Enterprise Ireland has named Leah Fletcher, founder and CEO of Athlone-based Dunbar Pharma, its High Potential Start-Up Founder of the Year for 2026. The award highlights the growing strength of Ireland’s life sciences, pharmaceutical and export-focused start-up sector.
Dunbar Pharma is described as Ireland’s first EU GMP-certified cannabinoid pharmaceutical manufacturer. The company produces WaterClear THC™, a plant-derived dronabinol active pharmaceutical ingredient for pharmaceutical partners.
Enterprise Ireland recognises Dunbar Pharma leadership
Fletcher received the award at the 2026 Founder of the Year Awards, held at Salesforce Tower in Dublin. The annual event celebrates entrepreneurs participating in Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-Up programme and its Founders Forum.
Five finalists were selected by their peers to represent their Founder Groups. Alongside Fletcher, the finalists were Breda O’Regan of Lia EyeCare, Mark Birrane of WONDR, Robert Norton of Kaptea and Seán Kirwan of MedWrite AI.
The programme has now reached its 11th year, with 500 HPSU companies having taken part. Participants have represented sectors including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, food and beverage, cybersecurity, health technology, medical devices and software as a service.
Why Dunbar Pharma stood out
Fletcher established Dunbar Pharma in Athlone and led the business from concept through to manufacturing. The company secured funding, obtained technically demanding licences, developed internal processes and intellectual property, and launched its dronabinol ingredient to partners supporting magistral preparations in two major export markets.
Her work has also positioned her as a recognised voice on cannabinoid regulation. Dunbar’s team combines experienced pharmaceutical professionals with a scientific graduate programme, reflecting the company’s focus on regulated manufacturing and specialist talent.
Ireland’s start-up ecosystem enters a new phase
The finalists demonstrate the breadth of Ireland’s high-potential enterprise community. Lia EyeCare is developing wearable eyecare technology, while WONDR is expanding a nutritional sweets brand across Ireland, the United Kingdom and Europe.
Kaptea’s Pronto platform uses communications technology and artificial intelligence to coordinate customer journeys. MedWrite AI supports healthcare organisations with clinical documentation, coding and administrative workflows.
For companies seeking support, Enterprise Ireland remains a key national agency for international growth, alongside IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland-backed innovation networks. Official updates and public-service information are available through gov.ie.
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What the award means for Irish innovation
The recognition underlines how Irish founders are building specialist companies with international ambitions. Dunbar Pharma’s regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing model also illustrates the potential for regional locations such as Athlone to support advanced life-sciences activity.
Enterprise Ireland Executive Director Mark Christal congratulated Fletcher and the other finalists, noting the diversity and ambition represented by the Founders Forum community. The award also marks a decade of continued development for a programme designed to connect founders, strengthen peer networks and support scalable companies.
Explore more: Ireland’s public sector and economic news
Key takeaway
Leah Fletcher’s Enterprise Ireland Founder of the Year 2026 award recognises Dunbar Pharma’s progress in regulated cannabinoid pharmaceutical manufacturing and reinforces Ireland’s reputation as a base for ambitious, export-ready start-ups.
Article/Image Courtesy: Enterprise Ireland
