Digital 26: Focus on Craft and Creatives to Empower Ireland’s Makers with AI and Digital Skills at Google’s Foundry
On Thursday, November 13, 2025, Ireland’s vibrant craft and creative community will gather at Google’s Foundry in Dublin for Digital 26: Focus on Craft and Creatives, a unique in-person event designed to help small creative businesses navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
With a programme packed with insight, inspiration, and innovation, the event promises to be a game-changer for makers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs looking to future-proof their businesses.
Hosted by Google, in partnership with Craftwork4All and the Local Enterprise Offices of Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Waterford, Wexford, and Wicklow, Digital 26 forms part of the wider You’re the Business digital upskilling initiative. This powerful collaboration aims to equip Ireland’s creative sector with the tools, confidence, and knowledge needed to embrace digital transformation in a meaningful way.
Championing Ireland’s Creative Entrepreneurs
Speaking about the event, Cera Ward, Managing Director, Central Europe, Large Customers Sales at Google Ireland, said:
“Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of Ireland’s economy, creating employment opportunities, fostering talent, and driving innovation. The craft and creative community play a vital role in shaping Ireland’s culture and identity, and at Google, we’re committed to supporting these businesses by helping them build the digital skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
We’re proud to host Digital 26 at The Foundry in Google’s EMEA Headquarters and look forward to welcoming Ireland’s creative entrepreneurs to a day designed to inspire, upskill, and empower. I’d encourage anyone working in the craft and creative sector to register and join us — it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn how digital tools and AI can unlock new opportunities and help future-proof your business.”
A Day of Learning, Connection, and Inspiration
The event begins at 10:00 AM with arrival and check-in at Google’s Gordon House, Grand Canal Dock, where attendees will be greeted with coffee and the chance to connect with fellow creatives and Local Enterprise Office representatives.
A short opening session from Google and the LEOs will set the tone for the day, exploring the power of digital and AI in shaping the future of creative businesses.
Morning highlights include a keynote from a Google expert on how AI can help creative entrepreneurs enhance productivity, streamline content creation, and unlock new market opportunities, followed by a live demo of ViGenAir, a cutting-edge AI tool that repurposes existing content into professional-grade promotional videos optimised for social and advertising platforms.
After a networking lunch, the afternoon will move into two hands-on breakout sessions:
Making Sense of AI – exploring the foundations of artificial intelligence and its ethical applications.
Practical AI for Marketing – offering tactical guidance on using AI to grow your brand, engage customers, and strengthen online visibility.
Spaces for these sessions are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Panel: My Digital Journey & AI
The day concludes with an inspiring panel discussion, My Digital Journey & AI, hosted by Naomh McElhatton, founder and CEO of Stimul.ai and a leading voice in human-centred innovation.
Panelists include:
Magdelena Seymour, Pure Oskar – ethical skincare rooted in sustainability and craftsmanship.
Kim Whyte, Pawpear – reimagining Irish landscapes and culture through bold, colourful stationery design.
Kay Lyng, K Kajoux Jewels – celebrated for her vibrant, semi-precious handcrafted jewellery.
Niav Riley, Market Square Studios – showcasing Irish-made ceramics and homewares.
Kieran Comerford, Chairperson of the Network of Local Enterprise Offices – bringing a national perspective on innovation and small business growth.
Throughout the day, participants will be encouraged to network, ask questions, and explore how technology can support, not replace, the human creativity at the heart of their work.
The event will wrap up at 3:00 PM with closing reflections and key takeaways.
Empowering Local Creativity
Speaking on the importance of the event, Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development and Enterprise at Carlow County Council’s LEO, said:
“We’re delighted to work with Google on this exciting initiative. Events like Digital 26 are vital in helping small businesses in the craft and creative sectors stay competitive and future-ready. Digital skills and AI are no longer optional — they’re essential tools for growth, innovation, and resilience. Through this collaboration, we’re empowering local creatives to harness technology in ways that support and enhance their unique talents.”
Digital 26: Focus on Craft and Creatives promises to be an energising, hands-on day packed with practical insights and real-world inspiration. It’s a must-attend for any creative business ready to embrace digital transformation and thrive in 2026.
Register now:
👉 Wicklow LEO Booking Page
Group Craft Works.jpg: David Walsh, Gearóid Sheridan (Laois LEO), Fiona Bennett (Wexford LEO), Dearbhla O'Dwyer (Carlow LEO), Kieran Comerford (Carlow LEO), Cera Ward (Google Ireland), Magdelena Seymour (Pure Oskar), Ann Marie Sweeney (Kildare LEO), Lisa Hutton (Carlow LEO), Ardian Malaj (Kilkenny LEO)
