Entrepreneurs helping manufacturers to increase production, upcycling food loss and providing instant access to static and live data for sport were the award-winning innovations at today’s Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) New Frontiers Awards 2023.

 Recognising some of the most talented start-ups in the Midwest region, the TUS New Frontiers programme is delivered at the Hartnett Enterprise Acceleration Centre in collaboration with Nexus UL. Now in its 11th year, the New Frontiers programme is funded by Enterprise Ireland and is designed to accelerate the development of early stage high potential start-up’s with strong employment, growth, and international potential while contributing to job creation and economic activity.

Limerick-based company, DataMinfo, founded by Paul Byrnes was named “Start-Up of the Year 2023”. The company unifies operational data, enabling manufacturers to proactively increase their productivity. The local entrepreneur was one of eight new business leaders from the 2023 TUS New Frontiers programme which offers a support package worth €30,000 for each participant.

 The Best Innovation Award was won by Maravil Food Ltd, founded by Joe Guiney from Limerick. Maravil Food Ltd process manufacturing food loss into novel ingredients for food manufacturers, producing a sustainable ingredient for further food manufacturing. The recipient of the “One to Watch” award went to Clare’s David Kennedy of NICHE Sports Data, a company that uses data analytical tools to enable teams to access static & live data to enhance their performance.  

 Congratulating the New Frontier graduates, President of TUS Professor Vincent Cunnane said, “Entrepreneurship is the backbone of any thriving economy. It creates new markets, generates wealth, and drives innovation. TUS is committed to supporting individuals in their entrepreneurial endeavors, providing them with opportunities to develop relevant knowledge and skills and access to resources. I would like to congratulate today’s winners, and all New Frontier Graduates. We look forward to watching and supporting your continued growth and success.”

 Vice President for Research Development and Innovation at TUS, Dr Liam Brown stated, “The TUS New Frontiers programme has played a significant role in supporting and advancing high potential start-ups over the past 11 years, stimulating economic growth, job creation and further investment in the Midwest region. Participants acquire the practical knowledge and skills required to run a business and are prepared for the real-world highs and lows that come with the territory. As a result, resilient and adaptable start-ups are developed which has contributed to the success of the TUS New Frontiers graduates to date. I wish today’s graduates the very best success, and we look forward to supporting many more entrepreneurs on their start-up journey.”

 Paula Carroll, Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers National Programme Manager said, “The New Frontiers programme is a critically important element of Enterprise Ireland’s Regional Strategy. It was launched in 2012 with the aim of accelerating the development of sustainable new businesses that have strong employment and growth potential, particularly in regional locations. Within the Midwest region (Limerick programme) over 560 budding entrepreneurs have received intensive support to develop and grow their businesses.” 

 The awards were supported by TUS, Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Office Limerick, Local Enterprise Office Clare, Local Enterprise Office Tipperary, Innovate Limerick, Limerick Chamber Skillnet, HOLMES and Bridgewater Management. 

Pictured at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) New Frontiers Awards 2023, at the Engine Limerick were, David Kennedy, Niche Sports Data, One to Watch Award 2023 recipient, Paul Byrnes, DataMinfo, Startup of the Year 2023 recipient and Joe Guiney, Maravil, Innovation Award 2023 recipient. Picture: Alan Place