Donegal and Sligo entrepreneurs in Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers Programme
The networking event brought together successful New Frontiers alumni who have gone on to establish and scale their businesses securing investment and creating employment
Donegal and Sligo entrepreneurs were among 158 of Ireland’s newest founders and entrepreneurs from Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers class of 2025.
They gathered at a national networking event in the Heritage Hotel in Laois on Wednesday.
The event brought together successful New Frontiers alumni who have gone on to establish and scale their businesses securing investment and creating employment.
Nine founders from the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) - Sligo Campus and Atlantic Technological University (ATU) - Donegal Letterkenny Campus were among the New Frontiers 2025 Programme participants.
Participants also included investors and industry experts, including Mark Kelly (AI Ireland), Niall McEvoy (Elkstone Capital) and Niamh Sterling (HBAN), all there to inspire and support this latest group of entrepreneurs to help them plan for the next stage in their business journey
New Frontiers is Ireland’s national programme to develop the entrepreneurial skillset in early-stage founders. The programme, funded by the Irish government through Enterprise Ireland, is delivered across three phases at a local level by the Technological Universities and Institutes of Technology in 18 locations around Ireland.
2025 was a strong year for New Frontiers with almost 500 individuals taking part in Phase 1 of the programme and 158 founders currently in the process of completing Phase 2 of the programme.
Congratulating the graduates, Minister for Small Business, Retail and Employment Alan Dillon said: “The New Frontiers programme has been instrumental in the success of many Irish startup founders, connecting them with a vibrant community of other founder and is a powerful driver of balanced regional development.
“It supports entrepreneurs in every county, enabling them to grow companies within their communities, create local employment, and contribute to regional economic strength. I wish to congratulate all the graduating entrepreneurs here today. This event gives the participants the opportunity to meet with other fellow founders from across the 13 national programmes allowing them to build an invaluable network to draw from as they build and grow their businesses.”
Speaking at the event, Jenny Melia, CEO, Enterprise Ireland said: “The New Frontiers programme was launched in 2012 with the aim of accelerating the development of sustainable new businesses that have strong employment and growth potential, particularly in regional locations. Since then, over 5,000 New Frontiers participants have received funding and intensive support to develop their start-up ideas.
“Sectors range from cleantech and food products to digital media and medical devices, with many founders going on to develop award-winning businesses to match their global ambition. It is wonderful to see New Frontiers Alumni, investors and recent graduates come together to share expert advice and guidance with those seeking to grow their business. We at Enterprise Ireland look forward to supporting these start-ups and entrepreneurs on their growth journey into the future.”
Attendees at the event engaged with a panel discussion featuring previous New Frontiers alumni, Eóin Tuohy (Sports Impact Technologies) & Richelle Flanagan (My Moves Matter) who shared their journeys and how to navigate the opportunities and challenges of growing a start-up.
Nipun Kathuria from Smile Genius Dental and Maurice Bryson from Silicate Carbon also discussed how companies can build scale.