Seventeen innovative entrepreneurs show the way

SEVENTEEN innovative entrepreneurs – who started the Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers programme at Synergy Innovation Centre in TU Dublin Tallaght last June – are now targeting a total of €5.6m in follow-on investment and 60 jobs as they complete Phase 2 of New Frontiers.

The businesses address significant problems and opportunities in a broad range of sectors from carbon reporting software to alcohol-free cocktails, wedding planning and gifting solutions and platforms revolutionising management of digital marketing by SMEs, among others.

Specific product and service areas include membership management systems for wellness coaches, extended reality for out-of-home entertainment, solutions for amateur sports fan engagement, haircare brands for managing baby hairs and flyaways and curly hair, Software as a Service (SaaS) for property management companies and AI-powered platforms for the creative industry, legal space and the healthcare sector.

The companies collectively are targeting €5.6m in investment over the next 12 months seeking support from Local Enterprise Offices, Enterprise Ireland Pre-Seed Start Fund, angel investors and VCs.

David McDonnell, Sean Kirwan and Laura Enache

The Synergy Centre at Technological University (TU Dublin), Tallaght hosted one of the biggest events in its annual calendar which is the New Frontiers Phase 2 Graduation Showcase on Friday, December 15.

This event showcased the 17 Entrepreneurs who undertook the programme on a full-time basis from June to December this year.

The event provided the opportunity for celebrating their achievements alongside other entrepreneurs, industry professionals, mentors and investors.

National Manager of the New Frontiers Programme, Paula Carroll of Enterprise Ireland congratulated the graduating entrepreneurs and emphasised that while New Frontiers is the start of the journey, Enterprise Ireland hope to be supporting them as they grow and develop their business.

Early in the day, all entrepreneurs participated in two competitions: the ‘Most Engaged Entrepreneur Stand’ competition sponsored by TU Dublin and a highly competitive investment pitch in

front of an expert judging panel chaired by Julian Seymour, Head of Acceleration with Furthr.

The panel decided the destination of three valuable prizes totalling €12,000, sponsored by Philip Lee and LEO South Dublin.

Patrick Egan of Philip Lee, Anwar Malik and Laura Enache

During the showcase, there was much expectation leading up to the moment of the announcement of the prize winners.

The ‘Most Engaged Entrepreneur Stand’ prize was secured by Seán Kirwan of MedWrite.ai, an AI assistant tool that improves hospital administration workflows by reducing the time doctors spend on paperwork and by streamlining doctor-patient communication. The TU Dublin

prize of one-month hot desk access and 3 days meeting room use was presented by David McDonnell, Senior Manager for Campus Incubation.

Caraldine Nolan from Tallaght and her business Gemtech Membership Systems, as well as Felicia Awe and her business SomAwe were the winners of the Local Enterprise Office South Dublin €1,000 cash award which was presented by Peter Connolly, Senior Enterprise Development Officer with South Dublin LEO.

Reflecting on the award, originally intended for one winner, Peter Connolly highlighted that it was a difficult decision and South Dublin LEO have eventually picked two winners for the prizes of €1,000 each.

Graduating group with Laura Enache, Paula Carroll and Cathy Holahan of Enterprise Ireland

Caraldine Nolan, a natural leader, with endless energy, is on a mission with Gemtech Membership Solutions to provide comprehensive membership management systems for wellness coaches and businesses, offering customisable white label solutions.

Felicia Awe, a creative and focused individual, aims to disrupt the beverage industry with SomAwe, a premium brand of delicious ready-made, alcohol-free cocktails.

Next, Patrick Egan of Philip Lee announced the winner of their “Invest Start” award to Anwar Malik of alphaEats, an intelligent, full featured food ordering platform for restaurants and takeaways.

Julian Seymour of Furthr who chaired the judging panel, expressed his admiration for all entrepreneurs and highlighted that from his point of view, New Frontiers is the number one accelerator in the country.

If you have an idea for an innovative, knowledge-led, or technology driven business then maybe you should consider applying to the New Frontiers Programme for a place on one of the 2024 programmes.

For more information, contact NewFrontiers@TUDublin.ie.