Discover the official program for the Interceltic Business Forum 2025, returning to Lorient on August 4. Explore sessions on Celtic innovation, energy, AI, entrepreneurship, and cultural connection—uniting leaders from across the Celtic world.
The Interceltic Business Forum will return to Lorient on August 4, 2025, bringing together business leaders, innovators, government officials, and entrepreneurs from across the Celtic world for a day of high-level exchange and strategic networking.
More than just a conference, the Interceltic Business Forum is a Celtic nations–focused economic summit, uniquely blending cultural identity with business development. It provides an ideal platform for building cross-border partnerships, exploring innovation, and tapping into a strong, values-driven Celtic business community.
“When the Celtic regions come together, it’s not just about sharing a past — it’s about building a common future. One that is more connected, more creative, and more ambitious. The Interceltic Business Forum in Lorient marks the starting point of that vision.”
— Charles Kergaravat, Founder, Interceltic Business Forum
This year’s agenda spans the frontiers of energy, digital creativity, space exploration, and regional entrepreneurship. Featured sessions and speakers include:
Perran Moon, Member of Parliament, United Kingdom
Cornwall’s newly elected MP delivers a bold vision for regional economic strength, cultural confidence, and global Celtic opportunity.
Antoine Bocquier, Senior Space Systems Engineer
A Breton native working on Europe’s first lunar rover, Bocquier offers rare insight into the mission’s goals—and how space innovation connects back to Brittany.
A showcase of Lorient’s embedded intelligence and smart industry ecosystem—featuring digital solutions in defense, manufacturing, and engineering.
Pádraig Slyne, Head of Public Affairs, EirGrid
A timely update on Ireland’s offshore energy strategy, the Celtic Interconnector with Brittany, and broader interconnection efforts involving Wales and Scotland.
A cross-disciplinary discussion on AI’s role in Celtic languages, storytelling, and artistic innovation.
A cultural and economic conversation on how shared identity and values fuel collaboration, community, and sustainable growth across Celtic regions.
A spotlight on Manx innovation highlighting government–industry partnerships and emerging sectors.
📍 Location: CCI du Morbihan, 21 quai des Indes, Lorient, France
9:00 AM – Doors Open & Coffee
9:30 AM – Welcome Remarks:
Fabrice Loher, President, Lorient Agglomation
Philippe Rouault, President, CCI Morbihan
Jean Pierre Kihl, President, Festival Interceltique de Lorient
9:55 AM – Roundtable: Lorient Intelligence Embarquée
10:20 AM – Charles Kergaravat, Interceltic Business Forum
Time to unleash the Cornish Celtic Tiger
Perran Moon, Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom
10:35 AM – From Brittany to the Moon
Antoine Bocquier, Senior Space System Engineer
11:00 AM – Break & Networking
11:25 AM – Energy: Connecting the Celtic Regions
Pádraig Slyne, Head of Public Affairs of Eirgrid
11:45 AM – Innovation from the Isle of Man
Moderated by Kirree Gooberman,
Chris Kissack, Acclaim Limited
Brendon Kenny, Ellanstone Ltd
Tim Sayer, Isle of Man Creamery
Chris Lee, Own Group
12:15 PM – Lunch
1:15 PM – Interceltic Connections: Why They Matter
Patrick Torrekens, Enterprise Ireland
John O’Loughlin, Welsh Government
Russell Dalgleish, Scottish Business Network
Celine Jones, Capital Law
1:35 PM – AI & Creativity:
Rónán Mac Con Iomaire, Údarás na Gaeltachta
Jean-Marie Ollivier, Dizale
Abby Reka, University of Galway
1:55 PM – Interceltic Startup Challenge – Regional Champs
2:30 PM – Roundtable: Maritime Energy Transition
3:00 PM – Celtic Roulette: 6 Startup Finalists
3:45 PM – Networking & Coffee Break
4:15 PM – The Business of Tourism in Louisiana
Ben Berthelot - President & CEO - Lafayette Travel
Kevin Naquin, member of the Lafayette Parish Council
Sami Parbhoo, International Trade and Culture Manager, Le Centre International de Lafayette
4:35 PM – Emily Cintora, U.S. Consul for Western France
5:00 PM – Startup Challenge Winner Announcement
5:15 PM – Closing Remarks & Cocktail
Join us this August in Lorient for a day of insight, momentum, and Celtic collaboration unlike any other.
🔗 Register here
📅 Date: Monday, August 4, 2025
📍 Venue: CCI du Morbihan, Lorient, France
The 2025 Interceltic Business Forum brought Celtic innovators to Lorient for a high-energy day of ideas, connection, and cross-border collaboration.
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Tim Sayers of Isle of Man Creamery shares how the co-operative evolved from local milk to global exports, the advantages of being island-based, and why he’s attending his first Interceltic Business Forum in Lorient.
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John O’Loughlin, Head of Trade and Investment for the Welsh Government in Ireland, shares insights on Wales' sector strengths, diaspora engagement, and why events like Interceltic Business Forum are vital for trade and innovation.
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Kirree Gooberman, Head of Business Development at Business Isle of Man, shares how the Island is building a future-ready economy rooted in innovation, sustainability, and cross-Celtic collaboration.
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