Fifteen start-ups graduate from New Frontiers accelerator

Volta Robotics, Gabro Games, LA edit among successful companies

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Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers Phase 2 2023 cohort

Fifteen Cork start-up founders have completed Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers Programme in Munster Technological University’s Rubicon centre.

Among the successful companies are Volta Robotics, which works to find a ‘second life’ for EV batteries; Gabro Games, a desktop app for classic video games; and social media management platform for content creators LA edit.

Starting last September, the group participated in a six-month, full-time acceleration programme, benefitting from seed funding of €15,000, individual professional mentoring, expert-led workshops, access to MTU’s research expertise and free office space for their start-up. 

The start-ups have moved from concept to investor readiness, pitching in front of investors in Ireland and the US. In addition to the support from the Rubicon team, mentors and trainers, the founders benefited from the wide range of supports available for startups across the Southwest region and the wide network of New Frontiers alumni.

Nine of the start-ups have already launched their products on the market, with customers in Ireland and abroad. Enterprise Ireland and the local enterprise offices are continuing to provide assistance and many of the start-ups are working with MTU’s Technology Gateways which are providing technical supports to help them implement their product road maps.

New Frontiers programme manager Aoife McInerney said: “It’s been very rewarding to watch these founders develop their products and engage with the vibrant start up community that exists in the region. We look forward to seeing them continue to grow in the coming months and years”.    

Elvis Seporaitis of Volta Robotics received The best business opportunity award at the end of programme and Paula McGovern of Wizard and Grace Candles received the award for best pitch. 

Alumni of the New Frontiers programme in Cork include LegitFit, BladeBridge, HaPPE Earth, Swyft Energy, Spéire and Kuul Play.

TechCentral Reporters

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