OpenAI sets out new national AI initiative for Ireland’s digital future

OpenAI for Ireland will support small businesses, founders and young builders through new skills programs and partnerships with government and local hubs.

OpenAI has set out a new national initiative in Ireland through a LinkedIn post from its Global Affairs team and a detailed blog, confirming the launch of OpenAI for Ireland.

The company develops AI systems and tools, and works with governments and organizations to build local capacity around responsible AI use, with Dublin already serving as its European headquarters.

In the LinkedIn post, OpenAI Global Affairs describes Ireland as “one of Europe’s most dynamic AI centers — a country leaning into innovation, building momentum, and charting a national path for responsible and beneficial AI.” The post notes that “with more than one million of its residents using ChatGPT every week — and with Dublin serving as OpenAI’s European headquarters — Ireland already has one of Europe’s most active AI user bases.”

The OpenAI for Ireland initiative is positioned as part of the wider OpenAI for Countries program. According to the post, OpenAI will work “with the Government of Ireland, Dogpatch Labs, and Patch to expand access to AI for small businesses, founders, and young builders as part of the country’s ambition to lead in the responsible and innovative use of AI.”

Government partnership targets SME AI skills

OpenAI’s blog confirms that the first phase of the initiative will center on small and medium-sized enterprises, early-stage founders and young builders. The company will work with the Department for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment on an SME Booster program scheduled for 2026, offering hands-on AI skills training, access to tools and mentoring, with additional online training delivered through the OpenAI Academy.

Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, says, “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.”

Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism & Employment, says, “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.”

The initiative is framed as aligning with Ireland’s refreshed National AI Strategy and its wider digital plans as the country prepares to assume the EU Council Presidency in 2026.

Dogpatch Labs and Patch focus on founders and young talent

Alongside the government partnership, OpenAI is working with Dogpatch Labs, which hosts the National Digital Research Centre accelerator. The focus is on practical support for early-stage companies through workshops and access to OpenAI experts and tools so that products can be built and tested from Ireland.

Patrick Walsh, CEO of Dogpatch Labs, says, “Ireland has a unique opportunity to become a European hub for AI entrepreneurship, by connecting the next generation of builders with the tools, mentorship and networks they need to create world-class AI startups.”

OpenAI is also entering a three-year partnership with Patch, a nonprofit that supports founders aged 16 to 21. The collaboration will extend Patch’s summer program, fellowships, grants and mentoring so that more young people can learn to code, prototype and develop early-stage AI products aligned with national skills and innovation priorities.

Tom McCarthy, Chair and Co-founder at Patch, says, “Patch exists to accelerate exceptional young people by taking them seriously. OpenAI’s support will be instrumental in fostering the next generation of great Irish technologists and leaders.”

OpenAI notes that these collaborations build on its existing presence in Ireland, with more than 50 employees in Dublin across governance, privacy engineering, safety, go-to-market and legal roles. The company states that it will continue to invest in the country as AI adoption increases across sectors.

Jason Kwon, Chief Strategy Officer at OpenAI, says, “Ireland has always played a unique role in the evolution of global technology and its spirit of innovation extends far beyond its shores. With a million people using ChatGPT every week it's clear that the Irish understand the value of AI to get more out of work and life. AI can both supercharge traditional SMEs to achieve more and will be the foundation of a new generation of Irish tech entrepreneurs. OpenAI for Ireland will support the Government’s ambitions and help make the country a leader in the responsible and beneficial use of AI right across the country.”