South East Technological University (SETU) is proud to partner with Kilkenny Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and the Urlingford Town Team to launch the START programme—an exciting new initiative designed to support start-ups and early-stage entrepreneurs in the Urlingford area. The programme will be hosted at the newly opened Exit 4 Rural Innovation Hub in Urlingford.
As the region’s only university, SETU is committed to driving research, innovation, and economic growth throughout the south east. Through the TU RISE programme, SETU is working to establish a vibrant network of rural innovation hubs and collaborate with partners to deliver supports in areas such as digitalisation, innovation, and sustainability.
Commenting on the announcement, Brian Ogilvie, Head of Entrepreneurship and Rural Engagement at SETU said:
“We are delighted to be partnering with Kilkenny Local Enterprise Office and the Urlingford Town Team in launching this exciting new programme for start-ups and aspiring entrepreneurs. SETU is focused on promoting economic development in the region by working with businesses in their locality to embed innovation and support sustainable growth. Programmes like START at Exit 4 play a vital role in helping rural communities thrive.”
The START / Exit 4 competition is open to anyone with an original and innovative business idea in the early stages of development (within 18 months of trading or pre-trading). The programme is particularly focused on entrepreneurs working in the technology space, including sectors such as Agri-Tech, AI, E-commerce, FinTech, Gaming, Healthcare, ICT, IoT, and Robotics.
Participants will benefit from access to training and mentoring from both LEO Kilkenny and SETU, helping to refine their business plans and prepare for growth. The initiative will culminate in a final pitch competition with a prize fund of €6,000, including €1,500 worth of office space at the Exit 4 hub.
To further support aspiring entrepreneurs, LEO Kilkenny will deliver a START / Exit 4 workshop and a Start Your Own Business course at Exit 4 during spring and summer 2025. SETU will also be onsite to provide tailored guidance and mentoring to applicants.
Participation in the workshop and course is not required to enter the competition, though it is highly recommended to help participants prepare for their final pitch. Additional mentoring will also be available for competition entrants who do not take part in the workshop or course. Equally, individuals interested in developing a business idea—without entering the competition—are encouraged to join the programme for skills development and support.
Applications for the START / Exit 4 competition open on Friday, 4 April 2025, through the Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny website.
SETU TU RISE is co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27.