The IADT NovaUCD New Frontiers 2025/26 Phase 2 Programme is now accepting applications!

Are you ready to take your startup to the next stage? Phase 2 of the New Frontiers Programme opens for applications in December 2025 and will run for six transformative months from April to September 2026.

This is a full-time, intensive accelerator programme designed for founders who are serious about building and scaling a high-potential startup. Entry is competitive, and places are offered to entrepreneurs with strong ideas, ambition, and a clear appetite for growth.

Over the course of six months, you will immerse yourself in a structured, founder-focused journey that helps you refine, validate, and strengthen your business proposition. You’ll gain the entrepreneurial skills you need to progress with confidence—supported every step of the way by experienced mentors, sector experts, and a community of fellow founders.

Expect a dynamic mix of practical workshops, one-to-one mentoring, lunch-and-learn sessions, networking opportunities, and regular milestone reviews. The programme gives you access to insights from those who have successfully navigated the startup journey, helping you anticipate challenges, avoid common pitfalls, and accelerate your progress.

New Frontiers phase 2 provides the environment, expertise, and momentum to support your next leap forward.

If you’re ready to commit to your start-up’s growth, we invite you to apply and join a community of driven innovators shaping the future.

New Frontiers Phase 2 offers:

• Receive support package worth over €30,000, including a €15,000 tax-free allowance (subject to eligibility and satisfactory performance)
• Have regular milestone review meetings to monitor your progress and personalised one-to-one mentoring with seasoned business mentors
• Attend Expert-led workshops in all areas of building a business
• Receive expert advice and guidance from an experienced programme team, investors, and alumni.
• Have access to seed and early-stage capital investment networks
• Have access to free co-working space
• Have access to Enterprise Ireland resources, for example their Market Research Centre.

Note: You don’t need to complete Phase 1 in order to apply for Phase 2. However, lots of founders find it beneficial to start with Phase 1.

• If you’d like to speak with a programme manager, contact NewFrontiers@IADT.ie to arrange a call.

Important Note on Eligibility: You must be based, and intend to run your business in Ireland. In addition, applicants must be eligible to live AND run a business in the Republic of Ireland. If your current visa status does not allow you to run a business in Ireland, you must regularise your visa situation before being accepted on to the  programme. Please refer to current guidelines from the Department of Justice with regard to the status of non-EEA nationals wishing to set up a business in Ireland.

New Frontiers is the national entrepreneurial development programme for ambitious early-stage entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas which have the potential to scale and provide employment. It provides the skills, support, and confidence needed to make the leap to starting a successful business.

New Frontiers Phase 2 offers:

• Support commercialising your start-up with no equity taken
• A €15,000 tax free allowance
• A community of support with networking opportunities and introductions
• Opportunity to gain a deep knowledge of the Irish start-up ecosystem and navigate supports
• One-to-One mentoring with seasoned business mentors from the Enterprise Ireland Mentor Network
• Workshops facilitated by industry experts and experienced founders
• Six months of hot desking
• Access to R&D facilities and specialist expertise
• Investment readiness preparation

Apply Here