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.
Our Partners & Sponsors
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.
Entries for 2026 closed on 16 October. Shortlisted companies will be contacted directly.
Shortlisted startups are invited to live judging in Dublin.
Applications opened for all 13 categories.
Judging now under way.
Regional shortlist announced.
National shortlist announced.
Shortlisted startups pitch to the panel in Dublin.
Dublin City Hall.
Thank you to every startup that entered the 2026 awards. Judging is under way — the regional shortlist is announced on Thursday 22 October at 5pm and the national shortlist on Friday 23 October at 4pm, with winners revealed at Dublin City Hall on 19 November.
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.
Interested in sponsoring the 2026 awards?
Sponsorship Enquiry →
