2025 tested Irish businesses like never before, with the DEI sector being one of the hardest hit. Whether it’s multinational policy changes, budget cuts, tariffs, or inflation, any of these factors could have crushed even the savviest entrepreneurs.
However, 50 standout Irish businesses bucked the storm—clinching awards at home and abroad, winning global headlines, and surging forward in sectors like accessibility tech, neurodiversity support, disability employment, female empowerment, ethnic minority advocacy, children’s education, migrant integration, and community mental health.
So here is part 1 of my top 50 Irish companies in DEI to watch in 2026.
Founders: Matt McCann and Donal McClean
Who Do They Advocate For: Greater accessibility for people with mobility issues
Access Earth is creating the world’s largest database of accessibility information for people with disabilities, using crowdsourced mobile apps, AI-powered satellite imagery, and asset mapping. Founded in 2015 by Matt McCann—who lives with cerebral palsy—and co-founder Donal McClean, the platform covers 110,000+ locations with details on parking, ramps, toilets, and Covid-related distancing. Free for users via iOS/Android/web, it offers enterprise analytics, plugins, and training to businesses, councils, and venues—partnering with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Council (mapping 1,000+ Dublin parking spots) and Trinity College Dublin for student inclusion. The mission empowers independent travel, shopping, and socialising while helping SMEs meet EAA compliance.
Winner of Microsoft Imagine Cup World Citizenship, Enactus National Finals, and Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur Best Idea Award, Access Earth gained Microsoft Startups blog coverage and acclaim as an Enterprise Ireland HPSU client.
TEDx speaker Matt champions “Accessibility as a Service,” scaling from Irish pilots to global ambitions with a 5-person team driving disability rights through tech innovation—proving data unlocks equitable communities.
Founders: Michael Hanton, Mick Keane, and Gareth Crossan
Who Do They Advocate For: People with disabilities, particularly visual disabilities.
Accessibility Ireland was founded by Michael Hanton, Mick Keane, and Gareth Crossan, accessibility experts from Wicklow, Kildare, and Donegal. Michael excels in digital consulting for healthcare and e-learning sectors; Mick specialises in standards, testing, and training programmes; while Gareth offers design expertise and full-time consulting services. The team has tailored training and consultancy projects; they educate businesses and individuals on inclusive practices, tackling the exclusion faced by many in digital spaces. Their collaborative approach invites partnerships for presentations and initiatives, fostering broader awareness.
Under the 2025 European Accessibility Act, all companies operating in the EU are now required to have all digital information in an accessible format.
This has led to the company to advocate for people with disabilities who are impaired from accessing digital information and products due to inaccessibility.
By promoting shared responsibility, they empower advocates to integrate accessibility into all digital deliveries. This mission not only addresses immediate barriers but also builds long-term cultural change, ensuring digital experiences serve all abilities and enhance societal equity in an increasingly online world.
ADHD Connections is Ireland’s pioneering ADHD coaching platform, founded by ClaireTwomey, the nation’s first certified ADHD coach holding four industry-recognised accreditations (PCC, PCAC, ACCG, EIA Senior Practitioner). Diagnosed in her late 20s, Claire launched the service in 2020, drawing from lived experience to create a strengths-based, empathetic model. Services include tailored programmes for college students navigating third-level transitions, parents building bonds with ADHD children, adults in group or one-to-one sessions unlocking potential, and workplace coaching for neurodivergent leaders and training for teams. Key initiatives encompass the Coaching Collective, a group of associate Coaches covering different niches, Divergent Nexus, educating on ethical and professional ADHD coaching, and a 2025 Access Programme that removes financial barriers. Featured in TV, radio, and print media, ADHD Connections reframes ADHD as a trait of creativity and energy, pr Dr Ned Hallowell, with quotes like Dr Russell Barkley’s executive function challenges.
Claire advocates for ADHDers—those recently diagnosed, self-identifying, or feeling misunderstood, stuck, overwhelmed, or battling burnout, impostor syndrome, and relational hurdles. Targeting education, work, and mental health struggles, the platform fosters self- worth, purpose, belonging, and to-do list mastery. Awards include the 2025 Women of Vision Diversity & Inclusion Advocate (finalist in Community Champion) and Google Business Award for digital innovation.
