NEW FRONTIERS PHASE 1
Click the APPLY button on the right to begin your application to New Frontiers.
General Information on New Frontiers
TUS’s Hartnett Enterprise Acceleration Centre have been running the programme which is funded by Enterprise Ireland since 2012 – in this time 459 individuals have been supported on the phase 1 & 160 on our phase 2 6-month programmes.
A vast range of Founders have been supported from Wild Irish Seaweed, Trackplan, Fiid, Assure Medical, Thomond Gate Whiskey, Great Visitor Experience, Emotionise AI, Zerve, Mavarick & Oirtonics.
The team look forward to supporting approximately 40 individuals on phase 1 and 14 on phase 2 in the coming year. To secure your place we recommend that you check your eligibility (reach out the team and we can help you) and that you attend an Information Session to find out more about the programme and what it offers.
We run two phase 1 programmes to cover the varying needs of the entrepreneurs we support.
Whilst both programmes are beneficial those that can give the time we highly recommend participating in the 5-week programme as it has much more detail and gives participants the maximum amount of knowledge & time to prepare for phase 2 post programme.
Our Phase 1 programmes are the ideal way to prepare for the "Develop the Business" Phase 2 Programme which provides 6 months of supports including a tax-free education stipend of €15,000, mentoring, training, desk space and more.
(Note: This opportunity, generously funded by Enterprise Ireland and delivered locally in TUS, offers you the chance to participate for free.
Phase 1 "Test the Idea" - 5 week Programme (April/May '26):
The 5-week evening programme commences on Wed. 15th April until Thurs 14th May (running Wed & Thurs typically between 6pm - 9pm).
This 5-week programme that will help you investigate the market potential of your business idea and gain an understanding of entrepreneurship & support available to you. We have 9 workshops covering various topics - Market Research, Customer Discovery, Business Models, Planning your MVP (first version of product offering), Finance Fundamentals, Pitching and more...
What past participants said about the 5-week Programme:
100% of participants surveyed on the final night for the 2024 5-week programme said "the programme exceeded my expectations"
"Wish I completed this programme before developing software as it would definitely made me stop and think longer and I would have done things differently. It will definitely make you stop and think longer about how to do things differently.” Fergal.
"It's brilliant, and refocuses the founder on the business, rather than just the 'dream'... It gets in the nuts & bolts of the reality of running a business, rather than what the hoped for output is by the founder..." Marian
THE APPLICATION PROCESS & PROGRAMME INFORMATION:
Deadline: Sunday 15th March at 11:55pm
Any applications received after this time will be for the Bootcamp Programme (interviews for this will be in June).
INTERVIEW - 5 week programme:
We meet all applicants for a short meeting/ interview (via Zoom) to discuss their business idea in March – dates to be confirmed
Phase 1 - 5 WEEK - PROGRAMME DATES & DETAILS:
Starts: Wednesday, 15th April 26
Runs: Wednesday, Thursday evenings for 5 weeks
Final Night: Thursday, 14th May '26
WHY PHASE 1:
Phase 1 will support you to develop an Entrepreneur Toolkit that will assist you with:
* Testing your idea with potential customers;
* Preparing your prototype/MVP (minimal viable product) / next stage of development;
* Understanding the financial requirements of your business;
* Articulating/ pitching your business idea;
* Becoming an entrepreneur
QUESTIONS /FURTHER INFORMATION:
We will host more Information Sessions before our next Phase 1 Bootcamp. Book via www.hartnettcentre.ie/events
Email Queries:
We welcome your questions & you can schedule 1-1 calls with the team.
Phase 1 "Test the Idea" - Bootcamp Programme (Friday 12th and Saturday 13th June '25)
Phase 1’s “Test the Idea” Bootcamp Programme is a 1.5 day programme that will help you investigate the market potential of your business idea and gain an understanding of entrepreneurship & support available to you.
Who is this programme for?
Individuals who:
- aren't available to attend the 5-week programme
- consider their idea too early stage for the 5-week programme & want to dip their toe into entrepreneurship
- have covered this material before & believe they are beyond the 5-week programme - this is a welcome refresher that will get you probing your idea further
- want to get a flavour of New Frontiers in TUS Limerick before applying to Phase 2
- strengthen their proposition to compete more vigorously for a phase 2 place
If you fit into any of the above - apply to attend the 1.5 day bootcamp.
Though a compressed version of Phase 1 our attendees have given high praise to the 1.5 day workshops - it opened their eyes to what was needed & provided a much needed refresher - all the while helping them to prepare for their phase 2 application. Places are limited, to find out more attend an Information Sessions.
What past participants said about the Bootcamp Programme:
"In just two days, Phase 1 gave me the confidence to get off the fence with my business idea and just go for it.” Louise McCormack.
"Even with the time constraint of only 1 day and a half, the phase 1 bootcamp really helped me dream bigger in terms of where I can bring my business. I was able to expand on my idea, question it and reimagine it through different scenarios. I now feel better equipped to turn my idea into a feasible, profitable business with the potential to provide jobs for others.” Malu Colorin
We look forward to receiving your application.
The New Frontiers Team, TUS's Hartnett Enterprise Acceleration Centre.
- dates are subject to change.