Enterprise Ireland has launched its Founder of the Year Award 2026, highlighting five entrepreneurs leading ambitious Irish start-ups across healthcare, food, technology and pharmaceuticals. The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in Dublin on 15 October 2026.
The annual award recognises a founder from Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) network whose company demonstrates strong innovation, international ambition and growth potential.
Enterprise Ireland names five Founder of the Year finalists
According to the Enterprise Ireland announcement, 38 HPSUs were eligible for this year’s award before the shortlist was reduced to five finalists:
- Breda O’Regan, co-founder and CEO of Lia EyeCare
- Mark Birrane, founder and CEO of WONDR
- Robert Norton, co-founder and CTO of Kaptea
- Seán Kirwan, CEO of MedWrite AI
- Leah Fletcher, founder and CEO of Dunbar Pharma
The final decision will be made by judges Heidi Davis, founder and CEO of Peri; Dan Fox, strategic adviser at Eudia and co-founder of Johnson Hana; and Donnchadh Cullinan, divisional manager for Technology, Services and Consumer at Enterprise Ireland.
Five founders, five areas of innovation
The finalists represent the breadth of Ireland’s start-up ecosystem. Lia EyeCare is developing science-backed eyecare products, including Nightleaf®, a wearable designed for use before sleep. WONDR is developing lower-sugar, high-protein and high-fibre jellies while expanding in Ireland, the UK and Europe.
Kaptea’s Pronto platform uses communications technology and artificial intelligence to coordinate customer journeys across channels. MedWrite AI supports hospitals by automating clinical documentation, coding and administrative processes. Dunbar Pharma manufactures cannabinoid medicines and has developed WaterClear THC™, a plant-derived dronabinol active pharmaceutical ingredient.
Read more: Irish enterprise and start-up news
HPSU Founders Forum reaches 11th year
The Founder of the Year Award forms part of the Enterprise Ireland HPSU Founders Forum, which is now in its 11th year. Delivered in partnership with Select Strategies, the forum has brought together more than 500 founders from sectors including digital technology, medical devices, fintech, food, engineering and construction.
Its purpose is to give founders practical support, peer connections and a platform to help their companies scale internationally. The programme reflects the wider role of Enterprise Ireland in supporting Irish companies with export ambitions and international growth.
Explore more: Ireland’s innovation and investment landscape
When will the winner be announced?
The Founder of the Year 2026 winner will be announced on Thursday, 15 October 2026, at Salesforce Tower in Dublin. The event will bring together representatives from Ireland’s high-potential start-up community and the wider enterprise support network.
Conclusion
The Enterprise Ireland Founder of the Year Award 2026 showcases the international ambition and sectoral diversity of Irish entrepreneurs. From digital health and AI to food innovation and pharmaceuticals, the five finalists demonstrate how HPSUs are developing products and services for global markets.
Article/Image Courtesy: Enterprise Ireland