Founders: Mark Fenton and Patricia Byron
Who Do They Advocate For: Greater Allyship in society and the workplace
The Allyship Academy (www.theallyshipacademy.com) was established to offer guidance on what Allyship is, why it is important and how best we can all demonstrate Allyship in action. It defines Allyship as the quality or practice of supporting other people who are part of a group that is treated badly or unfairly, although you are not yourself a member. This includes knowledge about the use of power, position or privilege to uplift others. This pioneering Irish initiative, established in January 2025, delivers transformative workshops, coaching, and allyship challenges to cultivate authentic inclusion in workplaces and communities.
Drawing on decades of expertise as Leadership and Inclusion specialists and as Executive Coaches, The Allyship Academy distinguishes performative gestures from actionable behaviours—equipping leaders with practical strategies to amplify marginalised voices, challenge bias, and foster belonging.
Operating across Ireland and beyond, through communities of practice, learning challenges and corporate programmes, it sponsors grassroots projects like a girls’ hockey team and a para-standing tennis athlete, proving that allyship drives tangible equity. By prioritising allyship across gender, age, neurodiversity, disability and LGBTQ via online resources and discussions, the academy proves SME-led movements drive cultural change, empowering Irish businesses to create equitable spaces where diverse talent thrives.
ALPACA revolutionises early literacy screening through its game-based tool, enabling teachers to spot reading challenges in children as young as four before issues escalate. Founded by Dr. Jennifer O’Sullivan, it emerged in 2022 as a collaborative research project between Trinity College Dublin’s Learnovate Centre and Marino Institute of Education. Built on her expertise in letter knowledge and phonemic awareness, ALPACA uses interactive tablet games co-created with 70 teachers across 30 schools and 1,000 children in five countries. Now serving 25,000 learners in 512 schools across six countries, it delivers efficient, evidence-based insights for parent discussions and action plans.
Funded by Enterprise Ireland, the tool shifts education from “wait-to-fail” to proactive support, with research showing 90% of at-risk readers achieving literacy by age six versus prolonged remediation later.
The team, led by Dr. Jennifer O’Sullivan, advocates for children with dyslexia and early reading struggles, targeting junior infants aged 4-6 with data on core skills for tailored classroom interventions. Endorsements from schools like Rahan National School and St. Joseph’s N.S. highlight its role in validating teacher intuitions and fostering early action. ALPACA featured in the Irish Examiner in March 2024, showcasing its impact in Irish schools, including St. Patrick’s NS, Drumshanbo.
Founded in 2021, The B!G Idea delivers a free, inclusive, all-Ireland creative thinking education programme for 15–19-year-olds, embedded within schools and community education settings. Its purpose is to ensure that every young person, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to the creative-thinking skills, confidence, and support needed to shape a better future. By removing financial barriers and providing all learning materials, digital tools, and mentoring at no cost, the programme actively levels the playing field.
At its core is a structured creative process that enables young people to tackle the real-world challenges that affect them and their communities. Projects align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, developing essential skills such as resilience, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.
What sets the multi-award-winning B!G Idea apart is its ability to bridge education, industry, and society, connecting young people with mentors who expand social capital and future pathways. Working towards systematic change, they are recognised by the OECD and supported by partners including Autodesk, MSD, and more. The B!G Idea champions a future where creativity is a life skill, not a privilege and where every young person can see themselves as a contributor to a more just and inclusive Ireland.
Founders: Leon Diop, Femi Bankole, Pierre Yimbog and Boni Odoemene
Who Do They Advocate For: People of Colour in Ireland
Black and Irish amplifies voices of Black and mixed-race people in Ireland via storytelling, advocacy, education, and community events. Founded in June 2020 by Leon Diop, Femi Bankole, Pierre Yimbog and Boni Odoemene amid global responses to George Floyd’s murder, it started as an Instagram page sharing the lived experiences of black people. Now a multifaceted non-profit, Leon serves as CEO, Femi as Executive Director, and Pierre as COO that provides DEI training for businesses, hosts Black & Irish Conference and Gala Awards, produces books and podcast, and runs anti-racism workshops. Partnerships foster advocacy, community building, and education to mainstream Black experiences. Recognised with the IMPALA’s Changemaker Award, it promotes unity while addressing struggles in society using social media and collaboration.
The team advocates for people of colour facing marginalisation, identity erasure, and systemic racism in Ireland. Targeting Black and mixed-race individuals often questioned as ‘truly Irish’; they empower through narrative change, events, and education for anti-racist mindsets.
Highlighting triumphs from Tallaght to nationwide networks, they connect underrepresented groups to society, shaping policy, culture, and inclusion. They have featured in the Irish Examiner, RTE News, the Irish Book Awards, and Irish American Heritage Museum YouTube discussion.
