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Deblock, a French crypto-banking startup founded by former Revolut and Ledger executives, has secured €30 million in Series A funding to expand its blockchain-based banking app to Ireland and further across Europe. The round was led by Speedinvest, with participation from CommerzVentures and Latitude. Deblock launched in France last year and has already attracted more than 300,000 users, reflecting an increasing demand for finance apps that make it easy to manage both euros and digital assets in one place. The fresh capital will fuel Deblock's expansion across Europe, with Ireland identified as a key early market. The company was founded by Aaron Beck, Adriana Restrepo, Jean Meyer, and Mario Eguiluz, who bring senior executive experiences from neobank, Revolut, and leading crypto hardware wallet maker, Ledger. Europe's first fully on-chain banking solution Deblock is Europe's first fully on-chain banking solution, offering a single blockchain-based banking app that combines everyday banking features with decentralised finance (DeFi) services. Deblock brings together a euro current account with a self-custody crypto wallet, enabling users to manage euros and digital assets in one platform. With its infrastructure built entirely on blockchain technology, Deblock enables faster, more transparent and more efficient processes, particularly for cross-border transfers and on-chain financial products. Its self-custody design allows users to hold, convert and use their assets within a single app, with private keys secured directly on their devices rather than by a third party. The platform also incorporates strong security standards and adheres to EU regulatory requirements for operational resilience and cybersecurity. Through Deblock, users can access everyday banking features - payments, savings, investing and borrowing - and gain direct access to DeFi services. They can move between euros and digital assets, save through Deblock's on-chain saving Vaults, which offer variable interest rates up to 10% AER, and access borrowing options secured against their digital assets. Ireland as a key early market for Deblock's European expansion The Series A funding follows exceptional growth. Since launching in France in April last year, Deblock has welcomed more than 300,000 customers. This reflects the growing demand for a new kind of banking experience that combines usability and security, where customers retain full control over their digital assets through self-custody. As part of its next phase of European expansion, Deblock has identified Ireland as a key early market, and plans to launch its platform in the country in 2026. The company has already engaged with its early Irish users to understand the needs of the Irish market, and will now focus on market preparation to make its on-chain banking experience accessible to Irish users. Ireland's established fintech sector, English-speaking market, and clear regulatory framework make it a natural step in Deblock's wider European rollout. The country also shows a steady level of interest in digital asset products, supporting the company's plans to introduce a unified platform that brings euros and digital assets together. Deblock is authorised as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) by the Banque de France/ACPR and was the first fintech to receive a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) licence from the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF). Through EU passporting, these licences allow Deblock to operate and offer its services in Ireland. "With a strong footprint in our home market France, Ireland represents an important early step in our European expansion," says Jean Meyer, Co-founder and CEO of Deblock. "Our goal is to create a clear and secure way to use both euros and digital assets in everyday life - and Ireland is one key market that is critical to defining the future of on-chain banking in Europe." "What stood out to us was how focused and fast the Deblock team executes," says Tom Filip ...

