Qualcomm Named Overall Winner at Cork Company of the Year Awards 2026
-A standout night for Cork’s business community, recognising the vision and innovation driving the region’s next chapter-
Cork Chamber has announced the winners of the Cork Company of the Year Awards 2026, with Qualcomm Technologies selected as both the International Category Winner and the Overall Cork Company of the Year 2026 at a prestigious event held this evening in Cork City Hall.
Now in its third decade, this flagship Cork Chamber initiative, delivered in association with KPMG Ireland and media partner The Irish Examiner, honours companies across four categories Emerging, SME, Large and International that exemplify leadership, innovation and a strong contribution to regional economic growth.
Category Winners – Cork Company of the Year Awards 2026
- The Sibly Food Co - Emerging Category Winner
- Réalta Technologies - SME Category Winner
- EPS Group - Large Category Winner
- Qualcomm Technologies - International Category & Overall Cork Company of the Year 2026
Qualcomm’s recognition comes in the same year the company announced further investment into its Cork operations, expanding its advanced R&D capabilities in artificial intelligence, next-generation computing and high-tech innovation and strengthening Cork’s global position in the technology sector.
Rob Horgan, President of Cork Chamber, welcomed the announcement of this year’s winners, “The Cork Company of the Year Awards recognise the companies who set the pace for our region. Each of this year’s category winners, across Emerging, SME, Large and International, reflects the drive, capability and leadership that make Cork such a dynamic place to do business. Qualcomm’s success as both International Category winner and Overall Winner highlights the scale of innovation happening here and the strength of the environment that enables companies of every size to thrive.”
Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber, added, “Our region’s success is built on the combined strength of indigenous enterprises and international companies, each contributing to a vibrant and competitive economy. This year’s winners demonstrate the depth of talent and capability across all stages of growth, from emerging innovators to established market leaders. Qualcomm’s recognition underscores Cork’s position as a leading location for advanced technology and global operations, while our other winners highlight the ambition and resilience of businesses rooted here and scaling from Cork.”
Paul Kelleher, Vice President of Engineering at Qualcomm Technologies Ireland said, “We are honoured to receive this recognition from Cork Chamber. Cork continues to be an outstanding location for our teams and our investment in AI, advanced computing and next-generation technologies. This award reflects the dedication of our people, the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to contributing to Cork’s innovation ecosystem.”
Chris Wood, Partner – Audit, KPMG said, “On behalf of KPMG, I congratulate Qualcomm on being named Overall Cork Company of the Year 2026 – an award that recognises their innovation ambitions and further elevates Cork’s reputation as a key location in the rapidly growing global AI and semiconductor sectors. This year’s winners exemplify the breadth and dynamism of Cork’s enterprise landscape, combining innovation, resilience and sustainable growth, and we extend our warmest congratulations to all category award winners. At KPMG, we are proud to support Cork Chamber in celebrating excellence across the business community.
Rob Horgan, President of Cork Chamber, welcomed the announcement of this year’s winners, “The Cork Company of the Year Awards recognise the companies who set the pace for our region. Each of this year’s category winners, across Emerging, SME, Large and International, reflects the drive, capability and leadership that make Cork such a dynamic place to do business. Qualcomm’s success as both International Category winner and Overall Winner highlights the scale of innovation happening here and the strength of the environment that enables companies of every size to thrive.”
Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber, added, “Our region’s success is built on the combined strength of indigenous enterprises and international companies, each contributing to a vibrant and competitive economy. This year’s winners demonstrate the depth of talent and capability across all stages of growth, from emerging innovators to established market leaders. Qualcomm’s recognition underscores Cork’s position as a leading location for advanced technology and global operations, while our other winners highlight the ambition and resilience of businesses rooted here and scaling from Cork.”
Paul Kelleher, Vice President of Engineering at Qualcomm Technologies Ireland said, “We are honoured to receive this recognition from Cork Chamber. Cork continues to be an outstanding location for our teams and our investment in AI, advanced computing and next-generation technologies. This award reflects the dedication of our people, the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to contributing to Cork’s innovation ecosystem.”
Chris Wood, Partner – Audit, KPMG said, “On behalf of KPMG, I congratulate Qualcomm on being named Overall Cork Company of the Year 2026 – an award that recognises their innovation ambitions and further elevates Cork’s reputation as a key location in the rapidly growing global AI and semiconductor sectors. This year’s winners exemplify the breadth and dynamism of Cork’s enterprise landscape, combining innovation, resilience and sustainable growth, and we extend our warmest congratulations to all category award winners. At KPMG, we are proud to support Cork Chamber in celebrating excellence across the business community.
