Tech Events in Dublin 8

A build night co-hosted by Lovable, Baseline, and the AI Collective for people who have an idea and keep waiting for a developer, funding, or permission to start. Bring a laptop and idea, and leave with a working prototype.

Stop waiting, start building!

Many founders in Dublin believe a prototype requires a technical co-founder or a funding round. This evening exists to remove that assumption in three hours.

Hosted by The AI Collective's Dublin chapter in partnership with Lovable and Baseline, Pilots & Prototypes puts you into a builder and has you ship something before you leave. No coding experience is needed, and if you've never opened a build tool before, you're exactly who this event is for.

How the night runs:

6:00 pm: Doors and a live demo of products built on Lovable by non-technical founders, including a platform built solo with no developer and no funding

6:30 pm: Build time. Open Lovable, start building your idea, with organisers and experienced builders on hand for troubleshooting. Complimentary credits provided by Lovable.

7:45pm: Show and tell! Share what you made, however rough

8:15pm: Networking and build feedback

9:00pm: Close

What you get:

Every attendee receives Lovable credits on the night, so you can keep building after you leave.

What to bring:

A laptop, a charger, and an idea of what you'd like to build.

Who this is for:

Early-stage founders, operators, and anyone who has said "I'd build it if I could." You don't need to be technical, and you don't need to have started anything yet.

What's Next?

This is Part 1 of a 2 part series on building from pilot to production. Part 2, "From Prototype to Production," will be hosted at Baseline in late September.

Please be advised: Unfortunately, space is very limited at these community events and we can not always accept everyone we would like to. If you are not accepted to this event, please keep applying! We appreciate your application tremendously and we are looking forward to seeing you at a future event very soon!

The AI Collective** **is a global non-profit building the human layer for the AI era. We unite 200,000+ leaders, builders, and stakeholders across 100+ forums worldwide to democratize the frontier, build trust, and coordinate how society navigates the rapid acceleration of technological progress.

All attendees and organizers at events affiliated with The AI Collective agree to our privacy policy and are subject to our code of conduct.

A casual meetup for people working in tech to connect, share ideas, and meet like-minded professionals.

Overview

New to Dublin? Working in tech? Building a Start up? Or simply looking to meet interesting people outside your usual circle?

Come along for a relaxed drink after work, unwind after the day, meet some new faces, and have a few good conversations.

Whether you work in tech, have an interest in technology, or simply have a connection to the tech community, you’re very welcome.

There are no formal presentations and no awkward networking, just a casual evening with good people, drinks, and conversation. Stay for one drink or stick around for the whole evening!

Who is it for?

Tech professionals, founders, startup teams, students, researchers, tech enthusiasts, and anyone with an interest in or connection to the tech community.

Community

Regular attendees may be invited to join our private community group after the event.

Drop in anytime between 7:00–9:00 PM. There’s no fixed arrival time, and you’re welcome to stay later if you’re enjoying the evening.

A few simple rules

• Be friendly and open to meeting new people.
• Come with an open mind and a positive attitude.
• Bring your LinkedIn profile if you’d like to stay connected.
• Be respectful and considerate of everyone.
• Please confirm your attendance before coming along.

No presentations. No sales pitches. No complicated agenda.

Just Dublin tech people meeting Dublin tech people.

Ticket Options:

This meetup is organised by a female founder building a new social community. If you’d like to support her journey and help make more events and meetups like this happen, you can choose the Supporter option.

Supporter ⟡ €10

Your contribution helps us grow the community and organise more events.

Community ⟡ €5

A small contribution to help cover the costs of the event.

Free ⟡ €0

If you need a free ticket, please choose this option. No explanations needed,everyone is welcome.

Get the lowdown on thriving in SaaS with real talk and tips from people who’ve been through the grind.

The GEC AI Forum are excited to invite you to our upcoming in-person session designed specifically to help AI startups navigate the high-stakes world of software-as-a-service.

Rather than focusing on theoretical business frameworks, this event brings you real talk and actionable strategies from seasoned tech leaders who have survived the grind. It is an ideal opportunity to engage in peer-to-peer support, learn directly from industry veterans, and expand your professional network within the Dublin ecosystem.

We are delighted to feature two highly accomplished guest speakers who will share their firsthand experiences of overcoming scaling friction and market shifts:

Jerome Forde is the founder and CEO of HR Duo, an all-in-one workforce management platform that automates HR compliance and payroll operations for complex industries. With over 30 years of human resources experience, Jerome transitioned traditional workforce management practices into a rapidly growing tech stack, recently securing millions in funding to fuel major international expansions. He will provide crucial insights into managing the underlying software engine, maintaining regulatory guardrails, and sustaining explosive annual recurring revenue growth.

