The Big Pitch 2026
About this Event
Four founders. One stage. €7,500 on the line.
The Big Pitch is back for its sixth year, and the 2026 Final is shaping up to be the biggest yet. On Thursday 12th November, four of Ireland's most ambitious early-stage founders will take the stage at the House of Waterford to pitch for €7,500 in prize money, in front of a live audience and an expert judging panel.
Every finalist gets four minutes to make their case, then four minutes of Q&A from the judges.
A proven launchpad
The Big Pitch has a track record. Past finalists have gone on to raise more than €12.6 million. Come to the Final and you could be watching the start of the next big startup.
Meet the Finalists
⚡ | Maximo partners with banks and life companies so their members can use their pension allowance and claim back their tax refund easily.
⚡ Dr Dean Minnock | is developing a metabolic digital twin platform that combines data from medical devices, wearables and other health sources to create personalised, clinically meaningful insights.
⚡ | Imbas, from , lets businesses use AI safely at work. It runs inside the company’s own systems, so their data never leaves the building, and it works with any AI provider.
⚡ | Sophei from , is an AI agent that works as an online brand’s head of customer retention, creating a personalised experience for each customer.
Mentored by founders who've done it
What sets The Big Pitch apart is what happens before anyone reaches the stage. Each finalist is paired one-to-one with a seasoned entrepreneur who works with them in the weeks leading up to the Final, sharpening the pitch and pressure-testing the story until it's ready. This year's mentors are:
- John O'Connor: entrepreneur, investor and chairman, who took his own startup public on the Nasdaq and now chairs or co-founds businesses including Kollect, Cleaning Doctor and Fettle.
- Susan O'Neill: CEO and co-founder of Paygentic, the monetisation platform for AI products, and a member of the Fintech Ireland Advisory Council.
- Alan Quinlan: serial co-founder across fintech, medtech and consultancy, co-founder of Dimply, Head of AI & Digital Innovation at Irish Life, and a founder who has raised more than €20m across his businesses.
- Brema Drohan: County Waterford native who spent 30+ years with Nestlé, developing and leading the Nespresso business across multiple European markets, and now works with start-up incubators in Brandenburg, Germany.
While the judges deliberate, the mentors will sit down for a fireside conversation, sharing candid insights on building, funding and scaling a business in Ireland today.
The Little Pitch: you get a vote
The founders on the main stage aren't the only ones worth watching. During The Little Pitch, four early-stage founders get a lightning round to win the room. Then it's over to you: the audience votes live to crown The One to Watch.
Who should come?
- Early-stage founders: see what a winning pitch looks like up close, pick up practical lessons from founders who've done it, and meet the people who can help you take the next step.
- Investors: get an early look at some of the most promising new companies in Ireland, which have already been pressure-tested by experienced mentors.
- Startup Ecosystem: join the founders, funders, support agencies and business leaders who make up Ireland's startup community, all in one room for one morning.
It's a fast-paced, inspiring morning full of big ideas, sharp questions and good connections. Seats are limited, so book your place today.
📅 Thursday 12th November 2026, join us from 9.30am for coffee with the event starting at 10am sharp.
📍 House of Waterford, The Mall, Waterford City
The Big Pitch is run by Propelor, with thanks to our sponsors and partners Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
EUR 0.00
