ThinkBusiness.ie Ireland’s 100 hottest start-ups

This is an extract from ThinkBusiness.ie Top 100 startups. You can read the full article here.

Ireland’s hottest start-ups to watch in 2026 | ThinkBusiness

From deep tech and AI to medtech, fintech, and sustainability, Irish innovators are building world-class solutions that compete on a global stage.

This diverse line-up of companies – spanning sectors like health diagnostics, cybersecurity, agritech, and digital commerce – reflects a culture of creativity, resilience, and ambition.

“As we move into 2026, these start-ups exemplify the quality, ingenuity, and scalability that make Ireland one of Europe’s most exciting hubs for innovation”

With cutting-edge ventures such as Aerska in neurological therapeutics, Cytidel in cybersecurity, and Manna in drone delivery, Ireland is not just keeping pace with international trends – it’s setting them.

As we move into 2026, these start-ups exemplify the quality, ingenuity, and scalability that make Ireland one of Europe’s most exciting hubs for innovation.

Payemoji

A payments start-up integrating emoji-based transactions for social commerce and messaging platforms, Payemoji is focused on simplifying peer-to-peer payments and enhancing user engagement.

Founded in 2021 by Damien Stephens and John Daryl O’Regan, the Dublin-based fintech has raised approximately €4.3m in seed funding.

The business secures payments, bookings and customer journeys via popular apps like WhatsApp.

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