Flying the Flag for Irish Innovation: Klearcom in Japan

When Liam Dunne, co-founder and CEO of Klearcom, joined The Hot Desk on WLR FM, it was clear that this was more than just another media appearance. It was a milestone, one that captured the spirit of an Irish tech company punching far above its weight in the global arena. Liam had just returned from Japan, where he represented Klearcom as one of 24 finalists in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Ireland programme.

Hosted by Mary O’Neill, the July 16th episode of The Hot Desk delved into the story behind the award, the international experience that came with it, and how a Waterford-headquartered company is making waves in enterprise voice testing technology.

The Hot Desk

Hot Desk – July 16, 2025

Listen to the full The Hot Desk episode here: WLR FM – July 16th

From Waterford to the World

Klearcom is based in ArcLabs in Waterford, and while the company now spans offices in the U.S. and India, Waterford remains the heartbeat of the business. As Liam put it, “We wear the blue and white jersey wherever we can.”

Their core product is a software solution that ensures voice bots and call center AI systems are working properly across international networks, used by major brands like Google, Mastercard, and Pfizer. It's a mission-critical service in a digital-first world where customer experience is increasingly driven by automation and global connectivity.

A Trip That Changed Everything

As part of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme, the finalists embarked on what’s often described as the “CEO retreat.” But don’t let the word retreat fool you, this was no vacation. The 2024 destination: Japan.

“It was like a real-world MBA,” Liam said on WLR FM. “Every bus ride, every train journey was a masterclass.”

Over the course of a week, participants traveled from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka, engaging in deep conversations on business strategy, scaling challenges, and global growth. The highlight? Liam was chosen to deliver a pitch at the Irish Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, an event that is expected to draw over 26 million attendees.

And in classic Irish fashion, there was a humorous twist. The original photo from Liam’s pitch featured a pint of Guinness in hand, which was later AI swapped with an iPad for PR appropriateness. Or was it the other way around? “There’s your inside scoop,” he laughed.

Building Bridges Between Ireland and Asia

One of the strongest takeaways from the trip was the cultural alignment between Ireland and Japan: a shared respect for relationships, trust, and tradition. These values mirror the ethos of Klearcom and many Irish firms, making Japan, and the broader Asian market, a compelling destination for business expansion.

“Markets like Japan require more patience and nuance, but the impact can be huge,” Liam noted. “They truly appreciate the effort we make to show up.”

This sentiment reflects a broader theme Liam explored in his article on risk, values, and entrepreneurship around the world, where we discussed how global entrepreneurship isn't just about technology, it’s about mindset, adaptability, and being bold enough to go where others haven’t.

Championing Entrepreneurial Spirit

More than just a recognition of business growth, the EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme fosters a powerful network of over 650 Irish alumni, many of whom pay their own way to attend the annual retreat. That sense of community, mentorship, and shared ambition is what sets this initiative apart.

Liam credited figures like Dennis O’Brien and Eddie Jones (ex-England rugby coach) for bringing authentic, lived experience into the conversation — not just in lectures, but side by side on buses, in workshops, and over dinner.

“It wasn’t about the stage,” Liam shared. “They sat with us, talked with us, and helped us think broader, go faster, and aim higher.”

What Comes Next?

The road to the final award is multi-layered, involving business performance reviews, interviews, and strategic assessments. The grand finale will take place at a national gala in late November, where winners across eight categories will be announced on live television.

But for Klearcom, the journey has already yielded profound value: expanded horizons, renewed ambition, and a deeper belief in the global relevance of what we’re building.

The Bigger Picture

This story, from Waterford to Japan, isn’t just about one company’s achievement. It’s a reflection of Ireland’s place on the global innovation map, and a reminder that high-impact entrepreneurship can emerge from any corner of the country.

At Klearcom, we remain committed to delivering mission-critical voice solutions to enterprises worldwide, and to doing so with the same authenticity, vision, and community spirit that brought us here.

Stay tuned. The best is yet to come.