Colm Brady is an accountant by profession and the CEO and co-founder of RentalMatics, a powerful global SaaS telematics platform built specifically for the vehicle rental and mobility sector. Colm has steered the company from its initial days as a localized IoT startup into an award-winning global provider supporting prominent global brands across Europe, North America, and Australia. He will share practical lessons on translating complex real-time data into a high-value subscription product, selling to major enterprise clients, and managing global operations.

During this interactive panel, both founders will unpack the realities of the SaaS grind, detailing everything from customer acquisition hurdles to product-market fit adjustments. This session is tailored for AI innovators looking to build repeatable revenue models and avoid common traps in software scaling.

When: Friday 18th September

Where: Guinness Enterprise Centre, Taylor’s Lane Dublin 8

Get your tickets now!

A morning full of demo's and use cases to blow your mind with AI Agents and agentic automation from from Cowork to Hermes and OpenClaw

Beyond ChatGPT: Build AI Agents That Save Hours Every Week

RandTrad Consulting welcomes you to a packed morning on the next stage of AI evolution : Agents for your office.

Enda Rochford is one of Ireland's leading AI training consultants, and in this session he'll walk you through the technology, the options, the use cases, and the live demonstrations that will get you started on your path to automating the boring stuff and adding time to your day for the important things.

The morning is broken into four training blocks:

Block 1: Single-Use Agents

Custom GPTs, Custom Gems, and system prompts: The simplest AI tool that does one job well. Where most businesses should start.

Block 2: Workflow Mapping & Loop Engineering

Triggers, cron jobs, and live workflow demos. Turning one-off AI tasks into automated pipelines that run whether you remember or not.

Block 3: The Platforms

From Copilot to Claude CoWork and everything in between. How the major platforms compare live, with a clear recommendation on which fits your business.

Block 4: The Harness

From OpenClaw to Hermes : What an agent actually is, and what full autonomy looks like. The deep end. You might not need it, but you should know it exists.

Every block is demoed live, not on slides. All attendees receive a detailed digital pack — prompt templates, workflow mapping guides, platform comparison sheets, and QR codes to get started.

Enda's talks are always quick to sell, so make use of the August early-bird tickets before we hit that September rush.

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Ticket Types

Early Bird — €165

Available for the first 25 seats or until 28 August 2026, whichever comes first.

Standard — €199

Available after early bird closes, up to the 50 seats total.

## FAQ

Is this in-person or online?

In-person, at the Guinness Enterprise Centre, Dublin 8. No livestream — the demos and networking are better face-to-face.

Do I need to be technical?

No. Blocks 1-3 are designed for non-technical business people. Block 4 gets technical, but it's a "watch and learn" segment, not a "follow along" one.

I've already used ChatGPT or Copilot — is this too basic?

Not at all. Block 1 covers how to turn what you already have into a purpose-built tool. Block 2 introduces workflow automation most people haven't seen. Block 3 compares three platforms most are choosing between right now. Block 4 shows infrastructure most businesses don't know exists. If you're using ChatGPT for text generation, you're at the starting line; This session shows you the track.

Will there be a recording?

No. This is a live, in-person event. Come for the demos, the Q&A, and the networking. Keep and eye out for more sessions from RandTrad and Enda in the future.

What do I get in the digital pack?

System prompt templates, Custom GPT and Gemini Gem setup guides, a workflow mapping template, a loop engineering cheat sheet, a platform comparison sheet, a Springbase referral link, an EU AI Act quick reference, and a practical "where do I start" framework. All branded, all printable, delivered within 48 hours of the event.

Is there parking at the GEC?

The GEC is in Dublin 8, well-served by public transport. Limited street parking available. Luas Red Line to James's Street is a 5-minute walk. Thomas Street Carpark is 5 minutes away also.

Who's presenting?

Enda Rochford — AI Conslutant at Randtrad and CMG Events, and AI Automation Consultant with Kimber. Enda has delivered AI training to hundreds of Irish public sector and private sector professionals, with a focus on practical, compliant, EU-aligned AI adoption.

Get inspired by women tech founders from across the island! Discover info on the WeBuild programme. and how to apply! Meet ledg Kelly Vero!

Rewriting the Innovation Playbook

The future is unfinished. Let’s get to work.

Join TechFoundHer at the Guinness Enterprise Centre in Dublin for a high-energy lunchtime event for women who are building, experimenting, creating and turning ambitious ideas into action.

This special event brings together founder stories, a practical introduction to the next WeBuild cohort, and a keynote designed to challenge the idea that you need perfect conditions before you start.

