All-island initiative will culminate at National AI Meet in Galway as developers, founders and students build practical AI solutions for business and society.
TechIreland has launched the National AI Challenge 2026, bringing together developers, founders, students, technologists and AI enthusiasts from across Ireland and Northern Ireland to build practical AI solutions for real-world business and societal challenges.
The initiative, now in its third year, is expected to attract more than 300 participants and will culminate at the fourth annual TechIreland National AI Meet at The Galmont Hotel in Galway on 24 September.
“At a time when employers need evidence of practical AI capability, we are creating opportunities for people to demonstrate what they can build while helping organisations discover the talent they need”
More than 200 people registered within the first eight days of applications opening, reflecting growing interest in hands-on AI innovation and collaboration. Supported by expert mentors, industry partners, technology providers and more than 10 regional innovation hubs, the programme aims to give participants practical experience in developing AI products, prototypes and agentic workflows.
Niall Norton, CEO of TechIreland, said the challenge is becoming an important part of Ireland’s AI ecosystem.
“The AI Challenge is much more than a competition. It is becoming part of Ireland’s AI talent infrastructure. At a time when employers need evidence of practical AI capability, we are creating opportunities for people to demonstrate what they can build while helping organisations discover the talent they need.”
Following two weeks of remote development, participating teams will present their projects at coordinated regional events on 14 September. The strongest teams will then advance to the National AI Meet, where they will showcase their work to leaders from technology, industry, investment, research and the public sector.
Focus on practical AI implementation
The theme for the 2026 challenge is “AI & Agents: Strategy, Processes and Roles”, reflecting the increasing focus on deploying AI in practical business settings.
Participants can tackle industry-led challenge statements or submit their own wildcard ideas in areas including enterprise technology, manufacturing, financial services, insurance, health, sustainability, public services and immersive technology.
The programme will also encourage participants to consider responsible AI development and governance alongside technical innovation.
Conor O’Donovan, head of Startups at Enterprise Ireland, said the challenge arrives at an important time for the Irish economy.
“The National AI Challenge has become a hugely valuable national and regional opportunity for founders to connect, collaborate and build AI-native products, solutions and businesses addressing challenges facing business and society. Given the importance of AI adoption, training and talent to the international competitiveness of the Irish economy, the challenge comes at an opportune time for founders, investors and organisations to collaborate on AI solutions of the future.”
Growing impact across the island
The National AI Challenge has continued to expand its reach. In 2025, participants delivered 44 AI projects, while 15 teams progressed to the national final. More than half of participants came from regional locations, underlining the programme’s all-island appeal.
Brian Caulfield, board director at TechIreland, said the initiative has helped stimulate both entrepreneurship and skills development.
“I’m very proud to see the National AI Challenge and Meet go from strength-to-strength. Every year, the competition has generated more AI startups, while simultaneously educating new AI talent and connecting technical and commercial founders. I look forward to this year’s iteration being the best yet.”
The challenge is designed to give participants an opportunity to demonstrate both technical and commercial capabilities while connecting with collaborators, investors and potential employers.
Among those who have benefited from previous editions is Gavin Doyle of Glór AI.
“TechIreland and the National AI Challenge gave me the opportunity to pursue a project I wanted to for a long time. After the two weeks, we had an actual product built, and we built genuine interest from users and governing bodies, which opened so many doors for myself and the rest of my team.”
Cressida Canavan of Canavan Atlantic described the programme as a transformative experience for her business.
“The National AI Challenge has been one of the defining moments in our startup journey. It helped us find our technical team, connect with investors and fellow founders, gain confidence in our vision and opened doors we never expected. I would encourage every AI founder to apply.”
Strengthening collaboration
TechIreland describes the challenge as more than a competition, positioning it as a platform that connects technical talent with founders, industry leaders, researchers, mentors, investors and regional innovation communities.
Mike Conroy of Ireland’s European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) said the programme demonstrates the value of ecosystem-wide collaboration.
“This National AI Challenge exemplifies the power of collaboration between industry and innovation networks across the Island. Ireland’s European Digital Innovation Hubs are committed to helping orchestrate and support such initiatives country wide, in collaboration with a wider ecosystem of partners. Initiatives like this develop new relationships and networks that help unlock the transformative potential of AI across all sectors.”
Industry partners are also using the challenge to explore how AI can address sector-specific opportunities.
Gary Leyden, CEO and Founder of InsTech.ie, said insurance professionals have a key role to play in shaping the future of AI-driven business transformation.
“Instech.ie is proud to return, supporting TechIreland’s National AI Challenge as a Strategic Partner. Insurance enables every industry to innovate, invest and grow. As AI reshapes how businesses operate, insurance has an opportunity to become both an adopter and an enabler of that transformation. We’re looking for innovators, technologists and insurance professionals who can create better experiences for underwriters, insurers and customers, and help shape the future of insurance.”
The National AI Challenge 2026 is supported by Enterprise Ireland, the European Digital Innovation Hubs Network and a growing network of technology companies, industry bodies, coding communities, innovation centres and regional partners. Further partners and challenge supporters are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Top image: Speakers, partners and industry leaders gather on stage at the TechIreland National AI Meet in Galway last year, showcasing Ireland’s growing AI ecosystem and innovation community
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