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

Forum Program Highlights

This year’s agenda spans the frontiers of energy, digital creativity, space exploration, and regional entrepreneurship. Featured sessions and speakers include:

🐯 Time to Unleash the Cornish Celtic Tiger

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.

🌕 From Brittany to the Moon

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.

🧠 Roundtable: Lorient Intelligence Embarquée

A showcase of Lorient’s embedded intelligence and smart industry ecosystem—featuring digital solutions in defense, manufacturing, and engineering.

⚡ Energy – Connecting the Celtic Regions

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.

🎨 AI & Creativity: How Can AI Augment the Creative Process?

A cross-disciplinary discussion on AI’s role in Celtic languages, storytelling, and artistic innovation.

🌍 Interceltic Connections: Why They Matter

A cultural and economic conversation on how shared identity and values fuel collaboration, community, and sustainable growth across Celtic regions.

💡 Innovation from the Isle of Man

A spotlight on Manx innovation highlighting government–industry partnerships and emerging sectors.

Full Program – August 4, 2025

📍 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

  • SQR – Shelley Langan-Newton
  • Alkimii – Ronan McAuley
  • Engineer a Career – Josh Robertson
  • Cavefish AI – Jonathan Prescott
  • Hertzian – Christopher Weavill
  • Fendsea – Guillaume Labrot

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

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