The Interceltic Business Forum 2025 in Cornwall

The Interceltic Business Forum is on the road again! 

Following successful editions in Lorient, Cardiff, and Galway, this premier event for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators from across the Celtic nations will take place at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Discovery Quay, Falmouth TR11 3QY, on April 25, 2025.

This year’s forum will be organized in partnership with Cornwall Trade and Investment, further strengthening ties between the Celtic nations and showcasing Cornwall’s vibrant business ecosystem. Building on past successes, the 2025 edition promises to deliver meaningful collaboration and innovative solutions to drive economic growth.

Why Falmouth, Cornwall?

Falmouth is renowned not only for its maritime heritage but also for its position as a hub of innovation in renewable energy, marine technology, and creative industries. The National Maritime Museum Cornwall offers a fitting and inspiring venue for this cross-border business summit, highlighting the Celtic nations' shared maritime heritage while focusing on forward-looking industries.

What to Expect at the 2025 Forum

The Interceltic Business Forum is designed to produce actionable outcomes for participants. 

Highlights of the 2025 event include:

• Engaging Panels and Keynotes: Featuring insights from thought leaders shaping key sectors such as clean energy, digital transformation, and tech innovation.
• Strategic Networking Opportunities: Connect with investors, policymakers, and peers to explore new partnerships and collaboration opportunities.
• Market Expansion Workshops: Tailored sessions for businesses looking to scale and enter new Celtic markets, leveraging shared resources and networks.
• Success Stories: Real-world examples of how past forum participants have unlocked new markets and fostered international growth.

A Proven Platform for Collaboration

The 2024 forum in Lorient sparked new trade delegations and partnerships, proving the power of cross-border collaboration. This year, Falmouth will serve as a catalyst for even greater connections and business opportunities, leveraging its location and unique strengths.

Save the Date!

FULL SCHEDULE

9am - Doors open : coffee

9:30am - Welcome
Nicola Lloyd, Director, Cornwall Trade & Investment

9:40am
Keynote: The power of Cornwall
Lord John Hutton, Chair of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Economic Forum

9:55am
Keynote: Diaspora - Past, Present, Promise
Kingsley Aikins, The Diaspora Institute

10:15am
The Power of Diaspora

Kingsley Aikins, The Diaspora Institute

Russell Dalgleish, Co-founder, Scottish Business Network

Allan Mulrooney, CEO, Western Development Commission

Nicola Lloyd, Director, Cornwall Trade & Investment

Charles Kergaravat, Founder, Breizh Amerika

Walter May, Founder & CEO, GlobalWelsh

11am : Networking

11:30am
Masterclass : How to do investor outreach (everything you need to know to find your next investor)
Daniel Sawko, CEO and Co-Founder, shipshape.vc
James Campbell, Co-Founder, Walmer Group
Masterclass : The impact of place on the economic ecosystem
Judith O'Doherty, Founder, Eutopia

12:25pm
Spotlight: Hertzian
Christopher Weavill, Founder & CEO

12:30pm
AI and Low Resource Languages. Challenge or Opportunity?
Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO, Údarás na Gaeltachta
Gareth Morlais, Welsh language technology specialist, Welsh Government
John Speakman, Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence, Computer graphics and Mathematics, Falmouth University
Rose Goodship, Immersive Business Engagement Fellow, Falmouth University

1pm : Lunch

2pm
Spotlight on Celtic Sea Power
Matt Hodson, COO, Celtic Sea Power

2:15pm
What is Cornwall Slush'D?
Niki Davies, Co-CEO & Director at Tech Cornwall

2:30pm
Spotlight: FlexiHex
Will Boex, Founder & CEO

2:35pm
West of Ireland: A launchpad for innovation and growth
Jonathon Kavanagh (Senior Investment Manager with WDC Investment Fund),
Mary Rodgers (CEO of PorterShed)
Mary Carty FRSA (CEO Wilson & Keys and Co-Founder AwakenHub & AwakenAngels)

3pm : Networking, cream tea

3:30pmSpotlight: Ultramed
Dr Paul Upton, CEO & Co-Founder

3:35pm
Wales, the Tech Village 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
John O'Loughlin, Head of Trade and Investment for Welsh Gov't in Ireland
Mark John, Co-Founder and Shareholder at Tramsheds Tech
Damian Young, CEO, Zeus Scooters
Carrie Jones, Principal Associate at Capital Law Ltd

4pm
Spotlight on Brittany 🤍 🖤

Samuel LE PORT, CEO, Treebal
Peter Moore, Partner, Fidal Bretagne
Nadine Callcutt, UK Communications Manager, Famileo

Laurent Drillet, Direcotr, Fidel Bretagne

4:30pm
Spotlight Screen Cornwall
Laura Giles, Managing Director, Screen Cornwall

4:45pm Closing remarks

5pm - 6:30pm Cocktails, networking, music