Young innovators behind AI systems, medical devices, robotics projects and climate technologies gather in Wicklow as part of the Patch accelerator programme.
A new generation of ambitious Irish entrepreneurs, engineers and scientists gathered at Baltyboys House in Blessington, Co Wicklow for the third annual Baltyboys Entrepreneur Forum, a flagship event within the Patch summer accelerator programme.
The gathering brought together 36 of Ireland’s most promising young innovators, aged between 16 and 21, who are spending seven weeks developing ventures, building networks and learning from experienced founders, investors and business leaders through the Patch programme, which is run in partnership with Dogpatch Labs.
“Entrepreneurship is about staying open to opportunities, having the courage to take risks and building something with a clear sense of purpose”
Set against the backdrop of the historic lakeside estate, the forum featured fireside discussions, mentoring sessions and networking opportunities designed to give participants direct access to some of Ireland’s leading figures in entrepreneurship and venture capital.
Ireland’s future founders
Patch has established itself as a launchpad for emerging founders, helping ambitious young people transform ideas into viable businesses while building the confidence, skills and connections required to succeed.
This year’s cohort is among the programme’s strongest to date. Participants include Olympiad finalists and Team Ireland competitors, BT Young Scientist winners and recipients of more than 20 national STEM and innovation awards. Several delegates have already founded start-ups, filed patents and developed technologies spanning artificial intelligence, healthcare, robotics and climate innovation.
Collectively, the group has developed products used by more than 500,000 people, generated 13 million social media views and delivered over 220,000 app downloads.
The Baltyboys Entrepreneur Forum was introduced three years ago to give participants access to insights from experienced entrepreneurs and investors in an intimate and highly interactive setting.
Hosted by entrepreneur and Baltyboys House owner Brian Kingham, this year’s event featured a line-up of founders, investors and ecosystem leaders including Debbie Rennick, General Partner at ACT Venture Capital; Mark Cummins, founder of Pointy; Liam Fuller, co-founder and CEO of Source; Garry Tiscovschi, co-founder of AI start-up Kreoh; and Sam McCay, co-founder of hardware start-up Induct.
Speaking at the event, Debbie Rennick shared her perspective on what investors seek in entrepreneurial talent.
“There is no straight line in business, and founders need resilience, energy and a clear vision of what they want to achieve,” Rennick said. “A great idea is only the starting point. Founders need to understand their customers, prove there is a real market need and be willing to adapt as that market evolves.
“The most successful founders are those who identify large and growing market opportunities, stay close to customers, listen, learn and have the courage to change direction when needed.”
Among the speakers was Mark Cummins, founder of retail technology company Pointy, which was acquired by Google in a deal valued at $160 million. Cummins, a long-time supporter of Patch, also serves on the programme’s board and is an advocate for Ireland’s start-up ecosystem through Scale Ireland.
The event also welcomed a number of founders from emerging Irish technology companies. Liam Fuller leads Source, an AI-powered retail technology business that recently secured €1.2 million in pre-seed funding.
Garry Tiscovschi’s company, Kreoh, develops tools to help research and development tax advisers produce technical reports more efficiently, while Sam McCay’s Induct is modernising building access systems and is among the youngest companies accepted into the NDRC Accelerator.
Entrepreneurial spirit
Brian Kingham said the forum is designed to connect young innovators with experienced entrepreneurs who can help shape their thinking and ambitions.
“Ireland has always been a nation of thinkers, creators and problem-solvers, and that entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in this generation,” Kingham said.
“Across the country, there are young people with bold ideas and fresh perspectives who are embracing the very latest technologies to ignite their ambition and make a positive impact. The Baltyboys Entrepreneur Forum is about role models providing attendees with the opportunity to learn from those who have founded successful businesses. It also offers the chance to build meaningful connections and test ideas that have the potential to shape the future.
“Entrepreneurship is about staying open to opportunities, having the courage to take risks and building something with a clear sense of purpose. We want every young entrepreneur attending this forum to develop greater confidence, bigger ambitions and the belief that they can build something extraordinary.”
Patrick Walsh, founder and CEO of Dogpatch Labs, said the programme continues to demonstrate the scale of entrepreneurial talent emerging across Ireland.
“The energy and ambition we see from Patch participants each year is an important reminder of the talent and potential that exists among Ireland’s young people. The opportunity to learn directly from founders, investors and industry leaders gives these aspiring entrepreneurs a unique insight into what it takes to bring an idea to life.
“At its core, Patch is about creating a community where young innovators can challenge themselves, learn from others and build the connections needed to take their ideas further. The future of entrepreneurship in Ireland is incredibly exciting, and these young founders will play a key role in shaping it.”
The 2026 Patch participants will present their projects and ventures at a Showcase Day hosted at Dogpatch Labs on 14 August, where investors, business leaders and members of Ireland’s innovation ecosystem will have an opportunity to meet the next generation of Irish founders.
Image at top: Mark Cummins entrepreneur investor and founder of Pointy the retail technology start-up acquired by Google in a $160 million deal – at the Baltyboys Entrepreneur Forum
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