Braver (formerly GoBraver) supports neurodiversity in Irish Braver supports neuroinclusion in Irish workplaces through executive coaching and inclusion training. Founded in February 2024 by Mark Scully, a qualified barrister, Chartered Accountant, Chartered Tax Adviser, and EMCC-accredited coach, he drew from his career challenges and mental health journey to create Braver.
Services include one-on-one executive coaching as well as ADHD Coaching through Braver’s collaboration with Claire Twomey of ADHD Connections, neurodiversity awareness training plus in-depth workshops for HR and leaders.
These cover inclusive language, common neurodivergences, practical do’s and don’ts, employment equality legislation, accommodations, communication, feedback, and disclosure conversations.
While Mark is autistic, he advocates for all neurodivergent communities and wants to bring neuroinclusion to Irish workplaces for the benefit of all employees. In 2025, Mark was recognised as the ‘Rising Star in DEI” at the Diversity In Business Awards. He is a regular corporate panellist and public speaker and has featured in trade media such as Accountancy Ireland and Business Plus and podcasts such as Difference Makers Discuss and Predictably Good. through executive coaching and inclusion training. Founded by Mark Scully, a former Tax Director at KPMG Ireland diagnosed autistic in 2021, the firm launched in February 2024. Mark, a qualified barrister, Chartered Accountant, Chartered Tax Adviser, and EMCC-accredited coach, drew from his career challenges and mental health journey to create Braver.
Mark advocates for people with Autism and other types of Neurodiversity, addressing Ireland’s low neurodiversity awareness to foster environments where differences drive success for all employees. In 2024, Mark won the ‘Rising Star’ award at the Diversity In Business Awards. Accountancy Ireland, Chartered Accountants Ireland profile, and podcasts like Meet the People.
Founders: Eamon Brady (Chairman), John O’Dea (Director), and leading stroke interventionists Professor Tommy Andersson (Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden), Dr. Leonard Yeo (National University of Health Singapore), and Dr. Paul Bhogal (Royal London Hospital, UK)
Who Do They Advocate For: People who have had a stroke
Ceroflo develops innovative stent technology to treat Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease (ICAD), a major global cause of stroke, from its Galway, Ireland base. Founded by Eamon Brady (Chairman), John O’Dea (Director), Professor Tommy Andersson (Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden), Dr. Leonard Yeo (National University of Health Singapore), and Dr. Paul Bhogal (Royal London Hospital, UK), the company draws on medtech success like Neuravi’s Johnson & Johnson acquisition. Led by CEO Chloe Brown and CTO Brendan Casey—both Neuravi alumni—Ceroflo raised €6.4m in 2024 through EIIS and investors, plus €3.6m from the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund with Advant Medical and ATU’s MET Centre. These funds support first-in-human trials for 30 patients, targeting brain plaque challenges unmet by current stents. Galway’s medtech ecosystem drives clinician-led innovation for stroke prevention.
The team advocates for stroke patients with ICAD, where narrowed brain arteries cause 10-50% of cases and existing interventions fall short. Targeting millions at acute risk, they prioritise underserved patients via precise technology promising faster recovery and fewer recurrences. With clinicians’ 50+ years’ experience, Ceroflo unites industry veterans to empower patients through effective treatment. Featured in ThinkBusiness, Connacht Tribune, SiliconRepublic, Irish Times, and Neuronewsinternational for funding and trials.
Chirp develops AI-driven child protection software for smartphones, detecting and blocking cyberbullying, grooming, and suicide/self-harm content in real-time on messaging apps and browsers. Founded by Rena Maycock in 2016 (formerly Cilter Technologies), the Dublin-based startup secured €2.8m from the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund and €1.67m in private investment after overcoming prototyping and data challenges. Rena, a serial entrepreneur with prior successes like Intro Matchmaking, built custom AI models using real-world harmful content datasets, refined through partnerships with GAA, IRFU, and telcos. Chirp won the 2024 AI Award for Best Use of Responsible AI and Ethics, also nominated as a finalist and featured in AI Ireland recognitions, emphasising ethical practices, academic collaborations, and scalable licensing to tier-one telcos for global expansion amid rising online risks.
