Introducing the National AI Studio for Manufacturing
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept for manufacturing - it’s already shaping how businesses improve productivity, resilience and competitiveness. Yet for many organisations, particularly in manufacturing, the challenge isn’t understanding AI’s potential. It’s knowing where to start, what’s realistic, and how to move forward without unnecessary risk.
At AIM Centre, we work closely with manufacturers across Ireland and hear these questions every day. In response, we’ve developed the National AI Studio for Manufacturing - a practical, supported environment designed to help businesses explore and adopt AI in a way that makes sense for their operations.
What is the National AI Studio?
The National AI Studio for Manufacturing is part of AIM Centre and provides structured access to applied AI expertise, tools and infrastructure. Its focus is firmly on practical use cases - helping businesses move from curiosity to action, at a pace that suits their organisation.
Rather than focusing on theory or hype, the AI Studio supports manufacturers to explore how AI can address real challenges across the business. While many demonstrations focus on production and the factory floor, the Studio also looks beyond this - supporting AI use cases across functions such as operations, quality, supply chain, energy, HR, finance and R&D.
The AI Studio is designed to support businesses at different stages of AI adoption, whether you are taking first steps or building on existing capability.
What membership offers
Membership of the National AI Studio for Manufacturing provides a clear, supported route into AI adoption. Members benefit from:
- Hands-on access to AI applications relevant to manufacturing, including production optimisation, quality and inspection, predictive maintenance, supply chain and logistics, and energy and sustainability
- Practical workshops and demonstrations to help identify where AI can add value, assess feasibility and reduce early-stage risk
- Specialist support across data readiness, AI architecture, model selection, integration considerations and deployment
- Regular updates on relevant AI technologies, tools, standards and regulatory developments, including the EU AI Act
- Access to member-only events, webinars and training designed to be practical, accessible and jargon-free
- Priority access and discounts for AIM programmes, including the AI Accelerator Programme
- A 25% discount on AIM spaces, including hot desks, meeting rooms and event facilities
Funding support of up to 80% is available on a number of AI Studio membership options, helping to significantly reduce the cost of joining and lower the risk of getting started with AI. A range of membership options is available, designed to support businesses at different stages - whether you’re an SME taking first steps or a larger organisation building AI capability at scale.
A practical approach to AI adoption
One of the core aims of the National AI Studio is to help businesses move from interest to informed action. Through structured engagement, expert input and real-world demonstrations, members can better understand what AI can - and cannot - do for their business.
This practical approach helps organisations make confident decisions, de-risk early experimentation and focus investment where it will have the most impact.
Part of a wider ecosystem
The National AI Studio for Manufacturing is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-27, and is supported through collaboration with national, regional and local partners. This collective investment enables AIM Centre to provide industry-focused, accessible AI support to manufacturers across Ireland.
Find out more
If you’re interested in exploring how AI could support your business, membership of the National AI Studio for Manufacturing offers a practical place to start.
You can view the AI Studio membership brochure for full details, or get in touch with the AIM Centre team to discuss the most suitable option for your organisation.
For a conversation about membership and options available to you, reach out to Mary.
Mary Harty
AI Studio Membership & Community Manager
Contact details:
Phone: 087 439 3147
Email aistudio@aimcentre.ie