New Frontiers Phase 2 Graduation celebrates innovative start-ups
The New Frontiers Phase 2 Graduation Ceremony took place in the Tallon Suite at The Gateway Hotel on 6 November, marking the culmination of an exciting six-month acceleration journey for the 2025 Phase 2 cohort. The event celebrated the achievements, dedication, and progress of participating founders as they continue to build and scale their innovative start-ups.
Five participants will now progress to Phase 3 of the programme:
Brian O’Farrell (Divot Pivot), Fiona Finucane (Finperiti), Lisa Gilmartin (Snugz Play), Shane Holohan (Culture Underground), and Sharon Malone (Finerty).
This year’s event was centred on the theme “You Are Not Alone.” Garrett Duffy, Incubation Centre Manager at the DkIT RDC, delivered an insightful overview of the New Frontiers programme’s impact since its establishment in 2012. He highlighted the number of entrepreneurs supported through the DKIT/DCU partnership, the jobs created by graduate businesses, and the significant funding raised by successful programme alumni.
A special highlight of the day was the return of several distinguished New Frontiers alumni:
- Emma Duffy (Ravallon – My Forever Tooth Fairy)
- Myles McCorry (Galibier Cycle Clothing)
- Sinead Crowther & Denise Lauaki (Soothing Solutions)
The alumni panel, chaired by Maria Johnston (DCU), explored diverse funding pathways including bootstrapping, customer-led growth, Enterprise Ireland PSSF, and HPSU support. They also reflected on how New Frontiers shaped their development, resilience, and long-term success as entrepreneurs.
Current Phase 2 founders also showcased their ventures in a dynamic Pitch Competition, judged by an expert panel. Congratulations to Hugh Staunton, winner of the competition sponsored by Overhaul, who received his prize from Overhaul’s Chief of Staff & VP, MaryEllen Kelledy.
The graduation was a celebration of innovation, ambition, and community spirit — a recognition of the hard work and progress achieved by all participants over the past six months.
Congratulations to all our graduates, and we wish you every success as you embark on the next stage of your entrepreneurial journey.