ServiceNow, the AI platform for business transformation, has announced a set of new and forthcoming integrations with Microsoft, including an integration with Microsoft Agent 365, that deliver seamless agentic AI orchestration and governance capabilities for joint customers. By uniting workflow intelligence, trusted cloud, and AI governance, the companies will connect copilots, agents, and data seamlessly across Microsoft 365 and the ServiceNow AI Platform, to enable comprehensive visibility, compliance, and control over AI agents, setting a new standard for enterprise AI. The new capabilities meet users where they work across the Microsoft 365 environment, turning insight into action instantly. From conversations in Microsoft Teams, to meetings scheduled in Microsoft Outlook, to documents created in Microsoft Word, ServiceNow is uniting agentic AI capabilities across systems - with trust, control, and measurable business outcomes built in.?The combined capabilities of ServiceNow and Microsoft allow businesses to effectively manage teams of AI agents that work together to accomplish tasks autonomously and deliver real business outcomes. "ServiceNow is enabling a new era of autonomous workflows where the power of AI is multiplied using deterministic workflows - putting AI to work for people in the most demanding global enterprises," said Jon Sigler, executive vice president and general manager, AI Platform at ServiceNow. "By seamlessly connecting agentic orchestration and governance across ServiceNow and Microsoft, we're giving organisations the power to manage and monitor intelligent agents that deliver real work and real impact - safely and at scale. This is how we move from isolated AI experiences to enterprise-wide automation, delivering trust, control, and ROI" "Agent 365 gives organisations a simple, secure way to bring agents under control, extending the same infrastructure, apps, and protections they already trust for users," said Nirav Shah, corporate vice president, Microsoft Agent 365 at Microsoft. "Through this integration with ServiceNow, customers can accelerate and scale their AI transformation while staying safe, with built-in security and governance capabilities that support confident innovation." Deliver visibility, compliance, and trust at enterprise scale The ServiceNow AI Control Tower will integrate with Microsoft Foundry and Copilot Studio to provide full oversight for agents deployed on Microsoft platforms. This integration lets organisations apply consistent policies and controls across platforms, ensuring secure and accountable innovation. Enterprises can automatically discover and manage Microsoft Foundry and Copilot Studio agents within the ServiceNow AI Platform. ServiceNow's Configuration Management Database (CMDB) underpins AI Control Tower, unifying information from both internal and external sources to provide AI Control Tower with continuous, context-rich visibility across systems, ensuring agents operate with the most current, cross-platform data within clearly defined governance parameters. Additionally, the AI Control Tower Value Dashboard monitors AI adoption, performance, and ROI - helping quantify business impact. Real-time monitoring provides visibility into security, governance, and risk, boosting confidence, ensuring compliance, and enabling organisations to scale AI investments responsibly. Unlock AI for developers ServiceNow Build Agent and GitHub now work together to securely share context and capabilities. With GitHub's Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server, ServiceNow Build Agent can securely access GitHub issues, pull requests and discussions, and automate repetitive tasks while keeping developers in control. The result is a frictionless, AI-assisted development experience where business and code workflows converge, eliminating context switching and boosting focus. This ability to use GitHub's MCP server with ServiceNow Build Agent marks a major step toward agentic systems that ...

Ambitious female entrepreneurs are being encouraged to submit their applications for Going for Growth, the award-winning business development programme, before the deadline on this Friday (November 21st). Now entering its 18th cycle, Going for Growth aids female business owners in any sector across the country as they seek to increase revenue, create employment, and explore new market opportunities. The programme is supported by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG and is free of charge for those selected to participate. The deadline for applications for the Going for Growth is midnight on Friday, November 21. Application forms can be requested from the website - www.GoingforGrowth.com. Some 60 places are available for the new six-month cycle, which is due to begin with a one-day Launch Forum in January. The programme will run from January to June, with one round table discussion each month. Round tables are facilitated by successful businesswomen, known as Lead Entrepreneurs, whose participation is completely voluntary and is done in a spirit of altruism. NINE of the 11 Lead Entrepreneurs on this year's programme are former participants in Going for Growth. They are: Anne Cusack, formerly Critical Healthcare; Chupi Sweetman-Durney, Chupi; Hannah Wrixon, Kella and formerly WrkWrk; Jeananne O'Brien, Artizan Food Co.; Leonora O'Brien, formerly Pharmapod; Louella Morton TestReach; Marissa Carter, Cocoa Brown; Oonagh O'Hagan, Meaghers Pharmacy Group;and Tara Beattie, Prepsheets.com. The other two highly successful Lead Entrepreneurs are: Susan Spence, formerly