Top 10 Women in Tech Groups and Resources in Ireland in 2026
By Irene Holden
Last Updated: April 15th 2026
Too Long; Didn't Read
Connecting Women in Technology (CWiT) and TechFoundHer stand out as the top women in tech groups in Ireland for 2026, delivering tangible career and business outcomes through corporate networks and entrepreneurial support. CWiT's partnership with over 20 major tech companies like Microsoft and Dell drives career progression, while TechFoundHer tackles the funding gap where women secure less than 2% of venture capital, empowering founders nationwide. Together with resilient networks like WITS Ireland, which saw 31% membership growth, these resources are key to advancing inclusivity in Ireland's thriving tech ecosystem.
Every good gardener knows the truth: what happens above ground tells only half the story. The real magic—the resilience, the nutrient exchange, the unbreakable support—is hidden in the tangled web beneath the soil. In 2026, Ireland's tech ecosystem is defined by just such resilient, interconnected networks that grew to fill gaps left by the closure of international groups like Women Who Code.
While women still make up less than 30% of Ireland’s tech workforce, a robust support system of advocacy groups, founder networks, and corporate partnerships is driving tangible change. This strength is often organic and self-sustaining, as demonstrated by local organisations like WITS Ireland reporting a 31% growth in membership in 2025.
From Dublin’s multinational hubs to growing regional tech clusters in Cork and Galway, these groups form the essential root structure for a more inclusive industry. The following list highlights the top resources not as isolated plants, but as part of a living, breathing ecosystem, ranked by their impact, reach, and ability to provide tangible career and business outcomes for women across the island.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Connecting Women in Technology
- TechFoundHer
- Women in Technology and Science Ireland
- WomenTech Network Ireland
- Network Ireland
- Women in Business NI
- Lean In Ireland
- TechIreland
- Skillnet Ireland
- University Clubs and Scholarships Network
- Practical Next Steps
- Frequently Asked Questions
Find out the in-demand AI skills for Ireland in 2026 with this guide.
Connecting Women in Technology
As an industry-led partnership of over 20 major technology companies, including Microsoft, Dell, and Accenture, Connecting Women in Technology (CWiT) is Ireland’s most influential corporate network for advancing women in tech. Its mission to make technology careers more attractive and accessible is driven by high-impact, practical initiatives.
Get Involved
Professionals can engage through CWiT’s flagship events like the annual CEO Forum and cross-company networking, while students and teachers benefit from pioneering programmes like the STEM Teacher Internship with DCU.
Member Gains
Access translates to direct career progression within Ireland’s biggest tech employers, which are consistently recognised for strong mentorship and transparent pay reporting. Members gain visibility through leadership panels, mentorship, and a powerful professional network focused on systemic change.
"Really enjoyed my first CWiT Ireland Connecting Women in Technology event... loads of positivity and action" - Damien McCann, Viatel Technology Group, via LinkedIn.
Regional Notes
While headquartered in Dublin, CWiT’s member companies have significant nationwide operations, offering networking touchpoints in Cork (Dell), Galway (Cisco), and Limerick (Johnson & Johnson), ensuring a truly national reach.
TechFoundHer
Specifically designed for female tech founders, TechFoundHer addresses the critical funding gap where women receive less than 2% of total VC capital in Ireland. Led by CEO Máirín Murray, it’s the go-to resource for turning tech ideas into scalable businesses, particularly in leveraging AI for acceleration.
Get Involved
The core offering is the "WeBuild" programme, a practical bootcamp for early-stage founders. TechFoundHer also runs regular masterclasses and hosts a supportive online community, frequently highlighted on their active social channels.
Member Gains
Participants gain clarity on building tech-powered products, from validating ideas to securing investment. The network provides direct links to investors and practical templates, with a key 2026 focus on implementing AI tools for business growth.
"For me, the biggest impact has been learning how to actually use AI to accelerate my business... with tools and prompts I could implement immediately." - WeBuild Programme Participant.
Regional Notes
Programmes are run online with periodic in-person meetups in Dublin, making them accessible to founders across Ireland, including those in regional hubs working on AgriTech or MedTech solutions.
Women in Technology and Science Ireland
Celebrating 35 years of advocacy in 2026, Women in Technology and Science (WITS) Ireland is the nation's longest-standing and most resilient network for women in STEM. Following the closure of other international chapters, WITS reported a significant 31% growth in membership in 2025, underscoring its vital role as a foundational root in the ecosystem.
Get Involved
Engage through their monthly webinar series, which reached over 700 attendees in 2024, the annual symposium, and social events like the Connect Her Summer Series. Membership is open to individuals across academia and industry through WITS Ireland.
Member Gains
WITS provides a powerful collective voice on science policy, professional development workshops, and a deeply connected community. It’s ideal for women seeking to influence the broader STEM landscape in Ireland, from research scientists to tech policy advisors.
"Expansive and grounded" - Attendee description of keynote sessions by experts like Kelly Vero, which open new ways of thinking about women's roles in tech's future.
