WEALTH September 10, 2026 0 Comments

How This Underdog Tech Startup Just Outpaced Giants to Clinch KPMG’s Coveted Global Innovator Title — and Why Investors Should Watch Closely

Ever wonder what it takes for an up-and-coming tech company to not just survive but totally dominate in today’s cutthroat AI landscape? Well, Disseqt, a scrappy crew outta NovaUCD, just nailed it by snagging the top spot in the KPMG Global Tech Innovator Ireland competition for 2026. Their AI assurance platform isn’t just some run-of-the-mill gadget; it’s a game-changing shield that helps businesses test, protect, and enforce AI guardrails—think of it as the ultimate watchdog making sure AI plays by the rules, from compliance with the EU AI Act to ISO standards. It’s no small feat considering this contest has been spotlighting Ireland’s sharpest tech minds for six years running. Now, with Cyril Treacy and team gearing up to flex their innovation muscles on the global stage in Lisbon this November, you can bet the world’s watching. Curious about how Disseqt’s breakthrough could reshape enterprise AI operations and why it matters to every business riding the AI wave? Buckle up — this is just the beginning. LEARN MORE.

NovaUCD-based Disseqt has been named the winner of the KPMG Global Tech Innovator Ireland competition for 2026.

Disseqt’s AI assurance layer for enterprise AI operations gives IT teams a single platform to test and detect issues, protect and enforce guardrails, and prove and comply across the full AI agent lifecycle, helping organisations align with frameworks such as the EU AI Act and ISO/IEC 42001.

Now in its sixth year, the competition highlighted the best of Ireland’s emerging tech innovators across diverse sectors.

Disseqt’s technology distinguished the company from the competition, earning a spot on the global stage in Lisbon this November.

Cyril Treacy, co-founder and COO of Disseqt, will represent Ireland at this prestigious global competition, where he will compete alongside innovators from 20 other countries.

Treacy will also receive mentorship from KPMG professionals and gain access to exclusive networking events within the tech community.

“Winning the GTI Ireland competition is a tremendous honour for myself, Apoorva Kumar and Manish Atri, my co-founders, and a testament to our team’s dedication to innovation and excellence,” said Treacy.

“As enterprises accelerate their AI adoption, assurance, reliability and compliance have never been more critical.

“This recognition validates our mission to help organisations operate AI safely and responsibly and inspires us to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in enterprise AI operations.”

Anna Scally, global head of technology, media and telecommunications at KPMG and a member of the GTI judging panel, said: “The level of innovation across this year’s competitors was outstanding and reflects the depth of talent in Ireland’s tech community.

“Disseqt’s commitment to ensuring trustworthy, compliant AI at scale is both timely and essential. We’re thrilled that Disseqt will represent Ireland in the global final.”

Photo: (l-r) Anna Scally and Cyril Treacy. (Pic: Fran Veale/Julien Behal Photography)