We are very pleased to announce that Hibra Design, an alumnus from Cohort 3 of the Accelerate Green programme, has been shortlisted as Greentech Startup of the Year in the Western Europe Regional Finals of the Global Startup Awards.

Hibra Design is the only Irish entry across all start-up categories to have earned a spot in the Western Europe regional finals.

Accelerate Green supported under Pillar 2 of LIFE Peatlands and People (ERINN Innovation), is spearheaded by Bord na Móna and delivered by Resolve Partners. The Programme which launched in 2021, is the first Irish accelerator dedicated to scaling companies leading the response to climate action and sustainability by developing products and services based on green innovation.

Hibra Design - shortlisted as Greentech Startup of the Year

The Cork-based Hibra Design is a vehicle development company who specialise in clean technology power, engineering bespoke vehicles and transforming existing vehicles to increase efficiency, reduce cost, and reduce the environmental impact. Hibra Design works across sectors including agriculture, heavy goods vehicle’s (HGVs), and off-highway vehicles. Since launching 2022, they have achieved numerous innovations, including developing and deploying Ireland’s first fully operational electric tractor for Bord na Móna, which is being used in Sphagnum moss planting.

Image 1: Industrial vehicle (Credit: Hibra Design)

Hibra Design CEO, Mike Keane said: “Having won the 2024 Irish National Start Up award for Product and Manufacturing, we are thrilled to now see our achievements be held up against the best in the world."

"We provide state-of-the-art solutions which offer improved vehicle performance, whilst showing a commitment to both clean-technology and circular economy principles. Being named a Regional Finalist by the Global Startup Awards is a powerful validation of this commitment.”

The Global Startup Awards

The Global Startup Awards celebrate the people and organisations building the next generation of innovation across the world. While already a huge achievement to progress to this stage, we will be keeping a close eye on 18th February, when the finalists from the regional shortlist categories will be announced. Winners from each region will progress to the Global Finals in Valetta, Malta on 7-8th May.

Public votes account for 25% of the final score and if readers wish to support Hibra Design, they can do so by casting a vote online in the Greentech Startup of The Year category.

You can find out more about Hibra Design by reading our recent feature article and by navigating to their website. We are proud to support Ireland's Green innovators to scale up their work, and we wish Hibra Design the best of luck in the competition going forward!