Regional Notes
Based in Dublin but with a national membership, WITS actively promotes events and opportunities across all regions via its professional network, ensuring nationwide representation in the STEM dialogue.
WomenTech Network Ireland
As the Irish chapter of the world’s largest community for women in tech, WomenTech Network Ireland offers a local anchor within a global movement. It connects Irish professionals with international mentorship, learning resources, and recognition platforms, which is particularly valuable in niche fields like AI where only 22% of global workers are women.
Get Involved
Membership is free and provides access to a global job board, virtual conferences, and local meetups. The network also nominates Irish leaders for international awards and speaking opportunities, highlighting trailblazers like Anne Carrigy of Logitech and Gillian O’Sullivan of BearingPoint.
Member Gains
Members gain unparalleled access to a global peer network and career development resources. The platform is designed to provide visibility and connection beyond the domestic Irish market, which is crucial for career advancement in specialized technical roles.
Regional Notes
While digital-first, the network facilitates local "ambassadors" who can host meetups in cities like Cork, Galway, and Belfast. This structure helps decentralise access to global opportunities and builds connective tissue across the island’s tech clusters.
Network Ireland
Though a general business network, Network Ireland’s dedicated "Women Leaders in Tech" talk series has become a cornerstone event, spotlighting executive role models and fostering peer-to-peer learning in an intimate setting. It exemplifies how broader business ecosystems can pollinate specific tech communities with leadership insights.
Get Involved
Attend the talks hosted by various regional chapters nationwide. Non-members can often attend individual events, while membership offers year-round benefits. The series is highly visible on social media, such as this Instagram reel showcasing a vibrant event.
Member Gains
These events provide candid insights from women in CTO, CPO, and founding roles. The focus is on shared experience and practical advice for navigating leadership challenges in the Irish context, from managing teams to balancing stakeholder demands.
"Your honesty and expertise gave us all so much to take away and reflect on... it was inspiring to shine a spotlight on the women driving change." - Attendee feedback from a Network Ireland Kerry event.
Regional Notes
This is one of the best resources for women outside Dublin, as Network Ireland has active chapters in every county, including Kerry, Cork, Galway, and Meath, ensuring leadership insights and networking are accessible everywhere.
Women in Business NI
For women in the tech sector in Northern Ireland, Women in Business NI hosts the premier event: the annual Women in Tech Awards and Conference in Belfast. It serves as a crucial hub for cross-border collaboration and recognition, strengthening the all-island tech network.
Get Involved
Engage by attending the conference in June, submitting nominations for the awards, or participating in year-round networking events focused on growth and investment in the NI tech scene. The awards ceremony at The Europa Hotel is a key date in the calendar.
Member Gains
The conference provides a concentrated day of learning and networking with the North’s top tech leaders. Winning or being shortlisted for an award offers significant career credibility and visibility within the competitive tech ecosystem, celebrating those who "innovate, lead, and drive meaningful change."
Regional Notes
Essential for professionals in Belfast, Derry, and across Northern Ireland, it also serves as a valuable bridge for those in border counties like Louth and Donegal looking to engage with the wider Irish and UK tech communities.
Lean In Ireland
Lean In Circles provide the structured, small-group peer mentorship that forms the mycelial network beneath Ireland's tech garden. The Women in Tech Ireland Circle network facilitates regular, confidential meetings where members set goals and hold each other accountable, creating resilient personal support systems.
Get Involved
You can join an existing Circle, such as the Blanchardstown Women in Tech or Women in Tech Belfast groups, or start a new one with colleagues through the Lean In platform. These circles are designed for monthly discussions focused squarely on supporting career aspirations.
Member Gains
The core benefit is a trusted "safe space" for honest discussion and mutual support. Circles effectively combat isolation, especially for those who may be the only woman on their team, and provide a practical framework for tackling specific career challenges and ambitions.
"A couple of years ago, I joined a Lean In Circle... Over time, this Circle has become a place where I can truly show up." - Shared experience from a Circle member, highlighting the depth of connection.
Regional Notes
The Circle model is highly adaptable and thrives in both major cities and smaller towns. It’s an effective way to cultivate a local support system where larger, formal networks may not have a frequent physical presence.
TechIreland
In Ireland's tech ecosystem, knowledge of the investment landscape is a critical nutrient. The annual TechIreland Female Founder Funding Review is the definitive data resource, tracking the hard numbers on investment in women-led startups to reveal progress and pinpoint persistent gaps.
Get Involved
Entrepreneurs and investors can access the latest report online. Founders should ensure their company is listed on the TechIreland platform to increase visibility to active investors and become part of the benchmarked data.
Member Gains
This data is power. Entrepreneurs use it to benchmark their fundraising, identify active investors, and understand sector trends. For example, the 2025 review highlighted a landmark year where 82 female-founded companies raised record funding, with Irish university spin-out ProVerum closing a massive €72.7m round.
"Essential reading for anyone serious about building a diverse and thriving startup ecosystem." - Industry commentary on the TechIreland Female Founder Funding Review.
