The Digital Hub has opened applications for a new AI for Communities residency, inviting individuals and multidisciplinary teams to develop practical, community-centred approaches to artificial intelligence learning and engagement in Dublin 8.
The four-month programme, titled “AI for Communities – Empowering People Through AI”, is designed to explore how AI literacy and digital innovation can support local communities. The selected resident or team will develop and pilot a model at The Digital Hub campus before the end of 2026.
AI for Communities residency offers €12,000 fee
The open call is aimed at applicants with experience or expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- AI literacy and emerging AI technologies
- Community engagement and education
- Digital innovation
- Social innovation
The successful resident designer or facilitator will receive a fee of €12,000, inclusive of VAT. The initiative reflects growing interest across Ireland in making artificial intelligence more accessible, understandable and relevant to people outside traditional technology settings.
Applicants may apply as individuals or as multidisciplinary teams. The residency will focus on developing and testing a community-centred learning and engagement model rather than delivering a purely technical project.
Application deadline and programme details
Expressions of interest must be submitted by 11:59pm Irish time on Friday, 9 October 2026. The residency is expected to begin before the end of 2026 and will run for four months at The Digital Hub campus.
Potential applicants should consult The Digital Hub’s official application information for the full brief, eligibility requirements and submission process.
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Why community-focused AI matters
Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping education, healthcare, business and public administration. However, access to useful information and confidence with AI tools can vary significantly between communities. Programmes such as this residency can help translate complex technology into practical learning opportunities.
The project also aligns with wider national discussions involving gov.ie, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Education, Further and Higher Education, and public bodies working on digital transformation. Organisations including the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Higher Education Authority (HEA), Solas and the Central Statistics Office (CSO) operate in sectors where responsible digital skills and clear public communication are increasingly important.
Based in Dublin’s historic Liberties, The Digital Hub combines technology, enterprise, learning and cultural activity. Its latest call places local participation at the centre of an emerging technology programme.
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What applicants should know
Applicants should demonstrate relevant experience and explain how they would develop and pilot a model for AI learning and engagement. Strong proposals are likely to connect technical understanding with education, inclusion and community needs.
The Digital Hub’s wider programme includes learning initiatives, cultural events and industry activity, making its Dublin 8 campus a suitable setting for experimentation and collaboration.
Article/Image Courtesy: The Digital Hub
Key takeaway: The Digital Hub’s AI for Communities residency offers a €12,000 opportunity for qualified individuals or teams to create a practical model for community-focused AI learning. Applications close on 9 October 2026.
