Celtic Link launched to connect Irish and UK start-ups and SMEs
Republic of Work has officially entered into a reciprocal partnership with Edinburgh-based CodeBase to launch the "Celtic Link," a dedicated pilot program designed to accelerate cross-border growth for startups and SMEs.
About the Partners
Republic of Work, located in the heart of Cork, is a premier Innovation Hub and was recently ranked among Europe’s Top 50 Startup Hubs by the Financial Times. As a gateway for international companies entering the EU, it provides comprehensive infrastructure and access to nationally recognised programs like the NDRCaccelerator and Skillnet Innovation Exchange.
CodeBase is a leading ecosystem support organisation that helps people build and grow better tech startups through community and education. Crucially, CodeBase delivers Techscaler, the Scottish Government’s tech startup support programme. Launched in 2022 to meet the priorities of the Scottish Tech Ecosystem Review (STER) and the National Strategy for Economic Transformation (NSET), Techscaler provides the mentorship and workspace required to strengthen Scotland's tech sector and encourage entrepreneurship.
CodeBase is a leading ecosystem support organisation that helps people build and grow better tech startups through community and education.
The Celtic Link Vision
The Celtic Link pilot (2026) aims to provide low-cost market access for startups without the heavy burden of full expansion costs. Key highlights of the agreement include:
Market-Entry Know-How: Co-hosted workshops focused on navigating the UK and Irish markets.
Reciprocal Desk Access: Subject to pre-approval, members of each hub can access hot-desking in Edinburgh and Cork to build local relationships.
Soft-Landing Services: Republic of Work will provide hosted residencies, including company registration and legal address services, for Scottish firms looking for an EU base.
Network Integration: Signposting members to relevant events, investor networks (such as HBAN), and specialized mentorship programmes.
By leveraging the direct flight link between Cork and Edinburgh, the Celtic Link creates a high-speed corridor for talent and innovation.
Frank Brennan, CEO and owner of Republic of Work, said: “Celtic Link is about creating a low-cost, high impact corridor for our founders.
By partnering with CodeBase and its Techscaler network, we are giving Cork startups a home in Scotland and providing Scottish firms with a clear, supported path into the EU single market through Cork.”
Helen Tate, Head of Strategic Partnerships at CodeBase, said: “Our partnership with Republic of Work gives Scottish founders access to an internationally recognised network in Ireland as they look to expand into the wider EU Market.
As seen in:
Silicon Republic
Business Plus
The Independent
DigitFYI
