Irish Tech News Audio Articles

Grinds360 has announced the launch of its platform focused on supporting students in the Junior Cycle, offering support that gives their members unrestricted access covering 11 subjects. This is the first of its kind solution, which follows a year of success for the business having entered the Senior Cycle market in September 2024. This expansion signals the growing demand for digital and hybrid solutions to learning, with students across Ireland now having access to affordable, high quality grinds. Founded by Ronan Murdock and Brendan Kavanagh, Grinds360 was created out of a shared commitment to both accessibility and excellence in education. The team of dedicated teachers working at Grinds360 recognised a growing gap in Ireland's traditional grinds industry, with its solution posed to democratise access to grinds across the country. With the combination of advanced technology, personalised support, flexibility and teacher quality already working to lessen the pressure on senior cycle students, Grinds360 has established itself as the go-to, digital alternative to traditional grind schools. This approach is now being offered to students preparing for their Junior Cycle exams, combining some of Ireland's leading teachers with cutting-edge technology and an innovative hybrid model. Grinds360 is offering Junior Cycle students and parents two flexible learning plans: a One Year Plan for €899 or a Two Year Plan for students starting in 2nd Year for €1,399. This includes weekly live grinds (available currently for Maths, English, Irish, and Science), on-demand lessons and online masterclasses in 7 other subjects, textbooks, digital notes, a study skills programme, and access to the online Summer Irish Programme, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to succeed. "We're bringing the same successful model from Leaving Cert to Junior Cycle, one membership provides unlimited access to all 11 subjects and every revision course, no restrictions. Plus, members get live weekly grinds in English, Irish, Maths, and Science. Tapping into how young people normally interact with and retain information like this makes learning more intuitive, fun and engaging. "This is especially important for Junior Cycle students entering secondary school, who are often gaining access to digital tools in the classroom for the first time. Something as simple as having access to a quick lesson on the daily commute to school is setting a new benchmark for how education is being delivered in Ireland," said CEO and Co-Founder of Grinds 360, Ronan Murdock, speaking on this news. One year on from launch, Grinds360 has achieved explosive growth with over 3,000 paying members and 18,000 app users. With 65% of signups coming from outside of Dublin to date, the edtech company now wants to give junior cycle students the same access. Brendan Kavanagh, Chairman and Co-Founder, added: "We've already seen our approach enhance Leaving Certificate preparation in Ireland, now we're doing the same for students ahead of the Junior Cycle exams. The earlier young people receive tailored support, unique to their needs and ways of learning, the better. But no student should feel forced to move to a grind school to access this support. This breaks the bond with their school, teachers, and classmates. Grinds360 offers young people a better solution and a choice, and it's a privilege to be a part of driving this change forward." Students can now sign up for Grinds360 on their website, with grinds in both the Leaving and Junior Cycle. Subjects available at Junior Cycle level include English, Irish, Maths, Science, Geography, History, Business Studies, Home Economics, Spanish, German and French. See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https:...

An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, and the Ireland Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI) have announced their partnership ahead of Ireland's ninth Climate Action Week, which will run from the 13th until the 19th of October 2025. During the week in October, hundreds of events, talks and workshops will be hosted across Ireland to unite communities and help tackle the climate crisis. The historic Tailors' Hall in Dublin 8 will be transformed into a Climate Action Hub, complete with an inspirational indoor and outdoor gallery, accessible workshop space and place for participants to gather. To support Climate Action Week - which is coordinated by An Taisce with support from the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment - a brand new, low-carbon website has been launched which contains resources for community groups and organisations to get involved. The one-stop-sustainable-shop is also where organisers from all over Ireland can promote their calendar of events this October. In previous years, activities have included neon bike discos, community tree planting, environmental-themed movie screenings, fashion swap shops, sustainable foodie trails, neighbourhood dinner parties and climate comedy nights. Furthermore, the Ireland Chapter of PMI is sharing its expertise with An Taisce and will be encouraging its 3,500 members to participate in the celebrations and run events in their workplaces, schools, colleges and communities. Cathy Baxter, Education and Community Action Director, An Taisce, said: "We are delighted to partner with the Ireland Chapter of PMI in 2025 to bring Climate Action Week to the next level. Already, I can see our Climate Action Team benefitting from their extensive project management experience, and we are excited to see how this relationship evolves in An Taisce." The increasing importance of sustainability Recent survey findings* from the Ireland Chapter of the PMI show that three-quarters (75%) of project management professionals in Ireland think organisations are more interested in sustainability compared to a year ago. Furthermore, some 45% of project management professionals have already been involved in managing projects driving sustainability. Meanwhile, 90% of respondents think project management is important for achieving sustainability goals. When it comes to managing projects, only one in ten (10%) project management professionals are of the opinion that sustainability is not important. Peter Glynne, President of the Ireland Chapter of PMI, added: "At a time when sustainability is an ever-increasing priority for Irish organisations, it is ever more important for people to work together and take action. By collaborating with An Taisce on Climate Action Week, we hope to encourage and empower people to do something which has real social impact and benefits our planet." To find out what your Local Authority, community group, school, college or business has on offer, visit www.climateactionweek.ie See more stories here.

The international business group RedCore invites visitors to explore exciting career opportunities at the SBC Summit in Lisbon, taking place on 16-18 September. Throughout the event, the HR and recruitment team will be on-site to present current job openings and hold short interviews with potential candidates directly at the stand. At Stand D185, RedCore will launch a dedicated HirePoint - a space where recruiters of the business group will conduct quick interviews and collect referrals. Scheduling a meeting will take just a few seconds via a special interactive screen. And to have conversations - in fully equipped meeting rooms. RedCore welcomes visitors at SBC Summit Visitors are welcome to stop by even if they are not currently seeking a job. "You never know which meeting could be a turning point in your career. Quite often, people come to us simply to connect and later return as candidates. At our HirePoint, you can showcase your skills, explore opportunities, and take the first step toward a career at RedCore - or simply exchange contacts to reconnect later if circumstances change. We also always appreciate referrals for talented professionals," says Oksana Izmailova, Chief Human Resources Officer at RedCore. RedCore is growing at a remarkable pace: in 2024 alone, the number of specialists working in its brands has increased by 58%, now exceeding 4,500 professionals. This rapid business expansion opens new opportunities and career prospects every day - both for current team members and for those eager to join. RedCore is an international business group that PIN-UP Global has transformed into. The company operates offices in different countries and unites a diverse team representing more than 20 nationalities. See more breaking stories here.

As Ireland's economy thrives - with record low unemployment and high levels of educational attainment - a new report from McKinsey & Company, commissioned by Generation Ireland and supported by JPMorganChase, highlights the urgent need to close the country's growing tech skills gap through inclusive adult education. Ireland's technology sector is poised for significant growth, with projections indicating the creation of 40,000 new technology roles between 2025 and 2030, subject to changes in the Irish jobs market from international tariffs and AI market disruption. Yet, this promising growth is hindered by a formidable skills gap, as 83% of employers report significant difficulties in reskilling, while fostering social mobility, helping underrepresented groups access careers in technology. Ireland's technology sector is poised for significant growth, with projections indicating the creation of 40,000 new technology roles between 2025 and 2030, subject to changes in the Irish jobs market from international tariffs and AI market disruption. Yet, this promising growth is hindered by a formidable skills gap, as 83% of employers report significant difficulties in sourcing skilled professionals. This report, for the first time, delves into the intricacies of this challenge and proposes bold solutions to ensure Ireland's continued leadership in the tech sector, anchoring on the ability to unlock the opportunity from latent talent pools, with thousands of people who are motivated and intrinsically well suited to these careers, but need a clearer pathway and formalised training to do so. Despite the success of current government initiatives in equipping a large segment of the population with the necessary education and training through delivering industry-leading levels of degrees and apprenticeships, there remain pockets of society where barriers to entry persist. These barriers, which include a lack of formal qualifications and systemic socioeconomic disadvantages, hinder social mobility and exacerbate inequality. There are many education pathways in Ireland, such as Universities, corporate bodies, SOLAS FET initiatives, and NGOs. Each education pathway has inherent access challenges for people with barriers to entry; however, some educational pathways have been proven internationally to lend themselves to be a transformative way to build social mobility. To address these challenges, the report recommends a multifaceted approach to upskilling and reskilling, emphasising the importance of lifelong learning. Key ideas include creating affordable and accessible education pathways, engaging employers in co-creating training curricula, and providing targeted support for individuals most at risk of exclusion from the workforce. The report also highlights the potential economic benefits of improving social mobility, with estimates suggesting that enhancing education and employment opportunities could increase GDP by 3-9% across European countries. In Ireland, addressing childhood disadvantage alone could recover approximately 4% of GDP annually. Drawing inspiration from successful European models, Ireland can implement skills strategies to meet employer needs while fostering social mobility. These programmes have demonstrated the potential to uplift individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, equipping them with the skills and confidence to access high-quality jobs and achieve economic independence. To maintain its leadership in education and skills, Ireland could establish a pathway to lifelong learning and enable targeted interventions for rapid education to meet the market's evolving demands. This report underscores the critical role of targeted rapid adult education in bridging Ireland's technology skills gap while promoting social mobility. By prioritising the inclusion of underrepresented groups and investing in scalable, targeted training programs, Ireland can unlock the potential of its untapped talent pool, create a more equitab...

This September, Frogo invites you to stand #D183 at SBC Summit in Lisbon to discover how the company is redefining the fight against fraud with intelligence, speed and a clear mission: to help businesses convert losses into profit. From September 16 to 18, Frogo's team will be on-site to present its latest platform updates - including a real-time alerting system - designed to notify teams of suspicious activity the moment it appears. Whether it's unexpected traffic, strange user behavior or subtle signals of fraud buried deep in the data - Frogo helps businesses stay one step ahead, always. Frogo at SBC Summit Visitors will get a chance to see how Frogo brings together device intelligence, AI scoring and visual forensics into one unified space. The result? A flexible, customizable solution that's already protecting companies in iGaming, e-commerce, fintech and CRM. But Frogo's presence in Lisbon is about more than tech: "We're here not just to show new features," says Frogo CEO Volodymyr Todurov. "We're here to spark a conversation about what it means to fight fraud today and how we can shift from simply reacting to risk, to predicting and preventing it. That's our mission." Where to Find Frogo Frogo will be present at booth #D183, where the team will demonstrate how its platform helps organizations reduce losses, accelerate decision-making and strengthen customer trust without adding complexity. The booth will be open to all attendees - whether actively searching for a new solution, exploring market options, or simply interested in learning more about the technology. Two activities will be available for visitors: First, those who book a demo during the event will receive simplified terms: no setup or integration fees, payment only for transactions processed through scoring and consolidated billing across multiple brands without extra charges. In addition, Frogo provides regular analytics support, including monthly reviews and reports. Second, the booth will feature an interactive challenge inviting participants to try their hand at detecting fraudulent activity. Winners will receive exclusive branded merchandise designed with an emphasis on practicality and everyday use. About Frogo Frogo is a next-generation anti-fraud product built for companies that take fraud seriously. With solutions that combine device fingerprinting, AI-powered scoring and forensic-level analysis. Frogo empowers teams to detect smarter, respond faster and act with confidence. See more breaking stories here.

Ireland's electric vehicle market is booming, with registrations up 69% in August and over 20,000 new EVs licensed so far in 2025 - a 37% increase year-on-year. With one in six new cars now electric, EVs are becoming the mainstream choice for both drivers and businesses. This rapid growth makes the return of the Nevo Electric Vehicle Show to Dublin's RDS Simmonscourt this November especially timely - uniting industry leaders, public sector decision-makers and consumers for Ireland's largest ever showcase of electric mobility, clean energy and sustainable transport. The Nevo Electric Vehicle Show, in partnership with Bank of Ireland, is set to return to Dublin's RDS Simmonscourt this November with its most ambitious programme yet. Running across two days, Friday 7th November for businesses and Saturday 8th November for the general public, it will be Ireland's largest ever event dedicated to electric vehicles, clean energy, and sustainable mobility. Bank of Ireland is once again the show's title partner in 2025 while SSE Airtricity will continue as the exclusive Energy Partner, reflecting the growing importance of energy solutions in driving Ireland's shift to electrification. Every automotive brand operating in Ireland will be present, alongside exhibitors spanning public and home charging, solar energy, personal and public electric transport, smart home technology and wider energy services. Business day, on Friday, 7 November, is designed to help businesses, fleets, and the Public Sector of all sizes plan for a sustainable future. With climate targets looming, the event will bring together CEOs, CFOs, Heads of Fleet and Sustainability from across Ireland. The agenda will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions and case studies from organisations already transitioning to electric mobility. Workshops will be hosted throughout the day by GEOTAB, ESB, SSE, Activ8 Energies and Pragmatica, covering topics such as fleet management, smart energy, and business strategy development. The goal is to empower decision-makers to accelerate their journey towards net zero while also gaining practical advice on costs, infrastructure, and policy. For the general public on Saturday, 8 November, the Nevo EV Show promises a full day of discovery, excitement and hands-on experiences. Over 120 electric vehicles will be on display across 56 stands, representing 34 car brands. Nissan is confirmed as the official vehicle launch partner this year, where the brand will unveil the all-new Micra and the latest Leaf, marking their first official appearance in Ireland, giving visitors an exclusive first look. More than 30 vehicles will be available to test drive as part of the SSE Airtricity Driving Experience, while ESB ecars will showcase 12 vehicles in the new live demonstration area with EV expert Derek Reilly offering insights into performance, design and features. Visitors can also look forward to exclusive vehicle launches from more leading brands, expert panel discussions on everything from vehicle grants to charging, and a chance to explore the very latest in sustainable transport solutions. Attendance is once again expected to be significant! Organisers are targeting 10,000 registrations for the business day and 20,000 attendees for the public day, backed by a nationwide marketing campaign and strong support from event partners including Bank of Ireland, SSE Airtricity, ESB ecars, GEOTAB, ZEVI and SEAI. The Nevo EV Show aims to build on the extraordinary success of last year's event, which attracted almost 20,000 visitors. With a broader programme, bigger displays and more vehicles than ever before, the 2025 edition is shaping up to be Ireland's definitive showcase of the electric future. Admission is free, but registration is required. Tickets for both the Business Day and Public Day are available now at nevo.ie.

Europe is recalibrating its strategy in the global shift to electric vehicles (EVs), with China streaking ahead while the US is facing significant headwinds, according to the latest EY Mobility Lens Forecaster. This AI-powered model projects light-duty vehicle sales through 2050 across the three largest markets globally, Europe, China and the US. Across these three markets, battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales are expected to exceed 50% by 2034, marking a pivotal moment. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are forecast to maintain a c.30% share through 2036, underscoring their role as a key bridge to full electrification. However, the pace of the change across the three markets varies significantly, with China expected to achieve a 50% share of new energy vehicles (NEV) sold in 2025. Europe's EV sales are forecast to surpass petrol and diesel by 2028, before crossing 50% by 2032 under tightening emissions rules. In contrast, the US is now projected to reach 50% EV adoption by 2039 (a five-year delay from previous projections) amid policy delays, high costs, and charging gaps. Ireland's EV market continues to evolve with hybrid vehicles playing an increasingly important role in bridging the gap for many consumers while infrastructure expands to support wider EV adoption. The latest Central Statistics Office (CSO) data shows a strong rebound in EV uptake in 2025, with new electric vehicle registrations rising by 64% in July of this year compared to the same month in 2024, and a 27% increase in the first half of the year. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles also saw a 110% year-on-year increase in June, highlighting their role in maintaining momentum. According to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), this upward trend continued into August, with battery electric vehicle registrations accelerating by nearly 70% year-on-year, reinforcing the strength of Ireland's EV recovery. This recovery follows a temporary slowdown in 2024. However, targeted government support, including tiered grants, toll discounts and fleet electrification schemes, is helping to address some well-documented challenges. Ireland's EV transition strategy has been supported by Government grant schemes, which have sought to accelerate the availability of EV Charging Infrastructure - grant schemes administered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland are supporting the rollout of 131 high-powered chargers across 17 roadside locations and 175 fast and ultra-fast chargers across 53 hubs by the end of 2025. Julia Ann Corkery, EY Ireland Partner and Transport Leader, says: "Globally, the EV transition is advancing, but unevenly. China benefits from stable policy and a robust EV ecosystem. Europe is on a steady path under strict emissions targets; however, the pace of adoption will be slower than was previously anticipated, with hybrid technologies playing an increasingly important role in bridging the gap to full electrification in the short to medium term. The US, meanwhile, faces policy uncertainty, high costs and infrastructure gaps. Electric vehicles are central to Ireland's transport decarbonisation strategy, and it's encouraging to see strong momentum reflected in the CSO and SIMI data from 2025, as well as the broader trends across Europe. The rise in EV registrations, alongside shifting consumer preferences and the rollout of additional charging infrastructure, signals a dynamic market which is beginning to mature. As battery electric vehicle adoption accelerates towards 2032, Ireland is well-positioned to benefit, particularly as infrastructure and affordability measures continue to evolve to support wider uptake. In the interim period, hybrid vehicles will be expected to play a central role in bridging the gap on the transition to zero-emission vehicles." Europe: Rebounding after 2027 The EY Forecaster suggests that in Europe, economic pressures, reduced incentives, and softer emissions penalties will dampen BEV growth through 2027. But stricter CO2 l...

A new study by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions and operating a Global Delivery Centre in Ireland, reveals that 1 in 3 aerospace executives believe artificial intelligence (AI) for real-time decision-making will be the biggest driver of change in aircraft manufacturing by 2035. The TCS Future-Ready Skies Study 2025 examines how aerospace companies are preparing for a digitally enabled and AI-powered future across manufacturing, maintenance, mobility, and supply chains. The report captures an industry in transition, with companies increasingly investing in intelligent, sustainable operations. It highlights how manufacturers expect human involvement to remain essential in 60% of their production processes, on average, reinforcing a hybrid future where human expertise and AI work together. While AI leads the charge, aerospace executives also identified digital twins and robotics as the key enablers for transformation. The study surveyed over 323 senior aerospace executives, including aerospace manufacturers, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) companies, Manufacturing, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) providers, and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) companies across Europe and North America. With the aerospace market projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2030, and the MRO segment alone expected to reach $137 billion, the study offers a crucial pulse check on where the industry stands and a look into the future. It also aligns with key developments such as the anticipated certification of eVTOL aircraft and the increasing regulatory and operational complexity across global supply chains. Steve Lucas, Chairman and CEO, Boomi, said, "The Future-Ready Skies Study shows that the aerospace industry is at an inflection point where the promise of AI depends on getting the fundamentals right. Change only happens, however, at the speed of trust and that trust begins with data. Agentic AI can only succeed when it's built on a strong foundation of connected, reliable data. By integrating and connecting everything across their complex ecosystems, companies can accelerate decisions, scale innovation, and turn complexity into a true competitive advantage." Key takeaways from the survey: A striking 63% of aerospace executives are open to adopting agentic AI to manage supply chains, but only 6% currently do so, underscoring both readiness and the innovation gap. On average, respondents anticipate only 40% of their manufacturing operations to be lights out (a manufacturing process that uses a high level of automation), requiring minimal human intervention, within the next 5-7 years. Over half (51%) of MRO providers, on average, anticipate a return on investment in advanced technology in five years or sooner, with nearly two-thirds (64%) expecting predictive analytics and agentic AI to deliver measurable ROI in that same timeframe. Only a third (34%) of AAM companies cited "public acceptance" as an obstacle to such services as urban air taxis; in fact, 70% are already building commercial platforms, reflecting industry momentum. Just 5% of MRO executives say their digital MRO strategy is already sufficiently scaled for the industry's next phase. For the rest, 80% anticipate a negative impact from rising operational costs, increased downtime, revenue, and customer churn if their digital MRO strategies fail to scale in the next three years. Digital thread integration is underway, with 59% of manufacturers reporting at least partial implementation, though full lifecycle integration remains elusive. Anupam Singhal, President, Manufacturing, TCS, said, "The aerospace industry has always been one where ambition is matched by precision and safety. Today, ambition is redefined as AI moves from supporting operations to shaping enterprise strategy - advancing passenger experience, safety, and sustainability. At TCS, we see this as a leadership opportunity to help aerospace enterprises build resi...

Irish medium-sized businesses' perception of artificial intelligence has shifted considerably over the past six months, according to Grant Thornton's International Business Report (IBR). The IBR, which provides insights into the attitudes of 10,000 mid-market businesses across 32 countries, including Ireland, found the proportion of Irish executives branding AI "over-rated" has plunged from 45% to 23%, signaling a decisive move from hype to hands-on adoption. Over the same period, firms have hurried to put rules in place: more than half (53% in Q2) now require staff to follow an AI-usage policy when using Gen AI such as ChatGPT, spiking from 37% just six months ago. Nevertheless, enthusiasm is tempered by a persistent concern over data security. Six in ten of the executives surveyed say they worry about employees entering sensitive information into generative-AI platforms. The research also reveals a sharp improvement in companies' ability to spot practical applications for AI. Only a fifth (22%) of mid-sized companies now cite "difficulty determining productive uses" as a challenge, down from almost half (48%) six months ago. At the same time, privacy has surged to become the leading barrier to the adoption of AI tools. 58% of Irish executives noted privacy as the key challenge their organisation faces in adopting AI (up from 35%, six months previous). This underlines a real paradox: businesses are more confident in AI's potential, yet more anxious about how it handles information. Shane O'Neill, Technology and Digital Consulting Partner, Grant Thornton, said, "Over the past six months, we've heard that Irish mid-size businesses are shifting from cautious experimentation to confident deployment of AI. Executives are no longer debating whether the technology is 'over-hyped'. They're writing policies, training staff and embedding tools into day-to-day operations. That practical focus is driving productivity gains, particularly in data analysis, customer support and internal knowledge-sharing. "But optimism alone won't close the trust gap. Until organisations can guarantee that sensitive data fed into AI systems remains secure and compliant, adoption will continue to bump against serious privacy concerns. We believe the winners here will be those firms that treat governance and transparency as strategically important: investing in building clear policies and communicating openly with employees and customers about how information is used."

Port of Waterford has lodged a direct planning application with An Coimisiún Pleanála for its Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Capable Terminal at Belview, County Kilkenny. This marks a major milestone for the company, the oldest Port in Ireland, with its application reinforcing Waterford's ambition to play a central role in shaping the future of the country's renewable energy sector. The application follows the recent granting of Maritime Area Consent (MAC) by the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), which provides the legal basis for the Port to seek permission to develop the new infrastructure. Securing the MAC was a crucial step in advancing the South East as a hub for offshore wind, and it now allows the Port of Waterford to progress its vision of building a purpose-designed ORE terminal. The scale of the proposed development reflects both the immediate and long-term needs of the sector. Central to the project is a 250-metre extension to the existing wharves at Belview. The application also provides for extensive land reclamation, new quayside operator support facilities with workshops and warehouses, berthing pontoons, and two separate three-storey office and staff buildings for ORE operators. The development includes a replacement electricity substation, underground services, roof-mounted solar PV arrays to generate renewable power on site, and a dedicated biodiversity enhancement area of approximately 1.8 hectares. The investment will transform the Port's capacity to support large-scale offshore renewable energy projects, creating the conditions for Waterford to act as a strategic staging ground for major developments such as the proposed Tonn Nua Offshore Wind Farm and future projects across the Celtic Sea. With Ireland committed to generating 7 GW of offshore wind by 2030, the ORE Capable Terminal at Waterford is designed to support this target and beyond. This positions the Port not only as a logistics gateway, but as a leader in delivering a just transition to a low-carbon economy for the South East and the wider country. The economic potential is equally significant. Beyond its immediate construction and operational benefits, the ORE Capable Terminal represents a long-term investment in sustainable business and regional prosperity. The project will generate high-quality jobs across maritime operations, engineering, logistics, and green technology, while also creating opportunities for SMEs and local suppliers to integrate into the offshore wind supply chain. Speaking on the application, CEO at Port of Waterford, David Sinnott, says, "This is a landmark day for Port of Waterford. Our application is about more than new infrastructure - it's about creating jobs, driving growth in the South East, and helping Ireland meet its 2030 climate goals. Waterford has been a maritime gateway for over a thousand years, and now we are ready to lead Ireland into its offshore renewable future."

Some 550 female entrepreneurs from across rural Ireland increased their collective revenue by almost €10m during their participation in the ACORNS business development programme, a new study has revealed. Now beginning its 11th cycle, ACORNS is a free initiative for early-stage female entrepreneurs based in rural Ireland. It has been running since 2014 and is funded through the Rural Innovation and Development Fund by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM). An analysis of the initiative by researchers at DCU Business School found that over the past ten years, the revenues of 550 ACORNS participants rose by an average of 51% during their participation in the six-month ACORNS programme. Combined end-of-cycle revenues for 550 ACORNS participants amounted to €29m, representing a total increase of €9.8m across all ten cycles of the programme. Report authors Professor Colm O'Gorman, Professor Theo Lynn and Maggie O'Gorman found that aggregate pre-cycle employment rose from 822 to 1,023 staff post-cycle, an increase of 201. They reported that 29% of participants had exporting experience following the conclusion of their participation in ACORNS. Of the 550 total past participants, some 330 entrepreneurs have continued as members of the ACORNS Community. The full report is available to view here and via the ACORNS website. Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, launched the opening of the call for applications for ACORNS 11. The deadline for applications is midnight, September 22. The programme is available to early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland who have generated sales no earlier than the end of June 2022. There are up to 50 places available. Those wishing to apply must first register their interest via the website. They will then be sent an application by email. ACORNS 11 will run from October 2025 to April 2026 and will include six monthly round table sessions, a briefing by various development agencies and an end-of-cycle celebration. There will be no charge for those selected to participate in ACORNS 11, thanks to the continuing support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the voluntary contribution of time by the Lead Entrepreneurs. A survey of participants from the last cycle, ACORNS 10, found that all 52 participants who completed the cycle felt closer to achieving their business ambitions following the programme and would recommend ACORNS to others. Some 90% said their participation brought about practical change within their business. Four businesses started to trade for the first time during the ACORNS 10 cycle. The combined annual turnover of the ACORNS 10 participants grew by 54%, increasing from €2.8m to €4.3m. ACORNS 10 participants employed a total of 104 staff at the end of the cycle, an increase of 15. There were eighteen participants with export experience at the end of the cycle. To date, since 2014, some 550 participants have completed a cycle of ACORNS, with more than half continuing to avail themselves of support through their membership of the ACORNS Community. The benefits of membership includes the opportunity to take part in workshops, ACORNS Plus roundtables, a Community Forum and other networking events. Each of the Lead Entrepreneurs give their time to the programme on a voluntary basis, as they believe in the philosophy of 'entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs'. This year's voluntary Lead Entrepreneurs are Alison Ritchie, Polar Ice; Caroline Reidy, The HR Suite; Eimer Hannon, Hannon Travel; Geraldine Jones, Skin Formulas; Karen Kerrigan, Kerrigan Mushrooms; Mary B Walsh, Ire Wel Pallets; and Triona MacGiolla Rí, Aró Digital Strategies. In addition, experienced businesswomen, Clare Duignan and Geraldine Kelly, who are on the Going for Growth advisory panel, will facilitate ACORNS Plus round tables for previous participants, who are committed to continuing driving forward the development of their businesses. Earlier this...

From deepfakes to job automation, artificial intelligence is no longer on the horizon - it is already reshaping how we live, work, and govern. As the pace of technological change accelerates, the social, political, ethical and economic consequences are becoming harder to ignore. This autumn, Trinity College Dublin's School of Social Sciences and Philosophy presents AI: The Age of Disruption, a free public lecture series exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on human life. Across four Thursday evenings in September and October, experts from the School's four departments (Sociology, Philosophy, Economics and Political Science) will examine the complex realities of AI from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Paul O'Grady, Head of the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy, explains: "Artificial intelligence is already transforming our world in profound ways, from the way we work and interact to how we govern and make decisions. This series brings together researchers from across the School to explore what that means for individuals, institutions and society as a whole. We hope these events will spark important conversations and invite the public to think critically about the kind of future we are creating." Dates: Thursday 25 September, 2, 9 & 16 October 2025 Time: 7.00 pm - 8.30 pm Location: The Synge Theatre, Arts Building, Trinity College Dublin Admission: Free, but advance registration required. Full details and registration are available on Eventbrite. Schedule of Lectures: 'A New Sociology of Humans and Machines', Thursday 25 September 2025. What happens when machines become part of society? Professor Taha Yasseri, from the Department of Sociology, explores how intelligent systems are shaping communication, cooperation and decision-making, and why we may need a new sociological framework to understand our changing social world. 'Machines Like Us? The Ethics of Artificial General Intelligence', Thursday 2 October 2025. Can we create minds more powerful than our own, and should we? Dr Will Ratoff, from the Department of Philosophy, investigates the ethical, social and existential dilemmas raised by artificial general intelligence, from the promise of progress to the risks of unchecked creation. 'The New Economic Order with AI', Thursday 9 October 2025. AI is revolutionising work and productivity, but at what cost? Dr Jian Cao, from the Department of Economics, discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping the global economy, and what governments and societies must do to adapt, regulate and prepare for the future. 'Democracy & AI: Navigating the Political Risks', Thursday 16 October 2025. From deepfakes to data-driven campaigning, AI is challenging the foundations of democracy. Political Scientists Professor Constantine Boussalis, Dr Tom Paskhalis and Dr Asli Ceren Cinar explore the rise of algorithmic influence, misinformation, and targeted propaganda, and how democratic systems can adapt and respond.

This September 16-18, SBC Summit in Lisbon will host the official presentation of Communications Hub (CommsHub). The new all-in-one communication management platform helps businesses integrate messaging services 75% faster while ensuring uninterrupted delivery through built-in backup and cascading traffic. Developed by industry veterans and now operating as a standalone brand in the RedCore business group, Communications Hub is set to change the way high-volume messaging is managed - not only in iGaming and affiliate marketing, but also in fintech, e-commerce and beyond. A New Era of Smart Messaging Communications Hub centralizes SMS, flash calls and alpha name registration into one streamlined interface. The platform provides businesses with access to an up-to-date list of verified service providers, flexible routing options and advanced analytics - all designed to reduce costs, save time and increase reliability. One of the platform's key innovations is its built-in failover and cascading traffic system, ensuring that no message is lost due to a provider outage or technical disruption. "We built a Communications Hub to take the uncertainty out of messaging," said Viktoriia Yefimenko, CEO, Communications Hub. "Our mission is simple: make integration fast, delivery reliable and management effortless." 75% Faster Integration The launch announcement comes with a headline figure: Communications Hub reduces the time needed to integrate new providers by 75% - from the industry standard of 35-45 days to just 10 days. For fast-moving industries, this speed means more than convenience; it can mean seizing market opportunities before competitors do. Meet the Communications Hub Team at SBC Lisbon Visitors to SBC Lisbon 2025 will have the opportunity to see Communications Hub at the stand #D181 in action, meet the team behind it and explore how the platform can streamline their communication strategy. "SBC is the perfect stage for our launch," added Viktoriia. "It's where forward-thinking businesses come to explore new technology and we're ready to show them what's possible." Who Should Visit Communications Hub is built for any type of messages - from marketing agencies and trading platforms to online retailers and affiliate networks. The platform's combination of speed, stability and smart routing makes it particularly valuable for companies where every second and every message matters. Event Details: SBC Summit Lisbon 2025 16-18 of September Visit the Communications Hub at booth #D181 For more information ahead of the event, visit the website. See more breaking stories here.

Guest post by Stanley Olisa Half the world still live without access to essential health services. Thats the stark warning from the World Health Organisation. When illness strikes across Africa and Asia, families are forced into impossible choices: pay crippling out-of-pocket costs or go without treatment altogether. For too many, the result is fatal. From pneumonia in Bangladesh to malaria in Kenya and maternal complications in Nigeria, the story is consistent. The poorest are locked out of healthcare systems designed to leave them behind. But a new tech-driven model is starting to change that. A Digital Lifeline Helpster, a global non-profit platform, is leveraging technology to close life-threatening healthcare gaps. Its model is simple but radical: connect vulnerable patients directly with donors, hospitals and volunteers in real time. The goal is to bypass the bottlenecks of traditional aid and get treatment to those who need it most, when they need it most. The platforms data from Africa and Asia reveal just how urgent the crisis is, and how tech innovation can be part of the solution. The Conditions Claiming the Most Lives Pneumonia remains one of the leading killers of children under five in Bangladesh, accounting for 12% of child deaths. In rural Kenya, severe malaria dominates case records, with more than 3.4 million new cases and 11,800 deaths each year. One seven-year-old girl endured three days of fever before Helpster matched her family with a donor. The $109 treatment cost was impossible to cover. Without digital intervention, she would not have survived. In Nigeria, the challenge is even larger. With 68 million malaria cases and 194,000 deaths recorded in 2021 alone, the country accounts for nearly a third of global malaria deaths. Alongside this, obstetric emergencies such as pre-eclampsia and placenta praevia regularly appear in Helpsters case logs. Healthcare at Catastrophic Cost Behind these statistics are families who simply cannot pay. In Bangladesh, rural households earn around $155-175 per month. Treating pneumonia costs $170. A breech delivery can cost $265. In Kenya, severe malaria treatment averages $109, while pneumonia is $133. Just 28% of Kenyans have health insurance, and even then many say it is unaffordable. In Nigeria, treatment for malaria or surgical conditions ranges from ?20,000 ($25) to ?180,000 ($230). Yet fewer than 10% of Nigerians have insurance, leaving 190 million to pay out of pocket. When half of Nigerians earn just ?63,126 ($41) a month, according to 2025 data, these costs are catastrophic. Barriers That Keep Care Out of Reach For families in Bangladesh, Kenya and Nigeria, the obstacles to healthcare are strikingly similar. The first is economic. With households bearing most of the cost, even a basic hospital stay can wipe out a months income. Distance is another barrier. In rural areas, hospitals may be hours away, reached only by dirt roads or unreliable transport. For a mother in labour or a child with a high fever, those delays can be fatal. The shortage of medical staff deepens the crisis. Doctors and nurses cluster in urban centres, while rural facilities operate with skeletal teams. Many who are trained leave for better prospects abroad, draining already fragile systems. Social and cultural factors also hold people back. Women often need permission to seek care, while marginalised groups are treated with suspicion or neglect. And when families finally reach hospitals, corruption and empty drug shelves too often greet them instead of treatment. Digital health services are expanding but the poorest remain excluded, a cruel irony of progress. Scoring Poverty, Prioritising Urgency This is where Helpsters model shows its strength. By applying digital poverty and urgency scores, the platform can prioritise cases based on household income, family size, location and living conditions. In Bangladesh, the average poverty score is 118/250 with an urgency score of 22/26. In Kenya, ...