Regional Notes
The data is all-island, covering startups from Dublin to Donegal and highlighting successes in regional hubs. This is invaluable for founders outside the capital seeking evidence of a decentralising investment landscape and for cultivating opportunities nationwide.
Skillnet Ireland
Addressing the critical "returner" challenge—the need for recent experience—Skillnet Ireland’s Women Reboot programme is a government-backed root structure for women re-entering the tech workforce after a career break. It offers free, intensive training and guaranteed work placements, directly tackling one of the biggest barriers to re-entry.
Get Involved
Applications open for cohorts throughout the year. The programme, delivered through Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet, is free for eligible participants seeking to rebuild their careers in the thriving Irish tech sector.
Member Gains
Returners gain modern, in-demand technical skills in areas like software development or data analysis, rebuild professional confidence, and secure a paid work placement with a partner company. This practical pathway is designed to cultivate immediate relevance in a fast-evolving job market.
Regional Notes
Programmes are run in multiple locations to ensure nationwide access. Prospective participants should check for upcoming cohorts in Dublin, Cork, and Galway, making it a vital resource for returners across the country facing regional job market constraints.
University Clubs and Scholarships Network
For students and early-career professionals, the network of university Women in STEM societies and dedicated scholarships forms the essential pipeline, cultivating the next generation of talent. Clubs at institutions nationwide offer community, while targeted scholarships directly lower financial barriers in an era of rising costs.
Get Involved
Join your university’s society, such as the UCD Women+ in STEM Society, or if you’re a prospective student, research and apply for targeted scholarships. These include the Intel Women in Technology Scholarships at Maynooth University or the 30% Club Ireland Postgraduate Scholarships.
Member Gains
Students gain early peer support, industry mentorship, and networking that can lead to internships and graduate roles with top employers. Scholarships, which can cover significant tuition portions, are crucial for affordability and access, especially in high-cost cities like Dublin and Cork.
Regional Notes
Every major third-level institution in Ireland now hosts an active group, ensuring foundational support is available wherever you study, from established universities in Limerick and Galway to institutes of technology across the country.
Practical Next Steps
The strength of Ireland's women in tech ecosystem lies in its interconnectedness, much like a healthy garden where each plant supports the others. Your first step depends on your specific goal for cultivating your career.
If you are seeking a job or promotion, start with corporate networking through CWiT or your local Network Ireland chapter. For those building a startup, dive into TechFoundHer’s WeBuild program and study the TechIreland funding data to understand the landscape where women-led firms receive less than 2% of VC capital.
Alongside community, cultivating in-demand skills is essential. For career changers or those upskilling into high-growth fields like AI, affordable, flexible bootcamps like those from Nucamp provide a practical pathway. Their AI and coding programs, with tuition from approximately €1,955, offer an accessible route to gaining the technical foundations needed in Ireland's competitive market.
Ultimately, your task is to find your node in this living web. Whether you're returning to work via Skillnet Ireland, seeking peer support in a Lean In Circle, or building early connections through a university STEM society, engage with at least one group. The collective growth of this garden depends on every new root finding its place and contributing to the network's resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which women in tech group in Ireland is most effective for career growth in big tech companies?
Connecting Women in Technology (CWiT) is the top choice for corporate career advancement, as it's an industry-led network with over 20 major tech employers like Microsoft and Dell in Ireland. Members gain direct access to mentorship, leadership panels, and networking events that can lead to promotions within Ireland's thriving tech sector, leveraging Dublin's proximity to global hubs.
How did you rank these top groups, and what makes them stand out from others in Ireland?
Groups are ranked based on impact, reach, and ability to deliver tangible outcomes, such as job placements or business growth. For example, WITS Ireland reported a 31% membership growth in 2025, highlighting its resilience, while CWiT's partnerships with major firms ensure practical career benefits across Ireland's tech landscape.
I'm a female tech founder based in Cork. Which resource is best for helping me scale my startup?
TechFoundHer is ideal for founders in Cork, as it specifically targets the funding gap where women receive less than 2% of VC capital in Ireland. Their WeBuild programme offers online and in-person support, with a focus on using AI tools to accelerate businesses, making it accessible for regional entrepreneurs in growing hubs like Cork.
What's the best resource for women in Ireland who are returning to tech after a career break?
Skillnet Ireland's Women Reboot programme is the top resource, offering free, intensive training and guaranteed work placements to tackle re-entry barriers. With cohorts in Dublin, Cork, and Galway, it provides modern skills like data analysis, helping returners rebuild confidence and secure roles in Ireland's competitive job market.
Are there any free or affordable ways to join these women in tech networks in Ireland?
Yes, many groups are accessible on a budget. WomenTech Network Ireland offers free membership with global job boards and local meetups, while Lean In Circles provide low-cost peer support. Additionally, Skillnet programmes are free for eligible participants, making it easy to engage without financial strain across Ireland's regions.
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Irene Holden
Operations Manager
Former Microsoft Education and Learning Futures Group team member, Irene now oversees instructors at Nucamp while writing about everything tech - from careers to coding bootcamps.