There will be representation from Cork at the finals of the KPMG Global Tech Innovator competition 2026, with the shortlisted companies that will compete in the Ireland final having been announced.
The competition, now in its sixth year, provides a platform to showcase the best of Ireland’s emerging tech innovators across diverse sectors. The finalists were selected after evaluating a high volume of exceptional entries and will pitch their innovations and growth ambitions to an esteemed panel of judges.
ArrayPatch, a spinout company from the School of Pharmacy at UCC, is an Irish biotechnology company developing next-generation microneedle drug delivery systems that enable painless, targeted, and self-administered delivery of medicines. Founded by Dr Waleed Faisal to commercialise DerMapTM, the company’s proprietary platform uses drug-only, polymer-free microneedles to improve drug loading, dosing precision, and patient convenience.
ArrayPatch is advancing programmes in GLP-1 therapies, skin cancer, and fungal infections while building a strong foundation for future clinical trials and product launches.
SOLVING ‘REAL WORLD ISSUES’
All the finalists have developed technology platforms and solutions to address many complex challenges including, management of childcare, building of accessible digital products, menopause and hormonal care, cardiac health monitoring, AI governance and assurance, management of AI agents, AI-powered patient engagement and biotech drug delivery.
Speaking about this year’s Global Tech Innovator finalists, Anna Scally, Global Head of Technology, Media and Telecommunications, KPMG said the 2026 finalists ‘are all focused on solving real world issues’.
“From childcare and women’s health to management of AI agents and effective delivery of drugs, these companies cover almost every corner of the tech landscape and are superb examples of the breadth of innovation occurring across the island of Ireland. Each of the CEOs and founders are also hugely ambitious for their companies and the impact their technology can deliver. I am really excited to see how each of our finalists develop,” she said.
The other finalists include DevAlly, Disseqt, Galenband, Jentic, Öogo, SPRYT and The MenoPal.