More than 7.5 million global cyber incidents were reported in the first half of 2025, a 19% rise on the same period last year. To combat the surge in attacks, Integrity360 is announcing an exclusive Irish partnership with global bug bounty leader HackerOne. This partnership gives businesses direct local access to a trusted network of more than two million ethical hackers, delivering real-time vulnerability discovery and remediation before threats can be exploited. Cyber attacks are increasing in both sophistication and volume, with large organisations -particularly those with web-facing infrastructure - experiencing relentless attempts to identify and exploit weaknesses. While traditional penetration testing and red teaming remain essential, a well organised bug bounty programme takes cyber security to the next level. Integrity360's collaboration with HackerOne adds an 'always-on' layer of human-led testing, giving enterprises continuous visibility into emerging threats and an attacker's eye view of their systems. Drawing on HackerOne's global community of security researchers, Integrity360 identifies vulnerabilities that automated tools might miss. With access to over two million ethical hackers, security teams can prioritise and remediate critical risks faster - a capability that would be virtually impossible for any single organisation to replicate in-house. Furthermore, you only pay for exposures that are discovered, providing excellent return on investment. The collaboration expands the cyber security testing portfolio of Integrity360, enabling delivery of an end-to-end service that spans scheduled assessments, red teaming, and continuous researcher-led testing. While HackerOne underpins the platform with its unparalleled crowd-powered expertise, Integrity360 ensures seamless integration into clients' security programmes. "Technology alone can't match the creativity and persistence of a determined attacker," said Richard Ford, CTO at Integrity360. "By partnering with HackerOne, we are enabling organisations to tap into a vast, global community of security researchers who continuously probe for weaknesses. This is proactive defence in action, which is designed to uncover and fix issues before they become security incidents." John Addeo, VP of Global Channels at HackerOne, said: "Integrity360 brings deep enterprise security expertise, while our hacker community provides real-world insight that tools alone can't deliver. Together, we help organisations find and fix vulnerabilities faster, reducing their attack surface in an increasingly complex threat environment." The move reflects a wider industry shift from periodic, compliance-driven assessments to continuous, community-powered protection. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the ability to detect and respond to vulnerabilities in real-time will become a critical benchmark for effective cyber defence. See more stories here.

By David Stephen There is a recent [September, 1, 2025] report on SciTechDaily, "AI Is Not Intelligent at All" - Expert Warns of Worldwide Threat to Human Dignity, stating that, "AI is not intelligent in any human sense at all. It is a triumph in engineering, not in cognitive behavior. It has no clue what it's doing or why - there's no thought process as a human would understand it, just pattern recognition stripped of embodiment, memory, empathy, or wisdom." Has AI Surpassed Human Intelligence? What is the proof that AI is not intelligent, at all? If AI is not intelligent, is it a conclusion of the scientific method or, of common sense? Is the conclusion a result of correlative observation of what intelligence is? If intelligence emanates from the brain, what is the certainty of assumptions, by extrinsic outcomes? For example, if an individual is smiling, is the individual happy, if not [smiling], is the individual sad? If the individual seems apathetic, is the individual uninterested? If the individual is listening, does the individual understand? There are several areas where studies, using the scientific method, are based on observations and correlations, but anything about the brain, causation [or how the brain works], precedes correlates. Body language and other outward cues have already been debunked as emotional parallels. So, why would intelligence be assumed to be available [or not] based on observations of what intelligence is, without the mechanism? In the human brain, there are components. Those components organize functions. Those functions are experienced [and observed by the self and others]. But, the stretches of components and functions in the brain open the possibilities for variabilities. Aside from the capability to present a different state to external observers, the brain may also be in a state but not make that state appear [or align] with its regular company. Simply, it is possible to feel a certain way and show another. It is also possible to feel a certain way, but the output for the mechanism, as an experience, may not come with its regular display. So, a cold feeling without showing it intentionally, is possible. It is also possible to feel cold and it does not appear with the external displays of a cold experience. Scientific Method for Human Intelligence The only scientific method for what human intelligence is, can be obtained by modeling how intelligence works - in the brain. It is this architecture that can be used for comparison with other organisms and AI. Even if the same mechanisms are not present, there are brackets of outcomes that maybe used. For example, if there is an action of a component [of intelligence] in the brain, for [say] creativity, if other organisms don't have it, but can do what that component and the process does, then it can be used for comparison - including with magnitude. However, what really is intelligence? What is a universal definition that describes what intelligence is, based on the brain? Intelligence is [defined as] the use of memory. Simply, when memory is used, especially for desired or expected objectives, it means intelligence. Evading a predator, collecting a prey, building and maintaining habitats, and so forth, are all usages of memory for desired or expected objectives. Variation of intelligence include creativity, innovation, problem-solving, circumspect or stealth mode, tactics, investigations, planning, and so forth. So, whatever sensory data or memory data is available [or reachable] can be used. Memory can be assumed to be destinations, and the relays - across those destinations - as the use of them. Training, towards intelligence, can be described as showing how to use sensory or memory data for expected or desired outcomes. Simply, training can be described as the identification [or development] of memory data, and defining [or making] of paths that makes the destinations excellently used. In the brain, all memory and intelligence activities...

Principle Power announces that floating offshore wind projects using the WindFloat technology have generated more than 1 terawatt-hour (TWh) of cumulative energy since WindFloat 1 was connected to the grid in 2011. This milestone demonstrates the maturity of the WindFloat designs, and the readiness of the company's 4th generation designs for commercial scale projects. The 1 TWh output includes generation from: WindFloat 1: 2 MW pilot in Portugal (2011-2016) and Scotland (2018-2020). WindFloat Atlantic: 25 MW project in operation since 2020 off the coast of Portugal. Kincardine Offshore Wind Farm: a 48 MW project in operation since 2021 off the coast of Scotland. Together, these assets have demonstrated robustness in severe Atlantic and North Sea conditions, withstanding waves of up to 20 meters and winds of up to 214 Km/h (equivalent to a Category 4 typhoon), while delivering exceptional performance. Floating offshore wind projects delivering more energy The WindFloat platforms enable maximum wind turbine generation through a combination of empirically validated features: Semisubmersible architecture, providing a stable platform that enables the system to comply with all wind turbine operational and extreme limits. A platform hull trim system that uses water ballast to counteract wind turbine-induced thrust forces, keeps the wind turbine oriented vertically (within 0-2 degrees >97% of the time), increasing energy generated by up to 2.5% versus passive platforms. A robust and redundant system architecture that is delivering an average platform availability of ~99% across the operating fleet. Julian Arrillaga Costa, Chief Executive Officer said: "Reaching the 1 TWh milestone is a clear validation of our WindFloat technology and the expert team we've built to support the design, delivery, and operation of floating wind projects worldwide. These projects have exposed us to the full range of complexity in the sector, providing valuable lessons that we are using to continuously refine and improve our technical and commercial offering. This depth of experience provides a strong foundation for delivering derisked, cost-effective commercial projects, supporting our vision of a planet powered by floating wind." Building on the experience of WindFloat Atlantic, Kincardine, and the under construction 30 MW Les Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion (EFGL) project that will be connected to the grid later this year, Principle Power is working closely with clients, suppliers, and operators to plan the delivery of the first generation of commercial scale floating wind projects in key markets, including France, South Korea, and the UK. These projects expect to feature 12-70 wind turbines of 15-20 MW each, nearly double the rated capacity of the wind turbines installed at WindFloat Atlantic and Kincardine. The operational data and insights from the first TWh of generation provide a strong basis of confidence for customers and their financial stakeholders, demonstrating that Principle Power and its WindFloat technologies have the proven track-record to scale floating wind projects and support the global expansion of the industry. Overview of Principle Power's operating track record: 12 WindFloat units installed or under installation or decommissioned. 13?years of field operational experience and 17 project-years of cumulative operations: WindFloat 1: 2011-2016 in Portugal plus 2018-2020 in Scotland. WindFloat Atlantic: 2020-present in Portugal. Kincardine: 2021-present in Scotland. 300,000 hours of cumulative operational experience. 1 TWh global WindFloat energy generated. ~99% platform availability. 0 (zero) lost time incidents. 20 m maximum wave height encountered. 214 Km/h (59.6 m/s) maximum wind speed encountered (equivalent to category 4 typhoon). Completed tow-to-shore floating wind turbine large corrective operations at Kincardine, proving the technical feasibility of the approach and yielding lessons to optimize planning for future tow...

Researchers have created the world's first complete map of a crucial cellular system that helps plants respond to stress. The breakthrough could transform our understanding of how living things adapt to their environment and open the door to new ways of protecting plants against climate change. The study, led by researchers from Durham University and published in Science Advances, focuses on a process called SUMOylation. Mapping Plants stress cellular systems This is a form of protein tweaking that acts like a molecular switch, fine-tuning how cells grow, divide and respond to change. Despite its importance in plants, animals and humans, scientists have until now been unclear about how the many pieces of the SUMO system work together inside a living organism. Using the tiny model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, the team built a detailed SUMO Cell Atlas that shows, cell by cell, where and when each component of the system is active. They discovered that different tissues within the root use SUMOylation in very specific ways, allowing the plant to mount highly tailored responses to challenges such as salty soils, drought-like conditions or attack by microbes. One of the most striking findings is that a single enzyme, known as SCE1, appears to act as the central driver of the stress response across all conditions tested. Other enzymes, particularly specialised proteases, show distinctive patterns depending on the type of stress and the cell type, providing further layers of control. Study co-author Dr Miguel de Lucas of Durham University said: "Our study demonstrates the value of interdisciplinary partnerships between UK institutions combining diverse areas of expertise (Nottingham, Cambridge, Liverpool and Durham). "The findings highlight the crucial role of protein modifications in controlling cellular plasticity and future work should explore how these findings connect with other relevant protein modifications, such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination". Beyond its scientific importance, the discovery has practical promise. By revealing which parts of the SUMO system are most critical for survival under stress, the research highlights new targets for improving the resilience of crops such as rice and wheat. The ultimate aim is to breed or engineer plants that can better withstand heat, drought, salt or disease, helping to safeguard food supplies, and to implement biodiversity conservation approaches in a changing climate. The full SUMO map is freely available for researchers worldwide via the University of Toronto's online resource: https://bar.utoronto.ca/SUMO_ Map/ The research was supported by UKRI-BBSRC (BB/V003534/1). Dr Miguel de Lucas from Durham University are available for interview and can be contacted on miguel.de-lucas@durham.ac.uk. Alternatively, please contact Durham University Communications Office for interview requests on communications.team@durham.ac. uk or +44 (0)191 334 8623. Source 'Elucidating tissue and subcellular specificity of the entire SUMO network reveals how stress responses are fine-tuned in a eukaryote', (2025), Ari Sadanandom et. al., Science Advances. About Durham University Durham University is a globally outstanding centre of teaching and research based in historic Durham City in the UK. We are a collegiate university committed to inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham and in the world. We conduct research that improves lives globally and we are ranked as a world top 100 university with an international reputation in research and education (QS World University Rankings 2026). We are a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive UK universities and we are consistently ranked as a top 10 university in national league tables (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, Guardian University Guide and The Complete University Guide). For more information about Durham University visit: www.durham.ac.uk/about/ See more breaking stories here.

Venture capital funding into Irish SMEs in the second quarter fell to its lowest level in ten years, according to the Irish Venture Capital Association VenturePulse survey published today in association with William Fry. Funding plummeted to €112.6m, from €494m in the same quarter last year. This is the lowest figure the IVCA has recorded since the second quarter in 2015. As a result, funding in the first half of the year fell by 14% to €645.5m from €752.7m the previous year. "The fall off would have been worse if not for a record first quarter 2025, which saw an increase of over 100% to €532.8m compared to the same period last year," commented Caroline Gaynor, chairperson, Irish Venture Capital Association. She added that the quarterly result was largely explained by an 81% pullback by international investors, which invested €69.5m in the quarter, compared to €375.3m the previous year, a shortfall of over €305m. "This is a timely warning sign for Ireland and highlights the need for us to stand on our own feet in terms of funding and backing for our brightest and best indigenous start-ups, instead of depending on volatile international support," she said. Sarah-Jane Larkin, director general, IVCA, said that bearish international sentiment was reflected in quarter two deal sizes. "There was only one deal (Nomupay) in the 30m+ category, compared to five last year. Funding fell by 88% to €37m from €300.3m." There was also only one deal in the €10 10m+ category (Kota), down from six rounds last year. Funding fell by 87% to €12.4m from over €100m. "There was a falloff in all deal sizes, with the exception of those under €1m," added Sarah-Jane Larkin. "Seed funding, or first rounds by SMEs, fell by over a half to €25.5m." She added, "The IVCA applauds the recent DETE report, which found that 'there is a need for future government intervention to improve the supply of scaling finance'. This new data emphasises the urgency of the situation. "In an increasingly isolationist global economic market, it is more important than ever that we are not dependent on international capital or sentiment and have the capacity to fund our own indigenous winners." The life sciences sector with €255.3m (40%) led the way in funding for the half year, followed by cybersecurity (18%); fintech (14%); software (9%); and AI & machine learning (8%).

SIRO and Vodafone Ireland have been announced as the official connectivity partners for REACH, Roscrea's new Enterprise Hub. As part of the SIRO-Vodafone Gigabit Hub Initiative, REACH will enjoy seamless, high-speed fibre broadband. Located in the heart of Roscrea, REACH is the 25th hub to join the Gigabit Hub Initiative. The hub was officially opened this week with representatives from the REACH Board, elected representatives, Tipperary County Council officials and other key stakeholders all in attendance. The Gigabit Hub Initiative, delivered by SIRO and Vodafone, provides gigabit fibre connectivity to remote working and digital hubs across Ireland. REACH joins a network of successful hubs, including Dundalk's Creative Spark, Galway's PorterShed, and Skibbereen's Ludgate Hub, all of which have benefited from the initiative. With SIRO's full-fibre broadband offering speeds of up to 1 Gigabit per second, the hub provides fast and reliable connectivity to meet the business needs of all companies and individuals working with the REACH hub. REACH offers a supportive environment for businesses of all sizes, from start-ups and freelancers to growing SMEs. The hub features 11 private offices, 10 hot desks, and shared workspaces, catering to a variety of business needs. It is already home to key organisations driving regional growth, including Tipperary Education and Training Board, a leading education and training provider, and Herdwatch, a Roscrea-founded agri-tech company transforming livestock and pasture management across Ireland, the UK, and beyond. REACH is set to become a key driver of business growth in Roscrea, offering entrepreneurs, SMEs, and remote workers the space and connectivity they need to thrive. Its strategic location, combined with SIRO's full-fibre broadband, ensures that businesses can operate with the same level of digital infrastructure as those in any major urban centre. SIRO is a leading full-fibre broadband operator, rolling out a 100% fibre broadband network across Ireland. Its network is currently available in multiple locations across Tipperary, including Cashel, Nenagh, Thurles, Clonmel, and Roscrea. Brendan Hyland, Chairperson of REACH, thanked SIRO for their engagement and support of the project: "This project has taken many hours of dedication from the Board and supporters. Today, we are proud to stand in a modern, future-proof building that will attract enterprise and innovation to Roscrea. It will stand as a flagship for innovation and renewal in Roscrea. This outstanding facility has received over €2.3 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, which is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Tipperary County Council has provided an additional €774,000 in funding." John Keaney, SIRO Chief Executive Officer, commented: "REACH is a fantastic addition to Roscrea, providing businesses with a state-of-the-art space to work, collaborate, and grow. Powered by SIRO's full-fibre broadband, this hub will help businesses and entrepreneurs compete on both a national and international scale. We are delighted to partner with Vodafone to deliver world-class connectivity to this hub and support Roscrea's economic regeneration." Ciaran Barrett, Commercial Operations Director of Vodafone Ireland, added: "Connectivity is more than just infrastructure - it's about empowering people and businesses to thrive. At Vodafone, we're committed to ensuring that every customer, whether in a city or a town like Roscrea, has access to the same high-quality digital experience. Through our partnership with SIRO, REACH will offer seamless fibre broadband that enables entrepreneurs, SMEs, and remote workers to stay connected, productive, and competitive in today's world."

