Introducing the finalists in the International Category of the Cork Company of the Year Awards 2026.This category recognises organisations whose Cork operations deliver strong innovation and international reach, contributing significantly to the region’s reputation. This year’s International finalists demonstrate exceptional ambition and deep commitment to Cork. Through advanced operations and high-value employment, these companies continue to strengthen the region’s standing as a leading location for international business and technology.
Thanks to our awards sponsor KPMG and to our media partner The Irish Examiner for their continued support in making the Cork Company of the Year Awards a highlight of Cork’s business calendar.
Watch the finalist videos below and discover the stories behind this year’s International category finalists in the Irish Examiner <HERE>.
International Category Finalists Cork Company of the Year Awards 2026
Merck
Merck is a resilient and globally diversified science and technology leader that sparks discoveries to elevate humanity.
Qualcomm
Qualcomm Ireland redefines life and work with AI-driven intelligent connectivity.
Sanmina
Sanmina Fermoy is a leading medical device contract manufacturer in operation for over 35 years.
EVENTS
Best In-House Corporate Events Team
Named Best In-House Corporate Events Team at the Event Impact Awards 2026, our events team continues to set an exceptional standard in delivering high-quality, impactful events.
We are pleased to share this achievement, which highlights the strength and dedication of Cork Chamber in providing a platform for our members, stakeholders and partners to engage and connect.
This event will be valuable for both indigenous and multinational companies who are looking to start, maintain or grow their R&D activities in Ireland.
You will hear from Mark O’Sullivan, Partner and Head of R&D Incentives, BDO Ireland, who will provide insights and strategies on the R&D Tax Credit and Grant incentives, while also outlining ways to minimise administrative obstacles and risk and maximise efficiency with the end goal being to allow businesses to focus on their R&D.
Mary Considine leads the management team at Iarnród Éireann, driving the organisation’s vision to be the backbone of Ireland’s sustainable transport network.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Irish Rail's strategic plans and investment priorities including key developments to support sustainable, reliable and connected rail services in Cork and across the region.
This webinar will feature Katie Ridge, Head of Employer Relations, Adare who will examine major developments along with compliance requirements to monitor in 2026 including the progress of draft legislation to consider as part of your organisation’s preparations for the year ahead.
Gain timely information that will help you make informed decisions and support the planning within your HR & people strategies.
Cork City Council's City Centre Façade Improvement Grant 2026 is now open for applications, with up to €10,000 available to property owners on St Patrick's Street to invest in their shopfronts and building exteriors.
Applications can be made until Thursday, 26th March.
Uisce Éireann has launched a public consultation on the draft Cork Wastewater Strategy, open until Thursday, 19th March.
The new wastewater strategy will play a key role in supporting economic and population growth in the Cork region over the coming years, ensuring that wastewater developments keep pace with industrial and housing developments.
If you have any feedback that can inform the Chamber's submissions to the following public consultations, please contact Aoife, amoriarty@corkchamber.ie:
The Compliance Institute, in partnership with Cork Chamber and the Cork Financial Services Forum invite you to attend an in-person event Guardrails and Guidance: Navigating AI in Financial Services.
As financial institutions move from awareness to action on AI governance, many are asking: what does good actually look like in practice?
This session goes beyond the theory of compliance to explore how firms can translate regulatory expectations into tangible, effective governance frameworks.
As Organisations look toward 2026, HR is operating at the centre of business performance. Economic uncertainty, rapid technological change, evolving workforce demographics, and rising Employee expectations are converging to reshape how work gets done and how Organisations compete.
