Applications Open for the Cork San Francisco Innovation Exchange 2027
18/06/2026
Two Cork City Businesses to Secure Places on International Innovation Programme Worth Up to €10,000 Each
Cork City Council, in partnership with Cork Chamber of Commerce, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Consulate in San Francisco and the Cork San Francisco Sister City Committee, is pleased to announce the launch of the Cork San Francisco Innovation Exchange 2027.
The initiative will provide two ambitious Cork City businesses with a unique opportunity to engage directly with one of the world’s leading innovation ecosystems through a tailored business development programme in Cork’s twin city of San Francisco in March 2027.
The successful businesses will receive a support package valued at up to €10,000, including return flights and accommodation in San Francisco for one entrepreneur, a tailored programme of business introductions, networking opportunities and ecosystem engagement. Each successful business will also receive a complimentary one-year membership of Cork Chamber of Commerce.
The programme is being delivered by Cork City Council’s Local Enterprise Office as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and business growth across Cork City.
Applications on the Local Enterprise Office Cork City website (link below) open on Friday June 19th and will close on Friday August 28th 2026.
https://corkcityleo.submit.com/show/99
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must:
- Be located within the Cork City Council administrative area.
- Have been trading for a minimum of 12 months at the closing date for applications.
- Have an established brand, product, service or technology offering.
- Demonstrate evidence of customer validation, commercial traction or market adoption.
- Have a clearly defined competitive advantage, innovation or market differentiator.
- Demonstrate ambition and capacity to scale nationally or internationally.
- Clearly articulate how engagement with the San Francisco innovation ecosystem would accelerate their growth and development.
- Demonstrate a willingness to participate in mentoring, training and business support programmes delivered by Cork City Council’s Local Enterprise Office and programme partners.
- Be available to participate fully in all elements of the programme, including preparatory activities, mentoring sessions, networking opportunities and follow up evaluation.
Applications will be assessed through a competitive selection process based on innovation, market opportunity, growth potential, business readiness, team capability and the strategic value of participation in the programme.
Particular consideration will be given to businesses that can demonstrate how participation in the programme will support international growth and provide access to new markets, partnerships, investment opportunities or commercial relationships.
The Cork San Francisco Innovation Exchange was launched in San Francisco during a Cork City delegation visit led by Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Fergal Dennehy, bringing together representatives of Cork City Council, Cork Chamber of Commerce, the Cork San Francisco Sister City Committee, Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Consulate in San Francisco and partners across the San Francisco innovation ecosystem. The initiative reflects the longstanding relationship between Cork and San Francisco and a shared commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development.
Lord Mayor, Cllr Fergal Dennehy said:
“I am delighted to announce this international opportunity for Cork businesses. There is very significant economic co-operation between Cork and our twin city of San Francisco, and I would encourage local business to apply for this golden opportunity to explore market access in one of the world’s leading innovation ecosystems”.
Dr Niall O’Keeffe, Head of Enterprise, Cork City Council Local Enterprise Office, said:
“At Cork City Council’s Local Enterprise Office, we are committed to continually strengthening Cork’s innovation ecosystem. This programme will connect ambitious local businesses with global networks and opportunities while supporting our broader ambition to make Cork an even stronger place to start, grow and scale innovative enterprises.”
Rodney Fong, President & CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, said:
“San Francisco values strong international innovation partnerships and we are delighted to support this collaboration with Cork. The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce looks forward to welcoming Cork companies to our city and connecting them with the networks and opportunities that drive innovation here.”
Conor Healy, CEO Cork Chamber of Commerce stated that “Cork Chamber is delighted to support this initiative as an important step forward in delivering tangible opportunities for innovative Cork businesses to gain an understanding of the San Francisco and Bay Area business environment. We are delighted that our sister Chamber in San Francisco is providing resources and expertise on the ground and we look forward to some really positive outcomes.”
The programme forms part of wider efforts to deepen economic and innovation links between Cork and San Francisco, building on decades of friendship and collaboration through the Cork San Francisco Sister City partnership.
Further information on eligibility criteria and the application process is available from Cork City Council’s Local Enterprise Office.
Applications close on Friday August 28th, 2026.
Notes:
The Cork San Francisco Innovation Exchange 2027 is delivered by Cork City Council’s Local Enterprise Office in partnership with Cork Chamber, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Consulate in San Francisco and the Cork San Francisco Sister City Committee.
The programme will support two Cork City businesses through a tailored business development and ecosystem engagement programme in San Francisco in March 2027.
The total value of support available to each successful business is up to €10,000 and includes return flights, accommodation, business networking and ecosystem engagement activities in San Francisco, together with a complimentary one-year membership of Cork Chamber.