AI Dubliners

Nomad AI Launches “The Strange Data Project” Hackathon in Dublin
2026-01-31 10:00 - 2026-04-15 08:42 UTC
Dublin-based startup Nomad AI is launching a new initiative that shifts the focus to an often overlooked part of AI development: messy, strange, and unconventional data.
The Strange Data Project is a two-week AI hackathon designed to challenge participants to work with unusual datasets and transform them into meaningful, real-world solutions.
The event kicks off on January 31st at 10:00 at Vibeworks (Dublin 14). From there, teams will have until February 14th to build their solutions, culminating in a Demo Day on February 15th, where projects will be presented.
With a €5,000 prize pool and online submissions also accepted, the hackathon is open to a wide range of participants — from those based in Dublin to contributors joining remotely.
The concept behind the event is simple but powerful:
Data is not always clean, structured, or easy to use. And often, real innovation begins exactly where data becomes messy, incomplete, or unexpected.
For those interested in AI, data, product development, or problem-solving, this hackathon offers a strong opportunity to learn, build, and connect with the local AI ecosystem.
At AI Dubliners, we don’t just track companies — we also follow the events and communities shaping how AI is actually being built and applied in Ireland.
The Strange Data Project stands out as one of those signals.
Event Details

Kickoff: January 31, 10:00
Location: Vibeworks, Dublin 14
Build Period: February 1–14
Demo Day: February 15
Prize Pool: €5,000
Participation: Online submissions accepted

Nomad AI: Building Real AI Opportunities in Dublin
2026-01-18 11:00 - 2026-04-15 08:49
There’s a team in Dublin that doesn’t just talk about AI — they turn it into real projects and real opportunities: Nomad AI.
Founded by a group of young and forward-thinking builders, Nomad AI is focused on making artificial intelligence more accessible, understandable, and practical. Their ambition goes beyond technology itself — they aim to help people actively participate in the AI transformation, not just observe it.
What makes Nomad AI stand out is their focus on action over narrative.
Instead of asking what AI might become in the future, they focus on what can be built with it today.
What they’ve been building so far

AI-focused community events and meetups
Learning environments for students and career switchers
Hands-on project work addressing real-world problems
Connections between individuals, companies, and research communities

What’s next

Larger-scale AI events based in Dublin
Prize-driven AI competitions and hackathons
Stronger collaboration between startups, students, and researchers
More visible pathways for those building a career in AI

Nomad AI’s approach reflects something important about Dublin’s growing AI ecosystem:
👉 Community, learning, and building are no longer separate tracks
👉 They are becoming part of the same system
At AI Dubliners, we track and support initiatives that bring people together, create momentum, and turn interest into real-world output.
Nomad AI is clearly one of those signals.
Upcoming Meetup
As part of their community efforts, Nomad AI is hosting an open meetup this weekend:

Location: Sasha’s Coffee Bar, Dublin
Date: Sunday, January 18
Time: 11:00 AM
Entry: Free (coffee included ☕)

An informal and welcoming space for anyone interested in AI — whether you’re just starting or already building.