Rena advocates for safer online environments, shielding children and vulnerable users from digital harms through proactive prevention tools that empower parents and guardians. By prioritising ethics in AI development with empirical evidence and stakeholder trust, Chirp fosters confident mobile access for young lives across Ireland and beyond. Rena and Chirp received media attention, including AI Awards YouTube interviews, AI Ireland podcasts, and coverage in Microsoft News on their kernel-level innovations.
CleverBooks delivers augmented reality apps transforming education for children aged 5-12 through visual, multi-sensory 3D learning experiences. Founded by Darya Yegorina, a serial entrepreneur originally from Ukraine now based in Ireland, the company launched around 2015-2017 to blend innovative AR technology with traditional teaching. Recognised as one of Ireland’s top young entrepreneurs, Darya bootstrapped the venture with tech experts, educators, artists, and book lovers, inspired by family storytelling. Interactive workbooks cover maths, geometry, geography, and more, where children scan pages via mobile apps to unlock manipulable 3D models. Products aid educators in classrooms and parents at home, aligning with primary curricula. Free AR tools enable global reach across schools, fostering imagination and skills. A TEDx speaker, Darya gained Virgin Media Voom finalist status and Enterprise Ireland HPSU recognition before scaling AR solutions.
Darya advocates for children worldwide, bridging technology gaps to revolutionise learning for those underserved by conventional methods. CleverBooks empowers equal opportunities through fun, hands-on AR that builds confidence and curiosity in primary-aged learners. Awards include the 2018 iStudy Award for Educational Services in Augmented Reality (UK), GESAwards 2020, European Digital Innovation Challenge 2020 winner, Reimagine Education Gold prize 2021, and involvement in the EU-funded ARETE project. They have been covered in media features include The Irish Tech News interviews and CIOViews profiles on her innovations
Founders: Rosanne Longmore (CEO), Dr. Helen Barry (CRO, medical doctor), and James (Jamie) Travers (CTO)
Who Do They Advocate For: Female Empowerment
Coroflo pioneers the world’s first breastfeeding monitor, Coro, providing real-time data on milk flow, volume, and temperature via a smart nipple shield and app. Founded in 2017 by Rosanne Longmore (CEO), Dr. Helen Barry (COO, medical doctor), and James (Jamie) Travers (CTO, electronics engineer), the Dublin-based femtech firm stemmed from Helen and Jamie’s challenges feeding their 2kg newborn son. Rosanne, with finance expertise from Davy Wealth Management, secured Enterprise Ireland HPSU status, €2.1m Horizon 2020 funding, and angel investment despite initial scepticism. After deeptech R&D, clinical trials, FDA approval, and UCLA collaborations, Coro launched in Irish pharmacies and expanded to Europe by late 2025. Worn like standard shields, it empowers mothers with evidence during feeds, tracking patterns without replacing lactation support. At CES 2026, Coro swept four historic awards: CNET Best of CES Parent Tech, Best of ShowStoppers Gadgety, Tech Podcasts Network Best of CES, and Techlicious Editor’s Choice from over 4,000 entries.
The team advocates for female empowerment, equipping breastfeeding mothers with data to navigate unknowns and sustain journeys longer. Targeting first-time and working mums facing supply doubts, overwhelm, or formula transitions, Coro dispels guesswork beyond wet nappies or weight checks. Fostering informed choices amid cultural shifts toward breastfeeding, they champion women-led innovation in femtech. Their media coverage includes SiliconRepublic, Business Post, ZDNet, and Techlicious, highlighting launches, trials, and CES triumphs, with user testimonials praising reduced anxiety and confidence boosts.
Cyberminds is an Irish, women-founded EdTech start-up addressing the gap between fast-changing technology and traditional education. Cybersecurity and AI are shaping every industry, yet learning these skills remains expensive, intimidating, and often theory-heavy. Many people, especially women and underrepresented groups, face significant barriers to entry.
Led by founder and CEO Emer Mugisha, Cyberminds has developed a mobile-first, gamified learning platform that turns complex concepts into bite-sized lessons, practical labs, and interactive challenges, empowering learners of all technical backgrounds to gain confidence and apply skills in meaningful ways.
Founded to remove barriers to cyber and AI education, Cyberminds offers free learning for all, with certification available on demand.
Its design draws on educational psychology, behavioural insights, and gamification, using scenario-based challenges, leaderboards, and badges to boost engagement, retention, and motivation.
Since launching seven months ago, Cyberminds has attracted over 10,000 learners, demonstrating the demand for accessible, inclusive, and practical digital skills education.
