Ireland has a long history of global technology leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship and the country has now embraced AI as the next big technological leap. Over one million people in Ireland—from college students to entrepreneurs—are using ChatGPT every week to learn, get help with everyday tasks, and to scale traditional and new AI powered businesses. Ireland is already one of Europe’s most dynamic digital economies, and OpenAI for Ireland is designed to support the Government’s ambition to turn that head start into long-term leadership in the safe and innovative use of AI. The initiative will build on this momentum with an initial focus on SMEs, founders and young builders.

To enable and accelerate SME growth, OpenAI and the Department for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment⁠(opens in a new window) will launch an ‘SME Booster’ programme in 2026, with hands-on AI skills training for SMEs nationally. Through access to frontier AI technology, live workshops and real time mentoring, SMEs will learn how AI can help reduce costs, improve productivity and grow their business. Free SME online training will also be provided through the OpenAI Academy and will be supplemented with specialised AI literacy training.

Minister Chambers, said, “OpenAI’s partnerships will support economic growth by helping SMEs make the most of AI and other emerging technologies, while innovation from start-ups and builders developing new AI-driven products and services will help Ireland compete and succeed on the global stage. AI will play an important role in making public services more efficient and effective for individuals and businesses. Earlier this year, my department published the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service, and this week we launched the Digital Public Services Plan 2030. We are really ambitious about expanding and improving the services which are available to citizens and today’s announcement will further strengthen that goal.”

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism & Employment, Peter Burke TD, added, “Technology is a critical component of the Irish economic success story. Industry and Government must work together, helping businesses to navigate this period of rapid technological change and to take advantage of the opportunities. I commend OpenAI on their initiatives to build our startups capabilities and strengths in advanced technologies, which will drive investment, job and wealth creation.”