As Ireland hosts the International AI Summit, Salesforce announces new programmes to expand AI literacy and career pathways for young people.
This week, global policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators are gathering in Dublin for the International AI Summit under Ireland’s EU Presidency. As Europe shapes its digital agenda for the decade ahead, the conversations here will help define how AI is built, governed, and deployed.
Much of the discussion will focus on policy, infrastructure, and technological speed as we move into the era of agentic AI, where AI agents actively collaborate with us as digital teammates to solve complex challenges. Yet amid this shift, we must remember that technology alone does not drive progress; people do.
An AI-driven economy is only as strong as the ecosystem supporting its workforce. If Ireland is to lead in this new era, our investment in talent, ethical literacy, and digital inclusion must match our investment in computing power.
Building Inclusive Pathways for the Next Generation
Today, Salesforce is announcing a new $750,000 grant to the National College of Ireland (NCI), which includes support for AI Futures, a free one-year on-campus programme.
This investment will support 225 young people, helping them build their understanding of AI and create direct routes into apprenticeships, further education and future careers. A further 500 NCI students and alumni will take part in AI ethics awareness sessions, so the next generation understands how to use these tools responsibly.
I wish to commend Salesforce for this welcome and forward-thinking investment in the education of young people, ensuring they will have the necessary digital skills for the world of tomorrow.
Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment
Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment said: “I wish to commend Salesforce for this welcome and forward-thinking investment in the education of young people, ensuring they will have the necessary digital skills for the world of tomorrow. The announcement is also timely, being made while senior political, business, technology and thought leaders from Ireland, Europe and around the world are meeting at the International AI Summit to discuss how AI is constantly changing how we live and work.”
Through AI Futures, we are helping young people build AI skills and explore career pathways. Salesforce’s investment will help us reach more learners and create new opportunities for them to benefit from the AI economy.
Professor Emma Stokes, President, National College of Ireland
Professor Emma Stokes, President, National College of Ireland said: “The future opportunities created by AI should be within reach of every young person, regardless of their background or circumstances. That is especially true for those who have left education early. Through AI Futures, we are helping young people build AI skills and explore career pathways. Salesforce’s investment will help us reach more learners and create new opportunities for them to benefit from the AI economy.”
Bringing AI Learning into the Classroom
Our experience has taught us that economic resilience requires opportunity to reach every classroom, regardless of Eircode. As Agentic AI reshapes career pathways, access to digital skills cannot become a privilege. Equality must be built into the foundation of the AI economy from day one.
Preparing young people for an AI-powered world must start well before further or higher education. Alongside the NCI grant, we are launching Future Trailblazers in Ireland, a new employee volunteering initiative that connects Salesforce employees directly with primary and post-primary classrooms.
Following a successful pilot with Transition Year students in Dublin, our people will run sessions in school classrooms, giving students practical exposure to how humans and AI agents work together.
Enabling skills development through initiatives such as this will be critical to maintaining Ireland’s competitiveness and supporting the next generation of investment and jobs.
Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland
This builds on our $1 million commitment with the Raspberry Pi Foundation to implement a free, integrated computer science curriculum in Ireland, expanding access to computing education, particularly in socio-economically disadvantaged schools.
Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said: “IDA Ireland is pleased to welcome today’s announcement. Access to highly skilled talent is central to Ireland’s ability to attract and sustain foreign direct investment. Enabling skills development through initiatives such as this will be critical to maintaining Ireland’s competitiveness and supporting the next generation of investment and jobs.”
A 25-Year Commitment to Ireland’s Talent
Salesforce has called Ireland home for more than 25 years. Since opening our first Dublin office in 2000, we have watched the country grow into one of the world’s most dynamic technology hubs. In that time, we have contributed more than $10.5 million to initiatives that support education, strengthen communities, and expand opportunity across Ireland. Our employees have volunteered more than 405,000 hours to causes that make a difference.
The Opportunity Before Us
As world leaders meet in Dublin to shape Europe’s AI framework, Ireland is well placed to show what human-centric innovation looks like in practice. By pairing cutting-edge technology with inclusive education, we can show that technological progress and social equity go hand in hand.
Preparing people for an AI-powered future is as important as building the technology itself. By opening doors for Ireland’s young people today, we help ensure that Europe’s AI future belongs to everyone.
Learn more:
- Learn more about Salesforce’s 25+ years in Ireland, and Salesforce Tower Dublin
- Learn more about Salesforce Philanthropy