Emer is currently shortlisted for the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber 2026 Award; the awards take place in London in late February
Founders: Alex Cooney (CEO), Cliona Curley, and Maggie Brennan
Who Do They Advocate For: A safer online environment
CyberSafeKids equips Irish children, parents, and educators with skills for safe online navigation through school talks, guardian sessions, workplace workshops, research, and advocacy. Founded in 2015 as CyberSafeIreland by Alex Cooney (CEO), Cliona Curley, and Maggie Brennan, the charity draws on expertise from cybercrime investigation, law enforcement, psychology, and nonprofits. Cliona Curley, with UK National High Tech Crime Unit experience, identified gaps in primary school materials while volunteering, inspiring the initiative. Alex Cooney, from international development, leads as Ireland’s national voice on child online safety, convening stakeholders for systemic change. The team delivers interactive programmes for 3rd-6th class pupils, gadget guides, and webinars like the November Black Friday safety event, tackling AI chatbots, social media risks, and unregulated tech. Operating without government funding, CyberSafeKids fosters resilience amid digital growth for positive experiences.
The team advocates for children and young people facing online threats like cyberbullying, exploitation, and harmful content. Targeting primary pupils, overwhelmed parents, and unaware teachers, they empower kids to thrive confidently while urging businesses and policymakers to provide stronger protections. By demystifying tech through education, CyberSafeKids builds a safer digital Ireland, reaching over 36,000 children and 8,000 parents. They were featured in ThinkBusiness, LinkedIn philanthropy profiles, and Youth Council campaigns; their impact spans schools nationwide.
Founders: Cormac Chisholm, Patrick Guiney, and Darren Britton
Who Do They Advocate For: Digital accessibility for people with Disabilities
DevAlly streamlines digital accessibility compliance through an AI-powered platform integrating automated testing, issue tracking, expert guidance, and compliance documentation. Founded in 2024 by Cormac Chisholm (CEO), Patrick Guiney (CRO), and Darren Britton (CTO), the Dublin-based startup from Dogpatch Labs addresses the European Accessibility Act deadline of June 2025. Cormac, a former Optum lead engineer, and Patrick, a tech sales expert, connected at a startup weekend before recruiting Darren for technical leadership. Backed by Enterprise Ireland, NDRC, and Fidelity Centre, DevAlly reached Slush 2024’s top three from 1,000 applicants and raised €2m pre-seed in 2025 from Miles Ahead, expanding to 16 staff, mostly Irish engineering and product roles. The self-serve tool detects WCAG issues in real-time during development, auto-fixes via AI, and monitors continuously for scaleups, avoiding specialised hires. Stats highlight urgency: 97% of sites inaccessible, impacting 1 in 5 with disabilities, while accessible design boosts conversions 3.5x.
The team advocates for people with disabilities excluded from digital products, enabling equitable access beyond mere audits. Targeting developers and businesses racing EAA compliance, they embed inclusivity into workflows, proving accessibility enhances user experience and revenue. They have previously been featured in ThinkBusiness.ie or Silicon Republic.
Elephant in the Room (EITR) was co-founded in 2021 by Brent Pope and Eoin Byrne to challenge mental health stigma through art-led engagement and visible, conversation-starting symbols. At the heart of the movement are baby elephant sculptures — each artist-designed and placed in workplaces, schools, and public spaces as powerful signposts of hope, care, and safety. With over 40 schools reached in 2025 and 70 more on the waiting list, EITR’s Schools Programme continues to grow through sponsorship, community fundraisers, and campaigns like An Elephant for Sarah, launched by Anna O’Farrell in memory of her sister, which now funds herds of elephants across Ireland.
Diversity has been a core value from the start. The EITR team spans multiple ages, genders, and backgrounds — from Ireland to Poland, Mongolia, South Africa, and even ambassadors in Australia. Their video interview series, filmed at Premier Sports, features honest conversations with high-profile supporters like Marian Keyes and U2’s Adam Clayton.
In 2025, signed elephants by stars such as Sugar Ray Leonard, Andre Agassi, and the Irish, French, and South African rugby teams raised both awareness and vital funds. Every sculpture tells a story — and every conversation brings us closer to a world where no one suffers in silence.
