Ireland has been one of the leading adopters of artificial intelligence, having launched its national AI strategy as early as July 2021 – well before the meteoric rise of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in late 2022.
Fast forward to today, AI adoption in Ireland has surged to 91%, according to new research from Trinity Business School. That’s nearly double the 49% reported in 2024, and AI is projected to add at least €250 billion to the Irish economy by 2035.
This momentum is being driven by a thriving tech ecosystem, a skilled workforce and robust government support. As a result, many global firms have chosen to set up AI research and innovation hubs across Ireland. The country has also gained recognition as a European startup hotspot, with 63% of Irish startups now adopting AI - 36% of which place AI at the core of their business models. That’s well above the European average of 29%, according to a new AWS report.
Ireland as a global AI research destination
Several companies at the forefront of AI development have chosen Ireland as the location for their EU presence due to a combination of factors such as tax incentives, upskilling schemes, skilled workforce, and strong research and education framework. Home to 16 of the world’s top 20 tech multinationals, Ireland offers a competitive environment for companies keen to advance in AI and related disruptive technologies.
The government has significantly supported this AI research ecosystem via Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, offering funding supports like Innovation Vouchers, Technology Gateways, and R&D Grants. Flagship initiatives such as the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) have also played a pivotal role, with nearly half of its €370 million funding allocation going to projects with a core AI component.
Ireland is also home to a growing number of specialised AI centres, including CeADAR (the national centre for AI), and leading research centres such as ADAPT, INSIGHT, Lero, and EMPOWER.
To understand why Ireland’s AI expertise stands strong among developed nations, read our deep dive into AI in Ireland.
Global companies driving AI in research in Ireland
BNY Mellon
In 2023, US financial service firm BNY Mellon announced an investment of €8 million to set up a new digital research and development hub in Dublin. The investment, supported by IDA Ireland, will see the creation of 30 specialist jobs by 2025, with a strong focus on AI, machine learning and data analytics for global clients. Having established its presence in the country in 1994, BNY services global clients from offices in Cork, Dublin and Wexford.OpenAI
Headquartered in San Francisco, the trailblazing artificial intelligence firm behind ChatGPT expanded its presence in Europe with a new Dublin office in 2023. The presence of OpenAI marks a significant milestone in Ireland’s standing as a serious player in AI research and governance.IBM
Tech giant IBM announced a three-year investment in Ireland last year that will create up to 800 high-tech jobs in areas such as research and development, digital sales and consulting. The roles focus on building advanced software based on generative artificial intelligence, in high growth areas like security, automation and hybrid cloud. IBM, operating its business in Ireland for more than 65 years, has offices in Dublin, Cork, and Waterford.CalypsoAI
CalypsoAI, an artificial intelligence security firm based in US, opened its global co-headquarters in Dublin in 2024. The company, which provides security and compliance solutions to its clientele, also announced the expansion of its workforce in Ireland to 100 people over the coming year.
Crusoe
Earlier this year, AI infrastructure firm Crusoe announced its European headquarters in Dublin. With the backing of IDA Ireland, Crusoe intends to grow its workforce in Ireland over the next three years. The US firm builds AI-optimised data centres and has developed a cloud platform for AI deployment.
Irish companies driving AI in research
Soapbox Labs
Irish firm SoapBox Labs is best known for its AI driven voice recognition engine for children that help them learn to read. Having been acquired by Curriculum Associates in 2023, Soapbox Labs now serves as the AI-focused R&D hub for the US edtech firm.Nuritas
Founded in 2014, Dubin-based biotech firm Nuritas uses artificial intelligence to discover bioactive peptides, which are molecules in food and food by-products, that can be used by the life sciences sector to identify supplements and new drugs.Deciphex
A Dublin-based digital pathology company, Deciphex was awarded the medtech company of the year by the Irish Medtech Association in 2023 for its AI diagnostic platform. Founded in 2017, Deciphex’s products use AI-powered digital pathology that allows pathologists to work up to 40% faster while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.Intercom
Intercom, the Irish-founded customer service software firm, has announced an investment of nearly €90 million in artificial intelligence as part of its plans to incorporate its software platform with AI, making tasks across sales, marketing and customer support easier. The firm, which became a unicorn in 2018, also announced the creation of 75 new jobs, including in the research and development division.
AI Ireland: Looking Ahead
Ireland’s ambition to be a global leader in AI research and innovation was reaffirmed with a refreshed national AI strategy unveiled in late 2024. The renewed strategy not only takes account of the significant developments in AI technology but also serves a roadmap for how Ireland can leverage AI to improve productivity and enhance public services. The effective implementation of the EU AI Act remains the key focus point of the new strategy, ensuring that AI development aligns with European standards for safety and fundamental rights. Other key initiatives include the establishment of a National AI Research Nexus to unify research efforts, the creation of an AI regulatory sandbox to foster innovation in AI, and the development of a national campaign aimed at increasing AI adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises.
The country is also preparing its workforce for the evolving demands of the AI landscape by investing in education and upskilling programs, such as those offered through Skillnet Ireland and Springboard+.