To teach two million students in AI by the end of 2026, IBM is extending its partnerships in AI education globally, with a particular emphasis on underserved areas.

After completing the free AI courses, students can obtain digital credentials with the IBM logo.

“As Ireland's National AI Strategy recognises, providing workers with the right skills for AI jobs must go hand-in-hand with a much wider skills agenda, to ensure that everyone in society can benefit from the digital transformation that AI will bring,” Deborah Threadgold, IBM Ireland's Country General Manager, said in a

“This should include a wide range of AI and digital courses across secondary, further and higher education, and raising the level of digital skills amongst the general public,” added Ms Threadgold.

Universities will have access to immersive skill-building events and lectures offered by IBM as part of this project.

“We are delighted to be the first university in Ireland to incorporate the IBM SkillsBuild generative AI learning and teaching resources into our business analytics modules for this academic year and extend our use of IBM SkillsBuild in postgraduate business analytics programmes,” stated Professor Theo Lynn, Full Professor of Digital Business, DCU College of Business.

According to Peter Davitt, CEO of FIT, Ireland's business community and educational system have interacted with generative AI solutions during the previous 12 months, presenting certain difficulties but also showing promise for future expansion.

“FIT looks forward to complimenting the Tech Apprenticeships and broader provision with IBM AI course content,” stated Davitt.