23 Start-ups and SMEs to Participate in 2025 Entrepreneur Experience in County Cork

Twenty-three Irish start-ups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) will gather this weekend in Ballymaloe, County Cork, for the 2025 edition of The Entrepreneur Experience, a program designed to accelerate growth and provide strategic guidance.

Launched in 2011, the annual event brings together promising new companies from diverse sectors including food, technology, and engineering. Participants will engage with seasoned business leaders and industry experts over two days, receiving advice on scaling ventures both domestically and internationally. This year’s cohort includes Wiistream, a sports technology company streamlining content ownership for federations, and Key2Biotics, a Cork-based biotech specializing in gut health supplement development. The event is particularly important as Ireland continues to foster a thriving start-up ecosystem.

Several companies highlighted demonstrate innovative approaches to established industries. Assiduous, a capital markets fintech company based at NovaUCD, is developing an AI-powered platform to democratize access to corporate finance advice for SMEs. Meanwhile, MCS Tech is digitizing revenue cycles for private hospitals, and Katana Healthcare is leveraging AI to reduce medication errors. As Enterprise Ireland notes, these types of innovations are crucial for maintaining Ireland’s competitive edge.

The Entrepreneur Experience is organized by AxisBIC, with support from Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Grant Thornton, Broadlake, MediaHQ, Quintas Capital, and media partner The Currency. “Our vision is to set the benchmark for scientific excellence and collaboration in probiotic innovation,” said Dr. Alison Winger, founder of Key2Biotics. Organizers confirmed that the event will conclude Saturday with a final review of business plans and a commitment to ongoing mentorship.