HappyPath Labs Wins Best Start-Up at National Enterprise Awards

Clonakilty-based Tech Company Named Best Start-Up at 2025 National Enterprise Awards

Supported by the Local Enterprise Office Cork North & West, HappyPath Labs took home the prestigious Best Start-Up Award at this year’s National Enterprise Awards, held in the Round Room at the Mansion House in Dublin. The standout recognition not only celebrates their early success but firmly positions the Clonakilty-based tech company as one to watch for significant growth in the years ahead. Their achievement reflects the spirit of innovation, resilience, and ambition that the National Enterprise Awards have championed for the past 25 years, spotlighting Ireland’s most dynamic and promising small businesses as they scale and thrive both nationally and internationally.

As one of five major winners on the night, HappyPath Labs will also share in a €50,000 investment fund, a boost that will support their continued expansion and development.

Founded in Clonakilty by Gavin Coakley, David Hayes, and Denis McCarthy, HappyPath Labs is redefining how organisations manage customer engagement through intelligent, data-driven technology. Representing LEO Cork North & West at the awards, HappyPath Labs specialises in AI-powered software for the contact centre industry, offering advanced interaction analytics and scalable customer contact platforms that serve both national and international markets. Their innovative tools analyse customer conversations in real time, delivering actionable insights that help businesses streamline operations, improve response times, and enhance overall customer experience. Beginning as a three-person start-up, HappyPath Labs has grown to a team of eight, with plans to expand to 15 employees over the next two years.

HappyPath Labs joins a distinguished list of past winners from the region, including Irish Yoghurts, Glenilen Farm, West Cork Distillers, and Viska Systems, further cementing West Cork's reputation as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

County Mayor Cllr Joe Carroll praised the winners, saying, "The success of HappyPath Labs is a fine example of the entrepreneurial energy that defines our region. HappyPath Labs is proof that world-class innovation can thrive right here in County Cork. I have every confidence that they will continue to grow, inspire, and represent Cork on the national and international stage.”

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell, added:"HappyPath Labs’ award is a testament to the remarkable talent and ambition emerging from rural Ireland. Their success marks a significant milestone for Cork’s growing tech scene and shows what’s possible when innovation is backed by local support. With the right resources, our entrepreneurs can thrive and compete on the global stage."

Speaking of the award, David Hayes, Co-Founder of HappyPath Labs, said, "We’re incredibly honoured to receive the Best Start-Up Award, which is a huge milestone for our team. The support from the Local Enterprise Office Cork North & West has been instrumental from day one. Their guidance, mentorship, and belief in our vision gave us the foundation we needed to grow. As we scale our team and expand into new markets, we’re excited to continue building innovative solutions that help businesses transform how they engage with their customers."