SoftCo, and Fidelma McGuirk, Payslip. Going for Growth has been repeatedly recognised by the EU, OECD, and European Institute of Gender Equality as a key initiative in helping to foster greater ambition among female entrepreneurs and to support their growth aspirations. The support provided does not end on completion of the six-month cycle, with most past participants becoming part of the Going for Growth community. Going for Growth alumni can apply to participate in the Continuing the Momentum programme, which offers Lead Entrepreneur-facilitated roundtables to those looking to continue their growth journey, with the aid of peer support, focused goals, and milestones. Lead Entrepreneurs Aine Denn, formerly Altify, and Fiona O'Carroll, The Digital Mindset, will facilitate this year's Continuing The Momentum programme. Jenny Melia, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, said: "Enterprise Ireland is committed to increasing opportunities for women entrepreneurs and supporting them at every stage of their business journey. This includes working with colleagues and partners from across the ecosystem to ensure we foster the skills, ambition and talent, and ensure that Ireland is a great location to start and scale a business. That is why Enterprise Ireland is proud to continue our support for Going for Growth, a programme which supports women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and realise their growth ambitions. "Over the past 17 cycles, this initiative has demonstrated its impact in helping women-led businesses to increase revenue, create employment, and expand into new markets, and I would encourage all eligible entrepreneurs to apply and to engage with the peer support, expert guidance, and leadership offered through this unique programme." Partner at KPMG, Olivia Lynch, said: "KPMG is committed to championing female entrepreneurship in Ireland, especially in the face of the unique challenges of 2025, including economic uncertainty, evolving market demands, and the need for sustainable practices. Through our unwavering support of Going for Growth, this programme plays a crucial role in empowering ambitious women by providing them with essential resources, mentorship, and a robust community." "We proudly celebrate female role models in sports and are equally passionate about fostering women's success in business. With the invaluable guidance from Lead Entrepreneurs, tailored KPMG workshops, an...

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LearnUpon, a Dublin-headquartered global leader in learning technology, today announced its acquisition of Courseau, an AI-assisted course authoring platform. The acquisition accelerates LearnUpon's mission to make learning creation and delivery faster, smarter, and more accessible for organisations everywhere, while also underscoring the company's continued success as a growing global technology business. Founded in Berlin in 2023, Courseau has quickly established itself as a pioneer in AI-powered course creation. Its intuitive platform is designed to help organisations rapidly build high-quality learning experiences, with current customers including Panasonic, Norwegian Refugee Council, and Hexagon Purus. It will now be part of LearnUpon's expanding offering. The acquisition of Courseau addresses one of the learning industry's most persistent challenges - the "content bottleneck." Organisations often struggle to keep pace with demand for fresh, relevant learning content. The new solution combines LearnUpon's trusted delivery platform with Courseau's AI-native authoring technology. This enables organisations to transform their internal expertise into structured, evidence-based learning experiences up to 50 times faster than traditional methods. Additionally, Courseau's offerings are designed to be accessible with self-serve capabilities, ensuring learning content creation is available to anyone. "LearnUpon has always been about unlocking the potential of people through learning," said Brendan Noud, CEO and Co-founder of LearnUpon. "With Courseau by LearnUpon, we're enabling organisations to utilise AI technology to create evidence-based, impactful content at scale even faster and in a more personalised way. This acquisition represents an exciting step on our journey as we invest in learning that makes a real business impact." "We're so excited to be joining LearnUpon," said Ro Ren, CEO of Courseau. "Together, we're combining delivery excellence with AI-native creation to redefine how organisations learn. We share a core belief that learning should be elegant, accessible, and high-quality - the integration of our platforms will enable customers to achieve this dramatically faster, at a much lower cost." The platform offers full creative autonomy for course designers, supports instant translation into over 120 languages, and ensures content is evidence-based and adaptable for growing organisations. Full integration of Courseau's technology into LearnUpon is scheduled for early 2026. Customers can trial for free for 14 days by signing up at www.courseau.co. The acquisition caps off a milestone year for LearnUpon. In 2025, the company expanded its global footprint, strengthened its leadership team, and continued to enhance its award-winning platform with the successful launch of Learning Journeys, which enables customers to automate and personalise learning at scale. The acquisition of Courseau further underscores LearnUpon's commitment to its customers and making learning easy, scalable, and focused on results. See more stories here.