You can expect:

• WeBuild: The Full Lowdown with Máirín Murray
• A special keynote and live Q&A with Kelly Vero
• Opportunity to mee women founders who have been taking part in WeBuild since January 2026
• Time to connect, ask questions and meet other women with ideas worth pursuing

Special keynote and Q&A: Kelly Vero — Bionic Founders

At the heart of the event is Kelly Vero - legendary game developer, award-winning founder, creative technologist, author and one of the most distinctive voices in gaming and emerging technology.

Kelly has worked on globally recognised titles including Tomb Raider and Halo 3, and is now co-founder of NAK3D. Her work spans gaming, gamification, immersive technology and the metaverse, with a strong focus on creativity, ethics and how people actually use technology.

Her recent book, Breaking Through Bytes, profiles pioneering women in STEM from ancient Egypt to the modern games industry.

For this event, Kelly will explore the idea of the Bionic Founder - a founder who uses the tools around them to move, test, learn and create without waiting for perfect conditions. The key message is do the work!

Her message is simple:

You don’t need to wait for funding.
You don’t need to wait for the next grant call.
You don’t need permission to start.

Get to work

Being “bionic” is about taking getting moving and making progress:
What can you test now?
Who can you speak to now?
What can you learn by putting something real into the world?

Meet the WeBuild founders

You’ll also have the chance to meet and hear from some of the women founders who have been taking part in WeBuild since January 2026.

They’ll share a glimpse of what they’ve been building, how their ideas have developed and what they’ve learned through the process of moving from idea to action.

WeBuild: The Full Lowdown

Curious about WeBuild and wondering whether it could be right for you?

Máirín Murray, founder of TechFoundHer, will give you the full lowdown.

She’ll talk you through what WeBuild is, who it’s for, what happens during the programme and what you can expect if you take part.

You’ll also hear about the next January 2027 cohort, including:

• Who WeBuild is designed for
• What the programme involves
• What support founders receive
• What we’re looking for in applicants
• How the application process works
• What happens once you join

And there’s big news: applications for the next WeBuild cohort open on Monday 7 September 2026, with the programme starting in January 2027.

If you have an idea you keep coming back to, a problem you want to solve, or the beginnings of a tech-enabled venture, this is your chance to find out whether WeBuild could help you move it forward.

You don’t need to arrive with a finished product, a perfect pitch deck or all the answers.

Bring the idea. Bring the questions. Bring the willingness to start.

About WeBuild

The WeBuild programme is led by InterTradeIreland, in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.

It is supported under the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland.

TechFoundHer is the delivery partner for WeBuild.

Applications for the January 2027 cohort open on Monday 7 September 2026.

Find out more:
https://intertradeireland.com/entrepreneurship/womens-entrepreneurship/webuild

Event details

Wednesday 23 September 2026
12:00pm–2:00pm

Guinness Enterprise Centre
The Liberties
Dublin 8, D08 YPP9

Refreshments included. Registration essential via Eventbrite.

Come for the keynote. Meet the founders. Get the WeBuild lowdown. Leave ready to do something with your own ideas.

Rewriting the innovation playbook starts with doing the work.

Let’s get to work.

GEC Startup to Scale Conference: practical founder insights on funding, regulation, support, UK expansion and scaling, 7 October.

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As part of a year-long programme celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC) and its contribution to Ireland’s startup ecosystem, we are delighted to host the GEC Startup to Scale Conference on 7 October.

Designed with a Founder-to-Founder focus, this is a day for ambitious entrepreneurs looking to move from startup to scale-up with honest insights, practical advice and real stories from those who have been there.

We’ll explore the questions founders need answers to:

• How do you get your business off the ground - and ready to scale?
• What are funders really looking for when they write the cheque?
• How do regulation and government policy impact your growth journey?
• What does it really take to scale a successful Irish business?

The conference will also feature an inspiring conversation with one of Ireland’s leading entrepreneurs, John Corley, CEO of Spanish Point Technologies, who started the company in the GEC in 2005 and has built it into a successful technology business.

From starting out to scaling up, this is a chance to hear the real stories, learn from experienced founders and connect with the people who can help take your business to the next level.

Come for the insights. Stay for the connections. Leave with ideas to accelerate your next stage of growth.

GEC Startup to Scale Conference SCHEDULE

09.30 am Arrivals & Networking

Opening Address & Welcome:

• Niamh Collins, Centre Director, Guinness Enterprise Centre
• David Varian, Chairman, Guinness Enterprise Centre

Ireland's Startup Supports Panel: The Irish Startup Advantage: Supports to Help You Start, Grow & Scale

- Finding Your Starting Point – Navigating Ireland’s startup agencies, programmes and enterprise hubs to find the right support at the right stage.

