Ireland’s startup ecosystem enters 2026 with strong momentum. Founders across fintech, biotech, climate tech, AI, and medtech attract global capital and scale rapidly into international markets. Irish startups secured record investment in recent years, particularly in life sciences and fintech. Enterprise support programs, university spin-outs, and a highly skilled workforce continue to fuel this growth.

Here are ten Irish startups that command attention in 2026.

1. Tines

Industry: Cybersecurity / Automation
Founded: 2018
Headquarters: Dublin

Tines builds workflow automation tools for security and IT teams. Its no-code platform allows enterprises to automate incident response, compliance, and repetitive operational tasks without engineering bottlenecks.

In 2025, Tines raised over $270 million in funding and achieved a valuation above $1 billion. Major global enterprises rely on its automation engine to reduce security response times and eliminate manual processes.

In 2026, Tines continues aggressive global expansion, hires across product and sales, and strengthens AI-driven automation features. The company stands as one of Ireland’s most successful cybersecurity exports.

2. NomuPay

Industry: Fintech / Cross-Border Payments
Headquarters: Dublin

NomuPay simplifies global commerce through a unified payments infrastructure. Businesses integrate one API and access multiple local payment methods, currencies, and compliance systems across regions.

The company secured nearly €50 million in 2024 funding, marking one of Ireland’s largest fintech raises that year. NomuPay expanded into Asia and the Middle East, positioning itself as a serious global payments contender.

In 2026, the company focuses on scaling merchant acquisition and strengthening regulatory coverage across emerging markets.

3. CleverCards

Industry: Digital Payments / Corporate Benefits
Headquarters: Dublin

CleverCards delivers digital Mastercard-based payment solutions through SMS and messaging platforms. Employers, insurers, and government agencies distribute instant digital payments without physical cards.

The company onboarded over 10,000 businesses and hundreds of thousands of users worldwide. It raised fresh capital in 2024 to accelerate growth and product development.

In 2026, CleverCards expands further into employee benefits, insurance disbursements, and public sector payments, capitalizing on the global shift toward cashless systems.

4. Aerska

Industry: Biotech / RNA Therapeutics
Headquarters: Dublin

Aerska develops antibody-oligo conjugate technology to deliver RNA therapies across the blood-brain barrier. This innovation addresses neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

The startup raised over $20 million in seed funding to advance its research platform. Investors see strong potential in RNA interference technologies, especially for hard-to-treat brain disorders.

In 2026, Aerska advances preclinical studies and builds partnerships with larger pharmaceutical companies.

5. BioSimulytics

Industry: AI in Pharma
Headquarters: Dublin

BioSimulytics uses artificial intelligence to improve drug development processes. The platform predicts optimal crystalline drug forms and reduces costly late-stage failures.

Pharmaceutical companies seek faster, more predictable development pipelines, and BioSimulytics delivers computational tools that shorten timelines.

In 2026, the company expands commercial partnerships and integrates advanced AI modeling capabilities to strengthen its value proposition.

6. Ceroflo

Industry: Medtech / Neurovascular
Headquarters: Galway

Ceroflo designed the SubMax Stent to treat intracranial atherosclerotic disease, a leading cause of stroke. The device aims to improve patient outcomes with minimally invasive intervention.

The company secured multimillion-euro funding to conduct early clinical trials. Ireland’s strong medtech ecosystem in Galway supports Ceroflo’s development efforts.

In 2026, Ceroflo progresses through clinical milestones and engages strategic partners for broader market entry.

7. Anaula

Industry: Climate Tech / Circular Bioeconomy
Headquarters: Dublin

Anaula installs photobioreactors that convert industrial CO₂ emissions into microalgae. This approach reduces carbon output while generating valuable bio-products.

Distilleries and manufacturing plants seek carbon reduction solutions, and Anaula provides a commercially viable pathway.

In 2026, the startup scales pilot projects into full commercial deployments as climate regulations tighten across Europe.

8. AquaB Nanobubble Innovations

Industry: Cleantech / Industrial Technology
Headquarters: Dublin

AquaB develops nanobubble technology for water treatment and industrial efficiency. Its systems improve oxygen transfer and reduce chemical usage in industrial processes.

The company deployed technology in international energy facilities and secured European innovation backing.

In 2026, AquaB accelerates commercialization and expands into additional industrial markets.

9. Hiiker

Industry: Outdoor Tech / Consumer App
Headquarters: Dublin

Hiiker operates a trail discovery and navigation app for hiking enthusiasts. The platform offers verified trails, offline maps, and route planning tools.

The app serves over 600,000 users globally and continues to grow through subscription upgrades.

In 2026, Hiiker strengthens community features and expands premium offerings, targeting North American and European outdoor markets.

10. Assiduous

Industry: Fintech / AI Advisory
Headquarters: Dublin

Assiduous provides AI-powered corporate finance automation for SMEs. The platform helps founders prepare for funding rounds, valuations, and strategic exits.

The company raised early-stage funding to scale product development.

In 2026, Assiduous enhances predictive analytics tools and expands partnerships with advisory firms.

Key Trends Driving Irish Startups in 2026

1. Record Life Sciences Investment

Irish health and biotech startups attracted record venture capital in recent years. Investors prioritize RNA therapeutics, AI-driven drug discovery, and medical devices.

2. Fintech Globalization

Irish fintech companies scale beyond Europe and target Asia and the Middle East. Cross-border commerce fuels demand for unified payment systems.

3. AI Across Industries

Startups embed artificial intelligence into cybersecurity, finance, pharma, and automation platforms. Founders focus on practical enterprise applications rather than experimental tools.

4. Climate Tech Commercialization

Climate startups move from pilot programs to industrial-scale deployments as corporations pursue decarbonization targets.

Final Outlook

Ireland positions itself as one of Europe’s most dynamic startup hubs in 2026. Strong university research, government support, global market access, and ambitious founders drive this momentum.

These ten startups demonstrate Ireland’s ability to build globally competitive companies across deep tech, fintech, biotech, and climate innovation. Investors and industry leaders will watch Dublin, Galway, and other innovation clusters closely as the next wave of Irish success stories unfolds.

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