The University of Galway is leading three new projects that aim to make medical treatments safer, faster and more effective after researchers secured the support of one of Europe's most prestigious funding programmes. The awards were made by the European Commission's Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions-Doctoral Network programme (MSCA DN), as part of Horizon Europe 2020. The programme supports researchers to become future leaders while investing in the University of Galway projects to improve lives and pave the way for better, more affordable healthcare. The network also provides training to make the researchers more creative, entrepreneurial and innovative, boosting their employability in the long term. One University of Galway project has an emphasis on sustainability and a move away from animal testing for brain disease; a second is looking at cardiovascular issues, specifically around improving heart stent durability and longevity; and a third seeks to advance equity, diversity and inclusion in clinical trials. Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials at the University of Galway, said: "These projects show how research can make a real difference in people's lives. University of Galway is proud to be leading the way in creating smarter, safer, and more sustainable healthcare solutions." Professor Ted Vaughan, Interim Director of the Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation at the University of Galway, said: "These projects exemplify the mission of our new Institute - to accelerate fundamental and applied understanding of disease and enable disruptive solutions to health-based challenges. By combining cutting-edge science with collaborative training, we are not only advancing medical technologies but also shaping the next generation of research leaders. This investment from the European Commission underscores the importance of innovation that is ethical, inclusive, and focused on improving patient outcomes across society." The University of Galway projects funded by the Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions-Doctoral Network are: Dr Mihai Lomora leads the €4.2 million CerebroMachinesTrain Doctoral Network research project - Smarter Drug Delivery for Brain Diseases. Using advanced 3D brain models that mimic real brain tissue, the project will test tiny machines which are being developed to bring medicine exactly where it is needed. It avoids animal testing, making research faster, more ethical, and more accurate. Dr Lomora is a Lecturer and Principal Investigator in Bio(material) Chemistry at the University's School of Biological and Chemical Sciences in the College of Science and Engineering and a Funded Investigator at CÚRAM - the Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices. This network project involves 14 partners from eight countries, including the US. Four PhD students will be supported through the project at the University of Galway. Dr William Ronan leads the €2.71 million MEDALLOY research project - Stronger, Safer Materials for Life-Saving Devices. It focuses on making materials used in minimally invasive medical devices - like stents and heart valve supports - stronger and longer lasting. Dr Ronan is a Lecturer and Principal Investigator in Biomedical Engineering at the University's College of Science and Engineering. The project includes partners from six countries - the US, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Czechia and Sweden. It will train nine PhD students, who will spend at least half of their time working directly in industry, earning hands-on skills ranging from material science to patient care. Dr Eimear Morrissey leads the €4.4 million EDICT research project - Advancing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Clinical Trials. It is a research and training network led by the Health Research Board-Trials Methodology Research Network, based at the University of Galway, which seeks to include older adults, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, or those from lower-income backgrounds in clinica...

EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland's electricity grid, has awarded community groups and not-for-profit organisations near the Celtic Interconnector project a total of €821,265.50. The funding, associated with the sub-sea cable project which will link the electricity grids of Ireland and France, will see 53 local community groups and projects benefit. This is the second of three phases of funding available to communities in the project area, with the total fund amounting to €2.4million. This latest phase of funding covers three activity streams, with €240,000 allocated through the community stream, €236,437.50 via the sustainability stream and €344,828 for projects covering biodiversity initiatives, with the biodiversity figure including an additional amount of funding due to an underspend in biodiversity projects in the first phase. Speaking about the fund,?EirGrid's Head of Public Engagement, Sinead Dooley, said:?"This fund was established to support east Cork communities to develop projects and initiatives that will leave a lasting positive legacy long after the Celtic Interconnector project is delivered. This latest phase will continue to support the huge efforts of community groups in developing positive spaces for all ages, supporting healthy initiatives and providing an important boost to energy and biodiversity projects. We are once again proud to support these efforts and look forward to seeing what can be achieved through this fund." The Celtic Interconnector Community Benefit Fund was established by EirGrid to recognise the important part local communities play in the development of the electricity grid, the impact works can have on communities, and to ensure funds benefit groups and projects in these areas. For a list of the successful groups and projects, visit www.eirgrid.ie/celticinterconnector#CBF More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

The Marine Institute's Explorers Education Programme is thrilled to announce its return to schools for the 2025-2026 school year, with an expansion that will bring marine-themed education to both coastal and inland counties across Ireland. This new nationwide reach is a testament to the program's success and growing demand for ocean literacy. "This expansion marks a significant milestone for the program, which has successfully delivered marine-themed educational content for nearly two decades," said Ms. Patricia Orme, Director of Corporate Services at the Marine Institute. "The sustained success of the Explorers Education Programme is a testament to its engaging and impactful approach to teaching students about our vital marine environment and supporting teachers in creating ocean literacy in the classroom. "We are delighted to support this expansion, reaching some inland counties through interactive online workshops and the continued development of our educational resources that are available to all schools online. This underscores our commitment to ensuring all young people are engaged in valuing and understanding the ocean's influence on our lives, and our impact on the ocean," she said. Dr. Noirin Burke from the Explorers Outreach Team, who will be leading the delivery to primary schools in inland counties, is particularly enthusiastic about this new chapter. "We are super excited to see the Explorers Education Programme expand to inland counties, bringing a wave of ocean literacy across the country," Dr. Burke noted. "Having grown up in Co. Tipperary, I understand how someone who lives away from the coast can still be passionate about the shoreline and spending time at the water. With nowhere in Ireland being far from the sea, an online interactive school module is a fantastic way of connecting students to our marine heritage and identity, and we are looking forward to exploring the ocean with all the schools we meet throughout the year." In addition to the online expansion, the Explorers Programme also welcomes eight new team members to its network, that will be providing outreach delivery to coastal counties all around Ireland. Cat and David McCann will be delivering the Explorers programme in Donegal, while new team members in Kerry, Elis Martineili and Dalia Alnajar, will also be delivering a range of marine-themed projects in schools in Limerick. New team members Claire Law and Lauren Cahill-Quinn in Cork, and Lauren Minion, Brian Parle, Angeleen Leckie-James and Rianna Carroll will be delivering in other key coastal counties around Ireland. Drawing on extensive backgrounds in both marine science and the primary school curriculum, these new and existing teams will provide teachers with expertise and support for a variety of engaging class projects and seashore safaris. Explorers project modules such as Learning about Squid, Fintastic Sharks, Turtle Talk with Sea Turtles, as well as The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - Deep-sea Species, are some of the favourite modules delivered by the team, with new content being launched throughout the next couple of months. The coastal teams will also offer hands-on experiences, from seashore adventures to bringing the seashore to the classroom with aquarium modules, also being extended in counties in Dublin and Wicklow. For further enquiries about making bookings with the Explorers team, please visit www.explorers.ie or make enquiries at: http://bit.ly/3HQMXA0. The Explorers Education Programme is funded by the Marine Institute and managed by Camden Education and Galway Atlantaquaria. The teams delivering the program include Galway Atlantaquaria, The Sea Collective, Leave No Trace - Ireland, Sea Synergy, Old Cork Waterworks Experience, Oceanics Surf School, and Seashorekids.

Our testers put the new reMarkable Paper Pro Move digital notebook through it's paces. Seem more about the device here. reMarkable Paper Pro Move digital notebook reviewed Our testers liked the previous, larger sized version of the tablet, so they were enthusiastic about getting their hands on this product. They pulled out the device, noted it's change in size, and quickly cracked on with putting it through it's paces. First time around the block, their response was succinct, it is great, or rather it is smaller, handier to move around with them, but that is it for now. It is just as good as it was before, but more portable. They happily played around with it, and reported that they would happily continue to use it. Since the testers had their time on the device, it seems that there are new features, which can be unlocked, perhaps as an upgrade for new users, so it seems like we will need to do a second 2.0 review, once we get our testers to assess these extra features. Meantime, several of the team have commented that they have seen ads for the reMarkable product family in a variety of good, high profile media outlets. This would suggest that the company is gearing up to reach more eyeballs via a higher level of advertising and promotion. The challenge, and opportunity for reMarkable may well be simply about getting the word out there, as the product seems to be in a good place now, and it is more about getting more people using it. The company seems to have a positive approach to sustainability and a light footprint on the planet, so it will be interesting to see how things progress for this Norwegian company. Their website has a good, and informative section on their approach to sustainability, and we have included an excerpt below to give you a sense of how they are aiming to making a deeper dive and more transparent approach to this side of things. It could be an interesting blue print going forwards for sure. More about the reMarkable Paper Pro Move The 7.3-inch digital notebook has been designed for work that happens anytime, anywhere, and with anyone. It slips easily into a bag or jacket pocket, perfect for working professionals whose jobs take them out of the office. Existing ways of capturing ideas on the go all have their drawbacks. Paper is hard to organise, tricky to share, and easy to lose. Balancing laptops on knees can be uncomfortable, and when meeting someone, the big screen immediately gets in the way of collaboration. And on our phones, our attention can be hijacked by endless scrolling and social media. After listening closely to users, reMarkable learned that many wanted the same distraction- free experience of its other paper tablets, just in a smaller size. The idea? For working professionals to bring their workspace with them and do their best thinking - wherever they go. "reMarkable Paper Pro Move is a new, flexible option for capturing your thoughts," said Phil Hess, CEO of reMarkable. "It's big enough to hold your work, yet small enough to not get in the way. Whether you're meeting at a conference, airport, or café, you're able to be fully in the moment during your conversation." Pricing and availability reMarkable Paper Pro Move is available to order today on remarkable.com and rolling out through selected reseller partners. On remarkable.com, it comes bundled with a Marker (£399) or Marker Plus (£439). For a discount, add a Book Folio in polymer weave, Mosaic weave, or premium leather. New reMarkable users get a 100-day free Connect trial. After the trial, Connect costs £2.99/mo. Cancel anytime. reMarkable 2 and reMarkable Paper Pro will continue to be sold alongside reMarkable Paper Pro Move on remarkable.com. Built-in templates, including grids, lines, and planners, make it simple to jot down notes over coffee. Need more room to write? Just turn reMarkable Paper Pro Move sideways, and the display rotates automatically. Notes can be converted into text with a tap and sent by email directly fro...

A new analysis by Fraunhofer Austria Research GmbH in cooperation with refurbed, Ireland's leading online marketplace for refurbished devices, examined the scale of unused smartphones in European households and their refurbishment potential. The study estimates that around 643 million devices are currently lying idle, of which 211 million could be professionally refurbished. Beyond this, the stockpile of unused phones contains enough raw materials to help meet Europe's demand for critical metals and rare earths for years to come. According to the report "Potential of Unused Smartphones in European Households", professional recycling could return to the European value chain over 5,000 tons of cobalt, 129 tons of magnesium, 431 tons of tin, 43 tons of tungsten, 1 ton of palladium and 9 tons of gold. The material value of all metals contained in these discarded smartphones amounts to approximately €1.1 billion (raw material prices as of February 2025). For Ireland alone, the figures are considerable: an estimated 7.6 million discarded smartphones are lying unused in households. Of these, around 5.1 million could still be recycled, yielding valuable resources such as 102 tons of cobalt, 5.1 tons of gold, 510 kilograms of tin, 1.53 tons of tungsten, 15.3 tons of magnesium and just over 0.1 ton of palladium. According to Fraunhofer Austria, the total raw material value of these unused smartphones amounts to approximately €18.5 million (based on raw material prices in February 2025). "The concentration of metals in one ton of e-waste can exceed that in one ton of ore-bearing earth extracted through conventional mining. Mining in old smartphones can therefore be worthwhile," says Paul Rudorf, project manager at Fraunhofer Austria, regarding the results. Only a fraction of the resources bound in old, unused smartphones are currently recovered. The global recycling rate for smartphones is just 7.5%, and in Europe, around 10% of discarded devices are recycled. The majority are either illegally exported or remain in households. At the same time, the EU's dependence on raw materials from abroad is intensifying. For this reason, the EU has set itself the goal of covering 25% of its raw material demand through recycling by 2030. "There are real treasures in our drawers: millions of old smartphones that can either be refurbished for reuse or recycled. Returning your devices not only helps the environment but also gives valuable raw materials a second chance," says refurbed Co-Founder Kilian Kaminski. "Politics and industry must create clear incentives and make investments so that more devices are refurbished, raw materials recovered, and sustainable alternatives promoted. To achieve this, we need better take-back systems to increase recycling rates, clear rules for repairability and longevity, and investments in modern recycling technologies. This way we can collectively reduce e-waste, secure valuable resources, and make a decisive contribution to a functioning circular economy across Europe." Since 2024, refurbed has provided a trade-in service in Ireland, helping minimise e-waste levels and repurpose old tech. refurbed is playing an active role, allowing Irish consumers to recycle their old devices, give them a new purpose and recover the valuable raw materials they contain. The refurbishment process is continuously monitored and refined, setting a higher benchmark for quality in the refurbished tech industry. To date, refurbed has saved over 270,000 tonnesof CO2, 900 tonnes of e-waste, and 94 billion litres of water since its founding in 2017, and has planted over 6.6 million trees. See more stories here.

Some cryptos stand out for their dynamic movements and substantial possibilities. As markets evolve, certain tokens attract attention for their rapid fluctuations and appealing potential. Looking forward, specific projects may lead to significant gains, though accompanied by considerable volatility. This analysis explores which tokens might deliver the largest returns next year. Hyperliquid: The Gas-Free Speedster Aiming to Rewrite DeFi Hyperliquid runs on a fresh base chain built for fast moves. Its own voting system, called HyperBFT, locks trades in seconds while keeping them safe. Every order sits on the chain, so anyone can check the book at any time. Traders zip in and out of endless future swaps without paying gas. This makes the service feel like a top web app, yet it stays fully open and public. A team of sharp minds from Harvard, Caltech, and MIT guides the code, and they fund it themselves, keeping choices clear of outside pull. Many users now hunt for lower fees and faster trades; that trend lifts chains like Solana and Arbitrum. Hyperliquid goes further by cutting fees to zero and keeping the book on-chain, a combo few rivals match. If the bull run keeps warming, fresh volume could rush to places that feel smooth yet fair. Early signs show tight spreads and lively flow, hinting that the idea clicks with pro and casual players alike. While no one can promise price moves, a lean set-up, clear vision, and growing need for speed make the coin one to watch this cycle. XYZVerse Sets a New Trend, Could This be the Next 50X Meme Coin? The buzz around XYZVerse is real. As the first-ever all-sports meme token, it is going to break records in the meme coin space, targeting 50X growth upon launch. The current presale gives early investors the chance to grab $XYZ tokens at a significantly discounted price, far below the expected listing price. Bullish Mood on $XYZ XYZVerse is already featured on CoinMarketCap where the community has shown a strongly bullish mood on this coin, with 95% voters anticipating $XYZ to grow. XYZ was further noticed by reputable crypto influencers. DanjoCapitalMaster, who has close to 800,000 followers, recently expressed his support for the project, calling XYZVerse a "moonshot opportunity." More Than Just a Meme Coin Unlike most meme coins that ride trends without much substance, XYZVerse is setting a new trend. It is blending the high-energy world of sports with the viral nature of meme culture. And it's working. The presale is moving fast, with early buyers locking in tokens at a fraction of what some believe could be its future value. Right now, XYZVerse is still in its presale phase, but demand is high. The price has already climbed from $0.0001 in Stage 1 to $0.005 by Stage 13, with over $15 million already raised. Investors who got in early have secured a steep discount, and with a target listing price of $0.1, those numbers have people paying attention. Still Time to Get in Before the Presale Ends Beyond just hype, XYZVerse has a structured tokenomics model aimed at long-term sustainability. A share of 15% is allocated to liquidity to create a solid market foundation.To reward its community via airdrops and bonuses, the team has put aside 10% of the total supply. Moreover, a big chunk of 17.13% is designated for deflationary burns, which could reduce supply and drive demand for $XYZ over time. A Community-Driven Project With Big Plans One thing setting XYZVerse apart is how it engages its community. The team recently launched the Ambassador Program, giving users the chance to earn free tokens by supporting the project. And that's just the start - there are already talks with major sports celebrities to help boost visibility. The recent partnership with decentralized sportsbook bookmaker.XYZ underscores XYZVerse's commitment to expanding its utility. It's a big move that gives the community something to actually use. As part of the deal, $XYZ holders get a special bonus on their first bet -...

