Interceltic Startup Challenge 2025 Builds Momentum Across Celtic Nations

The Interceltic Startup Challenge 2025 is now well underway, inviting high-potential startups from across the Celtic nations—Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, and Cornwall — to compete for a place in an exclusive international growth program culminating at the Interceltic Business Forum in Lorient, France, on August 4th, 2025.

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This pioneering challenge aims to foster deeper economic and innovation ties across Celtic regions by spotlighting ambitious, scalable startups in tech, green innovation, sea tech, creative industries, fintech, life sciences, and more. One standout startup from each region will be selected to participate in a cross-border acceleration program and receive tailored support to expand internationally.

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What’s at stake for the selected startups?

• Fully funded travel to Brittany to present at the Interceltic Business Forum
• Soft landing support in another Celtic market
• Legal and IP advice to support innovation and market entry
• Branding, marketing, and investment readiness coaching
• Free workspace at leading innovation hubs
• Curated investor introductions and international networking
• Exposure in major media and access to pilot opportunities

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Charles Kergaravat, founder of the Interceltic Business Forum, added:

“This isn’t just about startups—it’s about shaping the future of the Celtic nations together. The Interceltic Startup Challenge is uniting regions through innovation, and creating a cross-border economic engine grounded in culture, creativity, and trust.”

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The challenge officially launched on April 25th in Cornwall. Applications are open until June 21, with one winning startup selected from each region. Finalists will gather in Lorient this August to showcase their companies, meet investors, and explore new international partnerships.

For more information or to apply, visit here

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What they are saying about the Interceltic Startup Challenge

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‍Pascal Le Liboux, Vice-President, Lorient Agglomération

“Hosting the final of the Interceltic Startup Challenge in Lorient this summer confirms our role as a hub for Celtic innovation. It’s a key moment to showcase entrepreneurship and strengthen collaboration between our regions.”

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Allan Mulrooney, CEO of the Western Development Commission, commented:

“This Challenge reflects a broader ambition to connect the West of Ireland with likeminded regions internationally. Our forthcoming strategy sets out a clear direction—partnering with those in Ireland and abroad to support the growth of our region. By backing shared innovation and identity, this initiative offers startups a unique platform to build globally from a strong local base.”

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Russell Dalgleish, Founder, Scottish Business Network, shared:

“Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem thrives on connection, ambition, and international outlook—all values at the heart of the Interceltic Startup Challenge. This initiative gives our startups the chance to scale across Celtic borders and into global markets through a trusted, collaborative network.”

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Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO, Údarás na Gaeltachta, added:

“The Interceltic Startup Challenge is a powerful expression of what Celtic collaboration can achieve. For startups in Gaeltacht regions and beyond, it provides a unique platform to innovate, connect internationally, and celebrate our shared cultural identity while building globally competitive businesses.”

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Mark John, Founder, founder of Tramshed Tech, commented:

“Wales is brimming with innovative startups ready to make their mark internationally. The Interceltic Startup Challenge gives our founders a direct route to new markets, while celebrating the strength of Celtic creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.”

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