Introducing OpenAI for Ireland

Today we are launching ‘OpenAI for Ireland’—a new initiative from OpenAI working with the Irish Government, Dogpatch Labs and Patch to help Irish SMEs and founders seize the opportunity of AI to grow, innovate and build for the future. 

Jason Kwon, Chief Strategy Officer at OpenAI, announced the initiative in Dublin alongside Jack Chambers T.D., Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Patrick Walsh, CEO of Dogpatch Labs and Tom McCarthy, Chair and Co-Founder of Patch.

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.

Tom McCarthy, Chair and Co-founder at Patch, said, “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.”