Soltec boss in Entrepreneur of the Year final this week

Westmeath businessman David Corcoran, CEO of hazardous waste management firm Soltec, will represent the midlands on Thursday of this week as one of 23 finalists at the 28th Annual EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

David is shortlisted in the International category and will attend the gala ceremony at Powerscourt Hotel, where finalists from across the island will compete for honours in the Emerging, Established and International categories, as well as the overall EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 title. A Sustainability Award and a Special Recognition Award will also be presented on the night.

Soltec, based in Mullingar, specialises in hazardous waste management and the recycling of residual waste products for reuse.

David said: “Being part of the EOY community has been a proud milestone for me as an entrepreneur, and an opportunity to shine a light on the innovation happening across the midlands.

"At Soltec, we’re driven by sustainability and a passion for developing solutions that make a real difference. This programme has allowed us to showcase the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that define our region while inspiring me to think bigger, lead with purpose and continue championing the midlands as a hub of forward-thinking enterprise.”

Collectively, this year’s finalists span sectors including technology, manufacturing, life sciences, media, consumer services and financial services. Together they generate annual revenues of more than €1bn and employ over 4,000 people.

The overall winner will go on to represent Ireland at the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year™ Awards in Monaco in June 2026.

Roger Wallace, Head of Assurance and EY Entrepreneur of the Year Ireland, praised Mr Corcoran’s achievements and his contribution to enterprise in the region.

“As the awards night approaches, we reflect on an extraordinary journey for this year’s finalists,” he said. “David Corcoran embodies the strength of entrepreneurship in Westmeath and the Midlands, and we look forward to celebrating his achievements and the positive impact he continues to make later this month.”

Now in its 28th year, the EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme supports a community of more than 680 entrepreneurs who together employ over 275,000 people and generate €28bn in revenues across the island.

The programme is backed by premium corporate sponsor Julius Baer and government sponsors Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland.