Ericsson moves AI network R&D hub to Ireland
Ericsson is relocating its Athlone research and development headquarters to a new facility on the IDA Ireland campus, signaling a major step for its global hub focused on AI-driven network technology. The move brings together teams working on software designed to automate and enhance security in telecom networks, including advancements in the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform and AI-based applications.
The company has maintained a presence in Athlone since 1974, when it opened a manufacturing plant there. Since 2000, it has invested over €3 billion in the region, employing 1,300 staff who develop solutions used by service providers worldwide, spanning 180 countries. This relocation follows a €200 million research and development pledge announced in 2025, supported by government backing through IDA Ireland.
Jenny Lindqvist, senior vice president for cloud software and services at Ericsson, stated the new facility represents a key achievement in the company’s collaboration with Ireland. She emphasized the role of local talent and innovation in driving progress. “Our commitment to Athlone reflects the strength of Ireland’s talent, collaborative innovation environment, and our shared ambition to lead the future of secure and intelligent networks,” she said.
The Athlone site will concentrate on four technical priorities: applying AI and machine learning to multi-vendor network management, developing programmable autonomous systems, building cloud-native infrastructure, and creating automation tools to improve operational performance. These initiatives directly address the challenges of expanding 4G and 5G networks on a global scale.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke praised the move, noting Ireland’s ability to attract major technology firms. “This investment reflects the confidence that leading international companies have in Ireland’s business environment, skilled talent base, and innovation ecosystem,” he said. The government, through IDA Ireland, continues to prioritize such projects to support economic development in the region.
Mary Buckley, executive director of IDA Ireland, called the relocation a confirmation of Ireland’s position as a center for technological advancement. “Ericsson’s decision to relocate its global R&D headquarters in Athlone to a new state-of-the-art facility at the IDA Ireland Business and Technology Park is a superb endorsement of Ireland’s position as a leading location for technology innovation. It continues more than 50 years of innovation by Ericsson in Athlone and emphasizes the depth of talent available in the Midlands. With more than €3bn invested in Athlone since 2000, Ericsson has made a really important contribution to the region’s economy and will continue to be an integral part of its technology ecosystem.”
