A Night of Celebration for Cork and Kerry's Tech Sector

The 2025 Tech Industry Alliance Leaders Awards brought a powerful sense of pride to the South West — and once again, Kerry stood tall as a recognised global force in technology and innovation. Held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Little Island, the event celebrated the very best of the region’s tech excellence, with Kerry companies, leaders and educators reaffirming the county’s long-held reputation as a hub of world-class talent and forward-thinking innovation.

This year’s ceremony didn’t just mark a night of achievement — it reinforced Kerry’s position as a region that continues to evolve, expand and lead on both the national and international stage.

The evening began with MC Anton Savage taking to the stage, warmly welcoming the gathered crowd and wishing all finalists the very best of luck. His trademark ease and energy set the tone for what would become a memorable night of celebration.

Guests were then treated to a quick-witted, sharply delivered set from Reggie from Blackrock Road, the much-loved Cork comedic persona.” Reggie’s stories — delivered with tongue firmly in cheek — drew plenty of laughs, especially as he introduced himself as “the richest man in Ireland… though not for tax purposes,”. 

Educational Legacy

A standout moment of the ceremony came with Firies National School winning the Excellence in Education Award, along with a €5,000 prize. The school’s pioneering approach to digital learning and STEM engagement reflects the deep roots of innovation that run throughout Kerry — from early education to global enterprise.

Notably, Firies was one of three shortlisted schools — all from Kerry — proof that the county continues to lead the way in preparing the next generation of thinkers, builders and innovators.

Kerry’s Global Innovators Continue to Drive Excellence

The awards ceremony highlighted the strength and maturity of Kerry’s tech ecosystem — one built over decades of expertise, ambition and international impact.

Dairymaster
Awarded Best Learning Workplace, the Causeway-based agri-tech leader continues to innovate in engineering and precision farming. Its commitment to talent development reinforces its status as a global authority in smart agriculture.

ViClarity
Taking home Tech Scale-Up of the Year, the Tralee-based regtech company continues its rapid expansion and global impact, helping shape the future of governance, compliance and digital regulation.

IQUTECH
Honoured as Small Indigenous Company of the Year, and founded by Tralee’s own Mark O’Sullivan, the company reflects the entrepreneurial strength and technical excellence long embedded in Kerry’s business culture.

These wins are part of an ongoing story of sustained innovation and worldwide influence — not a new beginning.

 

A Region Committed to Inclusive Innovation

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award went to STEM Passport for Inclusion, a programme proudly supported by Killorglin’s RDI Hub. The award highlights Kerry’s commitment not only to growing its tech sector, but ensuring that the opportunities it creates are equitable, diverse and far-reaching. The STEM Passport for Inclusion Programme addresses unequal access to STEM courses and careers among people from under-served communities.

A Legacy of Leadership — and a Future of Growth

Kerry’s achievements at the 2025 Tech Industry Alliance Leaders Awards reaffirm what industry leaders and communities across the region already know: Kerry has long been a cornerstone of Ireland’s global tech reputation.

From world-leading agri-tech innovators and internationally scaling companies to schools pioneering digital learning, Kerry’s tech ecosystem is deeply rooted, resilient and globally competitive.

The momentum behind the region is not new — it is built on decades of expertise, collaboration and drive. And this year’s awards make it clear that Kerry is not just keeping pace with global innovation — it is helping shape it.

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