Julie Dowling

CEO

David Bermingham

Director of AI

New National AI Studio for Manufacturing’s launch will provide companies with a purpose-built environment to see, test and learn how AI works in real operations.

Ireland’s manufacturing sector has entered a new phase as Artificial Intelligence (AI) accelerates. The AIM (Advancing Innovation in Manufacturing) Centre supports manufacturers to build capability, accelerate innovation and prepare for a digital future, while also delivering practical, CPD-certified AI and digital skills training.

Based in Sligo, the national centre recently won a European Commission award for its leadership in supporting Europe’s digital transition. It’s also an associated partner in Ireland’s national AI Antenna program (led by ICHEC), a €10m initiative linking industry, research and high-performance computing.

AI Studio opening in January

The National AI Studio is an exciting addition to the AIM Centre. Opening in January 2026, this unique space will feature a smart assembly line that connects supply-chain data with robotics, vision systems and automation. Demonstrations include real-time defect detection, predictive maintenance, AI-enabled packaging and live dashboards linking production to performance insights.

Julie Dowling, AIM Centre CEO, describes it as “a landmark moment” for Irish manufacturing and Ireland’s broader innovation ecosystem. “This is the first time companies will have a resource focused entirely on practical AI adoption. The Studio demystifies the technology while supporting businesses in taking confident steps towards the future,” she says.

Showcasing AI’s organisation-wide impact

The Studio goes beyond the factory floor. Finance teams can explore AI-driven forecasting; HR teams can dive into workforce analytics; L&D teams can access personalised skills-mapping tools; and R&D teams can trial AI for design simulation and optimisation.

David Bermingham, AIM Centre’s Director of AI, says: “Manufacturing companies don’t need complexity — they need clarity. The AI Studio gives them a place to explore and learn, and the Accelerator Programme turns that learning into real results.”

The National AI Studio is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021–27. Through support from Enterprise Ireland, Sligo County Council, Leitrim County Council, Atlantic Technological University and Western Development Commission, AIM Centre has created an accessible and direct route for manufacturers to embrace the future.

Flexible membership

While the Studio will open in January, it has already delivered programmes for various roles, including business leaders, engineers, technicians and operators. It’s an inclusive space for whole teams to build capability and take a holistic view of their organisation.

Membership options now are available for multinationals, SMEs, local enterprises, start-ups and academia, with significant funding available.

Member benefits include exclusive access to the AI Studio’s working demonstration place, POV development and sandbox testing, one-to-one mentorship, heavily subsidised CPD-aligned training, and access to a vibrant national community.

Members can access a range of programmes, including first access to the structured 8-week AI Accelerator Programme, which provides a pathway for identifying high-value use cases, assessing data readiness and testing early concepts. It progresses them into proof-of-value projects and provides onward supports.

This programme has already supported 20 technical teams, identified over 60 high-value use cases and delivered multiple demonstrators. It has up to 80% funding support and is CPD-accredited by Engineers Ireland.

Demonstrations include real-time defect detection, predictive maintenance,
AI-enabled packaging and live dashboards linking production to performance insights

How to become a member

Memberships are intentionally affordable, starting at €1,000 per year. Enterprise Ireland clients can get up to 80% funded through the Smart Regions Programme.

The Studio, based in Sligo, will soon have a Galway presence, having just announced its role as anchor tenant in CREW Digital, Galway.

“Participating in the Al Accelerator has been invaluable for clarifying how Al can solve real-world problems on our manufacturing floor. We entered with a complex challenge around forecast accuracy and the programme helped us break it down into a clear, actionable roadmap. We now see a direct path to not just automate tasks but actively improve our agility and service levels for our customers.” – Avery Dennison