AIB, Bank of Ireland, and PTSB have today announced plans to launch Zippay, a new person-to-person mobile payment service, in early 2026. Zippay will be available to more than 5 million eligible customers of the three retail banks initially. It will be an in-app service offered through the banks' existing mobile banking apps and delivered by leading European PayTech Nexi. Customers will be able to send, request, and split payments instantaneously with Zippay by using the mobile number of their contacts who are also using the service. Speaking on today's announcement, Brian Hayes, Chief Executive BPFI, stated: "We are delighted to join AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB in announcing the introduction of Zippay to the Irish market next year. Developed in response to customer feedback and demand, this will provide a quick and easy way to send and receive money or split bills with friends, family and contacts who are also Zippay users. It will be delivered through customers' existing mobile banking apps and therefore comes with all the same high levels of security, protection, and digital safety and avoids the need for topping up a digital wallet or downloading a separate app." Describing how the app will work, Mr Hayes continued: "Eligible customers will automatically be enrolled to Zippay, which will appear in their personal banking app once the service is launched next year. It will use mobile numbers saved in the customer's contact list to identify who else uses Zippay. There will be no need to set up a new payee or know their IBAN, BIC or account numbers; the money will transfer between accounts seamlessly. The service will allow customers to send up to €1,000 per day as well as request up to €500 per transaction. It will be simple, speedy and secure." Nexi, a European PayTech company and one of the world's leading payment technology providers, will deliver the Zippay service in Ireland. Nexi already has a strong track record in the Irish financial services sector, having successfully partnered with domestic institutions to offer a range of reliable digital payment solutions. Also speaking on today's announcement, Renato Martini, Digital Banking Solutions Director of Nexi Group, said: "Built on an API-based architecture, Nexi has designed Zippay for scalability and future expansion with the goal of making the solution as widely available as possible to customers across Ireland. After the initial launch, Zippay will be offered on a non-discriminatory basis to all financial institutions that provide IBAN account services and a mobile app to Irish consumers and Nexi will manage the integration of eligible financial institutions that wish to join the service. Delivering this service in Ireland is an important recognition of Nexi's experience in developing and launching innovative Account-to-Account solutions, thanks to its know-how, skills, and people. We are proud to be contributing to the further acceleration of digital payment solutions in Europe." Over the coming weeks, all eligible customers of AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB will receive information on the new service ahead of the rollout next year, including details on how to opt out if they so choose. A dedicated website www.Zippay.ie has also been launched today with detailed information on the service and how it will work. Additionally, each bank has launched their own dedicated online Zippay information page on which customers can find further details specific to their bank: AIB - www.aib.ie/Zippay Bank of Ireland - www.bankofireland.com/Zippay PTSB - www.ptsb.ie/Zippay More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech New...

Maksym Tkach, Chief Technology Officer at Frogo, sits down with us to discuss the company's breakthrough innovations in fraud prevention. From solving the hardest latency challenges in real-time detection to building a scalable, cloud-native architecture with Go and microservices, he shares how Frogo became the trusted partner for high-risk industries like fintech and iGaming. What's the biggest technical challenge you solved while building Frogo's real-time fraud detection engine? That's a great question. The single biggest challenge was resolving the fundamental conflict between detection complexity and real-time performance. Our clients, especially in fintech and iGaming, need to evaluate dozens, sometimes hundreds of data points and rules in a single transaction. But they also have strict SLAs, often under 500 milliseconds, because any added latency directly costs them money in lost conversions or rejected transactions. Doing both seemed impossible. Our breakthrough came when we broke the problem down into two parts: rule orchestration and data retrieval. For rule orchestration, we found that standard sequential rule engines were too slow. Many rules could be run in parallel, but some depended on the output of others. To solve this, my team and I designed a proprietary dependency graph execution engine we call 'LTee'. It stands for Layered Tree. Before processing a transaction, LTee analyses the entire rule set and organises it into layers. Layer 1 contains all independent rules that can be executed in parallel immediately. Layer 2 contains rules that depend on Layer 1's results, and so on. This model allows us to achieve maximum parallelisation while respecting data dependencies. In the worst case, it runs sequentially but for most transactions, it dramatically reduces execution time. For data retrieval, the bottleneck was calculating complex aggregations on the fly, for example, 'What's the 95th percentile of this user's transaction amount over the last 7 days?'. Querying a traditional database for this during a transaction is a non-starter for our latency budget. So, we made a strategic trade-off. We use Aerospike as a specialised time-series aggregation store. We pre-calculate and store metrics like standard deviation, percentiles and averages across various time windows and granularities. It consumes more storage, but it turns a computationally expensive query into a simple, sub-millisecond key-value lookup. For high-cardinality counts, like 'how many distinct devices has this user logged in from?', we use the proprietary approach algorithm to get near-instant, memory-efficient estimates. By combining these solutions, we turned our engine from a sequential process into a highly parallelised system fueled by pre-computed data. The result was a reduction in our p99 latency from over 5000ms to under 300ms, even with complex rule sets. This didn't just meet our SLAs; it became our core competitive advantage and allowed us to win major clients who had previously found other systems to be too slow. Why did you choose Go and a microservice architecture, and how has it shaped Frogo's scalability? This was a foundational decision driven by our need for performance, reliability, and developer velocity. For the language, we chose Go for three specific reasons: 1. Exceptional Concurrency for Our Workload: Fraud detection is an I/O-bound problem. For a single API call, we might need to fetch user data from Aerospike, check a device fingerprint, and query a 3rd party service simultaneously. Go's goroutines are lightweight and perfect for this. We can fire off thousands of concurrent operations efficiently, which is key to keeping our latency low. A language with heavier threads, like Java, would have been far less resource-efficient for our specific use case. 2. Performance and Simplicity: We adhere to the KISS principle. Go is simple to read and write, which speeds up onboarding for new engineers and reduces bugs. Critically, i...

Major developments emerge in cryptos. While some anticipate Dogecoin reaching unprecedented values, another low-cost token creates substantial excitement and could disrupt the market. Experts monitor both tokens closely. The competition for leadership intensifies, generating significant discussion among traders and enthusiasts alike. Dogecoin (DOGE) Source: TradingView Dogecoin now trades inside a narrow band of $0.2011-$0.2304. The coin lost 3.17% over the last 7 days, trimming the recent rally. Price hugs the 10-day average at $0.215. A momentum reading above 80 hints that buyers are still active, yet the mood is cautious near the top of the range. Over the past month, DOGE is up 8.61%, and the 6-month score shows a 12.27% climb. The move lifted the price above the 100-day average at $0.2147, turning that area into fresh support. Each dip toward $0.1889 has drawn buyers, keeping mid-term sentiment upbeat. If demand pushes price beyond $0.2304, the next ceiling sits at $0.2475. A clear break could add about 12% and target $0.2768, roughly 20% higher. Failure to crack resistance may drag DOGE back to $0.1889, a 10% slip. A deeper fall toward $0.1596 would erase the 6-month gain, but the current data still favours a slow grind higher while momentum stays firm. $XYZ Unlocks the G.O.A.T. Status, Early Investors Positioned for Massive ROI XYZVerse ($XYZ) has brought a brand-new concept to the memecoin niche by blending the excitement of sports with the fast-moving energy of crypto. Designed for hardcore fans of football, basketball, MMA, and esports, this project goes beyond just being another token - it's a growing community built around passion for the game. With the bold Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) vision, XYZVerse is aiming higher than the average meme coin. And people are taking notice - it has recently earned the title of Best New Meme Project. What sets $XYZ apart? It's not a short-lived trend. This project has a clear roadmap and a dedicated community focused on long-term growth. Fueled by the sports mentality, the $XYZ token has emerged as the ultimate contender ready to crush competitors. $XYZ is on its way to the winner's podium to become a badge of honour for those who live and breathe sports and crypto. $XYZ Already Delivers Even Before Hitting the Market The $XYZ presale is underway, providing access to the token at a special pre-listing price. Launch Price: $0.0001 Price Now: $0.005 Next Stage: $0.01 Final Presale Price: $0.02 Following the presale, the $XYZ token will be listed on major centralised and decentralised exchanges, with a target listing price of $0.10. If the project raises enough capital to support this valuation, early investors could see returns of up to 1,000x on their presale entries. So far, over $15 million has been invested, reflecting strong market interest. Notably, securing tokens at a lower presale price offers the potential for higher ROI upon launch. Demand for $XYZ is surging, driving rapid progress in the presale. Early buyers secure the lowest prices, maximising their potential returns. Join $XYZ Presale Now and See Your Pennies Grow Into Millions! Conclusion DOGE holds strong potential amid the 2025 surge; yet, the first all-sport memecoin XYZVerse (XYZ) targets 20,000% growth, blending meme hype with sports fandom for a fresh market lead. You can find more information about XYZVerse (XYZ) here: https://xyzverse.io/, https://t.me/xyzverse, https://x.com/xyz_verse

Leading Swedish e-commerce platform CDON has selected Finnish tech startup Renow to manage circular returns and resale of products for CDON and its merchants directly in a dedicated marketplace, redefining the recommerce category and reinforcing the company's commitment to the circular economy. CDON has entered a long-term partnership with Finnish recommerce startup Renow to inspect and resell returned products directly in CDON's marketplace. The partnership aims to solve the logistical and operational challenges of open-box product returns while building the resale category that supports circular consumption and benefits both customers and merchants. CDON's marketplaces serve customers in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland, with its central logistics hub located in Sweden. With products being sold by merchants across Europe, managing returns is both a complex and sometimes expensive operation for the customer. With the introduction of Renow's local logistical network, CDON will reduce the cost and time spent for its customers. At the same time, making them available to customers in a fast and cost-efficient way increases the lifecycle of returned products. Renow and CDON aim to encourage circular returns in Scandinavia For CDON's merchants, the benefits are clear. Returned products can be resold locally instead of being shipped back to the country of origin, thereby reducing logistics costs. Customers gain value from a fast and easy return, while the merchant avoids a total loss. Through this process, CDON adds a new service layer that strengthens its relationships with merchants and enhances overall sustainability performance. "We see recommerce as a natural next step for CDON and for e-commerce at large," says Kattis Åström, CCO at CDON. "It's about reducing waste, helping our merchants cut costs, and giving customers more affordable and sustainable choices. Renow brings the technology, infrastructure, and mindset needed to make this happen. We value partners who move fast, think long term, and share our focus on the customer experience." Reselling returned goods has historically been a slow and inefficient process, often resulting in bulk disposal or warehouse buildup. By integrating Renow's AI-powered recommerce infrastructure and decentralized logistics network, CDON can now handle returned products locally, inspect and grade them using Renow's technology, and resell them to consumers directly on its marketplaces - quickly, sustainably, and with full transparency on product quality. Through the partnership, CDON's resellable returns are processed and relisted in a recommerce category. Customers can purchase quality-verified, discounted products with buyer protection and fast delivery. Each product is inspected and graded by Renow's AI system, which integrates directly with CDON's customer service workflows to streamline the process from return to resale. "For ecommerce platforms, returns are typically seen as a headache," says Kalle Koutajoki, CEO and co-founder of Renow. "With CDON, we're turning that challenge into a scalable circular model. Our platform helps process returns locally, reduces unnecessary transport and waste, and extends the life of products that still have plenty of value to offer." With circular commerce gaining traction and new EU regulations promoting more sustainable practices, the CDON-Renow partnership sets an example for the Nordic e-commerce ecosystem. It also signals a new opportunity for merchants across the region. "Our goal is to make it easy for marketplaces and merchants to participate in recommerce without building everything from scratch. With CDON, we're showing what's possible. We're ready to expand this model with other players in the region," Koutajoki concludes. CEO Kalle Koutajoki "For marketplace merchants that dropship products abroad it's expensive to ship them back to the originating warehouse, especially if the item is large and difficult to move like a TV for instance. ...

UGREEN have launched a new range of Qi2 products, which can charge your devices wirelessly at 25 watts. We've been taking a look at the 10000mAh MagFlow Magnetic Power Bank and the MagFlow 2-in-1 Wireless Charger over the last few weeks, and both devices launch officially today. We have been reviewing UREEN products for several years now. They have consistently been really well-made and great value, and this new product range is no different. In fact, I would suggest they have taken even another step up in quality and feel like very mature products with a slick and modern design. UGREEN MagFlow Magnetic Power Bank The MagFlow Magnetic Power Bank enables fast, 25 watt wireless charging for compatible devices such as the iPhone 16 range. It is also backwards compatible with devices that charge at a max of 15 watts. The power bank has MagSafe magnets built in, so it is ready-made for attaching to iPhones, but you can place any device on top of it and it will charge them without issue. The MagFlow Magnetic Power Bank comes with what looks like a wrist strap, but it is actually an incredibly handy USB-C cable, which can be used to charge the battery and also charge other devices. This simple addition makes this power bank so much more versatile, as you don't need to carry an extra cable with you, and means it is not just limited to wireless charging. I have been using it to keep my iPhone topped up for the last couple of weeks, and it has worked flawlessly. Once you attach the power bank, it picks up that it is connected to the phone instantly, and charging begins. You can tilt your phone into landscape and use the power bank as a stand for when you are watching videos, too, something I find really useful when you are flying. The MagFlow Magnetic Power Bank charges your phone quickly, but it also charges itself quickly. On top of this, it can charge your device while being charged itself at the same time. Day to day, I have plugged the power bank into a fast charger for about an hou,r and this has been enough to keep my iPhone fully topped up each day when I am on the move. There is a small LCD on the side of the device which indicates the charge levels and if it is charging a device or being charged itself. Overall, the MagFlow Magnetic Power Bank has been an excellent device to use so far, and it is highly recommended for anyone who uses an iPhone. UGREEN MagFlow 2-in-1 Wireless Charger The MagFlow 2-in-1 Wireless Charger is a neat, portable device which has many use cases. The device folds down to a small cube size when not in use or when you are travelling and unfolds out to present a magnetic charging pad for your smartphone, along with a charging pad for AirPods or similar. Like the power bank, it is also capable of 25 watt wireless charging to charge your devices and can be turned into a 3-in-1 charger if you make use of the USB-C port to plug in a smartwatch charger, etc. Another very versatile product from UGREEN. With its small size, the MagFlow 2-in-1 Wireless Charger is suitable for use in many situations. It could be used on your desk, on a bedside locker or even on the go. It connects to a power source via a USB-C port on the back of the device, providing a compact and neat place to keep your devices charged. Conclusion Both these devices from UGREEN are really well-made and have had a lot of thought put into their design and functionality. They both work exactly as you would expect and provide a fast wireless charging solution for your devices at home, in the office and on the go. Both devices can be purchased directly from the UGREEN website and are also available on Amazon from today. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured ...

ESB Networks has announced that it has successfully installed over two million smart meters in homes, farms and businesses across every county in Ireland. More than four out of five households across the country now have a smart meter installed. The roll out is continuing and has expanded to include the upgrade of three-phase whole current meters, thereby ensuring these customers will also have access to the benefits of smart meters. Smart meters allow customers to see detailed information and insights into their energy use directly through the ESB Networks Online Account. This can help customers use electricity more efficiently, reduce consumption and to choose a suitable smart meter tariff from suppliers. To date, a significant number of customers have registered for the ESB Networks Online Account with over one million views of the 'energy consumption' service on the platform. Other benefits include access to the microgeneration scheme with currently over 140,000 customers with smart meters who generate their own electricity (e.g. solar panels) receiving payments for any excess electricity they sell back to the network. In addition, smart meters reduce the need for estimated bills and will improve network services to customers in areas through fault monitoring and the prioritisation of system improvements nationally, the Smart-Pay-As-You-Go service, and supporting energy demand flexibility. Minister for Climate, Energy and Environment, Darragh O'Brien TD, commented: "To reach over two million smart meter installs across the country demonstrates what a success the National Smart Metering Programme has been. Now, people are starting to really see the benefits. Smart meters provide individuals with more information, giving them more control over their usage and ultimately, electricity costs. As the rollout continues, I commend ESB Networks for their delivery. A smart meter in every home and business in the country will help us to meet our climate targets while empowering all across society to be a part of the country's clean energy transition." Commenting, Nicholas Tarrant, Managing Director, ESB Networks, said: "We are really proud of the progress of the National Smart Metering Programme and reaching the milestone of over two million smart meters installed. I would like to thank all of our customers for their patience and for accommodating the installation process. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge all of our teams and contractor partners who have helped to get us to this significant stage, along with the many stakeholders who are involved in this key national infrastructure programme. With a smart meter, customers can take more control of their electricity usage, and we are increasingly seeing customers sign up to their ESB Networks Online Account. "This positive change empowers customers to choose the best tariff for their home by using their actual meter data on price comparison websites, making it easier to get accurate advice on which is the best tariff for them. Smart metering is also a vital component of our Networks for Net Zero Strategy that is enabling a smarter, low carbon electricity network which will ultimately benefit all customers and help support the delivery of national climate targets." Commissioner Jim Gannon, Chairperson Commission for Regulation of Utilities, said: "The successful rollout of the meter replacement programme now gives smart meter customers access to more information about their consumption, either through supplier platforms or through the ESB Networks online account. This empowers active customers to feel the full benefits that smart meters can bring. Ultimately, customers can use the information that smart meters provide to understand and reduce their electricity use. Customers can also choose a suitable smart meter tariff from their supplier, allowing them to have more control over their electricity costs. "The growth in the number of customers either accessing their usage dat...

