National Startup Awards position Ireland as a premier location for starting and scaling businesses.
Hexis, a Dublin-based nutrition technology company, claimed the Grand Prix at the 2025 National Startup Awards held in City Hall, Dublin, on November 20.
The fast-growing firm, founded by Dr David Dunne and backed by Enterprise Ireland, also secured gold in the Tech category. Hexis is expanding internationally with operations in the UK and US.
“The awards have become a leading platform for early-stage businesses to gain national and international exposure”
The awards, now in their 15th year, were presented by Gary Fox, host of the Entrepreneur Experiment podcast, on behalf of the judging panel. The event was supported by Enterprise Ireland, Microfinance Ireland, McCann Fitzgerald LLP, Dublin City Council, Cronin and Co, StartupAccountant.ie and Furthr.
Special guest Alan Dillon TD, Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail, highlighted the role of entrepreneurship in Ireland’s economy. “Startups are vital to innovation and job creation. They shape the future of Irish business,” he said.
Live pitch competition
Ten categories were announced alongside a live pitch competition. Other gold winners included HAON Life Sciences in Emerge Tech, Mór Taste in Food and Drink, Tap Retail in eCommerce and Retail, and Silicate Carbon in Social or Sustainable Startup. The AI Startup category went to Glitch.
Stephen Dillon, founder of the National Startup Awards, said: “We are proud to celebrate this year’s winners. The awards have become a leading platform for early-stage businesses to gain national and international exposure. Congratulations to Hexis and all those shortlisted.”
Gary Fox added: “The standard improves every year. Hexis is a world-class winner and reflects the strength of Ireland’s startup ecosystem.”
Conor O’Donovan, manager of Enterprise Ireland’s Startup Unit, commented: “Enterprise Ireland is delighted to partner with the National Startup Awards. Our priority is to position Ireland as a premier location for starting and scaling businesses. These awards showcase the energy and innovation driving our startup sector.”
2025 National Startup Awards Winners by Category
CATEGORY ONE– Early Stage Startup
Sponsored by Microfinance Ireland
Bronze : Recruitpro
Silver : Key2Biotics
Gold : Umoja linn
CATEGORY TWO -Emerge Tech Startup
Sponsored by McCann Fitzgerald LLP
Bronze : Biovit Technologies
Silver : Marama Labs
Gold : HAON Life Sciences
CATEGORY THREE – Fintech Startup
Bronze : Digitax Limited
Silver : Bionua
Gold : Foxrock Fintech
CATEGORY FOUR – Food & Drink Startup
This category is very kindly sponsored by Furthr
Bronze : Sip
Sliver : RYSE Chocolate
Gold : Mór Taste
CATEGORY FIVE – Social / Sustainable Startup
Sponsored by Dublin City Council
Bronze : Forest Living
Silver : ExamRevision Ltd
Gold : Silicate Carbon
CATEGORY SIX – Product & Manufacturing Startup
Sponsored by Cronin & Company
Bronze : Sentro Labs
Sliver : Eco Powered Cabinets
Gold : Dunbar Pharma
CATEGORY SEVEN – eCommerce & Retail Startup
Sponsored by Startup Accountant
Bronze : Go Fuel Yourself
Silver : Fussy Food Plates
Gold : Tap Retail Limited
CATEGORY EIGHT – Tech Startup
This category is very kindly sponsored by Enterprise Ireland
Bronze : Sensed Sports
Silver : Skippio
Gold : Hexis
CATEGORY NINE – Medtech Startup
Sponsored by McCann Fitzgerald LLP
Bronze: Beyondbmi
Silver : Genotrial
Gold : Spryt
CATEGORY TEN – AI Focused Startup
This category is very kindly sponsored by Furthr
Bronze : SeqBiome Ltd
Silver : CogniStream.ai
Gold : Glitch
CATEGORY 11 – The PITCH
Gold – Fussy food Plates
CATEGORY TWELVE – Grand Prix
Sponsored by Enterprise Ireland
Grand Prix Startup of the Year for 2025 – HEXIS
Top image: Conor O’Donovan, manager of Enterprise Ireland’s Startup Unit, and Hexis founder Dr David Dunne
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