OpenAI, the mastermind behind ChatGPT, has revealed plans to establish an office in Dublin as part of its strategic expansion into the European market.
Headquartered in San Francisco and with a presence of ten employees in London, the US-based company made the announcement on Thursday, emphasizing that the newly established Irish office would provide seamless access to Dublin’s thriving tech and startup ecosystem. This move aims to tap into the dynamic tech landscapes of Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick, all of which have been witnessing remarkable growth and advancements.
In a statement, OpenAI expressed its readiness to collaborate with the government, extending support for their national AI strategy. Additionally, the company intends to foster partnerships with industry leaders, startups, and researchers, seeking to gain insights into their priorities and ideas for advancing AI development and deployment.
The decision to open an office in Dublin comes after three months of deliberation, during which Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, embarked on a tour of Europe to identify the most suitable location for the company’s European presence. His journey took him through Spain, France, Poland, Germany, and the UK, where he held discussions with the leadership of these nations.
Notably, the Dublin office represents OpenAI’s inaugural establishment within the European Union. This strategic choice aligns with the impending European Artificial Intelligence Act, which mandates that companies catering to EU-based users must maintain a presence within the bloc.
According to Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon, the Dublin office will comprise nine employees, distributed across various teams. It is important to note that this office will not serve as OpenAI’s European headquarters and will not have an executive leader initially. Kwon explained, “We prefer a deliberate and measured approach to growth rather than rapid expansion. Our priority is establishing the company’s culture in new offices before scaling up.”
Simon Coveney, Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, extended a warm welcome to OpenAI’s decision. He commented, “Companies like OpenAI, operating in Ireland, can play a crucial role in enhancing our support for emerging AI research and innovation while ensuring that our workforce is well-prepared for the future.”
