New Frontiers 🎁 Program
Ireland's national startup programme: a EUR 15,000 tax-free stipend for six full-time months, mentoring and no equity.
| What you get | Up to $17k |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | First-time or early founders in Ireland ready to go full-time on an innovative, export-oriented idea; Phase 2 places are competitive. |
| Open in | European Union |
| Partner code needed | No: apply directly |
| Deadline | intakes vary by location |
| Terms last checked | 2026-10-11 |
About New Frontiers
What you get
New Frontiers is Enterprise Ireland's national programme for first-time startup founders, run by the Technological Universities and Institutes of Technology in 18 locations. Phase 1 is part-time (evening sessions or a weekend bootcamp) to test market potential. Phase 2 is six full-time months and includes a tax-free stipend of EUR 15,000 (about $17,000) for eligible participants, with workshops, one-to-one mentoring and milestone reviews. Phase 3 offers follow-on support and further financial help for eligible participants. Enterprise Ireland values the whole package at over EUR 40,000 and takes no equity.
Who qualifies
Founders who are new to business, come from a different industry, or have not yet built or scaled a business; who want to leave full-time employment to build their company; and who have an innovative idea in a commercial market with export and employment potential. Phase 2 places are given through a competitive selection.
Good to know
You also get access to R&D facilities and specialists at the host institute, investment-readiness preparation and introductions to Enterprise Ireland advisers, Local Enterprise Offices and investors. Detailed eligibility rules and intake dates sit on the Eligibility & Application tab and on newfrontiers.ie; intakes vary by location.
Verdict
The standard first step for ambitious first-time founders in Ireland: paid time to validate the idea and a direct line into Enterprise Ireland's later funding. Be ready to commit full time for Phase 2, as the programme expects you to leave employment to build the business.
How to apply
- Check the Eligibility & Application tab on the Enterprise Ireland page and newfrontiers.ie.
- Choose a Technological University or Institute near you and check its next intake.
- Apply for Phase 1 to test your idea part-time.
- Apply for a Phase 2 place (competitive) to receive the stipend and full-time support.
- After Phase 2, apply for Phase 3 follow-on support.
Who it is for
Steps New Frontiers helps with
Pros
- Tax-free stipend with no equity
- Mentoring and university facilities
- Pathway to Enterprise Ireland funding
Cons
- Stipend only in the full-time Phase 2
- Intake dates differ by location
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