Phase 1 Open for applications  - Apply Now

Enterprise Platform Programme 2012

Since 2001, Dundalk Institute of Technology's Novation Enterprise Platform Programme (NEPP) has supported over 100 entrepreneurs in their quest for commercial success. A recent survey (Feb 2011) shows 64% are still in business with a cumulative turnover of in excess of €68 Million, continuing an upward trend.

The EPP offers Business Advice, Training and Mentoring to start-up and early stage entrepreneurs in the Knowledged Based and Technology Sectors.

EPP2012 is structured in 3 Phases:

Phase 1: (Max 30 promoters)

· Will determine the business case (feasibility)

· Delivered part time over six weeks

· Located in Invent DCU and the Regional Development Centre, DkIT

· Two programmes starting in February and March 2012

Phase 2: (10 – 12 promoters)

Will develop an investor ready Business Plan

6 Months full time commitment required

Intensive supports including training, mentoring, hot desking, etc.

€15,000 cash support for eligible projects.

Phase 3: (Max 8 Promoters)

Provides customised supports focused on Business Growth to help promoters acquire first clients, investment or enter export markets.

Some Participant Testimonials:

Colin O’Brien CleverClothesLine, Julianstown, Co. Meath (2006 Programme)

“The weather outside may turn frightful but don't worry - the clevercloseline has you covered”. So says Julianstown entrepreneur Colin O’Brien who started his business whilst participating on the NEPP programme based in DkIT. Colin’s product solves the problem of hanging freshly washed laundry out to dry in Ireland’s unpredictable weather, a device that deploys a cover over a rotary washing line at the first signs of rain.

Colin spoke of his time on the programme, "from concept to market NEPP has given me a terrific grounding in all aspects of the business from financial planning to marketing strategies to get a product to market”. CleverClothesLine was recently seen on Dragon’s Den and received an offer of investment from the Dragons.

Helen Bradley Lennon, GolfersDen, (2009 Programme)

Golf clubs, balls and golfing accessories have changed dramatically over the last twenty years due to improvements in technology and materials but one thing hasn’t improved during that period, and that is the average golfer’s handicap. Former Novation EPP participant and Golf Coach Helen Bradley Lennon has set about to correct this anomaly by developing a suite of applications using her Sports Science background, experience gained in Ireland’s Golf Training Academy and as an international golf coach.

With her business partner, Film Maker and Digital Media expert Damian Purcell they’ve just launched an on-line golfing tool GolfersDen which is currently number 1 position for sports related Apps in the iTunes store. As Helen puts it “the APP makes your iPhone the most essential tool in your golf bag. Golfers can improve their handicap, broaden their network and enjoy a new golfing experience. Simply put we shave shots off your handicap”.

Available for download in Ireland, Britain and the US, Lennon believes the main market for GolfersDen is China where 3000 golf courses are currently being built providing a huge appetite for golf products.

Speaking about the programme Helen stressed “the Novation Programme at DKIT gave me the know-how to develop a new and technically challenging SmartPhone business”.

Peter Smyth, RedMere, (2003 Programme)

A little over five years ago Peter Smyth set up Fingal-based RedMere. He had held a number of senior roles in Ireland and abroad having lived in Munich and previous to that in Portland, Oregon for a number of years. He felt the time was right for him to pursue the dream of forming his own technology business and in 2004 Peter joined the NEPP Programme in DkIT. Reflecting back on the programme Peter put it in perspective: “my participation on the NEPP programme was one of the seminal events in RedMere’s early development. It provided structure and an invaluable support network".

Since completing the programme RedMere went on to develop a new technology called Smart Cables, and are now riding the wave of video usage on iPad2, Android Smartphones and Gaming Consoles by allowing these devices to use HDTVs as larger external displays. Global customers today include Vizio, Monster, RadioShack and Buffalo. RedMere has also secured investment of more than $20 million from international venture capital funds and has operations in Fingal, Cork, the US, Japan and Taiwan.

Kieran Fitzpatrick Barracuda FX (2008 Programme)

Kieran Fitzpatrick, founder and CEO of Barracuda FX joined the Novation Enterprise Platform Programme in 2008. At that time he had a strong product vision and concept but had not yet developed a product or secured a customer. “Those nine months of support which the programme provided gave me the tools I needed to start and lead an international technology business. The support, guidance and belief from the programme team really helped to make it happen”.

Two short years later, Barracuda FX employs 20 people at the IFSC in Dublin and provides trading and risk management software solutions to international banks. Barracuda FX also won InterTrade Ireland’s Seedcorn competition in the High Growth section in 2010, a feat shared with two other former NEPP participants fellow Cavan man Sean Gallagher of SmartHomes and Deirdre MacCormack of Mcor Technologies.

Application Form and Overview can be downloaded here:

Application

Overview

For further details on the programme please contact:

Garrett Duffy

Enterprise Development Manager

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Tel: 042 9370400