Since 2012 the National Startup Awards have shone a light on the very best of Irish startups across the entire spectrum of the startup ecosystem from AI to tech to retail, manufacturing, social enterprise, food and drink and everything in between.
Recognition from the National Startup Awards opens doors. Past winners have secured investment, landed major clients, and scaled internationally — all accelerated by the credibility and exposure the award brings.
View Entry Criteria →Winners gain immediate recognition across Ireland's startup, investor and enterprise ecosystem.
Shortlisted and winning companies receive press coverage and social amplification across our channels.
Our judging panel includes Enterprise Ireland, leading VCs, and senior industry figures.
Join the companies who've come through the National Startup Awards programme since 2012.
Your startup must be 5 years old or less and operating in Ireland.
Select the category that best fits your business — you may enter multiple.
Complete the application form before the 12 October 2026 deadline.
Shortlisted startups are invited to live judging in Dublin.
Applications open for all 13 categories.
Deadline for all applications.
National shortlist announced.
Shortlisted startups pitch to the panel in Dublin.
Dublin City Hall.
Entries open September 2026. It takes less than 30 minutes to apply — and it could change everything for your startup.
Winning the National Startup Award was an awesome way to end a great year at Hexis. The recognition means a huge amount to our team and helps feed into, and grow, our momentum as we enter 2026.
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