Emerging Engineering Firm of the Year/Start-Up

This award recognises an outstanding emerging engineering firm or start-up that has demonstrated innovation, growth, and impact within Ireland’s engineering and construction landscape. The winner will be a company that has shown exceptional promise through pioneering engineering solutions, technological advancements, strategic collaborations, or a transformative approach to project delivery. This category celebrates businesses that are poised to shape the future of engineering through bold thinking, technical excellence, and a commitment to building a more efficient, sustainable, and inclusive built environment. Entry is by a 5-page A4 PDF submission. The judges will be looking for a well-structured submission supported by clear evidence that the company is delivering on its objectives, with particular attention to the following criteria:

• Innovation & Engineering Excellence: Demonstrate how your firm has introduced innovative engineering solutions, breakthrough technologies, or unique methodologies that differentiate it in the market. Include examples of original thinking in design, problem-solving, or application of digital tools such as BIM, AI, or data analytics.
• Business Growth & Market Potential: Show evidence of your company’s progress and potential for future growth. Include achievements in business development, funding milestones, client acquisition, scalability, and commercial strategy. Highlight your competitive edge and how you plan to expand within Ireland and internationally.
• Compliance, Standards & Technical Integrity: Provide details on how your company adheres to relevant engineering standards, building regulations, and quality assurance frameworks. Showcase your commitment to ethical practices, technical compliance, and responsible engineering from concept through to delivery.
• Impact on Industry & Society: Explain how your firm’s work contributes to meaningful change — whether through improved infrastructure, enhanced sustainability, digital transformation, or solving specific challenges in society or industry. Provide examples of projects or initiatives that demonstrate your impact.
• Strategic Partnerships & Industry Engagement: Detail your firm’s involvement in strategic collaborations with academic institutions, established engineering firms, industry bodies, or public sector stakeholders. Highlight how these partnerships have helped drive innovation or enabled your firm to access new opportunities and grow its influence in the sector.
• Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility: Outline your commitment to environmental sustainability, ethical operations, and corporate social responsibility. Include any initiatives or policies that reflect your dedication to reducing environmental impact, promoting diversity and inclusion, or engaging positively with the community.