Founders: Roddy Doyle and Seán Love
Who Do They Advocate For: Underrepresented Groups in Literature
Fighting Words inspires children and young people aged 6-17 to harness creativity through free writing workshops, summer camps, and after-school programmes like Word Warriors, fostering resilience and self-expression. Established in 2009 by Booker Prize-winning author Roddy Doyle and Seán Love, the Dublin-based creative writing centre on Russell Street draws inspiration from 826 Valencia, offering illustrated book-making for primary pupils, storytelling, poetry, playwriting, and graphic fiction. Operating without state funding and relying on volunteers, private donors, and a basis. point support, thousands have joined drop-in sessions, school collaborations, and initiatives like Story Seeds with Garda Community Engagement. These produce collaborative tales set in Dublin landmarks, serving South Inner City DEIS schools and reaching 500+ youth annually with fun, skill-building experiences prioritising achievement over devices.
The team advocates for young people from disadvantaged communities lacking outlets for imagination amid screen dominance. Targeting primary and secondary students needing confidence, they empower every child to create published stories, proving writing builds life skills and joy regardless of reading habits. Board members, including Roddy Doyle, Alan Gilsenan (Chair), Jennifer Caldwell, Elaine Feeney, and Paul Howar,d guide expansion. They were recently featured on an RTE documentary, Them Fighting Words.
Founders: Iain Cahill and Fiona O’Rourke
Who Do They Advocate For: Underserved SME employees, temporary/gig workers,
Gewardz Health delivers affordable digital healthcare to Irish SMEs through a platform providing unlimited online GP appointments, counselling, and wellbeing services for less than one hour’s wages per employee monthly. Established in 2019 as an SME reward platform, it pivoted in late 2022 to address healthcare access gaps following client demand, launching its dedicated health arm in 2023. Led by founder Iain Cahill (CEO/CMO) alongside co-founder Fiona O’Rourke, Gewardz partners with Small Firms Association, 3Q Recruitment, Progressive College Network, and Canavan Byrne to serve temp workers, international students, early childcare staff, and diaspora communities facing GP shortages. Available 8am-10pm daily via simple app bookings without invasive forms, it tackles “squeezed middle” cost pressures and population growth beyond 7 million, extending family access to curb A&E reliance.
Iain and Fiona advocate for underserved SME employees, temporary/gig workers, international migrants, and diverse communities excluded from employer healthcare—especially those impacted by cost-of-living crises, immigration stress, and discrimination. By prioritising same-day culturally competent support, they eliminate preventable inequalities, empowering low-wage earners, creche parents, and charities with inclusive, stigma-free urgent care.
Grinds360 delivers Ireland’s premier online education platform for Leaving Cert and Junior Cycle students, providing unlimited access to live weekly grinds, on-demand lessons, revision courses, H1 eBooks, and oral prep across 20+ subjects through one affordable subscription. Founded by experienced grinds teacher Ronan Murdock (CEO) and serial entrepreneur Brendan Kavanagh, the edtech disruptor tackles traditional grinds’ high costs (€1,000+ per subject), geographical limits, and fragmented delivery. Serving 18,000+ students with AI-powered animations, exam-focused notes from top teachers like Paul McCormack, and in-person workshops, it boosts grades via interactive content—99% recommendation rate, with users averaging 6 subjects. Backed by €3.2m from rugby stars Brian O’Driscoll, Caelan Doris, and Microsoft Ireland’s Kevin Marshall, Grinds360 drives rapid growth through hybrid live/recorded sessions, HPAT support, and flexible payment plans, transforming study efficiency nationwide.
Ronan and Brendan advocate for democratising education, breaking financial and location barriers for students everywhere. Targeting exam-stressed teens unable to afford or access elite grinds—especially rural, low-income, and multi-subject learners—they empower all with teacher-led, tech-enhanced resources making top-tier preparation universally available.
Founders: Niamh Tallon and Mohammed Mahomed
Who Do They Advocate For: Female empowerment in sport
HerSport leads Ireland’s digital platform amplifying women’s sports through news, interviews, analysis, and cultural advocacy, driving participation and equality. Co-founded in 2020 by Niamh Tallon and Mohammed Mahomed—both UCD Commerce graduates—as a social enterprise addressing systemic barriers where twice as many girls drop out of sport by age 14, it grew from a 2018 passion project to Europe’s largest in its space. Niamh, with an MSc in Digital Marketing from Smurfit, handling digital strategy, pairs with Mohammed’s KPMG accounting expertise to build a 140,000+ community via daily content on rugby, athletics, HYROX, and stars like Precious Akpe-Moses and O’Rourke sisters. Self-funded through Her Sport MVP memberships, Lidl Awards partnerships, and commercial content, it expanded via Social Entrepreneurs Ireland’s 2023 Changing Ireland Accelerator with Google funding for mentoring and scaling.
