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.

The 2025 Mentors

Each finalist will be matched with an experienced entrepreneur who will mentor and guide them through the process of preparing for their Big Pitch.

Tom Brennan

Co-founder Eirgen Pharma

Siobhan Oates

CFO Klearcom

Barry Downes

Sure Valley Ventures

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.

Past Mentors

Liam Dunne

CEO and Co-Founder Klearcom

Louise Grubb

CEO and Founder TriviumVet

Edward Hendrick

Founder Sonru

Rory O'Connor

Scurri

Clare Hughes

CF Pharma

Patsy Carney

Eirgen

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

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