The New Roots Prize — Where ambition takes roots.
Ireland's national awards for immigrant innovators — a day of capability, and a night that puts the people building the country's most dynamic businesses on the stage they deserve. Starting with Africa and Latin America. Across the World. Dublin City Hall · 2 December 2026.
About
Across Ireland, people who arrived with little more than ambition are quietly building some of the country's most dynamic businesses — in food and hospitality, beauty and wellness, sport, technology, retail and the arts. They are creating jobs, reviving high streets, and enriching the culture of the places they now call home. New Roots brings these innovators together — with one another, and with the leaders, institutions and partners who can help them grow — and celebrates them on a national stage worthy of their contribution.
We begin with Ireland's African and Latin American communities — among the fastest-growing and most entrepreneurial in the country — and with the sectors where their impact is undeniable. But they are the start, not the ceiling.
Nine sector prizes. Three honours.
Sector prizes: Food & Hospitality · Beauty & Wellness · Health & Care · Arts & Creative Economy · Trades, Construction & Logistics · Education & Research · Professional & Financial Services · Consumer & Retail · Technology
Honours (jury-awarded): The Newcomer · The Business of the Year (grand prize) · The Community Champion
The Winner's Package
Grant (catalytic funding) · Pathway (retail and distribution introductions) · Spotlight (national media coverage) · Mentorship (a year of hands-on support)
Builders' Day
A full day of masterclasses: Brand & Premiumisation · Go To Market · Route to Shelf · Sales Engine · Funding & Finance. Nominees elect two of the five masterclasses.
Key Dates
August: Partner window opens. September: Entries open. October–November: Finalists revealed. 2 December 2026: Awards night at Dublin City Hall.
Endorsed by
Enterprise Ireland · Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade · Embassy of Brazil, Dublin · Embassy of Ireland, Brazil. Delivered by i13 Ventures.
Enter or Nominate
Visit roots.irish/nominate to enter the prize or nominate an immigrant innovator. Nominations close 2 October 2026. Contact: hesus@i13ventures.com