Registrations are now open for the National AI Challenge 2025, a hackathon-style initiative by TechIreland, for developers and AI enthusiasts from across Ireland to collaborate and build practical AI solutions addressing real-world problems. With strong uptake recorded from across developer communities, organisers are expecting to complete registrations before 10th August – the scheduled closing date.
Inspired by Ireland’s national AI strategy, “AI – Here for Good,” the Challenge emphasises people-centred, ethical AI development across diverse sectors including FinTech, InsurTech, Health, Enterprise Solutions, Public Services, ImmersiveTech, Sustainability, among other impact-driven themes.
National AI Challenge 2025 to Drive AI Innovation
Supported by Enterprise Ireland, Data2Sustain EDIH, Google, and OpenAI, the 2025 Challenge has attracted interest and support from prominent industry groups such as ITAG, InsTech.ie, and Eirmersive, alongside global companies implementing AI such as Millennium Management and the leading AI Platform, Workday — both organisations expanding their presence in Ireland, reflecting the country’s world-class technology talent.
With hundreds of participants signing-up, ten leading innovation hubs have stepped forward to support as Challenge Venues and host the final in-person day, following two-week of remote collaboration. This year, teams are encouraged to develop either innovative solutions or efficiency-driven agentic workflows to tackle pressing industry challenges.
Google and OpenAI provide participants with complimentary access to their advanced AI tools, along with technical guidance from their teams. Both organisations have been longstanding supporters of the initiative, ensuring a valuable educational experience for participants. Now entering its second year, the Challenge has expanded its network to include nearly 30 partner organisations and coding communities nationwide to enhance collaboration and impact.
On 11th August, all registered participants will be invited to the AI Challenge opening webinar for briefings and guidelines. Sean Blanchfield – Founder & CEO of agentic AI startup Jentic, will talk about building with AI primer, inspiring the application of AI for meaningful outcomes.
These top teams announced on the final in-person day will have the opportunity to showcase their projects at the National AI Meet 2025 on 18th September in Galway, where the National AI Challenge 2025 winners will be announced.
Participants from last year reported a steep learning curve during the Challenge, with two teams even evolving into fledgling startups. The National AI Challenge Steering Group is confident that this year’s Challenge will also bring to light innovative solutions and workflows.
Challenge Highlights
An ideation and consultation period to shape ideas with sector and technical experts
Two full weeks to build AI solutions
Local demo events at more than 10 hubs nationwide
A final showcase for top teams at the National AI Meet in Galway on 18 September
Key Dates
10 August: Registration closes (free to enter)
11 August to 21 August: Team formation, ideation webinars and preparation
22 August to 4 September: Build phase
5 September: Regional in-person presentation day
18 September: National showcase in Galway
Participants must be based in Ireland or Northern Ireland, and must be at least 18 years of age.
The event continues to champion the principles of ethical AI design, inclusion, and collaboration, placing a strong emphasis on learning and impact over competition.
For more information, and to register: CLICK
Commentary from Key Stakeholders:
Brian Caulfield, Chair – TechIreland: TechIreland is proud to be hosting the second edition of the National AI Challenge, together with our sponsors and supporters. AI is here to stay and will have profound impacts on society. We can’t ignore it. Ireland needs to be a leader in driving considered, ethical adoption of AI. We hope that the National AI Challenge can be a catalyst for that, now and in the future.
Michael O’Dea, Senior Client Advisor – Enterprise Ireland: ‘‘Enterprise Ireland is thrilled to support the upcoming National AI Challenge 2025, and we thank TechIreland for organising this vital event. We’re also grateful to the many Multinational Companies, Universities, Regional Hubs and Startups for their involvement. We’re eagerly looking forward to seeing the innovative and exciting solutions that emerge from this challenge. The energy and ingenuity we anticipate from participants truly reinforce our belief that dynamic AI is the undeniable future of Irish tech innovation. These burgeoning Startups are not just developing cutting-edge solutions; they are poised to drive economic growth, create high-value jobs, and solidify Ireland’s position as a global leader in responsible and transformative AI.’’
Mike Conroy, Director – Data2Sustain EDIH: “This National AI Challenge exemplifies the power of collaboration between industry, innovation and regional networks across the Island. As part of Ireland’s European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) network, we are committed to helping orchestrate initiatives that accelerate AI adoption across tech and more traditional sectors. Events like this are important to identify and unlock the transformative potential of AI .”
Paddy Flynn, VP Geo Data Operations – Google: We are delighted to support the TechIreland National AI Challenge, and encourage more participants to learn about the latest developments in artificial intelligence and its use-cases. We are happy to encourage collaboration to further empower the tech workforce in Ireland.
Emma Redmond, Associate General Counsel & Head of OpenAI Ireland: “The National AI Challenge fosters critical thinking, creativity and innovation to tease out the best ideas and bring real world AI-driven solutions to life. It will also help everyone across the country to better understand AI and its potential. The OpenAI team here is thrilled to support TechIreland again this year as it takes the National AI Challenge to even greater heights.”
Gary Leyden, CEO – InsTech.ie: “InsTech.ie is proud to sponsor TechIreland’s National AI Hackathon. We see AI as a powerful enabler of transformation in insurance — from improving customer experience to enhancing underwriting, claims and fraud detection. By supporting this initiative, we want to encourage innovators to bring forward insurance-specific AI solutions that can unlock real value for the industry and its customers.”
Rob Newton, Global Head of Technology Infrastructure – Millennium: “We’re excited to support this year’s National AI Challenge as Millennium expands our presence in Ireland. This initiative reflects Millennium’s own commitment to empower our technologists to leverage AI in solving complex challenges at the intersection of technology and finance. We look forward to engaging with the participants and seeing their ideas take shape.”
Graham Abell, Vice President, Software Development Engineering & Ireland Site Lead – Workday: Innovation is most effectively driven by collaboration and a shared commitment to solving real-world problems. We’re proud to sponsor the National AI Challenge, an initiative that provides Ireland’s talented technology community with a platform to develop responsible, human-centric AI.
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