Dell Technologies has unveiled enhancements to the Dell AI Factory designed to simplify and accelerate the enterprise AI journey. These portfolio additions boost performance and automation for AI workloads while removing bottlenecks, delivering greater control with integrated, resilient on-premises infrastructure. Why it matters In today's digital landscape, organisations increasingly rely on AI to stay competitive and foster innovation. The momentum is clear with 85 percent of enterprises planning to move AI on-premises within the next 24 months. Seventy-seven per cent of those seeking AI are looking for one holistic infrastructure vendor to provide capabilities across their AI journey. Dell's expanded portfolio addresses these needs with the industry's broadest end-to-end AI portfolio designed to streamline AI adoption and deliver impactful results. Simplified and automated AI journey The Dell Automation Platform, now expanded to the Dell AI Factory, will deliver smarter, more automated experiences by deploying validated, optimised solutions with a secure framework. This approach will produce repeatable outcomes, eliminate guesswork, and help unlock the full potential of AI-driven use cases across Dell's ecosystem of technology partners. Key advancements include: Software-driven tools like the AI code assistant with Tabnine and agentic AI platform with Cohere North are now automated, getting AI workloads into production faster, streamlining operations and enhancing scalability. Dell Professional Services provide turnkey interactive AI use case pilots using real customer data to validate business value ahead of scaled investments. These expert-led pilots offer a hands-on preview for experimentation with clear success metrics and KPIs, delivering tangible ROI. Breakthrough performance and efficiency for AI workloads Enhanced Data Management: How organisations manage, secure and scale that data will separate the winners from the laggards. Updates to Dell PowerScale and Dell ObjectScale, the Dell AI Data Platform's storage engines, boost performance, scalability, and data discovery capabilities. Dell PowerScale will soon be available as an independent software license on qualified Dell PowerEdge servers like the Dell PowerEdge R7725xd. This news is the latest in Dell software-driven storage innovation following the announcement of a new software-defined Dell ObjectScale. These new Dell PowerScale and Dell ObjectScale configurations will help organisations like cloud service providers realise even greater AI performance while having the flexibility to adopt the latest server and networking technologies to meet infrastructure needs. Dell PowerScale parallel NFS (pNFS) support with Flexible File Layout will enable two-way communication between the metadata server and client, allowing for better parallel distribution of data across multiple nodes in a PowerScale cluster. Deliver significant throughput, performance gains and linear scalability with parallel I/O across multiple pathways. This update is designed to provide increased parallelism, delivering massive scalability and throughput tailored for demanding AI workflows. Dell ObjectScale AI-Optimised Search offers two complementary AI-optimised search capabilities for Dell ObjectScale storage - S3 Tables and S3 Vector. These two specialised APIs provide high-speed access to complex data stored directly on ObjectScale to support analytics and key AI workloads like inferencing and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), empowering faster decision-making and easier storage, retrieval and search of expanding datasets. PowerEdge Innovations: Dell PowerEdge servers provide the foundation for enterprise AI, delivering faster training, distributed inference and reduced time to insights - all while offering flexible cooling options to align with diverse enterprise strategies: Dell PowerEdge XE9785 and XE9785L are purpose-built for next-generation AI and HPC workloads. The air-cooled XE97...

