Agri-tech and food businesses are among the finalists selected for this year's National Enterprise Awards, with companies focused on emissions reduction, food innovation and seaweed-based products making the shortlist.

The awards, run by the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), will take place in Dublin on 18 June, with 31 businesses from across the country competing for a share of an €80,000 prize fund.

Livestock emissions

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Among the finalists is I/O Agri, which has developed technology aimed at capturing emissions from livestock housing and converting them into biogas and sustainable aviation fuel production.

The company is one of a number of agri-related businesses shortlisted this year.

Food

Food companies also feature strongly. Cork-based Sugar Plum Sweetery, founded by Denise Buckley and David Quirke, has been shortlisted following the success of its confectionery range, while The Smooth Company, established by entrepreneur Áine Kennedy, is also among the finalists.

Seaweed-based supplement producer Óir Tonics and energy snack manufacturer RYSE Chocolate have also secured places on the shortlist.

Sectors

Announcing the finalists, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said the range of businesses reflected the diversity of enterprise activity across the country, with companies operating in sectors including agri-tech, food and drink, software and manufacturing.

The National Enterprise Awards are now in their 26th year and are designed to support businesses that have progressed through the Local Enterprise Office network.

Previous winners include health technology company SPRYT, which secured the overall award in 2025.