Applications are open for a new AI residency in Ireland designed to help communities understand and use artificial intelligence. The Digital Hub is seeking individuals and multidisciplinary teams for its “AI for Communities – Empowering People Through AI” programme, which will run for four months at its Dublin 8 campus before the end of 2026.
The initiative places community engagement, education and digital inclusion at the centre of AI development. Successful applicants will receive a VAT-inclusive fee of €12,000 to design and facilitate a practical model for AI learning and engagement.
AI residency Ireland applications now open
The Digital Hub is inviting expressions of interest from applicants with experience in one or more of the following areas:
- AI literacy and emerging AI technologies
- Community engagement and education
- Digital innovation and social innovation
- Designing accessible learning programmes
The selected resident or team will develop and pilot a community-centred approach to AI education. The programme is intended to explore how people can engage with AI in an informed, useful and inclusive way, particularly within local communities.
Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm on Friday, 9 October 2026, Irish time. The residency is expected to begin before the end of 2026 and will be hosted at The Digital Hub campus in the Liberties.
What the selected resident will deliver
The successful applicant will work with The Digital Hub to shape and test a model that supports public understanding of AI. Rather than focusing only on technical development, the programme will consider how AI can be introduced through learning, participation and community-led activity.
This approach reflects wider national interest in digital skills, responsible innovation and access to technology. Organisations such as gov.ie, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the Higher Education Authority support Ireland’s broader technology and enterprise ecosystem, while community-based initiatives can help translate innovation into everyday experience.
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Why the Digital Hub programme matters
Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing education, healthcare, employment and public services. Ensuring that communities can understand its opportunities and limitations is therefore an important part of responsible digital transformation.
The Digital Hub, located in Dublin 8’s historic Liberties, brings together technology companies, creative organisations, learning initiatives and community activity. Its AI residency builds on that environment by connecting expertise in technology with local participation and accessible education.
The programme may be particularly relevant to designers, educators, researchers, facilitators and social innovators who want to develop hands-on methods for explaining AI. Applicants do not need to be limited to one discipline, as The Digital Hub is specifically welcoming multidisciplinary teams.
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How to apply for the AI residency
Applicants should review the full information supplied by The Digital Hub and submit their expression of interest through the application route identified in its official announcement. The closing time is 23:59 on 9 October 2026.
Prospective applicants should clearly demonstrate relevant experience in AI, education, community work, digital innovation or social innovation. A strong proposal should also explain how the residency could support accessible, community-centred learning.
Key takeaway
This AI residency Ireland opportunity offers a practical route for specialists and creative teams to help shape how communities engage with artificial intelligence. With a €12,000 fee, a four-month format and a deadline of 9 October 2026, eligible applicants should begin preparing their expressions of interest now.
Article/Image Courtesy: The Digital Hub