Niamh and Mohammed advocate for women and girls facing underrepresentation, lack of visibility, and participation barriers in sport. Targeting those dropping out due to stereotypes and limited opportunities, they empower through education, policy influence, and storytelling to foster inclusivity. Selected for Social Entrepreneurs Ireland’s accelerator, and they’ve been featured in the Irish Times, UCD Alumni profiles, Enterprise Nation, and Business Post magazine pulls, their impact spans televised awards and Oireachtas submissions.
Founders: Kate Scott, Declan Fahy, and Paul Cosgrave
Who Do They Advocate For:
balanced childhoods merging physical toys with safe digital magic, countering screen overload
HoloToyz revolutionises children’s toys through augmented reality, transforming tattoos, stickers, puzzles, and magnetic playsets into interactive 3D animations via a kid-safe app—featuring Paw Patrol, Barbie, and Hot Wheels characters that dance, play, and integrate into real spaces. Founded in 2020 by Kate Scott (CEO), Declan Fahy (Co-founder & Sales Director) from Co Meath, and Paul Cosgrave from Co Limerick, the Tara-based startup blends Kate’s graphic design expertise with Declan’s sales acumen and Paul’s business development to create eco-friendly products enhancing physical-digital play. €1m seed funding in 2022 from Pat Ryan and Enterprise Ireland, plus partnerships with Mattel (Barbie/Hot Wheels AR dress-up sets) and Nickelodeon, fuelled growth. Award-winning at Spielwarenmesse 2023’s Start-up ToyAward for Paw Patrol AR tattoos/stickers, London Toy Fair 2022 Editors’ Choice silver, and Irish Times Innovation Award for Manufacturing and Design, it targets millennial parents and Generation Alpha kids.
Kate, Declan, and Paul advocate for balanced childhoods merging physical toys with safe digital magic, countering screen overload. Empowering parents seeking engaging, educational play that fosters creativity through AR without isolating kids from tangible interaction, HoloToyz gained media in SiliconRepublic, Meath Chronicle, Nursery Today, Licensing.biz, and ThinkBusiness.
Founders: Ciara Mulligan and Alan O’Neill
Who Do They Advocate For: The elderly and People with disabilities
HomeBot Ireland pioneers smart home robotics tailored for Irish households, offering wireless robotic lawnmowers like Buddy and advanced vacuum-mop systems with self-emptying, self-cleaning, and self-refilling features. Co-founded in 2020 by Clara Mulligan (CEO) and her husband Alan O’Neill from West Cork, the company arose from watching Clara’s elderly father-in-law struggle with heavy lawnmowers during COVID, identifying gaps in affordable, user-friendly solutions. Clara’s business and customer care background complements Alan’s technical expertise as a former Mercedes technician and AI specialist, creating Irish-designed products for all floor types, pet hair, dirt levels, and garden sizes—complete with rain shelters and spare parts. Launched in 2024, it emphasises local support via WhatsApp and phone, sustainability through trade-in programmes, and expansion into robotic window and solar panel cleaners by late 2025.
Clara and Alan advocate for busy families, elderly users, and time-strapped parents seeking reliable automation to reclaim time amid Ireland’s smart home boom. Targeting those frustrated by expensive, complicated imports, they deliver customer-first innovation with real Irish support, selling out at launch shows. Awards include Best Pitch at West Cork Business Awards, finalist for Best Creative Marketing, and 2024 Home Improvement Innovation Company of the Year; media features span ThinkBusiness, Echo Live, AIBF Business Talk podcast, and IMAGE magazine.
JustTip delivers contactless tipping solutions for hospitality businesses, enabling seamless QR code, POS-integrated, and mobile tips that pool, transparently distribute weekly to staff bank accounts, and ensure compliance with Ireland’s Payment of Wages (Tips and Gratuities) Act 2022. Co-founded in 2021 by James Fahy (CEO) and Ciara Walsh (CMO)—young entrepreneurs spotting the post-COVID cashless tipping gap—JustTip serves 800+ venues across Ireland and UK including Pret a Manger and Insomnia, processing via TipFlex for table service and myPOS terminals. €2.1m funded (€1.1m latest from ComOp/Enterprise Ireland), the Dublin/Manchester fintech cuts employer admin from 6 hours/month to 5 minutes/week, achieving 300% YoY growth and winning 2024 Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards. With 15 staff, automatic tax-compliant payouts bypass employers entirely, empowering fair real-time gratuities amid legislative mandates.
