Science Foundation Ireland Announces €100M AI Research Investment

31 January 2026By Editorial Team

Science Foundation Ireland has announced a landmark €100 million investment in AI research over the next five years. The funding will support fundamental research, applied AI projects, and critically, AI talent development across Irish universities.

Where the Money Goes

The investment is split across three areas: €50M for fundamental AI research, €30M for industry-applied AI projects, and €20M for AI talent development including PhD programmes, postdoctoral fellowships, and professional training initiatives.

Impact on Education

The talent development funding will create hundreds of new AI research positions and expand AI course offerings at Irish universities. UCD, Trinity, and Galway are all set to benefit.

Industry Applications

The applied research funding requires industry co-investment, ensuring projects address real business challenges. This creates opportunities for professionals to work at the intersection of research and practical AI deployment.

Professional Opportunities

For professionals, this investment means more AI courses, more research collaboration opportunities, and a stronger AI ecosystem. Getting AI qualified now positions you to benefit as these investments mature.