Integrity360, one of Europe and EMEA's leading cyber security specialists, has been named as a Representative Vendor in the 2025 Gartner Market Guide for Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR). The Gartner Market Guide provides security and risk management leaders with insights to understand the DFIR market, evaluate trends, refine requirements and identify market players. Integrity360 is listed among 40 vendors globally which, according to Gartner, best represent the DFIR market and attract the most client interest through Gartner.com searches and inquiries. DFIR retainers are increasingly viewed as a cornerstone of cyber resilience, providing organisations with rapid access to expert teams who can investigate malicious activity, conduct forensic analysis, support recovery and perform post-incident reviews. According to Gartner, these retainers are now often required by cyber insurance policies and certain regulations, such as the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). The guide also highlights that the DFIR market continues to grow in response to rising security incidents, with AI integration significantly reducing investigation times and improving incident context. It emphasises the value of providers offering both reactive services - such as breach investigation and ransomware negotiation - and proactive measures including tabletop exercises, penetration testing and readiness assessments. "We are pleased to be recognised by Gartner as a Representative Vendor in the DFIR market," said Richard Ford, CTO at Integrity360. "As organisations face tighter regulatory mandates and increasingly sophisticated threats, we're proud to offer DFIR services which are designed to minimise impact, support recovery and strengthen defences against future threats." Integrity360's DFIR services give clients 24/7 access to incident response specialists across multiple regions, enabling rapid deployment when needed. These services include forensic investigation, malware analysis and breach containment to help strengthen long-term resilience. See more stories here.

Shiba Inu, XYZ, and PENGU are grabbing attention as traders seek the next big move. Each coin has sparked bold predictions ahead of the coming year. What drives their price targets for 2025, and which one could see the highest jump? A closer look at the data and trends may reveal which contender stands out. Shiba Inu (SHIB) Source: TradingView SHIB trades between $0.0000116366 and $0.0000129366. It slipped 3.63% this week, edged up 0.99% over the month, and is down 3.47% in 6 months. The chart shows a narrow band with no clear longer trend. The 10-day average price at $0.000012149 sits just below the 100-day level at $0.0000122698, keeping the coin in a tight zone. The strength index reads 51.77, a balanced spot, but the fast oscillator at 87.30 hints at buying fatigue. Momentum is slightly negative, so the market waits near $0.0000122 for a fresh cue. A break above $0.0000136833 could lift SHIB about 12%, with room to stretch to $0.0000149833 for a 23% gain. If sellers take control, support at $0.0000110833 is 9% lower, and deeper bids near $0.0000097833 are 20% under current levels. With mixed signals and a flat month, sideways moves are likely, punctuated by quick tests of these limits. Undervalued $XYZ Meme Coin Gears Up for Listing on a Major CEX XYZVerse ($XYZ) is the meme coin that has grabbed headlines with its ambitious claim of rising from $0.0001 to $0.1 during a presale phase. So far, it has gone halfway, raising over $15 million, and the price of the $XYZ token currently stands at $0.005. At the next 14th stage of the presale, the $XYZ token value will further rise to $0.01, meaning that early investors have the chance to secure a bigger discount. Following the presale, $XYZ will be listed on major centralised and decentralised exchanges. The team has not disclosed the details yet, but they have put a teaser for a big launch. Born for Fighters, Built for Champions XYZVerse is building a community for those hungry for big profits in crypto - the relentless, the ambitious, the ones aiming for dominance. This is a coin for true fighters - a mindset that resonates with athletes and sports fans alike. $XYZ is the token for thrill-seekers chasing the next big meme coin. Central to the XYZVerse story is XYZepe - a fighter in the meme coin arena, battling to climb the charts and make it to the top on CoinMarketCap. Will it become the next DOGE or SHIB? Time will tell. Community-First Vibes In XYZVerse, the community runs the show. Active participants earn hefty rewards, and the team has allocated a massive 10% of the total token supply - around 10 billion $XYZ - for airdrops, making it one of the largest airdrops on record. Backed by solid tokenomics, strategic CEX and DEX listings, and regular token burns, $XYZ is built for a championship run. Every move is designed to boost momentum, drive price growth, and rally a loyal community that knows this could be the start of something legendary. Airdrops, Rewards, and More - Join XYZVerse to Unlock All the Benefits Pudgy Penguins (PENGU) Source: TradingView PENGU has slipped 5.3% this week and 13.82% in the past month, now trading between $0.0266 and $0.0331. The dip looks small beside the 374.87% leap seen over six months, so early buyers remain far ahead. The token sits just under its 100-day average of $0.0294, a level traders keep watching. Short-term mood is mixed. The momentum gauge reads 44.7, neither hot nor cold. A speed meter at 79.7 shows price swings stay active, while the trend line is slightly negative. With the 10-day average at 0.0286 above spot bids, nervous buyers need fresh volume to flip the near-term picture. If price breaks $0.0372 the path opens toward $0.0438, a rise of about 35% from mid-range quotes. Above that, the six-month rally could restart. Failure to hold $0.0242 risks a drop to $0.0177, taking away roughly 32%. Given the long-term uptrend and neutral momentum, odds lean toward a slow push higher, yet the coin may stay boxed in until a c...

Kongsberg Discovery is targeting a global roll out of advanced passive acoustic ocean technology, helping markets such as the oil, gas and naval sectors detect operational anomalies from the outset, safeguarding critical subsea assets and environments. The push comes with the full integration of Bergen, Norway's Naxys Technologies into the company, following on from its acquisition in January this year. Ears in the ocean for sustainability through passive acoustic technology Transforming subsea awareness Kongsberg Discovery is a world leader in advanced ocean sensors and robotics, while Naxys has forged a position as Norway's leading innovator in passive acoustics, serving the nation's thriving energy sector. Its established passive hydrophone technology provides continuous acoustic monitoring, detecting changes in flow conditions, structural integrity, and potential leaks, as well as other anomalous subsea noises and vibrations. As Martin Wien Fjell, President Kongsberg Discovery explains, the solutions - which can be easily installed on underwater equipment, or utilised as mobile arrays for marine and infrastructure inspection - can "transform awareness" of what's happening below the waves, delivering compelling benefits for diverse user groups. Minimising downtime, maximising efficiency "Since its formation in 1999, Naxys has refined robust, high performance technology that gives customers 'ears in the ocean', helping them identify and address issues with speed, safety and precision," Fjell comments. "This has been a real success in Norway, enabling customers to minimise the impact of offshore structures on surrounding ecosystems, while supporting efficient production, reducing downtime and optimising costs. "These are benefits that, with this full integration, Kongsberg Discovery can now bring to the global marketplace. In today's highly regulated operating arenas, where responsible environmental monitoring is essential, this passive technology is a gamechanger. It can detect leaks far ahead of conventional systems, save millions of dollars in unplanned downtime, deliver precise critical infrastructure inspections, and help protect fragile ocean ecosystems by monitoring radiated noise from human activity and detecting nearby marine mammals. Together with our existing solutions, we now believe we can offer the market a uniquely comprehensive level of subsea awareness." Diverse applications The passive acoustic solutions are as flexible as they are effective. For example, the sensors can be easily installed on subsea structures as permanent leak detection systems, or on equipment such as subsea pumps and compression systems, continuously analysing performance to inform maintenance and operational decisions. Used as scalable array configurations, on ROVs or other mobile assets, the solutions can monitor and inspect installations, or be utilised for monitoring targets, surveillance or protecting infrastructure such as harbours. With a growing emphasis on reducing noise within the ocean environment, Naxys technology can also help users monitor and manage their own operational noise footprint. "The variety of applications speaks volumes of the market potential here," Fjell concludes, "with a real opportunity to deliver added value for customers in the Oceanographic and Marine sectors, in addition to the Energy industry. "It's not just the environments that our customers operate in that creates challenges, but also the evolving legislations and increasingly dynamic risk picture. This technology is tailored to meet those needs, helping users stay ahead, and in control, as they work to enhance safety, sustainability and standards in our oceans." Kongsberg Discovery, which has operations and facilities across the globe, will maintain and build its new Bergen presence, catering for regional oceanographic research, marine and energy customers. To discover more please see https://www.kongsberg.com/ discovery/ About Kongsberg Discove...

During Climate Week, PorterShed will host the launch of Energy West, a new initiative dedicated to sparking a just and inclusive energy transition in the West of Ireland. Energy West brings people, ideas, and influence together to empower communities, shape bold policy, and strengthen energy resilience through collaboration and action. From Galway's Atlantic Edge to the World: Energy West Launches to Pioneer Inclusive Clean Energy Futures Its mission is clear: to amplify local voices, unlock the region's power to lead in clean energy innovation, and ensure the transition delivers both prosperity and fairness. The vision is for the West of Ireland to become a global beacon for clean energy, where community, innovation, and policy align to create a more sustainable future, a place rooted in local strength and reaching toward global leadership. Energy West brings together leading voices from science, business, policy, and community to turn this vision into collective impact. Dr James Glynn, PhD, Founder and CEO of Energy Systems Modelling Analytics and chair of Energy West, said, "Traditional economic planning often underestimates energy's role; the truth is that energy fuels nearly half of our prosperity. Energy West is a catalyst to ignite ambition and long-term strategic planning in the West of Ireland. From young to old, community to industry, Energy West is a forum for coordinating a shared vision for a thriving, caring future, harnessing our region's abundant clean energy to prosper within Earth's limits." Speaking ahead of the launch, Dara Ó Maoildhia Cathaoirlech and co-founder of the Aran Islands Energy Cooperative, said: "Energy West will be a coordinating and supportive body for all energy transition initiatives in Galway and further afield. If Energy West takes a bottom-up approach, we can energise citizens in their local communities to get involved and use the energy transition as an opportunity for local empowerment. Galway is already an exciting place to be, full of green initiatives. Energy West can drive this forward." The launch will take place in PorterShed a Dó on Market Street. Hosting the event reflects PorterShed's role as a convenor of high-impact communities. "Supporting Energy West is a natural fit for PorterShed," said Yvonne Comer, Senior Innovation Catalyst. "It's about unlocking the West's potential to create high-impact, sustainable jobs, which is PorterShed's wider mission. By anchoring this work in Galway, we're laying the foundations for a new hub in renewables, one that can attract investment, support innovation, and deliver real value to communities across the region." The launch programme includes keynote talks, a panel featuring experts from business, research, and community, and an open town hall discussion on the role of Galway and the West in shaping Ireland's energy future. Event Details: Energy West Launch Date: Wednesday, 10 September 2025 Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm Location: PorterShed 2, Market Street, Galway, H91 TCX3 Register now through the PorterShed website Here For more information, please contact: Nigel Moran nigel@portershed.com More about the Portershed The Galway City Innovation District was set up in 2015 with the aim of transforming Galway into a tech hub where all sorts of start-up ideas could be brought to life. At the same time, it became clear that multinational companies looking to Ireland needed somewhere on the west coast they could be based as a landing place. The PorterShed was the brainchild of the co-founders, originally established in May 2016, and the rate of innovation in Galway has increased significantly as a result. The very first building was based behind Ceannt Station in Galway city, and two more buildings followed thereafter - PorterShed a hAon at Bowling Green, and PorterShed a Do on Market Street. The PorterShed has hosted many amazing companies - both indigenous and multinational - over the years, and we are focused on creating high-value sustainable ...

In a world of scarce talent and shifting work, one conference dares to reimagine how we cast our teams. On Friday, 5 September 2025, Starcircle, the hiring platform that helps companies solve hiring challenges with AI and on-demand expertise, premieres Supernova 2025: Hiring at the Movies at The Cameo Cinema, The Montenotte Hotel, Cork. The latest SOLAS survey revealed 47% of hard-to-fill roles were rated "very" or "too" difficult, and 64% required salary increases to seal the deal. Inspired by these real events, Supernova is flipping the script, taking hiring teams from today's recruiting horror story to a rom-com where they fall back in love with talent acquisition. Under the theme "Hiring at the Movies," Supernova 2025 connects the craft of film casting with the future of talent acquisition. Professionals from Eli Lilly, Workhuman, OpenText and many others, will gather to discuss what's next for hiring and the nature of work, along with real steps leaders can take now. The star-studded line-up includes two of Ireland's best-known casting directors, Maureen Hughes and Louise Kiely. They will unpack the craft of spotting potential, building chemistry, and making brave choices, all critical skills for any hiring team. They're joined by keynote speaker Kevin Wheeler, whose vision of a tech-powered future may sound stranger than fiction, but is quickly becoming a reality. The machines haven't taken over just yet though, as Larry Kelly explores the power of human imagination at work and why creativity is a decisive advantage in an AI-shaped future. "Supernova is where we zoom out to see what's coming and zoom in on what to do on Monday," said James Galvin, CEO at Starcircle. "Linking hiring to the world of film makes it simple; great outcomes start with a strong vision, a bold brief, and the imagination to see talent others miss." Galvin continues, "Supernova blends big-picture thinking with practical guidance. Since our first conference in 2022, we've brought together leading experts from around the world to share their playbooks and help organisations navigate the ever-changing landscape. This year promises to be our best event yet, and you won't find a talent event like this anywhere else in the world." Supernova is invite-only. For more information and to register your interest, visit here or contact events@starcircle.com See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

MBRYONICS, a Galway-based leader in photonic satellite optical communication networks, has opened its new Photon-1 volume manufacturing facility in Dangan and announced the creation of 125 new jobs over the next two years in Galway. MBRYONICS currently has a headcount of 100 employees, and these new roles will be in the areas of production, engineering, sales, and marketing support. This represents a major step forward in its mission to deliver the "internet in space" and strengthen Ireland's role in the global space economy. Founded in 2014, MBRYONICS has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of satellite optical and photonic transport systems, working with clients in the public and private sectors. The Photon-1 launch builds on more than a decade of collaboration between MBRYONICS, the European Space Agency (ESA), and Ireland's ESA Delegation. This sustained partnership has been instrumental at every stage of the company's journey - from early research and technology funding development to scaling internationally - culminating in the company's creation of the first volume manufacturing facility for advanced satellite optical communications technologies in Galway. Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, said: "MBRYONICS' Photon-1 facility is a landmark for Ireland's space sector and a direct outcome of more than a decade of close collaboration between the company, the European Space Agency (ESA) and Ireland's ESA Delegation. This is another great example of how partnering with ESA has enabled the development of world-leading technology here in Ireland that is now ready for large-scale production and global deployment. It demonstrates how Ireland's membership of ESA not only drives innovation but also creates high-value jobs, boosts exports, and positions our country at the forefront of the fast-growing global space economy. We look forward to continuing these important partnerships between industry in Ireland and ESA." The Photon-1 New Product Introduction facility integrates design, manufacturing, and testing capabilities under one roof, enabling the rapid and scalable deployment of advanced optical communication terminals for satellite constellations. It marks the company's transition from breakthrough R&D to large-scale production, with future expansion planned in the western region and internationally to serve major programmes including the EU's IRIS constellation as well as their international public and private customers. Photon-1 manufacturing facility, located in Dangan Galway will manufacture MBRYONICS's flagship optical communications terminal product StarCom, with initial capacity for 500 units a year. John Mackey, CEO of MBRYONICS, said: "We are proud to open Photon-1, the first of our volume production facilities, right here on the Wild Atlantic Space Coast in Galway. As a Galwegian, it is especially meaningful to see our home city become a hub for cutting-edge space technology. We are deeply grateful to Minister Burke, Enterprise Ireland, and the Irish Delegation to ESA for joining us on this landmark day, and to our dedicated team, investors, and customers whose commitment made this possible. Photon-1 is not just a commercial milestone for Mbryonics - it is a symbol of Ireland's 50-year journey with ESA and our nation's growing role in the trillion-Euro global space economy. Mbryonics is strategically positioned to supply the technologies, infrastructure, operations, and talent that will power this new space era. For us, Photon-1 is just the beginning - the launch pad for what comes next as we look forward to continuing to grow and scale, with our photon-2 site already secured in Shannon for high volume manufacturing with a capacity for production of more than 5,000 units a year." Kevin Sherry, Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland, said: "MBRYONICS' success is built on more than a decade of innovation and sustained collaboration with the European Space Agency and Ireland's ...

