IADT Media Cube and NovaUCD Secure €1.6 million in Funding to Deliver New Frontiers Programme for Emerging Entrepreneurs

01 June 2021

IADT Media Cube and NovaUCD today announced a new 5-year partnership, with €1.6 million in funding from Enterprise Ireland, to deliver a New Frontiers Programme for entrepreneurs in Dublin. The entrepreneurship programme is aimed at the growing number of emerging entrepreneurs based in the greater South Dublin area, incorporating South Dublin, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and North Wicklow.

The New Frontiers programme will provide participating entrepreneurs with access to a comprehensive package of supports including mentorship from some of Ireland's leading business people, funding support from Enterprise Ireland and access to resources including hot-desk facilities from two of Ireland’s leading business innovation centres, IADT Media Cube and NovaUCD.

The partnership will enable a total of 275 entrepreneurs, up to 55 annually, to develop their innovative business ideas with a view to building globally scalable businesses.

Ann Marie Phelan, Enterprise and Innovation Manager, IADT Media Cube commented, “We are delighted to be working with the team at NovaUCD in delivering the New Frontiers programme for Enterprise Ireland. IADT has been delivering the programme since 2013 and has been responsible for the emergence of numerous successful companies including, Cambrist, Snapfix, Ambr Eyewear, Dr. Coys and CheckVentory, all of whom are located in South Dublin, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and North Wicklow.”

“This new partnership will allow us to consolidate a myriad of enterprise supports and will go a long way to supporting start-up companies in the local region while providing them with expert insight and access to innovative practice-led research in design, technology, and entrepreneurship that has been integral to the Media Cube's success. The next five years promises to be a very exciting time for entrepreneurs coming to IADT Media Cube and NovaUCD.”

Tom Flanagan, Director of Enterprise and Commercialisation at NovaUCD commented, “We are delighted to be partnering with IADT Media Cube in delivering a New Frontiers programme for entrepreneurs located in South Dublin. At NovaUCD we have gained considerable experience and expertise by supporting over 400 start-ups to attract over €775 million in investment and create thousands of jobs. This programme aligns well with the VentureLaunch, 5G/IoT, Advanced Manufacturing, and European Space Agency accelerator programmes we deliver.”

“NovaUCD and IADT Media Cube complement each other with our different areas of expertise and I am confident that this will lay the foundations for a very successful series of New Frontiers programmes in the years ahead.”

Paula Carroll, National Programme Manager, New Frontiers, Enterprise Ireland, said, "Enterprise Ireland is delighted to approve funding for the New Frontiers programme that will be delivered by IADT Media Cube in partnership with NovaUCD. The addition of this programme with two experienced delivery partners will strengthen the reach and impact of the programme within the greater South Dublin area. Enterprise Ireland is proud to fund such a critically important programme like New Frontiers which is delivered across 15 locations nationwide.”

The first IADT Media Cube/NovaUCD New Frontiers programme, which will commence in October, is now open for Phase One applications, click HERE to register your interest.