Irish Businesses Struggling to Turn AI and Digital Ambition into Action as New Initiative Launches to Bridge Gap 2026

Irish Businesses Struggling to Turn AI and Digital Ambition into Action as New Initiative Launches to Bridge Gap 

Digital for Growth connects Irish businesses with trusted Irish innovators to solve operational challenges and drive growth 

Developed in partnership between Guaranteed Irish and Skillnet Innovation Exchange, Digital for Growth is a new initiative for Guaranteed Irish members to address operational and growth challenges through collaboration with innovative Irish solution providers.  

The initiative combines Guaranteed Irish’s strong business network with Skillnet Innovation Exchange’s proven challenge-led collaboration model — a structured framework that connects organisations facing business challenges with trusted digital and technology companies that can fast-track solutions and improve performance.  

Digital for Growth will support businesses looking to improve efficiency, explore AI and automation opportunities, strengthen sustainability data management capabilities, and accelerate digital transformation in a practical and commercially focused way.  

Participating businesses will gain access to a structured process that includes challenge definition, solution discovery, proposal development and facilitated introductions to innovative Irish solution providers. Skillnet Innovation Exchange also provides upskilling and network development opportunities to Irish businesses. 

Conor Carmody, Programme Director of Skillnet Innovation Exchange, welcomed the new partnership: “We are delighted to partner with Guaranteed Irish on Digital for Growth and look forward to helping Guaranteed Irish member companies harness the power of digital technologies to improve competitiveness, increase efficiencies and drive business growth.  

The initiative builds on Skillnet Innovation Exchange’s successful industry partnership model, which includes Digital for Sport, developed with Sport Ireland and Discovery Exchange, developed in partnership with Research Ireland.” 

The launch comes as trust and supporting local business continue to play an important role for Irish consumers, with 93% agreeing that the Guaranteed Irish G Symbol shows support for local businesses and communities.  

Brid O'Connell, CEO of Guaranteed Irish, said: “Businesses know they need digitalisation and AI, but many simply don’t know where to start or who to trust. Digital for Growth helps bridge that gap by connecting Irish businesses with trusted Irish innovators who can solve real operational challenges, improve efficiency and unlock growth in a practical, low-risk way. 

This initiative is about making innovation more accessible while supporting solutions developed here in Ireland and strengthening the wider Irish business ecosystem.” 

Digital for Growth also creates opportunities for Irish innovation companies registered through Skillnet Innovation Exchange to engage directly with established organisations and build meaningful commercial relationships. 

The initiative is open to: 

• Guaranteed Irish members seeking support with operational or growth challenges 

• Irish solution providers offering digital, AI, operational or sustainability-focused solutions 

Businesses interested in taking part can contact the Guaranteed Irish Membership Team.