Deadline: September 25, 2025
The National Startup Awards 2025 has opened applications for Irish startups to compete for recognition and networking opportunities.
The awards feature ten distinct categories including AI Focused Startup, The Pitch, Early Stage Startup, eCommerce & Retail Startup, Emerge-Tech Startup, Fintech Startup, Food and Drink Startup, Medtech Startup, Product and Manufacturing Startup, Social/Sustainable Startup, and Tech Startup. Special awards include the Grand Prix Winner for Startup of the Year and the Startup Hero recognition.
Organizations must be five years old or less by October 30th, 2025 to qualify for entry. Companies can enter up to three categories per organization without requiring membership with any particular financial institution.
The judging process involves regional shortlisting followed by national shortlisting. National shortlisted entrants will pitch their businesses live to the national judging panel in Dublin during November 2025. All categories are evaluated based on innovation, business model, customer value proposition, scalability and market reach, and social impact.
The AI Focused Startup category recognizes businesses with customer propositions focused on AI or those using AI significantly in product or service delivery. The Pitch category seeks six startups to deliver five-minute live presentations at the awards ceremony, requiring entries of 400 words or less.
Early Stage Startups must be under two years old from incorporation date and demonstrate outstanding potential for future growth. The eCommerce & Retail category showcases excellence in online business transactions and digital commerce strategies.
Emerge-Tech encompasses AI, information technology, wireless data communication, biotechnologies, and advanced robotics. The Fintech category focuses on disruptive solutions in financial services including payments, blockchain, and lending platforms.
Food and Drink startups represent Ireland’s significant economic sector with innovation across all food and beverage products. Medtech recognizes advances in medical technology from basic medical supplies to advanced diagnostic equipment.
Product and Manufacturing celebrates creative minds producing tangible products across various industries. The Social/Sustainable category honors startups with direct sustainability focus or sustainability embedded in their processes.
The Tech Startup category seeks fast-growing digital companies disrupting the technology industry with innovation, impressive founders, and significant market potential.
Winners receive Startup Awards Winners Trophies at the ceremony scheduled for November 20th, 2025 at Dublin’s City Hall. The awards offer benefits including impressing potential investors, gaining peer recognition, networking opportunities, raising national and international profiles, boosting client loyalty, attracting employees, and increasing business growth.
Key dates include entries closing September 25th, 2025, regional shortlist announcement October 15th, national shortlist October 21st, live judging November 4th and 5th at McCann Fitzgerald Offices Dublin, and the awards ceremony November 20th, 2025.
For more information, visit National Startup Awards.
