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The 2026 MTU Enterprise Showcase & Kerry Start-Up Challenge took place at the MTU campus earlier this month. Best Pitch went to Oisín Flynn, co founder of Chess Ireland (seated 2nd from left) and Best New Business Idea was awarded to Sean Field, and his company DPPManager.com (Sean is seated third from right of pic). Also included are, from left; Donagh Ó Buachalla; Ailtir , Suzy Griffin Dunne; Hildun Beauty, Matthew Collins; Sibly Food Company and Niamh O’Kennedy; MTU. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD
THE An Cuan building at the MTU Kerry Campus was the setting for the 2026 MTU Enterprise Showcase & Kerry Start-Up Challenge held earlier this month.
The event brought together emerging start ups, regional enterprise stakeholders, and industry leaders for a day of pitching, networking, and celebration of entrepreneurial achievement.
Over the past six months, ten founders have engaged in an intensive programme delivered by MTU, the Tom Crean Business Centre, and experienced industry mentors.
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Three shortlisted companies pitched live to the judges, each given three minutes to present their business vision. Best New Business Idea was awarded to Tralee man Sean Field, and his company DPPManager.com
Sean, a current participant of New Frontiers Phase 2, was recognised for DPPManager.com, a platform transforming how companies manage their digital product passports (DPP) and project workflows.
Best Pitch went to Oisín Flynn, co founder of Chess Ireland. Oisín impressed judges with his pitch centred on expanding chess education in schools and workplaces nationwide. Flynn and co founder Tomás Fitzpatrick were recently featured in the Sunday Independent’s 30 Under 30.
This year’s showcase also marked two major milestones: The completion of Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers Phase 2 Programme for the 2025 cohort at the Tom Crean Business Centre, and the official launch of the recruitment drive for the 2026 Phase 2 New Frontiers programme.
The programme supported participants in developing their business models, refining their strategies, expanding networks, and preparing for growth and investment.
The showcase offered attendees the chance to meet the founders and explore their innovative ventures first-hand. Speaking at the events, Niamh O’Kennedy, New Frontiers Programme Manager said; “It’s inspiring to see such strong potential at this early stage — their drive and creativity will be key to shaping successful businesses.”
The judges on the day came from a panel of distinguished founders shared insights from their entrepreneurial paths: Matthew Collins, Sibly Food Company, Suzy Griffin Dunne, Hildun Beauty and Donagh Ó Buachalla, of Ailtir.
The audience also heard from Tralee based Shane Hassett, CEO and New Frontiers alumnus at WAZP, the who shared his journey scaling an award winning 3D printing solutions company.
New Frontiers is Ireland’s national entrepreneur development programme, funded by Enterprise Ireland, supporting early-stage founders with training, mentoring, and financial support to help accelerate business growth and investment readiness. Applications are now open for the 2026 Programme at www.newfrontiers.ie
