What is The Big Pitch?
What is
The Big Pitch?
The Big Pitch is our marquee event where three up-and-coming startups step into the spotlight for a cash prize, each paired with an experienced entrepreneur who mentors them from first draft to final pitch. This year’s event will take place in the Theatre Royal, Waterford on Tuesday 4th November.
Who Can Apply?
Innovative Startups or ScaleUps with global ambition
Businesses must be less than 5 years old
Individuals, Sole Traders, Partnerships or Companies
Businesses throughout the Republic of Ireland are welcome to apply
2025 Finalists
Three finalists will each pitch to a panel of judges for the chance to be crowned The Big Pitch Winner 2025 and take home €7,500 cash prize.
Seán Boyle
Setting a new standard for sustainability in marketing, ensuring advertised claims are responsible, compliant, and trusted.
Mark Dunne
Replacing slow, manual technical due diligence with an AI-powered platform that provides predictive financial insights in hours, transforming technology investments from a gamble to a guarantee.
Felix Oster
Crafting Europe’s fruitiest jams, made with 85% real fruit and 70% less sugar, where intense fruit flavour meets healthier eating.
2025 Little Pitchers
Alongside the three finalists, four early-stage founders will deliver lightning pitches at the Theatre Royal, Waterford on Tuesday, 4th November, with the audience voting live to crown The One to Watch.
Shane Doherty
Blending actuarial precision with AI to redefine hotel performance. Huwmo’s intelligent platform helps hotels optimise pricing, fill empty rooms, and deliver hyper-personalised guest experiences.
Sarah Hayes
A revolutionary sports technology platform transforming competitive swimming. FastWave® removes administrative burdens, empowering coaches and clubs to focus on developing champions — in and out of the pool.
Norma Carty
A proven entrepreneur bringing AI to agriculture. FarmBiddy tackles the admin and compliance challenges faced by farmers, delivering scalable, practical tech for the future of agri-business.
Previous winners have raised €12.6 in pre-seed funding
in pre-seed funding
Previous winners have raised €
0
million
2020
Allen O’Neill
2021
Phily Hayes
2022
David Ganly
2023
John Barron
2024
Kevin Barrett
With Thanks
To Our Sponsors