'A significant milestone for us as we approach our first anniversary': Belfast AI startup wins Northern Ireland title and place in UK final
The Queen’s University Belfast-founded business has been recognised at the 2026 UK StartUp Awards for its AI-powered platform helping ecommerce brands optimise Meta and Google advertising campaigns
Belfast-based technology firm KARB AI has been named the “Digital Startup of the Year” for Northern Ireland in the 2026 UK StartUp Awards.
KARB AI is being recognised for its innovative ‘AI decision layer’ which is revolutionising ecommerce advertising for Meta and Google promotions.
Founded in June 2025 by Karthik Bangalore Rajendra Prasad, an MBA graduate from Queen's University Belfast, KARB AI provides a specialised platform that allows ecommerce businesses to audit, optimise and scale their Meta ad accounts in minutes.
By reducing manual analysis and providing practical optimisation tips, the platform offers brands greater clarity and return on their digital marketing investments. KARB AI’s solution has already delivered more than a 22x return on investment for customers including marketing agencies, ecommerce brands, and freelance performance marketers.
“Winning the Digital Startup of the Year for Northern Ireland is a significant milestone for us as we approach our first anniversary,” said Karthik Rajendra Prasad, founder of KARB AI.
“Our mission is to empower ecommerce brands with AI-driven insights that simplify complex advertising decisions, and this recognition from the UK StartUp Awards validates the many benefits we’re already delivering for digital marketers and ecommerce companies.”
The UK StartUp Awards, founded by Professor Dylan Jones Evans, celebrate the ambition and resilience of entrepreneurs who are the "engine of the economy". Winners like KARB AI gain increased exposure and credibility with potential partners and investors, joining a prestigious network of more than 100,000 entrepreneurs.
As a Northern Ireland category winner, KARB AI will go forward to represent Northern Ireland at the UK StartUp Awards national final. Held on September 9, at Ideas Fest in Champneys, Tring, the event is often described as the "Glastonbury for business," attracting 6,000 founders, investors and leaders.