embrAIsme EU Project - Ireland Visit
Improving Conditions and Policies for SMEs to embrace AI
Site Visit & Workshop Agenda
6th Interregional Thematic Workshop & Site Visit: 10-11 February 2026
Taking place in Galway Ireland, this international study visit forms part of the Interreg Europe embrAIsme project. The themed visit “Legal & Ethical Issues in AI for SMEs” is organised by Ireland project partners itag (Innovation Technology AtlanTec Gateway) and Western Devlopment Commission (WDC). It brings together policymakers, regulators, AI agencies, Digital Innovation Hubs, research organisations, academics, and SME intermediaries to focus on how legal and ethical aspects of AI — including the EU AI Act — are implemented in practice, with a strong emphasis on real-world application rather than legal theory.
Participants will include representatives of all the partner organisations from Austria, Ireland, Spain, Finland, Portugal (Madeira), Slovenia, Serbia, and Bulgaria, as well as stakeholders from all their regional ecosystems:
Overview
The embrAIsme project, co-financed by the European Union, focuses on enhancing policies and programs to facilitate AI adoption by SMEs across Europe. With a budget of €2.3 million, this initiative aims to break down barriers such as lack of awareness, data readiness, and access to finance, helping SMEs leverage AI for innovation and growth.
Project Partners
- Wirtschaftsservice Gesellschaft mbH: Austria (Lead Partner)
- Business Agency Association: Bulgaria
- Technological Institute of Aragon: Spain
- Western Development Commission: Ireland
- Innovation Technology AtlanTec Gateway: Ireland
- Business Tampere Oy: Finland
- Business Development Institute of the Autonomous Region of Madeira: Portugal
- Ministry of Digital Transformation Slovenia: Slovenia
- University of Ljubljana: Slovenia
itag's Role
As a key project partner, itag is dedicated to driving digital transformation in Ireland’s SMEs. itag will facilitate co-creation activities, engage stakeholders, and amplify the project’s impact through its network of over 200 companies. By collaborating closely with the Western Development Commission, itag is committed to supporting policy enhancements and regional AI adoption.
Through embrAIsme, Irish SMEs stand to gain from improved policy support, enhanced knowledge and skills, and greater access to AI technologies. These advancements are crucial for maintaining competitiveness and fostering growth in a rapidly digitising global economy.
If you are interested in the adoption of AI and want to learn more please reach out to itag Technology Leader David Bermingham via email: dbermingham@itag.ie or find more details on our EmbrAIsme Project Page.