All Real Nutrition and Bánór Businesses win the BMW Ireland Future Entrepreneur Competition
- Danny Joyce | Editor
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
BMW Ireland has announced All Real Nutrition and Bánór as the two winners of its 2026 BMW Future Entrepreneur Competition, recognising two outstanding Irish businesses making an impact through innovation, sustainability and forward-thinking entrepreneurship.
The competition returned this year following a successful inaugural campaign in 2025. Led by BMW Ireland, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland, the initiative also welcomed Skingredients Founder and CEO Jennifer Rock to the judging panel to help champion the next generation of Irish innovators.
The announcement was made during a networking lunch on Thursday, 4th June at Cliff at Lyons, Co. Kildare, where the ten shortlisted finalists came together with BMW representatives, industry leaders and competition partners.
The winning businesses were selected from a highly competitive shortlist, with one winner recognised for Innovation and one for Sustainability.
The winning businesses:
All Real Nutrition, winner of the Innovation category, is an Irish real-food-first nutrition brand creating protein bars made with real ingredients, strong nutrition and no unnecessary additives. Founded by Niall Harty and Ross McDowell, the business is challenging the protein bar category with great-tasting, convenient products designed to help normal people make better everyday nutrition choices. With a focus on innovation, sustainability and excellence, All Real has built a growing reputation as one of Ireland’s leading challenger brands in nutrition.
Bánór, winner of the Sustainability category, is a natural Irish skincare brand founded by Farmer Elaine Crosse and Pharmacist Nicola Lyons, combining farm-born ingredients with skincare science to create sheep's milk and lanolin-based products inspired by the Irish landscape. Having reached the final of the competition in 2025, the founders returned this year to secure the Sustainability title.
Guests enjoyed a panel discussion and Q&A with the judging panel over lunch, followed by networking opportunities, as BMW Ireland reaffirmed its commitment to innovation, sustainability and supporting the next generation of Irish entrepreneurs.
Helen Westby, Managing Director of BMW Ireland, said, “The calibre of applications this year was exceptionally high, and selecting our winners was no easy task. We were incredibly impressed by the ambition, creativity and resilience demonstrated by all ten shortlisted businesses. All Real Nutrition and Bánór stood out for their clear vision, innovative thinking and commitment to building purpose-led businesses with strong potential for future growth. We are delighted to support them as they continue their entrepreneurial journey and look forward to seeing what they achieve next.”
As part of their prize, each winner will receive the use of a branded fully electric BMW, personalised mentoring, and a brand development package including a professional photoshoot, a media feature, and promotion across BMW Ireland's website and social media channels.
Jennifer Rock, Entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of Skingredients said, “To spend time with so many ambitious entrepreneurs and hear the stories, missions and ambitions behind their businesses was incredibly energising. The atmosphere in the room was electric, with a genuine sense of optimism and excitement for the future of Irish entrepreneurship.''
''To be invited to judge was a privilege, and to have Skingredients associated with BMW in celebrating and supporting entrepreneurial excellence felt particularly special. As a founder who spends much of her time on the road meeting clients and stockists, it was a welcome reminder of the passion, resilience and innovation that exists across Irish business.
A fantastic day and one that left me feeling hugely optimistic about what lies ahead.”
Sarah Walker, Startups & Entrepreneurship at Enterprise Ireland, said, “What stood out about both All Real Nutrition and Bánór was their clear understanding of their customer, strong sense of purpose and ambition for future growth. While operating in very different sectors, both businesses have identified unique opportunities within their markets and are executing against them with confidence and clarity.''
''At Enterprise Ireland, we are passionate about supporting ambitious Irish businesses to start, scale and compete internationally, and it was encouraging to see so many entrepreneurs building innovative businesses with global potential. We look forward to following the continued success of both winners in the years ahead.”
In addition to the two winning businesses, BMW Ireland proudly shortlisted eight exceptional finalists, each demonstrating innovation, purpose and entrepreneurial flair across a range of sectors. EcoKinly develops eco-conscious household solutions designed to help consumers reduce waste and make more sustainable everyday choices. Dublin Independent Fashion Week champion emerging fashion and creative talent through events, storytelling and cultural experiences.
WholeSupp offers wellness and supplement products designed to support healthier living, while Hey Darlo creates modern, practical and thoughtfully designed haircare products. Chimac Dublin continues to build its reputation in Ireland’s food and hospitality space with Korean-inspired dining experiences while Inish Living is a luxury wellness brand inspired by Irish craftsmanship, conscious living and wellbeing. House of Hofu is a sustainable lifestyle brand creating resort wear, botanical fragrances and plant-based vegan bags, and Rocketbox.io provides AI-powered technology-led business solutions designed to support efficiency and growth.
This initiative reaffirms BMW Ireland’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and supporting the future of Irish enterprise. With a strong history of supporting start-up ventures, the BMW Start-Up Garage continues to connect the BMW Group with pioneering businesses capable of delivering real benefits to products, services, systems and processes across the organisation. The programme seeks out innovative start-ups and enables long-term partnerships that strengthen BMW Group’s leadership in innovation.
In addition to supporting start-up businesses, BMW Group also supports Catena-X, the first globally trusted and collaborative data ecosystem for the automotive industry. From large corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises, this ecosystem is open to all players across the automotive sector. The platform aims to address future challenges including CO2 reduction, supply chain security and the circular economy, while helping improve vehicle quality and efficiency.
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