Irish AI Awards name 60 finalists across 15 categories

AI Ireland has announced the finalists for the Irish AI Awards 2026, with 60 finalists shortlisted across 15 categories.

The awards attracted 276 applications spanning healthcare, cybersecurity, sustainability, education, financial services and responsible AI. The finalists include established companies, startups, small and medium-sized businesses, public-sector organisations, researchers and emerging talent.

The judging panel selected finalists for work ranging from industry applications to individual achievement and contributions to the wider AI community. The shortlist reflects a broad cross-section of AI activity in Ireland at a time when organisations are trying to apply the technology to practical business and public-service problems.

Microsoft Ireland is the headline sponsor of the awards. Other sponsors are Accenture, Enterprise Ireland, Dublin City Council and Dublin Brand, Meta, IDA Ireland, Alldus, Rinn AI and Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet.

Catherine Doyle, General anager of Microsoft Ireland, said Microsoft viewed the awards as a marker of AI activity across the country.

"As a proud founding sponsor of the AI Awards, Microsoft is delighted to once again celebrate the people and organisations pushing the boundaries of what is possible with AI. This year's finalists represent the best of AI innovation in Ireland, from breakthroughs in healthcare, education and cybersecurity to new applications in sustainability and public services. Their work reflects Ireland's position as a leader in AI adoption and shows how responsible innovation can deliver meaningful outcomes for our economy, society and communities. We look forward to celebrating the finalists in November and recognising the home-grown talent helping to shape the next frontier of AI," Doyle said.

Support for the awards also comes from consulting, public-sector and research bodies, underlining how widely AI development now cuts across Ireland's technology landscape.

"The AI Awards shine a light on Ireland's exceptional talent, ideas and innovation. Ireland is well positioned to be a leader in AI, with a strong technology ecosystem, deep expertise and ambition. The opportunity now is to build on these strengths by continuing to invest in people and skills, while ensuring AI is adopted in a responsible and trusted way. Accenture is proud to support the AI Awards and celebrate those helping to shape the next chapter of AI innovation in Ireland and beyond," Boyle said.

Dublin City Council and the Dublin regional place brand are among the programme's backers.

"Dublin City Council and Dublin Brand are proud to support this year's AI Awards. As one of Europe's leading capitals for innovation, Dublin has firmly established itself as a global centre for technology and entrepreneurship. The city's rapidly growing AI sector is set to play an important role in shaping future economic growth, with increasing investment, groundbreaking research and a growing number of AI-driven startups emerging across the Dublin region. We congratulate all of this year's finalists and look forward to celebrating their exceptional achievements at the awards,"  Ross Curley, Head of Economic Development, Dublin City Council & Dublin Regional Place Brand, said.

Skills and training bodies are also using the awards to highlight the workforce needed to turn AI projects into operational systems.

"Behind every successful application of AI are people with the skills and judgment to turn ideas into practical results. Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet is proud to support the Irish AI Awards, and we congratulate this year's finalists on demonstrating what that combination can achieve. We look forward to joining them to celebrate their achievements," said Susan Kelly, Network Director, Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet.

Enterprise Ireland said the shortlist reflected AI's role in helping Irish companies grow internationally.

"Enterprise Ireland is proud to support the AI Awards 2026 and celebrate the innovators, entrepreneurs and businesses driving the growth of Ireland's AI ecosystem. These awards recognise the ambition and talent helping Irish companies compete and scale globally through the responsible adoption of AI," Anna-Marie Turley, Head of Enterprise Solutions, Enterprise Ireland, said.

Research institutions are also among the supporters, with Rinn AI pointing to the role of universities and research centres in producing future AI specialists.

"Rinn AI is proud to support the AI Awards 2026. As Ireland's National AI Research Centre, bringing together almost 300 research leaders across 15 research-performing organisations, we see every day how great ideas, creativity and curiosity become innovations that change how we work and live. It is especially encouraging to see research-led projects and student teams among this year's finalists. Our universities and research centres have a vital role in training the next generation of AI experts, innovators and entrepreneurs, and in making sure Ireland's AI future is ambitious, responsible and inclusive. Congratulations to all the finalists!" said Noel O'Connor, Director, Rinn Artificial Intelligence.

Recruitment specialist Alldus said the finalists highlighted the importance of talent in moving AI projects from planning to deployment.

"This year's finalists show the strength of AI talent in Ireland and the difference their work is making across industries. At Alldus, we see every day how finding the right people helps businesses turn their plans for AI into results. We're proud to support the AI Awards and recognise the people helping businesses and communities put AI to good use," Ryan Clarke, CEO of Alldus, said.