For ten years, the Interceltic Business Forum has brought together leaders from across the Celtic nations to exchange ideas, build partnerships and strengthen economic ties. This milestone edition in Lorient came at a time when global uncertainty, rapid technological change and geopolitical tensions are reshaping how regions think about their future.

One message emerged throughout the day: the challenges facing Brittany, Ireland, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Scotland and Wales are remarkably similar. More importantly, so are many of the solutions.

During his opening remarks, Forum founder Charles Kergaravat reflected on today's geopolitical environment.

"Geopolitics right now feels like everyone is on their own. What we're trying to do at this Forum is exactly the opposite. We bring people together to share solutions because, as Celtic nations, we can build those solutions together."

That philosophy has guided the Forum since its creation.

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Collaboration in an increasingly fragmented world

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Opening the forum, speakers reflected on a changing international landscape. While much of today's geopolitical conversation focuses on competition, protectionism and division, the Forum offered a different vision.

Rather than asking how regions can compete against one another, the discussion focused on how they can collaborate to become stronger together.

That philosophy has been at the heart of the Interceltic Business Forum since its creation ten years ago. What began as an opportunity to connect Celtic business communities has evolved into a platform where governments, entrepreneurs, universities and economic development agencies work together on shared opportunities.

Welcoming delegates from across Brittany, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man and Louisiana, Philippe Rouault, President of CCI Morbihan, reflected on what the Celtic nations have always shared: a spirit of openness, resilience and innovation.

"Our identity is never an obstacle to development. On the contrary, it is a powerful source of distinction and attractiveness."

AI belongs in every region

Artificial intelligence was one of the dominant themes throughout the programme.

But unlike many AI conferences, the conversation wasn't centred on Silicon Valley or global technology giants.

Instead, speakers asked a different question:

How can AI strengthen regional economies?

Opening the morning discussions, Ireland's Minister of State Frank Feighan highlighted AI's transformative potential across industry, healthcare, agriculture and public services, while stressing that innovation must remain centred on people.

Later, Allan Mulrooney, CEO of the Western Development Commission, demonstrated how the West of Ireland is helping SMEs embrace AI through Connected Hubs, broadband investment and digital skills programmes.

The discussion also explored opportunities to collaborate across Celtic nations—not only around business adoption, but also around education and even preserving Celtic languages through AI technologies.

The message was clear.

AI is no longer reserved for major capitals.

It is becoming a competitive opportunity for every region prepared to embrace it.

Small nations thinking globally

Few speakers captured the spirit of the Forum better than Leigh Frost, Leader of Cornwall Council.

Just days after Cornwall approved its first international strategy, Leigh explained why regional ambition and cultural identity are inseparable.

"Our shared identity can also become the platform for economic cooperation, research, education, innovation and investment. Culture opens the door. Partnership creates the opportunity."

His keynote reflected a broader trend visible throughout the day.

Across Cornwall, Brittany, the Isle of Man, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, regions are increasingly looking beyond national borders to build international partnerships while remaining deeply rooted in their own identity.

Rather than seeing culture simply as heritage, speakers presented it as a catalyst for economic development.

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Celebrating Celtic innovation

Innovation was also on display through the Interceltic Startup Challenge, which brought together six regional champions:

• SailToo (Brittany)
• Dimply (Ireland)
• weeteq (Scotland)
• Memory Lane Games (Isle of Man)
• Voxmar (Cornwall)
• emwillcare (Wales)

From fintech and semiconductor technology to dementia care, maritime communications and community platforms, the startups demonstrated both the diversity and ambition of innovation emerging across the Celtic nations.

The audience also heard from previous winners Engineer a Career and Fendsea, whose growth since taking part in the Challenge illustrated the long-term impact of cross-border connections.

Small regions can innovate faster

The Isle of Man session offered another compelling perspective.

Rather than seeing its size as a limitation, the island has made it a competitive advantage.

Representatives from Business Isle of Man and participants in the Isle of Man Innovation Challenge explained how close collaboration between government, entrepreneurs and investors allows ideas to move quickly from concept to implementation.

For startups, that means faster access to decision-makers, stronger mentoring networks and an ecosystem where collaboration happens naturally.

It was a reminder that innovation does not depend on population size.

It depends on connected ecosystems.

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Looking to the next decade

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The Forum concluded much as it began—with optimism.

Over ten years, the Interceltic Business Forum has grown from an ambitious idea into a recognised platform connecting entrepreneurs, governments, investors and innovators across the Celtic world.

Its mission, however, remains unchanged.

To create meaningful connections.

To share ideas.

To encourage collaboration.

Because if one lesson emerged from this year's discussions, it was this:

The future of the Celtic nations will not be built in isolation.

It will be built together.

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