EY has officially opened nominations for its 2026 Entrepreneur Of The Year™ programme. For 29 years, the initiative has searched for and recognised the most innovative, ambitious and exceptional business people from a diverse range of industries across Ireland and Northern Ireland

The EOY alumni community has grown to include 680 of the island’s brightest business minds, who employ some 275,000 people and are responsible for €28 billion in revenue each year

Launching the programme, Head of Assurance and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Ireland, Roger Wallace described entrepreneurs as the “driving force of Ireland’s economy”.

“They combine vision with courage, creativity with determination, and in doing so they push our island forward in ways that few other groups can,” he said.

“In a world defined by constant change, new global norms and rising pressures, these leaders remain steady innovators who turn bold ideas into real impact.

“As a country, we rely on their ambition and it is more important than ever that we champion, support and celebrate the entrepreneurs shaping tomorrow.

“Entrepreneurship is the heartbeat of Ireland’s future and the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ programme celebrates that power every year.”

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ programme is open to business people who are Irish or running a business in Ireland, regardless of the sector. There are three categories; Emerging, Established and International, with eight finalists chosen in each.

All 24 finalists will then participate in a nine month growth programme that involves executive education, networking forums, tailored media profiling, and the annual CEO Retreat in Toronto.

Judges will choose finalists who bring imagination to their work and whose businesses have a lasting impact on the world around them.

“Each year, I am reminded of the extraordinary calibre of entrepreneurs across this island” Harry Hughes, CEO of Portwest and Chairperson of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Judging™ Panel said.

“They challenge convention, find opportunity where others see uncertainty, and build businesses that leave a lasting imprint on their industries and communities.

“This year’s theme, ‘The Entrepreneurs’, reflects the individuality and creative drive that unite these leaders.

“As judges, we have the privilege of meeting the entrepreneurs whose ideas, resilience and ambition are actively shaping the future of Ireland and beyond.

“Their impact reaches far beyond their own companies, and it is an honour to help recognise and celebrate their achievements.”

Nominations are now open and will close on February 17th.