The Big Pitch 2026

Join the audience for The Big Pitch 2026 as founders pitch live for €7,500, plus vote live for The One To Watch. Three 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, three 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. 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. 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.