OpenAI Launches 'OpenAI for Ireland' With Government-Backed SME and Startup Push

Over one million people in Ireland now use ChatGPT every week, and OpenAI is betting that number signals a durable national shift. On the day, the company launched 'OpenAI for Ireland,' a new initiative run with the Irish Government, startup hub Dogpatch Labs and non-profit Patch, aimed at Irish SMEs, founders and young builders.

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.

The stakes are economic. Ireland is one of Europe's most dynamic digital economies, and the programme is designed to support the Government's ambition to convert that head start into long-term leadership in the safe and innovative use of AI. OpenAI frames the effort as building on Ireland's existing record of technology leadership, with an initial focus on small businesses, founders and students.

An SME Booster programme arriving in 2026

The largest concrete component targets small and medium enterprises. OpenAI and the Department for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment will launch an 'SME Booster' programme in 2026, delivering hands-on AI skills training for SMEs nationally. According to OpenAI, participating businesses will get access to frontier AI technology, live workshops and real-time mentoring, with the goal of learning how AI can reduce costs, improve productivity and grow their business. Free SME online training will also be provided through the OpenAI Academy, supplemented with specialised AI literacy training.

Minister Chambers framed the announcement within the Government's wider digital agenda. "OpenAI's partnerships will support economic growth by helping SMEs make the most of AI and other emerging technologies, while innovation from start-ups and builders developing new AI-driven products and services will help Ireland compete and succeed on the global stage," he said. He added: "AI will play an important role in making public services more efficient and effective for individuals and businesses. Earlier this year, my department published the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service, and this week we launched the Digital Public Services Plan 2030. We are really ambitious about expanding and improving the services which are available to citizens and today's announcement will further strengthen that goal."

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, tied the initiative to Ireland's broader economic model. "Technology is a critical component of the Irish economic success story. Industry and Government must work together, helping businesses to navigate this period of rapid technological change and to take advantage of the opportunities," he said. "I commend OpenAI on their initiatives to build our startups capabilities and strengths in advanced technologies, which will drive investment, job and wealth creation."

Niamh Smyth T.D., Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, also welcomed the announcement and the importance of working with SMEs to ensure they maximise the benefits of AI.

Partnership with Dogpatch Labs for early-stage founders

For startups, OpenAI and Dogpatch Labs — described by OpenAI as Ireland's leading startup hub and home of the National Digital Research Centre (NDRC) Accelerator — have agreed a partnership to help early-stage founders and entrepreneurs integrate AI into their products and workflows. The focus is on practical workshops and hands-on sessions for founders, plus connecting Irish startups to OpenAI's experts and tools so new AI products can be built from Ireland for Europe and the world.

Patrick Walsh, CEO of Dogpatch Labs, positioned the country as a potential continental centre for AI company-building. "Ireland has a unique opportunity to become a European hub for AI entrepreneurship, by connecting the next generation of builders with the tools, mentorship and networks they need to create world-class AI startups," he said.

A three-year commitment to young builders via Patch

The third strand targets the youngest cohort. OpenAI and Patch, a non-profit programme supporting founders aged 16–21, will enter a three-year partnership. The deal will let Patch grow its Summer programme and offer fellowships, finance grants and mentoring, so more young builders can learn to code, prototype and develop early-stage AI products — aligned, according to OpenAI, with Ireland's broader skills and innovation agenda.

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."

A growing Dublin headquarters

The initiative builds on OpenAI's existing footprint in the country. The company's European HQ in Dublin now includes more than 50 employees across governance, privacy engineering, safety, go-to-market and legal. OpenAI says it will continue to invest and grow that presence, supporting efforts to expand AI adoption and ensure the benefits are felt across the country.

Kwon cast the weekly ChatGPT usage figure as evidence of national readiness. "Ireland has always played a unique role in the evolution of global technology and its spirit of innovation extends far beyond its shores. With a million people using ChatGPT every week it's clear that the Irish understand the value of AI to get more out of work and life," he said. "AI can both supercharge traditional SMEs to achieve more and will be the foundation of a new generation of Irish tech entrepreneurs. OpenAI for Ireland will support the Government's ambitions and help make the country a leader in the responsible and beneficial use of AI right across the country."

What comes next

OpenAI says it will continue working closely with the Government of Ireland as it refreshes its National AI Strategy and prepares to host the EU AI Summit during its EU Council Presidency in 2026. With the SME Booster also slated for 2026, the initiative's most measurable commitments — national SME training and startup support at scale — will land in the same year Ireland takes a central role in European AI policy.