Waterford business in running for major national award

The finalists for this year's EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Ireland competition have been announced with a Waterford based company in the running.

Thirty-one entrepreneurs, representing 24 companies from across the entire island were selected for the final.

They include Waterford company, Eastgate Engineering, which is an international construction and engineering business specialising in the delivery of high-risk infrastructure projects.

A spokesperson for the competition organisers said this year's finalists represent a diverse range of sectors, including consumer, technology, health and construction, as well as varied growth stages and entrepreneurial stories that reflect the continued strength and resilience of Ireland’s entrepreneurship landscape. 

"Collectively they employ more than 3,000 people, generate revenues of close to €1 billion," said the spokesperson.

The finalists have been shortlisted across three categories: Emerging; Established and International.

Each category features eight entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional vision, leadership and impact within their industries and communities. 

"Over the coming months, the 24 finalists will participate in the CEO Retreat, which this year takes place in Canada, designed to support strategic thinking and shared learning opportunities," noted the spokesperson.

They will engage in executive education, mentoring and networking with the EOY alumni community.

Celebrating 29 years of entrepreneurship. the 2026 programme marks the 29th year of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year in Ireland. 

Since its inception, the programme has recognised and supported more than 680 entrepreneurs, creating a powerful all-island community known for its collaboration and peer-to-peer learning.

The spokesperson said this year's programme shines a light on the people driving Ireland’s innovation and growth at a time of heightened geopolitical instability and economic vulnerability. 

"Across the world, businesses are navigating rapid change, supply chain disruption and shifting global markets, making the role of entrepreneurs more important than ever," she said.

"The 2026 cohort reflects the individuals who continue to create opportunity, build resilience and shape the future despite these challenges," she added.

Roger Wallace, Head of Assurance & EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Ireland, commented: “Entrepreneurship in 2026 looks very different to even a few years ago. We are operating in a world shaped by geopolitical instability, rapid advances in AI and a level of economic uncertainty that demands creativity as much as resilience. Our finalists this year have not only adapted to this environment, but are shaping it."

"The 2026 cohort brings together entrepreneurs who are rethinking the possibilities of technology, from building standout consumer brands and advancing health and life‑sciences innovation, to delivering smarter construction and infrastructure solutions and creating entirely new business models from the ground up," he said.

"They are creating jobs, solving complex challenges and opening doors to opportunities that did not exist before," he added.

“The ingenuity and ambition we see across these 24 finalists reminds us why backing entrepreneurs matters now more than ever. They push boundaries, they take risks and they create the conditions for Ireland to thrive in a volatile world. I am genuinely excited to welcome them into the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year community and to support their journeys in the months ahead.”