Athlone-based entrepreneur Leah Fletcher has been named Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-Up Founder of the Year for 2026, placing Dunbar Pharma at the centre of Ireland’s growing life-sciences and export story.
Fletcher is founder and CEO of Dunbar Pharma, described as Ireland’s first EU GMP-certified cannabinoid pharmaceutical manufacturer. The company produces WaterClear THC™, a plant-derived dronabinol active pharmaceutical ingredient, and has developed a specialist manufacturing operation serving partners in international markets.
Why the award matters for Ireland’s startup ecosystem
The Enterprise Ireland award recognises founders building ambitious companies with the potential to compete internationally. Fletcher was selected from five finalists whose companies span healthcare technology, food innovation, communications software and medical writing.
The finalists were chosen by their peers through the Enterprise Ireland High Potential Start-Up Founders Forum, an initiative now in its 11th year. According to Enterprise Ireland, 500 HPSU companies have participated in the programme, representing sectors including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, food and beverage, healthtech, medical devices and software-as-a-service.
That breadth reflects the changing character of business news Ireland, where emerging companies are increasingly combining research, regulation, technology and international growth from an early stage.
Dunbar Pharma’s specialist proposition
Dunbar Pharma’s development has involved more than launching a new product. The company secured funding, obtained a technically demanding set of licences, created in-house processes and intellectual property, and established its manufacturing base in Athlone.
Its WaterClear THC™ ingredient is designed for pharmaceutical applications and has been supplied to partners supporting ten magistral preparations across two major export markets. The business also combines experienced pharmaceutical professionals with a scientific graduate programme, creating a talent model that links industry expertise with early-career research.
Five companies represented at the awards
The other shortlisted founders were recognised for progress across several high-growth categories:
- Lia EyeCare: Breda O’Regan leads the eyecare technology company behind Nightleaf®, a wearable designed to support the eyes’ natural recovery before sleep.
- WONDR: Mark Birrane founded a confectionery brand offering lower-sugar, high-protein and high-fibre jellies, with expansion plans across international markets.
- Kaptea: Robert Norton co-founded the company behind Pronto, a journey-orchestration platform that connects communications, AI agents and business systems.
- MedWrite AI: Seán Kirwan leads a digital-health company helping hospitals automate clinical documentation, coding and administrative workflows.
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A peer-led signal of founder confidence
The awards took place at Salesforce Tower in Dublin and were moderated by Gary Fox of The Entrepreneur Experiment. The judging panel included Enterprise Ireland divisional manager Donnchadh Cullinan, alongside founders and advisers Dan Fox and Heidi Davis.
Enterprise Ireland Executive Director Mark Christal said the diversity of the finalists demonstrated the creativity and ambition of Ireland’s entrepreneurial community. The peer-led nature of the process is significant: the finalists were selected to represent their founder groups, reflecting the standing they have earned among fellow entrepreneurs.
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What comes next for Dunbar Pharma?
The recognition comes as Dunbar Pharma continues to build its manufacturing and export platform. Its progress illustrates how highly regulated businesses can emerge from regional locations when scientific capability, commercial planning and access to enterprise support come together.
For Ireland’s wider business community, the award also offers a clear takeaway: international potential can be built around specialist expertise, provided founders are prepared to invest in compliance, intellectual property, talent and long-term market development.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Enterprise Ireland’s Founder of the Year award in 2026?
Leah Fletcher, founder and CEO of Athlone-based Dunbar Pharma, received the 2026 award.
What does Dunbar Pharma manufacture?
Dunbar Pharma produces WaterClear THC™, a plant-derived dronabinol active pharmaceutical ingredient.
What is the High Potential Start-Up Founders Forum?
It is an Enterprise Ireland programme supporting founders of ambitious, internationally focused companies. The 2026 programme marked its 11th year.
The key takeaway: Leah Fletcher’s award highlights the strength of Ireland’s science-led startup pipeline and the potential for specialist companies such as Dunbar Pharma to build globally relevant businesses from regional Ireland.
