Funding of over €3 million for the Institute of Technology, Tralee (ITT) and Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) has been announced by Enterprise Ireland to roll out the New Frontiers programme at both Institutes for the next five years.  

New Frontiers is Ireland’s national entrepreneur development programme which is delivered at a local level by the Institutes of Technology. The call for applications in Tralee and Cork opens today (Wednesday 16^th March) and potential entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea are encouraged to apply for a place on the programme. New Frontiers provides budding entrepreneurs with a package of supports including funding of up to €20,000, office space, mentoring and workshops to help accelerate their business development. The aim of the programme is to equip participants with the skills and contacts they need to successfully start and grow a company.

Commenting on the announcement Jerry Moloney, South-west Regional Director, Enterprise Ireland said “the New Frontiers Programme has delivered fantastic results. Since the programme started in 2012 ITT and CIT have collectively supported 88 new start-ups in the region. These new companies are creating sustainable businesses, jobs and economic stability in the South-west. Enterprise Ireland is working in partnership with the Institutes of Technology to give potential entrepreneurs the skills they need to successfully set up and run a company”.

Brid Mc Elligott, Vice President of Research, Development and External Engagement at the Institute of Technology, Tralee in welcoming the announcement stated “The Institute of Technology, Tralee is delighted to have secured this significant funding which will enable us to support local entrepreneurs develop and commercialise their businesses in a highly demanding international marketplace.  Working with our colleagues in CIT, we will also create a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs across Kerry and Cork to network and collaborate as they grow and develop their business ideas”

2016 also sees IT Tralee and CIT celebrate the 10th anniversary of their respective incubation centres - Tom Crean Business Centre at ITT and Rubicon Centre in CIT.  The Tom Crean Centre which is based at the IT Tralee North Campus is home to over 20 companies and provides start-up businesses in technology and knowledge intensive sectors with the right environment to build and scale an international business.

If you are interested in the New Frontiers programme, please contact the IT Tralee at 066 7191994 or visit www.newfrontiers.ie where full application details are available.