding of €15,000 (conditions apply)

  
  Investor-ready Business Plan  
  Value proposition  
  Fully explored business proposition  

Who is eligible to Apply?

Applicants should be prospective entrepreneurs who have a well thought-out innovative business idea or technology that has the ability to be developed into a scalable high potential start-up company. Applicants should have enthusiasm, confidence and single-mindedness about setting up and running your own business. They should also be committed to spending time on researching the market potential and launching a business.  Ineligible businesses include consultancy, training or retail businesses as they would not be regarded as 'an innovative business idea or an innovative technology.

What supports are offered?

  • Shared office accommodation in the Arclabs Research & Innovation Centre located at Waterford Institute of Technology or at the Enterprise & Research Incubation Centre located at the Institute of Technology Carlow

  • Business advice

  • Access to training and consultancy services of partner organisations

  • Introduction to networks of mentors, venture capitalists and other support agencies

  • Personal mentoring relevant to grow the enterprise or product development under the programme mentoring scheme delivered by experts in the field of business management and development

  • Eligible to apply for Enterprise Ireland Support funding up to a maximum of €15,000 for participants who proceed to proceed Phase 2 of the programme (conditions apply)

Duration of Programme

The next Phase 2 programme of New Frontiers will commence in December 2020 at Waterford Institute of Technology over a 6 month period. 

Dr. Eugene Crehan,   DBA, MBA, PG Dip, FIITD NCGE Fellow (Entrepreneurship Education)

Dr. Eugene Crehan is Director of Programmes at the Centre for Enterprise Development and Regional Economy (CEDRE) where he manages the New Frontiers Programme. He is highly experienced in working with start-ups and early stage businesses as an advisor. His doctoral research interest is in the area of investment in high potential businesses. He has lectured in Marketing and Strategic Management at WIT and UCC. He has significant experience in international business development having held senior management positions with organisations such as Diageo (Baileys), Waterford Crystal and A.T. Cross. He has lived in the USA, Europe and the Middle East and has conducted business in over 50 countries during 18 years of international roles.  He holds BA and MBA Degrees and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business in Enterprise Development. He is a Fellow of the Irish Institute of Training & Development, a NCGE Entrepreneurship Educator Fellow plus a European Entrepreneurship Educators Fellow. He was appointed Waterford City Coordinator of Startup Gathering by Minister Jed Nash TD. He served as a Director for Waterford Chamber and was a core member of the marketing committee for the Waterford Tall Ships Race.  www.linkedin.com.in.eugenecrehan 

Arc Labs Research & Innovation Centre, West Campus, Carriganore, WATERFORD

T: 051 – 302953         E: [email protected]    twitter  @newfrontiersse    twitter  @WITEntrepreneur 

If you would like us to send you information please complete this form and we will send you information and an application form

Entrepreneur programme alumni expand global footprint with Modern Hire
31 July, 2020

Entrepreneur programme alumni expand global footprint with Modern Hire

Read more
Entrepreneurs participate in WIT New Frontiers Virtual Showcase
28 July, 2020

Entrepreneurs participate in WIT New Frontiers Virtual Showcase

Read more
New Frontiers recognises top entrepreneurs in Class of 2019
17 October, 2019

New Frontiers recognises top entrepreneurs in Class of 2019

Read more
New Frontiers participant wins IBYE Kilkenny with Motoklik
20 May, 2019

New Frontiers participant wins IBYE Kilkenny with Motoklik

Read more
New Frontiers provides an environment where you are surrounded by entrepreneurs
14 August, 2018

New Frontiers provides an environment where you are surrounded by entrepreneurs

Read more
From idea to paying customers with the New Frontiers programme
08 August, 2018

From idea to paying customers with the New Frontiers programme

Read more
Kilkenny based Jens Kopke tells us why New Frontiers was so important to developing his business
31 July, 2018

Kilkenny based Jens Kopke tells us why New Frontiers was so important to developing his business

Read more
New Frontiers gave us the building blocks to move from business idea to investor ready business
24 July, 2018

New Frontiers gave us the building blocks to move from business idea to investor ready business

Read more
Thanks to New Frontiers we understand a lot more about investors and how to champion our business
17 July, 2018

Thanks to New Frontiers we understand a lot more about investors and how to champion our business

Read more
New Frontiers enabled our company secure our first round of investment
10 July, 2018

New Frontiers enabled our company secure our first round of investment

Read more
Kilkenny entrepreneur tells us how New Frontiers provides business founders with invaluable skills
03 July, 2018

Kilkenny entrepreneur tells us how New Frontiers provides business founders with invaluable skills

Read more
New Frontiers programme helped Anthony get his business up and running
26 June, 2018

New Frontiers programme helped Anthony get his business up and running

Read more
Former New Frontiers participant lists on Irish Stock Exchange
24 April, 2018

Former New Frontiers participant lists on Irish Stock Exchange

Read more
New Frontiers: Pundit Arena’s Success Story
14 March, 2018

New Frontiers: Pundit Arena’s Success Story

Read more
New Frontiers participant Flexiwage wins IBYE Waterford Best Start-up
12 December, 2017

New Frontiers participant Flexiwage wins IBYE Waterford Best Start-up

Read more
New Frontiers: working with a likeminded group was invaluable for Sonru
27 November, 2017

New Frontiers: working with a likeminded group was invaluable for Sonru

Read more
New Frontiers offers perfect climate for Powerscourt Distillery
13 November, 2017

New Frontiers offers perfect climate for Powerscourt Distillery

Read more
Feedback and support from New Frontiers experts helped Taoglas founders
30 October, 2017

Feedback and support from New Frontiers experts helped Taoglas founders

Read more
New Frontiers: programme helped Metalman focus on sales and marketing
14 October, 2017

New Frontiers: programme helped Metalman focus on sales and marketing

Read more
Don’t give up on your dream – Scurri advice for New Frontiers startups
02 October, 2017

Don’t give up on your dream – Scurri advice for New Frontiers startups

Read more
Nick McGrath discusses how New Frontiers was the launching pad for his business
11 September, 2017

Nick McGrath discusses how New Frontiers was the launching pad for his business

Read more
New entrepreneur finds the support he needs starting out with New Frontiers
30 August, 2017

New entrepreneur finds the support he needs starting out with New Frontiers

Read more
Entrepreneur transforms research into a farm to fork platform
30 August, 2017

Entrepreneur transforms research into a farm to fork platform

Read more
Navigating the world of nutricosmetics with the New Frontiers Programme
30 August, 2017

Navigating the world of nutricosmetics with the New Frontiers Programme

Read more
From midwifery to meeting regulatory requirements for a health product
30 August, 2017

From midwifery to meeting regulatory requirements for a health product

Read more
Main Campus Cork Road, Waterford City,
Co. Waterford, Ireland
Eircode: X91 K0EK

Contact

T: +353 51 30 2000 E: [email protected]

Legal

Resources