Enterprise Ireland names five finalists for 2026 HPSU Founder of the Year Award

Enterprise Ireland has announced the five finalists for the 2026 High Potential Start‑up (HPSU) Founder of the Year Awards, with the winner to be revealed at a ceremony on 15 October at the Salesforce Tower in Dublin.

The shortlist was drawn from 38 eligible start‑ups and includes leaders from a range of sectors such as med‑tech, confectionery, software, AI and cannabinoid pharmaceuticals.

Breda O’Regan, co‑founder and CEO of Lia EyeCare, is recognised for the Nightleaf wearable that supports eye recovery during sleep. Mark Birrane, CEO and founder of Wondr, a low‑sugar, high‑protein jelly sweet brand, also makes the list, with the product already sold in Ireland, the UK and wider Europe and plans to expand to the US.

Robert Norton, co‑founder and CTO of Kaptea, the developer of the Pronto workflow and AI platform, is another finalist. MedWrite AI’s CEO Seán Kirwan is highlighted for software that automates tasks for healthcare professionals, having raised over €1 million to date.

Leah Fletcher, founder and CEO of Dunbar Pharma, Ireland’s first EU GMP‑certified cannabinoid pharmaceutical manufacturer, completes the shortlist. She has secured major funding, obtained pioneering licences and launched a plant‑derived dronabinol API.

The HPSU Founders Forum, now in its 11th year and delivered with Select Strategies, has seen over 500 founders participate across digital technologies, medical devices, fintech, food, engineering and construction.

Source: Silicon Republic. Photo: RDNE Stock project / Pexels.