Advancing Innovation in Manufacturing (AIM) Centre has announced the launch of its new AI Accelerator Programme for Manufacturing Companies, a ten-week hybrid initiative designed to help businesses across Ireland understand, adopt, and scale artificial intelligence effectively. For many manufacturers, the hardest part of AI adoption is knowing where to begin. AIM's new Accelerator helps turn uncertainty into action - guiding companies toward the most valuable use cases for their operations. Starting on 1st October 2025, applications are now open to manufacturing companies of all sizes and sub-sectors. The programme is delivered by the National AI Studio for Manufacturing at AIM Centre, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021- 27. Supporting AI Adoption in Irish Manufacturing The AI Accelerator provides a structured pathway from AI strategy to deployment, enabling participating companies to build a working demonstrator tailored to their specific needs. The programme blends online delivery with in-person events, including access to Ireland's National AI Studio for Manufacturing. Over the ten weeks (one day per week) participants will gain: • A working AI demonstrator aligned with their operations, paired with a structured use case brief to support future deployment. • Guidance on integrating AI within existing ERP and data systems. • Access to industry-specific use cases, demos, and prototypes, highlighting tangible opportunities for business transformation. • Expert guidance on governance, risk, and compliance - including EU AI Act requirements. • Insights into scaling AI across operations. AIM Centre advises teams of two people attend from each company, ensuring both strategic and technical perspectives are represented. Accreditation and Funding Support The programme is CPD-accredited by Engineers Ireland, recognising its value in professional development. To support participation, SMEs can access up to 80% funding, while larger companies can also avail of significant funding support. This ensures that businesses of all sizes can take advantage of the opportunity to future-proof their operations with AI. AIM-ing for Real Results "Irish manufacturing is at a pivotal moment in its digital transformation journey. Through this programme, we aim to demystify AI and give companies the tools, confidence, and practical outcomes they need to adopt it responsibly and at scale and with measurable business impact" - David Bermingham, Director of AI, AIM Centre. How to Apply Applications are open now. To find out more or register your interest, visit: www.aimcentre.ie/ai-accelerator-programme More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

We look at the latest offering from Google. See more about the Pixel 10 options here. New Pixel 10 Pro from Google, reviewed The new Pixel 10 Pro does a lot of things pretty well. At this stage too, to get the most out of the Pixel series it does make sense to watch some of the explainer and tutorial videos. This way you can really personalise it to the way that works best for you, and therefore get the most out of it. Generally with these reviews one caveat is always how the phone will perform 6 to 18 months down the road. As always this is impossible to know, however, as we are still currently using the Pixel 8 without any significant issues or lag, it does seem that, overall, the Pixel series do seem to be fairly robust and long living. They also came down slightly in size, which may have contributed to an earlier edition which was bricked, being too big for pocket or hand. The 10 series therefore scores well in terms of general usability, coming with a custom case too, which is always a boon too, as they cost so little, relative to the price of the device itself, but can do so much to ensure better longevity. These factors are all in play with the Pixel 10, and our testers were happy and positive about this aspect too. Our testers also felt that the phone did well for gradual, incremental improvements, rather than radical change, overhaul or massive upgrades or reboots. Perhaps these are still to come behind the scenes. For look and feel, the phone is effective, subtle, looks well, and, with the case applied, more likely to last longer and avoid being dropped. The zoom is not completely amazing, it seems like you can stretch and zoom in easily, but the image quality is not blow them out of the water, yes our testers were trying to capture birds and sea life on the waves. Minkes and otters were seen, but maybe the expectations were a little too high in terms of what could then be captured. With previous iterations of the Pixel the battery life will get you through the day, which is probably what you would expect and usually experience from your phone. The new Pixel 10 Pro does this too with no real issues, a fast charging option would be good, perhaps that is coming. Our testers want to keep playing with the phone, which is always a good sign, so it would suggest that the Pixel series continues to deliver, while evolving at the same time too. More about the Pixel 10 If you decide on a Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL or Pixel 10 Pro Fold you'll also get a free year of Google AI Pro, giving you access to image and video generation tools like Imagen 4 and Veo 3 that make your creative ideas come to life. Magic Cue connects the dots across your apps, like Gmail, Calendar, Screenshots, Messages and more, to proactively surface relevant info and suggest helpful actions when you need them. Voice Translate allows you to break down language barriers during phone calls. Through Tensor G5, our on-device AI translates your call in real time in what sounds like each speaker's voice, so you can connect to the other person more naturally in their language. With Pixel 10, Gemini Live can offer even more visual help. Now, when you share your camera, Gemini can not only see what you see, but also provide guidance by highlighting the solution directly on your screen. And with Google AI Pro, you'll have access to additional AI-powered features, like video generation in the Gemini app. With Pixel Journal, you have a private space to focus on your wellbeing, progress toward your goals and build a lifelong practice of reflection. It uses on-device AI to give you writing prompts that help you process your thoughts, and it offers insights into your patterns and progress over time. You can even lock your journal so everything you write remains totally secure and personal. Display details 161 mm Super Actua display 20:9 aspect ratio 1280 x 2856 LTPO OLED at 495 PPI Smooth Display (1-120 Hz) Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass Up to 2,200 nits...

Adam Cheyer is a pioneering AI technologist whose innovations have fundamentally shaped today's intelligent interfaces. As co-founder of Siri Inc. (acquired by Apple), he served as a Director of Engineering at Apple's iOS group, and later co-founded Viv Labs (acquired by Samsung), Sentient Technologies, and played a founding role in Change.org. Adam Cheyer was Chief Architect of CALO, one of DARPA's largest AI projects, authored over 60 publications and holds more than 25 patents In recognition of his achievement, he received his alma mater Brandeis University's 2024 Alumni Achievement Award - for transforming a long?standing AI vision into everyday tools used by hundreds of millions. Now represented by Champions Speakers Agency, he continues to speak globally on how organisations can harness AI with responsibility, scale, and impact. Q1. How do you see the role of data management in enabling AI capabilities and bringing data to life for organisations? Adam Cheyer: "AI systems are built on two foundations: algorithms and data. The algorithms themselves are well established, but without high-quality, well-organised data, they can't deliver real value. Data is the fuel that powers every AI application, and managing it effectively is now a mission-critical skill for any organisation developing AI. "With the rapid acceleration of AI in recent years - especially in the past six months - the ability to handle, refine, and govern data has shifted from being a technical advantage to an essential requirement across industries." Q2. What challenges have you faced when managing large data sets? Adam Cheyer: "I've been building AI systems over 30 years, so it's changed a little bit over time. Clearly, the first issue is just storage and management and processing of the data. The data now is so large. Back in the 80s and 90s that wasn't quite as essential, it was smaller data sets, but today the data sets are huge. "So, you need a system that can store it efficiently in a distributed way, and we've used various systems over the years to do that. You need a system that can process this huge amount of data in parallel at scale. "One of the key areas in data management for me is data quality. Even if you work with data companies - and when we were a start-up, and then even at Apple for instance - many of the data sources come from other places, other vendors, and surprisingly the data is not always in perfect clean form. "So, you need to have a process and tools and a pipeline that goes through and takes that data, cleanses it, adapts it, and often if you have multiple sources you need to integrate data together, and that can be a real challenge. "There are standard systems, ETL systems etc., but sometimes you need proprietary algorithms. As an example, with Siri, when we were a start-up, you would get millions and millions of restaurant name data and business name data. "If you had something like Joe's Restaurant and Joe's Bar and Grill - are they the same or not? That's a real problem. Joe's - probably you'd say yes, but Joe's Pizzeria and Joe's Grill maybe not, right? And so, how do you know? "There's a lot of work that goes into cleansing, integrating data. "And then the final thing I'll mention, which is a big topic in data management, is privacy and security. Once you have data coming in from users, there are standards, issues, and regulations that mean you need to be able to ensure that the data you have is accessible only by the right people, that it is secured and protected, and that it keeps privacy as much as possible - standardised. "At Apple, we had a number of techniques and teams, and there's a lot that goes into that. So, you need good systems, good processes, and to set up your organisation to be able to handle all of these challenges." Q3. How do you manage data privacy when building large AI systems? Adam Cheyer: "Absolutely, so it is a challenge. Your first tendency is, well, we just record everything, but I think that'...

eBay, Inc. (Nasdaq: EBAY), a global commerce leader that connects millions of buyers and sellers around the world, today celebrates three decades of ecommerce success. Since its founding in 1995, eBay has shaped the way enthusiasts participate in the circular economy, empowering entrepreneurs and creating economic opportunity for millions. "eBay's 30th anniversary is an important milestone we share with our global community of buyers and sellers, who've been with us every step of the way," said Jamie Iannone, Chief Executive Officer at eBay. "Looking ahead, we'll continue to leverage innovation and AI to make eBay simpler and more trusted, while building a stronger marketplace for the decades to come." To mark its 30th anniversary milestone, eBay is hosting a series of special events in New York City to honour the buyers and sellers who have shaped its journey since 1995. Celebration at Nasdaq: Today, eBay CEO Jamie Iannone and company executives will ring the opening bell at the Nasdaq MarketSite. The moment reflects eBay's impact on global commerce and its continued innovation designed to better serve small businesses, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts around the world. Immersive '95 Shop: Complementing the ceremony, eBay is launching an immersive retail experience - the '95 Shop - a tribute to the iconic trends and items from its founding year. The activation is where 90s nostalgia meets three decades of ecommerce innovation. It features a "Greatest Hits" auction across Fashion, Collectibles, and Motors, a series of eBay Lives from leading sellers, and more immersive experiences. Located at 45 Grand St. in New York City, the shop will open on Sept. 4 for one day only. AI-Powered Innovation At Scale eBay's global scale, category expertise, and unparalleled breadth of inventory enable the company to deliver personalised, scalable, and magical experiences for its customers worldwide. By combining sought-after inventory in focus categories, such as Collectibles, Fashion, and Motors, with innovative tools and strategies, eBay continues to expand its role as a trusted marketplace for sellers and buyers. AI helps in this mission by enhancing discovery, trust, and engagement: to date, eBay has enabled more than 10 million sellers to generate well over 200 million listings with AI tools. Internally, AI-powered services help streamline workflows, unlock deeper insights, and foster creativity, ultimately allowing employees to focus on higher-value activities. Beyond AI, eBay is reimagining ecommerce through innovations like eBay Live, a dynamic shopping experience that continues to scale with strong seller adoption and growing buyer engagement. Together, these initiatives drive eBay's ability to build on its category strengths, technological capabilities, and community of sellers to shape the future of ecommerce. From vintage collectibles and pre-loved fashion to one-of-a-kind treasures, eBay has built one of the most dynamic and trusted marketplaces in the world, enabling customers all over the world to buy and sell with ease. As the company looks to the future, it remains committed to building communities, harnessing new technologies and reinventing the future of ecommerce. For a timeline of eBay's historical moments, visit Our History. See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Almost six in ten Irish businesses (57%) do not regularly update their software, while more than half (51%) fail to run regular automated data backups, indicating a worrying lack of protection against cyber criminals. Furthermore, just four in ten (39%) Irish organisations report having provided cybersecurity training to their staff, one of the most effective methods of preventing cyber incidents. These findings come from new research conducted by insurance broker and risk management firm Gallagher in Ireland. The company commissioned a survey of 300 business decision-makers across the UK and Ireland, 100 of whom are based in Ireland, to assess what critical cybersecurity tools organisations are using to protect themselves. Experts at Gallagher warn that, despite these basic gaps in protection, nine in ten (92%) Irish businesses believe they are adequately protected against cyber-attacks highlighting a disconnect between perception and reality. Commenting on the survey findings, Laura Vickers, Managing Director of Commercial Lines at Gallagher in Ireland said: "Our research suggests that there is a mismatch between how well protected businesses in Ireland believe they are against cyber attacks - and the steps they have taken to manage such threats. Regularly updating software is a very basic step but it is crucial for cybersecurity, as updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities and this in turn could potentially prevent cyber attacks and data breaches. Yet our survey shows that only 43% of Irish businesses do this. "Automatic data backup is another crucial cybersecurity measure, as it helps protect against data loss from various incidents - such as ransomware attacks, hardware failures, and accidental deletions. Automated backups are considered more reliable and less error-prone than manual backups. Yet only half of Irish businesses run regular automated data back-ups." When asked what steps Irish organisations take to protect themselves against cyberattacks, Gallagher found: 1. 49% conduct regular automated data back-ups 2. 48% use multi-factor authentication for all applications utilising remote access 3. 43% conduct regular updates of software 4. 41% run system vulnerability scans 5. 39% provide training for all staff on cybersecurity 6. 38% use multi-factor authentication for employee email accounts 7. 36% undergo regular data back-ups Ms Vickers added: "Cybercrime is no longer a niche or occasional risk - it's a persistent, evolving threat that affects almost every organisation in some shape or form. Training and awareness are crucial when it comes to protecting an organisation against cybercrime - such training will not only equip staff with the skills they need to spot a potential cyberattack, it will also help them protect their business against such an attack. Yet less than four in ten of the businesses in our survey have trained staff in cybersecurity, which is a big oversight." Other headline findings from the Gallagher research reveal that: Almost two-thirds (64%) of Irish businesses believe they are "very protected" against a cyber-attack, with a further 28% saying they are "quite protected". At 92%, the number of Irish businesses that feel adequately protected against cyber attacks is slightly higher than in the UK, where 89% of firms indicated this to be the case. When it comes to the measures taken by firms to improve cybersecurity, UK businesses are more inclined than their Irish counterparts to run regular software updates (71% of UK businesses did so versus 43% of Irish firms) and to train all staff on cybersecurity (57% versus 39%). While numbers were still high, the businesses that feel least protected against cyberattacks are those in the professional services (75% of business decision makers said they feel safeguarded against such threats), healthcare (83%), IT/computing (83%) and financial services (89%) sectors. The businesses that feel most protected against cyber-attacks a...

Students aged 12-19 across Ireland have just three weeks left to submit entries for the 2026 Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, the first exhibition to take place with programmable financial services company Stripe as title sponsor. The event will be held at the RDS, Dublin, from 7-10 January 2026, and applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on 26 September 2025. Ireland has a long history of world-changing inventions and scientific contributions, from the modern submarine to the portable defibrillator to the rocket-propelled ejector seat. Continuing this tradition, many YSTE alumni have gone on to be scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs, developing ideas that have advanced society. Stripe became the title sponsor of the exhibition in May 2025, succeeding BT Ireland after their 25-year custodianship of the event. The appointment marked twenty years since Stripe co-founders Patrick and John Collison competed at the 2005 YSTE, where Patrick was crowned the overall winner and John took home a category award. As title sponsors, Stripe will preserve YSTE's proven formula and maintain popular initiatives introduced by BT, including the Primary Science Fair, Business Bootcamp, accommodation grants, and meal vouchers. In partnership with the YSTE Board, Stripe plans to enhance the exhibition for the next generation of scientists and technologists, with more guidance and inspiration for students preparing their projects, additional resources for teachers, and new ways for alumni to connect and collaborate. Alongside favourite exhibits from prior years, Stripe YSTE 2026 will feature fresh installations showcasing cutting-edge technology like AI, along with books that have inspired ideas to improve the world. To mark the start of this exciting new chapter, Stripe unveiled a refreshed brand identity and website for Stripe YSTE. The new design builds on the exhibition's established look, inspired by the power of science and technology, and celebrates the work of young scientists. Eileen O'Mara, chief revenue officer at Stripe, said: "We can't wait to see what the next generation of inventors and researchers are cooking up. The Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is a launchpad for young people with big ideas, and we know from Stripe's own history that it can be an incredible catalyst for your future studies and career. Whether you're building a new climate technology or investigating a cure for a disease, this is your moment to shine." Professor Pat Guiry, Chairperson of the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition Board added: "As we begin this exciting new chapter with Stripe as title sponsor, we remain inspired by the ingenuity that students in Ireland bring to their projects every year. With just weeks to go until the deadline, I would encourage all young people with a passion for STEM to seize this opportunity. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of bright minds to the RDS in January." Prizes and entry information Stripe YSTE awards prizes across five categories: Technology Social and behavioural science Biological and ecological science Chemical, physical, and mathematical science Health and wellbeing There are over 200 prizes available, with a total prize fund of €50,000 - including a top award of €7,500. The winners of the Stripe Young Scientist & Technologist of the Year Award 2026 will represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS), a competition where Ireland has won first place 17 times in the past 35 years. To enter, students simply need to complete an online application and submit a one-page proposal outlining their idea. Finalists will be announced at the end of October, with their projects showcased at the exhibition in January. For more information on the Stripe YSTE and how to apply, visit www.stripeyste.com. See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Po...

