The Interceltic Startup Challenge 2025 is here!
If you’re a high-potential startup from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Brittany, the Isle of Man, or Cornwall, this is your chance to expand internationally and connect with the powerful Celtic business network.
We’re selecting one standout startup from each region to join an exclusive international growth program—culminating in a showcase at the Interceltic Business Forum in Lorient, France on August 4th!
🏆 All five winning startups will receive:
✅ Fully funded travel to Brittany, France to present at the Interceltic Business Forum
✅ Soft landing support in another Celtic market to help expand your business
✅ IP & legal advice to protect and grow your innovations (5000 pounds of intellical funding)
✅ Free office space in a leading innovation hub
✅ Expert consulting on scaling internationally
✅ Investment readiness coaching – master your pitch and meet potential investors
✅ Branding & marketing strategy – refine your messaging and visibility
✅ Exclusive media exposure – be featured in top business & startup publications
✅ Curated introductions to industry leaders, investors, and key partners
✅ Tech & business tools – free software and cloud services to supercharge your growth
✅ International connections – direct access to an international business network
✅ Pilot project opportunities – connect with major companies for real-world testing
✅ Free access to shipshape.vc’s search engine (Dictionary of 25,000 VC’s & Angels)
✅ Free international expansion and soft landing in Scotland session
✅ A free ‘stress-test’ on existing R&D tax claims
✅ Private seminar - understand the mechanics of the R&D tax relief schemes in the UK
✅ 10% discount on R&D tax preparation fees in UK
✅ Access to one of 390 hubs across Ireland within Connected Hubs Network
✅ Mentorship to build pipeline opportunities in Ireland
We’re looking for ambitious, scalable startups making an impact in sectors such as:
🔹 Tech & AI
🔹 Sustainability & Green Innovation
🔹 Creative Industries
🔹 Fintech
🔹 Manufacturing & Trade
🔹 Sea tech
🔹 Ag tech
🔹 Life Sciences, MedTech, & Connected Health
Applications open April 25th at the Interceltic Business Forum in Cornwall.
Five winners—one from each Celtic region—will be announced in June and invited to Lorient, France, on August 4th to showcase their startup, connect with investors, and build new partnerships.
🌍 Ready to scale your startup across the Celtic nations?
Each Celtic region will have its own jury made up of investors, business leaders, and startup ecosystem representatives. They will evaluate applications from their respective regions based on:
✔ Innovation – What makes this business unique?
✔ Market Potential – Can the startup expand internationally?
✔ Scalability – Is there a clear path for revenue & growth?
Each region’s jury will select one winning startup, meaning five regional winners will be chosen.
The five regional winners will be flown to Lorient, France, to present their businesses at the Interceltic Business Forum. There, a grand jury made up of investors, industry leaders, and economic development experts will assess their entries and select the overall winner. (This will be decided before Aug 4th)
All five startups receive full support, but one will be named the Interceltic Startup Champion 2025.
🏆 Flight & accommodation in Lorient, France
🎤 Speaking opportunity at the Interceltic Business Forum
🚀 Soft landing support in another Celtic region
💼 Free IP advice, office space, and consulting on scaling internationally
🤝 Access to investors & business mentors
Are you ready to take your startup to the next level? 🚀
Applications open April 25th!
