Entrepreneurs Connect at Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers, Technology Gateways & Industry Clusters Event. Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers Clusters and Gateways event took place at The Clayton Hotel Limerick on Thursday, November 27, 2024. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
“Connections Drive Growth” as entrepreneurs connect Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers, Technology Gateways & Industry Clusters Event on November 27
as entrepreneurs connect more than 50 founders attended, including current New Frontiers participants alongside New Frontiers alumni who returned to share their journeys and hard-won insights. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
“Connections Drive Growth” was the theme as startup founders from across Ireland gathered at the Clayton Hotel in Limerick City on Thursday, November 27th, for Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers, Technology Gateways & Industry Clusters event.
Organised by the New Frontiers teams at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and Munster Technological University (MTU), and supported by FactoryXChange, a European Digital Innovation Hub, the event brought together three distinct but complementary Enterprise Ireland–funded initiatives: the New Frontiers nationwide programme for ambitious startup founders with scalable, innovative business ideas, the National Technology Gateway Network and the Industry Cluster Network. Representatives from Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices, AXIS BIC and other HEIs also took part, highlighting the depth of support surrounding Ireland’s startup community.
More than 50 founders attended, including current New Frontiers participants alongside New Frontiers alumni who returned to share their journeys and hard-won insights. The day created space for practical learning, peer connection and candid discussion about the realities of validating ideas, raising finance, building teams and scaling companies.
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Welcoming attendees, Dr Gillian Barry, Head of Innovation & Enterprise at the Technological University of the Shannon, highlighted the vital role of Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers in Ireland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“New Frontiers is where Ireland’s entrepreneurs get the start they need,” she said.
“It brings structure, guidance and the right connections together in one place, helping founders move faster and with more confidence. When entrepreneurs are supported at this early stage, the whole innovation ecosystem benefits, from industry partners to investors to Ireland’s wider economy.”
The day allowed entrepreneurs to connect as they created space for practical learning, peer connection and candid discussion about the realities of validating ideas, raising finance, building teams and scaling companies. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
The event demonstrated the strength of Enterprise Ireland’s National Technology Gateway Network, which gives companies access to specialised expertise, research capability and cutting-edge facilities across Ireland. Presentations included CAPPA, which advances photonics technologies for manufacturing and device innovation; IMaR, specialising in IoT, robotics and intelligent automation; Nimbus, experts in IoT, cybersecurity and smart technologies; the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research, supporting Biotech, Food and Life Science industries; and Smarter Factory Gateway, a leader in Industry 4.0/5.0 and digital and green transformation. Collectively, these Gateways help businesses innovate, develop new products and enhance processes, supporting competitiveness across multiple sectors.
The significance of New Frontiers within this broader ecosystem was emphasised by Ciara Concannon, Enterprise Ireland’s National New Frontiers Programme Manager.
“Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers is more than an entrepreneurship programme – it’s a gateway for founders into Ireland’s innovation ecosystem. New Frontiers connects founders to mentors, peers, research expertise, and industry networks that accelerate growth. Events like this show the power of those connections: when entrepreneurs engage with clusters, gateways, and their local institute teams, they gain access to knowledge, partners, and opportunities that turn into impact.”
Industry clusters also played a central role at the event, with IDEAM (Irish Digital Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing), the AgriTech Cluster, the CyberSecurity Cluster and the Circular Bioeconomy Cluster South-West demonstrating how sector-specific collaboration and applied industrial insight can open new pathways for founders.
The impact of these supports was illustrated by Dr Paul Byrnes, CEO and Co-Founder of Mavarick AI and an alumnus of New Frontiers at TUS Midwest.
For founders in attendance, the event strengthened the sense of community fostered by New Frontiers. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
“New Frontiers isn’t just about funding,” he said. “It’s about building connections, gaining guidance, and finding the insights you need to succeed. For me, the programme, and the support from clusters like IDEAM and ATIM, has been invaluable in scaling Mavarick AI and navigating the challenges of building a tech startup.”
FactoryXChange, which collaborated with New Frontiers on the event, further reinforced the importance of digital transformation for Ireland’s emerging and scaling companies. As part of the European Digital Innovation Hub network, FactoryXChange supports startups and SMEs in applying advanced digital and sustainable solutions to remain competitive in rapidly evolving markets.
For founders in attendance, the event strengthened the sense of community fostered by New Frontiers. Rachel Power, Founder and CEO of Calm & Free and a current New Frontiers participant, reflected on the energy in the room.
“The Gateways and Clusters event really highlighted the power of community within New Frontiers. The peer-to-peer learning, honest conversations and insights from alumni created an atmosphere of support and momentum. It was incredibly inspiring to be surrounded by such energy and ambition, a reminder of how important connection is on the entrepreneurial journey.”
The event closed with a clear message: New Frontiers remains a cornerstone of Ireland’s innovation ecosystem, offering founders the tools, networks and confidence to grow their businesses and contribute to Ireland’s economic future. For those looking to take an idea to the next stage, it continues to be one of the most accessible and impactful pathways available.
For more information, visit the New Frontiers website.
Pictures: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick