Celtic Link
Connecting the Irish and UK Tech Ecosystems
Building a Cross-Border Innovation Bridge
Expanding into new markets shouldn't mean taking on massive upfront costs or high risks. Enter Celtic Link, a pilot programme designed to connect the startup communities of Ireland and Scotland.
Through our reciprocal partnership with Edinburgh-based CodeBase, Republic of Work is giving Irish founders direct access to Scotland’s Techscaler network - one of the UK’s largest startup support systems. Conversely, Scottish companies gain a supported gateway into Ireland’s pro-business environment and the wider EU single market.
By leveraging the direct flight link between Cork and Edinburgh, the Celtic Link creates a high-speed corridor for talent, opportunity, and innovation.
Complimentary or discounted hot-desking in Cork and Edinburgh (subject to pre-approval) so members can build vital local relationships.
Reciprocal Desk AccessRepublic of Work provides hosted residencies, company registration, and legal address services for UK firms looking for a secure EU base.
Soft-Landing ServicesDirect introductions to local talent pipelines, investor networks (such as HBAN), mentors, and specialized scaling programmes.
Network IntegrationJoint events, pitch opportunities, and co-hosted workshops specifically focused on navigating the UK and Irish markets.
Market-Entry Know-HowThe Celtic Link pilot aims to provide low-cost, low-risk market access for growing businesses.
“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."
Frank Brennan, CEO and Owner, Republic of Work
“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.”
Helen Tate, Head of Strategic Partnerships at CodeBase
Scotland. For the Head, Heart, and the Spirit
Learn more about Codebase and Techscaler bringing together founders, partners and leaders from across Scotland’s tech ecosystem. Scotland has a long history of pioneering breakthroughs that changed the world – from the telephone to discovering penicillin. Today, that same spirit drives Scottish companies to tackle humanity's biggest challenges, from removing carbon from the atmosphere to revolutionising sustainable food production. When you partner with Scotland, you're joining a legacy of world-changing innovation where go can build, grow and belong.
About the Partners
Located in the heart of Cork, Republic of Work is a premier Innovation Hub 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 NDRC accelerator and Skillnet Innovation Exchange.
Republic of Work
CodeBase is a leading ecosystem support organisation that helps people build and grow better tech startups through community and education.
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).