TechIreland has launched the National AI Challenge 2026 and confirmed that the fourth annual TechIreland National AI Meet will take place at the Galmont Hotel in Galway on 24 September.
This year’s theme, AI & Agents: Strategy, Processes and Roles, reflects the shift from AI experimentation to practical implementation.
“The AI Challenge is much more than a competition. It is becoming part of Ireland’s AI talent infrastructure,” Niall Norton, CEO of TechIreland, said.
He added: “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.”
Now in its third year, the free National AI Challenge will bring together more than 300 developers, founders, students, technologists and AI enthusiasts from across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Participants will build practical AI products, prototypes and agentic workflows addressing real business and societal challenges.
The programme is supported by expert mentors, industry partners, technology providers and more than 10 regional innovation hubs. More than 200 people registered within the first eight days, with applications open until 9 August.
Following two intensive weeks of remote development, teams will present their work at coordinated regional events on 14 September. The strongest teams will progress to the National AI Meet in Galway, where they will showcase their solutions to leaders from technology, industry, investment, research and the public sector.
As organisations explore how AI systems and agents can support decisions, automate processes, augment employees and enable new products and services, the Challenge will give participants practical experience of this transition through hands-on development.
Teams can respond to industry-led challenge statements or submit wildcard ideas in areas including enterprise technology, manufacturing, financial services, insurance, health, sustainability, public services, and immersive technology.
The programme will emphasise responsible, people-centred AI, asking participants to consider, not only what can be built, but also how it can be implemented, governed and used to create meaningful impact.
“Every year, the competition has generated more AI startups, while simultaneously educating new AI talent and connecting technical and commercial founders,” Brian Caulfield, board director at TechIreland, said.
In 2025, participants delivered 44 AI projects, with 15 teams reaching the national final – more than twice the number in 2024. Some 53% of participants came from regional locations, reflecting the programme’s growing reach.
Previous participants have used the Challenge to build working products, validate ideas, find technical team members and connect with investors, users and public bodies.
The National AI Challenge connects technical talent with founders, industry leaders, researchers, mentors, investors and regional innovation communities.
The initiative 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.
Patryk Goron







Ltd