- From Idea to Market – Accessing mentoring, training, networks, market validation and practical supports to turn an idea into a viable business.

- Fuel for Growth – Understanding the funding, talent, innovation and internationalisation supports available to help ambitious businesses grow.

- Building for Scale – Leveraging Ireland’s ecosystem, connections and global networks to access new markets, strategic partners and the expertise needed to scale*****.*****

Panellist:

• Enterprise Ireland
• Local Enterprise Office Dublin City
• Majella Murphy, Head of Acceleration, Furthr
• Ronan Whitty, CEO, The Mill Enterprise Centre Drogheda

Policy to Practice: What Regulation Means for Founders Declan Hughes, Secretary General, Department Enterprise, Trade & Tourism

Policy and regulatory landscape facing Ireland’s ambitious businesses

Scaling the Business: What nobody tells you - Panel Hear from the Founders - Real stories. Real challenges. Real growth.

• The Supports That Made a Difference – The people, programmes, mentors and ecosystem supports that genuinely helped unlock growth.
• Funding the Journey – Key funding milestones, what investors look for and how Enterprise Ireland investment and supports helped accelerate the business.
• The Reality of Scaling Internationally – Lessons from entering new markets, building international teams, winning customers and navigating the challenges of going global.
• What We Wish We’d Known – The unexpected challenges, mistakes, tough decisions and hard-earned lessons that come with scaling a business.

Chaired by: John Phelan, Co-Founder & Commercial Director, Advise CPG

Panellist:

Sheelagh Brady, CEO and Co-Founder, Kowroo Limited

11.45 am Networking & Coffee Panel - Who writes the cheque? Inside the Funding Landscape: Investors, Lenders & Alternative Capital

• Know Your Funding Options – From angel and venture capital to bank lending, grants and alternative finance — understand what’s available and which route best fits your business.
• Mind the Capital Gap – Where funding gaps emerge as businesses move from startup to scale-up, and how to navigate the transition between different sources of capital.
• Get Investment Ready – What funders really look for, how to build a compelling investment case and the numbers, story and ambition you need to demonstrate.
• Know Your Funder. Know Your Moment. – Understand who writes the cheque, what they want to see and, crucially, when is the right time to ask.

Chaired by: Richard Watson, Managing Partner, Furthr VC & Chair of the IVCA

Panellist:

Kevin Neary, Founder & former Managing Director of GameStop Group - Mentor & Investor.

Panel on Scaling into the UK: supports from our Neighbours Unlocking new markets through Ireland–UK ecosystem partnerships

- Your Soft Landing into the UK – Practical support, workspace, networks and local connections to help Irish startups enter the UK with greater confidence and less risk.

- Three Ecosystems, Three Routes to Market – Hear from SISTER (Manchester), CodeBase (Scotland) and Central Tech (Liverpool) about the opportunities, supports and connections available to ambitious Irish founders.

- From Introduction to Opportunity – How ecosystem partnerships can open doors to customers, investors, talent, strategic partners and local business networks.

- Scale Smarter, Together – How the GEC’s partnerships with these three organisations create a two-way pathway between Ireland and the UK, helping companies move between ecosystems, test new markets and accelerate international growth.

Panellist:

Keynote Fireside Interview Speaker: John Corley, Co-Founder & CEO, Spanish Point Technologies

• Starting from Scratch – John Corley’s journey from founding Spanish Point Technologies in the GEC in 2005, building the business from an early-stage startup into a successful technology company.
• The Decisions Behind the Growth – The pivotal moments, risks, opportunities and challenges that shaped the company’s growth — and the lessons learned along the way.
• Building a Business That Lasts – What it takes to create a sustainable, high-growth business over two decades, culminating in John being named a 2026 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist — and what advice he would give today’s founders.

Interviewer: Martina Fitzgerald, Former RTÉ Journalist & Author, now CEO, Scale Ireland

Closing and Networking Lunch

We are charging a €25 fee - €1 for each year the GEC has been operating – the fee will go to charity, and we have chosen 2 charities - Look Good Feel Better – A global cancer support Programme Home - Look Good Feel Better – Little Flower Penny Dinners – Food for the body and soul for all who seek it - Little Flower Penny Dinners Both based in Dublin 8 with Look Good Feel Better HQ in the GEC.

