Irish small and medium-sized enterprises are being invited to take a major step forward in their digital and growth journey with AI Works for Ireland, a flagship National Development Summit taking place on March 3rd in The Foundry, at Google Ireland, Barrow Street. 

Delivered in partnership between Google and the nationwide network of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) and the Enterprise Europe Network, this landmark event forms a central part of Local Enterprise Week and is designed to equip business owners with the skills, confidence, and strategic insight needed to harness artificial intelligence for sustainable growth.

Participants will engage in a dynamic and highly practical programme that combines expert-led keynotes, interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and peer-to-peer learning. The summit has been carefully structured to support businesses at every stage of their AI journey, from those taking their first steps to those seeking to scale their digital capabilities and compete internationally.

The day will be guided by Noel Davidson, Director of Training and Lead Trainer with Entrepreneurs Academy, who will serve as Master of Ceremonies and bring his extensive experience in business development and leadership training to the event. 

The opening keynote from Karen Stolberg, Managing Director for the Google Customer Solutions team in the UK & Ireland, will set the strategic context for the day, highlighting the role of artificial intelligence in driving competitiveness, resilience, and long-term growth within the Irish SME sector.

Entrepreneurial insight will be provided by Brian Larkin, CEO and Co-founder of Agency X, who will share practical lessons from his own growth journey, outlining how data, technology, and innovation can be leveraged to scale successfully. 

A central feature of the summit is the panel discussion, during which SMEs from across Ireland will share real world experiences of implementing AI. These candid conversations will address what worked, what did not, and how businesses navigated challenges relating to skills development, investment, culture change, and measuring return on innovation. 

Attendees will hear perspectives from business founders and leaders including Allyson English, Founder and Managing Director of The Mody Collective, and Brian Kelly, Founder of MindaClient, who will explore how AI is reshaping customer engagement, operations, and creative enterprise. Innovation in high-growth and export-focused sectors will be further examined through contributions from Dr. Ciaran Feeney, Co-Founder of MartEye, and Kate Gaynor, Managing Director of Advanced Coatings, both of whom will reflect on how advanced technologies and intelligent systems are supporting international expansion, quality assurance, and competitiveness in global markets. Martin McVicar, CEO and Co-founder of Combilift Ltd, will also share insights from one of Ireland’s most successful indigenous manufacturing companies, demonstrating how strategic investment in innovation and digitalisation can underpin sustained international growth.

From a high-level technical perspective, Miquel Santaló Bernat, Head of Mid-Market at Google Cloud, will provide a broader international perspective on emerging trends and best practices in AI adoption across the European markets. Crucially, Miquel will illustrate the transition from Tactical AI—focused on automating routine tasks—to Strategic AI, where the technology serves as a core catalyst for revenue generation and creative problem-solving.

This will be supported by Google’s Ismael Cama Moumen, Cloud Customer Engineer, who will deliver a live on-stage demonstration of Gemini Enterprise, illustrating how AI tools can be embedded into everyday business processes to improve efficiency, decision-making, and performance. 

Throughout the day, the programme will include structured breakout sessions including a LEO Management Masterclass and Deep Dives into AI Best Practices, ensuring that attendees leave with practical tools and clearly defined next steps.

Participants will benefit from the expertise of Felicity McCarthy, Associate Trainer and Mentor with Entrepreneurs Academy, who will support businesses in translating technological innovation into effective leadership, team development, and organisational change. The AI Specialist team from Google Cloud will also deliver deep dives into AI Best Practices, focusing on Foundations for AI Success.

Together, the speakers and panelists will provide a balanced and comprehensive view of AI adoption, combining strategic vision with operational reality.

The event will conclude with a forward-looking fireside chat involving representatives from Google Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices, focusing on how businesses can continue to access tailored supports and expert guidance as they embed AI into their growth strategies.

Speaking ahead of the event, Karen Stolberg, Managing Director, Google Customer Solutions UK & Ireland said: “Our AI Works for Ireland event deepens our longstanding and valued partnership with the Local Enterprise Offices. This summit is our commitment to closing the confidence and capability gap, equipping Irish SMEs with the practical tools they need to get ahead and lead at the forefront of AI”.

The Local Enterprise Offices, which play a central role in supporting SMEs at every stage of development, are encouraging businesses to book their place through their local LEO.

Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise , highlighting collaboration with Google, the importance of AI, business development, exports, and international connections by saying “AI Works for Ireland reflects the shared commitment of Google and the Local Enterprise Offices to strengthening Ireland’s SME sector through innovation, digital capability, and global ambition. By bringing together leading technology experts, experienced entrepreneurs, and enterprise mentors in one national forum, the summit offers a unique opportunity for business owners to future-proof their operations, expand into new markets, and build sustainable, competitive enterprises”.

Places at the event are limited, and businesses are strongly encouraged to register through their Local Enterprise Office as early as possible.

For further information and to book your place, contact your Local Enterprise Office or visit your local LEO website on Local Enterprise Office Leitrim