Interesting, informative, and entertaining article by Chris Stokes, who has over half a decade of using EVs on the Irish roads now. We asked him all the usual questions, what worked, what didn't, would you did it all over again, his answers are considered and thoughtful. If you would like to share your experiences of using an EV them drop us a line, and we would be happy to feature further perspectives on Ireland's journey to a greener driving experience. EVs the pros and cons I bought my 1st ev in 2019, which maybe just about qualifies me for the status of 'early adopter'. Being a middle aged man that kind of kudos is important to me, more so than any other possible advantage that might accrue from owning a reasonably nice car. And reasonably nice covers it quite well. It was a 2nd hand e-golf, less than a year old and I brought it in from the UK. I was never a car guy and this was the most i had ever spent on one. There were a few reasons why I decided to go for an EV and at this time. Mostly my old diesel ford focus had started to throw random bills at me as it entered into its twilight years. I could see the writing on the wall, it was going to break down some where inconvenient at some point. I'm of the opinion that if you need a car then this is the only good reason to change it - financially, environmentally, the best option is no car followed by drive your car until it dies. Not knowing much about cars, being cautious when spending money and being the kind of person that researches to the point of internet rabbit holes, I did fair amount of reading. Eventually I was convinced, or had convinced myself, that electric was the way forward. Electric motors are relatively simple and efficient things, far less likely to break then their petrol or engine equivalents. Less things to break, less things to service. Electric cars are cheaper to run (if you can charge at home). They are quieter, more comfortable. They tend to come with far more technology and addons compared to their ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) equivalents. And they do have less of an impact on the environment, every serious study I have read backs this up. They are not 'good' for the environment. They are 'less bad'. After about 12months of reading various forums and being told that my steering links would soon fail on my ford focus, I found a car. At this time (2019) there wasn't a lot of choice at my price point. The second hand market basically came down to a Nissan Leaf, a Hyundai Ioniq or a VW e-golf. The Leaf had Chademo charging architecture, a dying standard that would (is) becomingly harder to find so making public charging even more difficult (similar to buying a beta max video player back in the day). The Ioniq didn't look like it would take my bike rack very well (an all glass lid on the boot). So by default it was e-golf or nothing. I was fortunate in that VRT on cars purchased in the UK was not a thing - this changed in 2021 with the implementation of Brexit. So I got a good deal in the UK, and drove home, my first all electric trip being from Milton Keynes to Holyhead, around 400km on a 200km range car. And it was great. I had lots of time, I had extensively researched charging in the UK and had a number of possible stops lined up to allow for any unforeseens. I glided home, enjoying all the things that weren't in a 15 year old diesel (navigation, spotify, cruise control, lane assist, instant heat….) And when I got to the ferry they waved me to the front of the queue so I could drive in and charge my car on board (for free!). It was like I had joined some kind of exclusive club where i was just a little bit better than everyone else. Smug. I kept the e-golf for 18months and it might still be the best car I ever had. Solid like a VW golf is (was?) renowned for, everything worked. But the range. 200km. We're a one car family. We have relatives either end of the country. With a small child. It was manageable but more range is nice… I traded in ...

We will shortly be reviewing the new reMarkable Paper Pro Move, which is launched today. Below is the latest information about it. See more about the device here. The new reMarkable Paper Pro Move comes out today The 7.3-inch digital notebook has been designed for work that happens anytime, anywhere, and with anyone. It slips easily into a bag or jacket pocket, perfect for working professionals whose jobs take them out of the office. Existing ways of capturing ideas on the go all have their drawbacks. Paper is hard to organise, tricky to share, and easy to lose. Balancing laptops on knees can be uncomfortable, and when meeting someone, the big screen immediately gets in the way of collaboration. And on our phones, our attention can be hijacked by endless scrolling and social media. After listening closely to users, reMarkable learned that many wanted the same distraction- free experience of its other paper tablets, just in a smaller size. The idea? For working professionals to bring their workspace with them and do their best thinking - wherever they go. "reMarkable Paper Pro Move is a new, flexible option for capturing your thoughts," said Phil Hess, CEO of reMarkable. "It's big enough to hold your work, yet small enough to not get in the way. Whether you're meeting at a conference, airport, or café, you're able to be fully in the moment during your conversation." A workday for an architect, sales representative, journalist, or other professional on the move might start at home, using the reMarkable desktop app to review notes and upload documents for the day. When out and about, reMarkable Paper Pro Move's compact size means it's always within reach for spontaneous inspiration or discreet note-taking during meetings. Focusing entirely on the conversation - planned or unplanned - feels easy. Notes are encrypted and stored securely both on the device and in the cloud. Hardware that goes anywhere Press Release - reMarkable Paper Pro Move "We created a device that belongs in your bag or jacket pocket - an everyday carry," said Chief Product Officer Mats Herding Solberg. "It's like a classic journalist notepad, so you can get real work done while standing up and holding it in one hand. There's nothing else in the workspace like it." The 7.3-inch Canvas Color display, combined with reMarkable's custom-developed Markers, delivers the best digital writing experience available. The digital ink appears virtually instantly, and every pen stroke has just the right amount of friction, so it feels like writing on paper. The soft, natural colours spark creative thinking and intuitive organisation. Unlike other devices, the display reflects natural light without causing eye strain. The adjustable reading light softly illuminates the display, perfect for reviewing work on a morning commute or backstage before a keynote. reMarkable Paper Pro Move features a design in sleek anodized aluminium and textured glass, so users can look the part wherever they go. With up to two weeks of battery life and three days of power in just 10 minutes of recharging, there's no need to hunt for a socket. Made of more than 50% recycled metals and easier to refurbish and repair, it's reMarkable's most sustainable paper tablet yet. Software that keeps work flowing Built-in templates, including grids, lines, and planners, make it simple to jot down notes over coffee. Need more room to write? Just turn reMarkable Paper Pro Move sideways, and the display rotates automatically. Notes can be converted into text with a tap and sent by email directly from the device. The low-cost Connect subscription gives users even more ways to capture their thoughts, with exclusive templates and workbooks for leading projects, taking notes, and solving complex problems. With Connect, users can also take and edit notes in the reMarkable apps, so they can move between devices as their workday changes. Unlimited cloud storage ensures notes are always available, and the new handwriting...

There's something uniquely Irish about the warmth of a busy household - laughter around the dinner table, a kettle always on the boil, and, for many families, a wagging tail waiting by the door. Dogs have long been part of family life across Ireland, adding joy, companionship, and a little bit of organised chaos to everyday living. Welcoming a puppy into the home is often one of the most exciting decisions a family can make. Yet it also brings challenges: training, commitment, and, of course, the reality of keeping a house clean when little paws come running across the floor. Balancing the delight of a new pup with the practicality of a tidy, welcoming home is part of modern family life here in Ireland. Puppies in Irish Homes Irish families have always had a soft spot for dogs. From the loyal sheepdogs that once worked in the fields to the friendly spaniels that curl up by the fire, dogs are interwoven into our culture. Today, as more people move into cities and towns, smaller breeds and mixed breeds are becoming popular companions. The journey often starts with searching for puppies for sale in Ireland. Parents want a pet that's gentle with children, first-time owners need a breed that's easy to train, and older couples may look for a dog that enjoys shorter walks. The excitement of bringing a puppy home is matched by the responsibility to give them the right start in life. Popular Breeds in Ireland Among the most cherished choices are Cavachons, a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise. Known for their affectionate nature and manageable size, they're perfect for city living or family homes. It's not unusual to hear friends chatting about where to find Cavachon puppies in Ireland, as the breed continues to grow in popularity. Labradors remain a classic choice, especially for active households who enjoy long walks on the beach or in the countryside. Chihuahuas, though tiny, are also gaining ground with apartment dwellers who want a companion that doesn't need as much space. Each breed brings its own quirks, but all have one thing in common: they become part of the family. Choosing Responsibly While the excitement of a new puppy is undeniable, Irish families are becoming more conscious of the importance of responsible adoption. Ethical breeding practices and verified listings help ensure that puppies are healthy, well-socialised, and raised in caring environments. Awareness campaigns in Ireland have encouraged people to research before buying. Families now consider not just the breed's temperament, but also the background - asking questions about vaccinations, socialisation, and the living conditions the puppy has grown up in. Choosing responsibly not only supports animal welfare but also gives families the best chance of welcoming a happy, healthy pup into their home. The Joy and the Mess The first weeks with a puppy are magical - little paws padding across the kitchen, playful nips, and excited barks at the postman. Yet reality sets in quickly. Puppies shed, track mud through the hallway, and occasionally have accidents on the rug. Even the most house-proud families can find themselves overwhelmed by the extra cleaning that comes with owning a dog. It's not just about the visible mess, either. Allergies, pet odours, and muddy paw prints can make a home feel less inviting. While many families embrace the chaos as part of the package, there's no denying that keeping a home both pet-friendly and spotless takes some effort. Practical Tips for Dog-Friendly Cleaning Irish homes are lived in, and that's their charm. Still, a few practical steps can make a big difference when dogs are part of the family: Floor care: placing washable mats near doors where dogs come in from the garden or park helps contain dirt. Wooden or tiled floors are easier to clean than carpets. Soft furnishings: throws and washable covers protect sofas and chairs from fur. A weekly wash keeps everything fresh. Air quality: regula...

Agentic AI represents the next frontier in artificial intelligence innovation, where autonomous agents work together as a team. Although agentic AI is in its early stages, it has the potential to help enterprises achieve remarkable gains in productivity, efficiency, and scalability by eliminating inefficiencies and seamlessly scaling an organisation's collective skills. With AI agents, enterprises can gain a competitive advantage by delivering insights faster and making strategic decisions more effectively. AI lessens the burden of using complex tools and dissolves siloes by augmenting human capabilities. Now, employees can contribute more meaningfully to specialised tasks with the assistance of AI. Teams working with AI are three times more likely to be in the top decile of performance than individuals working with AI or teams working without AI. Defining Agentic AI An AI agent is a software system that uses artificial intelligence to autonomously make decisions and take actions to achieve a set of objectives. AI agents have the power to reason, learn and adapt based on their perception of the work environment. As a result, they can be given a goal and carry out complex tasks to reach that goal, with minimal or potentially no human interaction. AI agents surpass automation by adapting and learning within complex workflows. To tap into the potential of agentic AI, it's important to understand the difference between automation and autonomy. Automation is a predefined set of actions that are performed by a piece of technology, whereas autonomy is an intent that is given to technology and the technology then determines and performs the task. Autonomy happens when the human ceases to be the "doer" of the work or ceases to define the workflow. Take supply chain management as an example. An automated robot can be designed to pick, pack and ship goods in a productive manner that reduces errors, achieving faster order completion and customer satisfaction. An autonomous agent, or AI agent, can optimise supply chain management by predicting demand, managing inventory levels, and coordinating with suppliers to ensure timely restocking. It could identify potential disruptions and suggest solutions to maintain the smooth flow of goods. Generative AI vs. Agentic AI - Understanding Their Unique Roles AI agents are different from GenAI chatbots and assistants. GenAI chatbots and assistants help us unlock the power of data, so we can more effectively interact with and act on it. In contrast, AI agents interact with the data and act on our behalf based on our desired goals and without our intervention. An AI agent is typically composed of a core (i.e., a persona, goals, and a list of available tools); a memory; tools to perceive and interact with its environment; and some form of reasoning function that is likely based on an AI model (e.g., LLM). The capabilities of these building blocks determine the AI agent's reasoning ability and influence its degree of autonomy. Balancing Autonomy and Oversight for Effective AI Integration Humans are critical to agentic AI because they provide intentionality for AI agents. Despite the autonomous nature of AI agents, there is still a human involved in defining what success looks like to the AI agents. The biggest shift from GenAI chatbots and assistants to AI agents is that humans are in the loop with GenAI tools. This means humans are deeply involved in defining how work is going to be done. With the current slate of AI agents, humans are on the loop. This means that you define the outcome and the intent, but you have delegated the AI agent to figure out how to perform the task. AI agents will become one of the most impactful tools that accelerate enterprise efficiency by taking on complex tasks while continuously improving themselves through learning and adaptation. These questions of oversight, governance, and the evolving relationship between humans and AI are not just theoretical; they are at the he...

Three Ireland has announced it is committing a €100,000 bursary fund and a suite of technical supports to small businesses through its Grants for Small Businesses programme. Now entering a milestone fifth year, the programme offers a mix of financial support and connectivity solutions to help Irish SMEs grow and thrive. Since Three launched the initiative in 2021, the programme has provided over €750,000 in funding, products, services and strategic support to small businesses across Ireland. This includes marketing and PR assistance, access to Three Ireland's business tools and expert guidance on how to run a successful business. Bernard Brogan, the Chief Commercial Officer and Co-founder of PepTalk and former Dublin footballer, has been announced as a new judge for this year's programme. The programme is funded by Three Ireland and delivered in partnership with small business support platform Enterprise Nation. In 2025, 10 selected businesses will receive €5000 in cash and €5000 worth of Three connectivity and device solutions. Padraig Sheerin, Head of SME, Three Ireland, said: "Three is committed to helping businesses of all sizes across Ireland grow and innovate through our connectivity products and solutions. Our grant programme offers small businesses not only financial support but also practical guidance and mentorship from Three's team of business experts. Since the launch of the SME Grant Programme five years ago, the winning teams have experienced remarkable growth and we're proud to contribute to their success as they continue to expand." Bernard Brogan, co-founder of PepTalk spoke about his involvement on this year's programme: "Initiatives such as this are crucially important for supporting SMEs in Ireland and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. The business environment is rapidly evolving, with connectivity becoming increasingly central for all businesses. Three's financial and practical support will have a hugely positive impact for the winning firms - I look forward to working on this year's programme and seeing the high-calibre of different businesses come through." Former winner of the Three Ireland Grant Niamh Tallon will also return to the judging panel this year, bringing her expertise and continued support for Ireland's small business community. Niamh Tallon, founder of Her Sport and winner of the 2021 Three Ireland Grant, said: "Winning Three Ireland's Grants for Small Businesses programme was a game-changer for Her Sport. The funding and expert support helped us grow our team, boost our visibility, and put the right tech foundations in place to scale as a young business. I'm delighted to return as a judge this year, and get a chance to meet the next wave of inspiring entrepreneurs. Having experienced the challenges of starting out in business, I encourage all SMEs to apply - you could be the next success story to emerge from the Three SME Grant Programme."

The Walton Institute at South East Technological University (SETU) is inviting businesses to participate in an exciting, free webinar, 'Unlock Innovation with SETU,' on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, at 12:00 p.m. This one-hour online event is designed to showcase how companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), can partner with SETU's world-class research and development centres to drive growth, boost competitiveness, and accelerate innovation. SETU is home to four of Enterprise Ireland's Technology Gateways, each offering specialised expertise and state-of-the-art facilities: SEAM (Advanced Manufacturing), PMBRC (Pharmaceutical & Molecular Biology), Design+ (Product Design), and the ICS Technology Gateway at Walton Institute (Digital and Communications Technologies). During the webinar, speakers will share insights into emerging trends, breakthrough innovations, and real-world applications relevant to industries across the region. The webinar will begin with a welcome from Dr James O'Sullivan, Head of Commercialisation at SETU, who will provide an overview of SETU's industry engagement model. He will be followed by short presentations from experts, including Dr Ramesh Raghavendra on advanced manufacturing, Liam Fitzgerald on digital transformation, Ailish Delaney on product and industrial design, and Dr Niall O'Reilly on the latest developments in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. The session will conclude with a live panel discussion and audience Q&A, offering participants a valuable opportunity to connect directly with Gateways and explore how SETU can support their innovation goals. This webinar is particularly relevant to business owners, technical managers, start-ups, scale-ups, and innovation teams interested in collaborating with academic research centres to develop new products, processes, or services. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, the event will provide clear, practical guidance on accessing funding, research support, and advanced infrastructure through SETU's Technology Gateways. Organised by the Walton Institute in partnership with Waterford Chamber of Commerce and Toys4Engineers, this event reflects SETU's continued commitment to driving regional innovation and supporting enterprise through collaboration. Webinar Details Title: Unlock Innovation with SETU, Connecting regional business with world-class expertise Date: Wednesday, 10 September 2025 Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Location: Online (Zoom) Cost: Free Registration: Register now on Eventbrite For more information on SETU's Technology Gateways and how your business can get involved, visit www.waltoninstitute.ie or contact the team directly at info@waltoninstitute.ie. Don't miss this chance to explore how collaborative innovation with SETU can unlock your business's potential. The four Technology Gateways are part of the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

In 2019 I went down to Galway to do a podcast with Black Pug Studio. Six years have passed since that podcast and Tony Moreno ,and Julien Garrigues co-founders of Black Pug Studio contacted me about doing a follow up podcast. So, I did the follow up podcast via Zoom and we had an interesting chat. The podcast is being published in 2 parts. Tony and Julien recap on what they do, Pocket Gamer, Unreal Engine 5, modding, AI, Branding and more. More about Black Pug Studio: Black Pug Studio is a dynamic creative agency based in Galway, specialising in first-class web design, unique branding solutions, innovative digital designs, and proficient software and web development. They also make awesome video games too. See more podcasts here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.