James and Ciara advocate for hospitality workers from underrepresented groups like migrants and young career starters reliant on tips for income. Targeting frontline staff facing financial insecurity, JustTip ensures every gratuity flows transparently, directly to banks, boosting security while guaranteeing compliance. Awards include 2024 Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur overall winners (€10,000 prize), FS Challenger of the Year, Tech Excellence Best New Startup 2022, SFA National Small Business Awards finalist, Irish Times Innovation finalist, and Little Learners Young Entrepreneur of the Year; media spans ThinkBusiness, SiliconRepublic, and Engineers Ireland.
Founders: Hannah Wrixon, Caroline Dunlea and Gina London
Who Do They Advocate For: Women in Leadership
KELLA Leadership serves as an exclusive, invite-only network empowering senior female executives, C-suite leaders, founders, and board directors across Europe. Founded by Hannah Wrixon (CEO), Caroline Dunlea (Director), and Gina London (Co-Founder), it combats isolation at leadership’s pinnacle through high-impact gatherings like summits, masterclasses, and retreats. Launched amid Ireland’s gender equity push in business, KELLA fosters strategic connections, peer mentoring, and tools such as the KELLA Directory to amplify female-led ventures. Members manage multimillion-euro P&Ls, scale global teams, and advance DEI initiatives, with events featuring speakers like Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE and Niall Breslin. The proprietary platform connects accomplished executives to curated global peers and targeted education.
The teamadvocate for women in senior leadership, facing under-support, creating spaces for authentic exchange, clarity, and growth. Initiatives like FundHER and AMPLIFY groups reinvest in emerging trailblazers, cutting turnover by 25% via cohorts and boosting networks for business wins. Rooted in tech, communications, and entrepreneurship expertise, their vision drives systemic change, including board diversity and economic inclusion, with coverage in ThinkBusiness and Business Post on executive summits and London expansion plans.
Little Fitness delivers inclusive, educational fitness programmes to children in emergency accommodation, family hubs, and marginalised communities, helping them reach physical milestones through non-competitive fun activities that teach health, nutrition, and body awareness. Founded in 2020 by Sinéad Ryan—a 20-year fitness veteran inspired by homeless brothers attending her class—the Santry-based social enterprise scaled from 5 pilot programmes (60 kids) to 20+ annually serving 800 children by 2023. Partnering with Crosscare, Dublin City Council, and Social Entrepreneurs Ireland (Ideas Academy 2020, Action Lab 2023 graduate with seed funding), it uses themed games to build resilience, confidence, and social skills—backed by independent evaluation showing improved mood, wellbeing, and parenting outcomes.
Winner of Fingal Chamber Not-for-Profit Organisation of the Year 2023 (sponsored by AWS) and Dublin City Social Enterprise Award, it creates the ‘ripple effect’ of happier kids, parents, and staff.
Sinéad advocates for homeless and marginalised children’s right to joyful physical activity and social connection. Targeting those missing community sports due to instability, she fosters resilience and belonging through accessible classes combating isolation, with features in Dublin.ie, BuySocial, and Crosscare, highlighting community impact.
Founder: Petrina O’Halloran
Who Do They Advocate For: Female empowerment for breastfeeding mothers
Mama’s Boobie Box curates breastfeeding support gift boxes packed with essentials like nipple balm, breast pads, storage bags, milk collectors, and nursing pads—perfect for new mums facing early challenges. Founded in 2021 by Petrina O’Halloran—a former financial controller from Athenry now based in Tulla, Co Clare—the homegrown e-commerce venture stemmed from her own frustrating breastfeeding start with inadequate midwife advice post-first birth. After 15 years in finance, including Not On The High Street in London and remote Ireland roles, Petrina spotted the gap for practical, thoughtful gifts, consolidating must-haves that empower choice and confidence. The brand expanded internationally while maintaining Irish roots, shipping curated ‘essentials-in-one-box’ solutions that turn isolation into supported journeys.
Petrina advocates for breastfeeding mums receiving proper practical support from day one. Targeting new mothers navigating confusing early weeks without adequate tools or guidance, she creates accessible kits, ensuring they have everything needed to establish feeding successfully. Featured in Sunday Life Magazine, Irish Examiner, and Pregnancy & Baby Fair successes, the products earn strong reviews for real-world utility from mum-tested curation.