Strengthening Celtic Ties: Wales-Ireland Tech Delegation Sparks Cross-Border Innovation

The recent Interceltic Business Forum in Lorient didn’t just foster connections—it ignited action.

Inspired by the meetings and discussions at the forum, a Welsh Government delegation has already traveled to Ireland, following through on ideas sparked in Lorient. The visit solidified plans to explore meaningful cross-border partnerships, with Welsh and Irish tech communities aiming to deepen their collaborations and fuel joint innovation. Just a few weeks after the forum, the trip shows the tangible outcomes of Celtic networking, setting the stage for long-term cooperation across the tech sectors in Wales and Ireland.

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Why the Trip?

The Welsh Government had initially sent a delegation to the Interceltic Business Forum to forge relationships with Celtic business leaders, and promising discussions emerged with several Irish companies. With a strong interest in expanding collaborations in Ireland, Welsh companies found it was the perfect time to deepen these connections through a follow-up visit.

The delegation was not only backed by the Welsh Government’s Trade and Investment team but also driven by an eagerness among companies to harness the synergies discussed in Lorient. The delegation included John O'Loughlin, Head of Trade & Investment for Welsh Gov't in Ireland; Mark John Co-Founder of Tramshed Tech; Eamon Tuhami, Founder of Hwyl; and Daniel Sawko, Founder of shipshape.vc.

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Key Connections and Insights

The Welsh delegation was welcomed by some of Ireland's leading tech players, creating valuable opportunities to exchange insights and explore each other's markets. Andrea Reynolds from Swoop and representatives from PwC hosted sessions on market entry strategies, giving the Welsh attendees a comprehensive look into the Irish tech ecosystem. A highlight of the visit was an inspiring day spent in Galway, where Platform94 hosted the group, showcasing the thriving tech scene that has earned the city a reputation as one of Europe’s premier tech hubs.

Marie Donnellan, CEO of Platform94, reflected on the significance of this collaboration:

“The connections made during the recent Interceltic Business Forum have already proven very valuable, with a Welsh delegation visiting Platform94 to explore collaboration opportunities between our region and Wales. This visit led to meaningful discussions with a number of our scaling businesses, paving the way for exciting cross-border innovation and growth.”

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Next Steps in the Celtic Partnership

The trip concluded with several potential partnerships now on the horizon, including collaborations between shipshape.vc, Platform94, Future Mobility Centre Ireland, Dogpatch Labs, Enterprise Ireland, Allied Irish Bank, and Bank of Ireland. These partnerships are set to support early-stage technology companies in Ireland by linking them with global investors and national service providers.

Welsh companies are now working on a "cheat sheet" to simplify the expansion process between the two countries, especially for the Fintech and Insurtech sectors—a promising tool emerging from a roundtable led by Fintech Wales and Insurtech Ireland.

The Welsh Government mission was successfully coordinated through the Dublin office, with John O’Loughlin, Head of Trade and Investment for the Welsh Government in Ireland, guiding the effort. His leadership and the delegation’s shared ambition are fostering a Celtic network focused on mutual growth, paving the way for ongoing collaboration and economic innovation across borders.

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The Value of Interceltic Business Connections

The Interceltic Business Forum's success in fostering collaboration between Wales, Ireland, and other Celtic nations highlights the power of bringing together shared cultures and goals.

As a result of the connections made in Lorient, Welsh and Irish companies are already embarking on a shared journey toward expanded opportunities, demonstrating that the Celtic spirit of innovation and resilience is alive and well in the business community.

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