Join us for the 8th Annual Web Data Extract Summit in Dublin, an event for data pros and web scraping developers

Join us for 2 days filled with insights, networking, and innovation in the world of web data extraction. Learn from industry experts, participate in hands-on workshops, and discover the latest tools and techniques for extracting valuable data from the web.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their data extraction skills.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the leading summit in web data extraction!

Event Details: Date: 5th - 6th November 2025
Location: Dublin, Ireland Venue: The Gibson Hotel Format: In-person

Stay tuned for more updates

Website: https://www.extractsummit.io/

Join us at the 8th Annual AI Awards to honour Ireland’s AI excellence

About This Event

Join us on Tuesday, 17th November 2026 at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin City, for Ireland’s premier celebration of artificial intelligence.

The AI Awards is more than an awards ceremony; it is a gathering of Ireland’s thriving AI community. It’s your opportunity to connect with innovators, explore emerging ideas, and celebrate the breakthroughs shaping the future of technology and society.

Proudly Supported By

This year’s AI Awards are made possible through the support of organisations at the forefront of technology and innovation in Ireland:

• Meta
• Enterprise Ireland
• Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet
• Alldus | Leaders in AI Staffing
• Guinness Enterprise Centre (Partner)
• More sponsors TBA

Why Attend?

Connect with Industry Leaders
Network with leading professionals, pioneering researchers, and the wider AI community in Ireland.

Gain Valuable Insights
Hear about the latest trends, innovations, and real-world applications of artificial intelligence.

Celebrate Excellence
Recognise outstanding achievements across 16 diverse award categories spanning the AI ecosystem.

Be Inspired and Inspire Others
Take part in conversations shaping the direction of AI in Ireland and beyond.

Explore New Opportunities
Discover potential collaborations, partnerships, and ideas in a focused, high-value environment.

Who Should Attend?

• Data Scientists and AI Teams
• AI Researchers and Practitioners
• Technology CEOs and Industry Leaders
• Award Nominees and Finalists
• AI Enthusiasts and Professionals

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, 17th November 2025
• Time: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin 8
• Dress Code: Smart Casual
• Tea & Coffee on arrival. Lunch after the ceremony.

Award Categories

The AI Awards recognise excellence across 16 categories, celebrating innovation and impact across the Irish AI ecosystem:

• Best Application of AI to Achieve Social Good
• Best Use of Responsible AI and Ethics
• Best Application of AI in a Large Enterprise
• Best Application of AI in a Startup
• Best Application of AI in an SME
• NEW! Agentic AI Innovation of the Year
• AI Person of the Year
• Women in AI Ambassador of the Year
• Young AI Role Model of the Year
• Best Application of AI in Cybersecurity
• Best Application of AI in Sustainability
• Best Application of AI in Healthcare
• Best Application of AI in Consumer/Customer Service
• Best Application of AI in Manufacturing
• Best Application of AI in a Student Project
• Best Application of AI in an Academic Research Body

Whether you are working directly in AI, leading a technology-driven business, or simply passionate about the field, the AI Awards 2026 is your opportunity to connect, celebrate, and engage with Ireland’s AI ecosystem.

Secure your ticket today and be part of Ireland’s AI journey.

Ticket Information

• Full Price Ticket: €250 (Ends 8pm November 16th)
• Early Bird: €129 (Ends Midnight July 31st) - Use discount code AIAWARDS26 on checkout

All attendees - including sponsors, nominees, and judges - must present a valid ticket for entry. Entry will not be permitted without a valid ticket or inclusion on the guest list.

What’s Included in Your Ticket

Your AI Awards ticket provides full access to an exclusive half-day experience designed to connect, inspire and celebrate Ireland’s AI community.

Your ticket includes:

• Full access to the AI Awards ceremony and panel discussions
• Networking opportunities with industry leaders, innovators, and peers
• Complimentary tea, coffee, and light refreshments on arrival
• Lunch is included in ticket price.
• Opportunity to connect with nominees, finalists, judges and sponsors

About the Organiser

AI Ireland is dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence in Ireland by bridging academia, industry, and government. We showcase the exceptional work being done across the country, with a mission to increase the adoption of AI for the benefit of society, enhance national competitiveness, and improve quality of life.

Follow Us

Visit www.aiawards.ie and www.aiireland.ie for more information, or follow us on X and LinkedIn for updates.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Ireland’s premier AI event. Register now and join us in celebrating the future of artificial intelligence.

Designed for wireless folk, providing networking opportunities and technical education.

Please join us for our Wireless Community event held in Dublin, Ireland. This event promises to be fun and informative where you can learn from some of the brightest minds. The event agenda is put together in such a way to leave plenty of room for informal chat and networking.

We will be using the hash tag #WICO throughout the event on social media.