Ireland's foremost digital marketing event, 3XE Digital, returns this November 26th with a bold new focus on the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence. 3XE AI will take place on Wednesday, November 26th at The Alex Hotel, Dublin, bringing together hundreds of marketers, social media professionals and business leaders to explore how AI is reshaping marketing strategy, creativity and performance. Delegates from top Irish brands including Chadwicks, Kepak, Chartered Accountants Ireland, Sage, The Travel Department, Finlay Motor Group, Hardware Association, and many more have already booked to attend this dynamic one-day conference designed to inspire, educate and empower. The event will be co-chaired by Anthony Quigley, Co-Founder of the Digital Marketing Institute, and Sinéad Walsh of Content Plan. Attendees will hear from leading voices in AI and digital marketing, discovering how to harness new technologies to deliver smarter, more efficient, and measurable campaigns. Key Highlights: Expert speakers from: Google, OpenAI, Content Plan, Women in AI, AI Certified, The Corporate Governance Institute, and more will share their wealth of knowledge on how clever use of AI can significantly improve all digital marketing and social media strategies and campaigns and continue to change how we do business and can massively increase sales. Topics include: ? Winning with AI in Business with Christina Barbosa-Gress, Google ? AI-Powered Operations for Irish SMEs with Denis Jastrzebski, Content Plan ? Education for Unlocking AI's Potential with Ian Dodson, AiCertified ? Practical and Responsible AI with Boris Gersic, Corporate Governance Institute ? The Compliance Edge in the AI Era with Colin Cosgrove, Movizmo Coaching Solutions ? Unlocking AI's True Potential in Business with Naomh McElhatton, Irish Ambassador for Women in AI Adrian Hopkins, Founder, 3XE Digital said, "Reviving the 3XE Digital conference series felt timely, and AI presented the perfect opportunity. Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the entire marketing landscape - enhancing performance, improving efficiency and offering unprecedented creative possibilities. We're excited to bring this crucial conversation to the forefront once again." The 3XE AI Conference, organised in partnership with Content Plan, is proudly supported by Friday Agency, GS1 Ireland, and AI Certified. All details, including full speaker lineup, conference agenda and online bookings are available at https://3xe.ie. Early bookings remain open at 3xe.ie - including group discounts for teams. 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.

Code and Canvas: The Digital Art Genome - A Living Exhibit Showcasing the Evolution of Digital Art and the Artists Defining It. During Miami Art Week 2025 (December 2-7), Blackdove will present Code and Canvas: The Digital Art Genome, an exhibition that celebrates the world's premier digital artists and the new ways people experience art in the digital age. The showcase unites art, technology, and emotion, transforming every screen into a living canvas. Blackdove The Digital Art Genome The installation will feature immersive works across celebrated digital art categories by acclaimed motion and digital artists including Zach Lieberman, Yoshi Sodeoka, Alan Bolton, Jamie Scott, Jacopo di Cera, Kelly Boesch, Punkmetender, Moonwalker, and Annibale Siconolfi, with additional artists to be announced. Each artist brings a unique visual language that explores the intersection of technology, architecture, and contemporary art. Visitors will experience how motion art transcends traditional boundaries - flowing across Blackdove's Digital Canvas displays and integrated environments that harmonize with luxury living, hospitality, and architectural design. Both the artworks and the Digital Canvas displays featured in the exhibition will be available for purchase, offering collectors a seamless way to bring moving art into their own Spaces. "Blackdove extends the tradition of art into the digital age, honoring the gallery, the curator, and the collector, while transforming every screen into a living canvas," said Marc Billings, Founder and CEO of Blackdove. "At CONTEXT Miami, we're showing how Code and Canvas: The Digital Art Genome can transcend platforms and become part of daily life." The Exhibition: Code and Canvas: The Digital Art Genome At the heart of Code and Canvas: The Digital Art Genome is Blackdove's commitment to "inspiring moments that move us." The exhibit illustrates how digital art has evolved from screen-based novelty into an immersive ecosystem where collectors, artists, and designers converge to shape a new creative era. About Blackdove Blackdove is a curated digital art platform and premium digital canvas provider where every screen becomes a living canvas, a place where the world's most visionary artists are celebrated, where discovery feels effortless, and collecting becomes a daily expression of space. Through its streaming service, subscription tiers, and partnerships with leading display makers, including Samsung, LG, and BrightSign, Blackdove transforms homes, offices, galleries, and public spaces into immersive art experiences. Founded in Miami in 2015, Blackdove now connects artists, collectors, and integrators across 50+ countries through curated streaming, flexible ownership models, and innovative Integrations. As the world's curator of premier digital art, Blackdove unites art and technology to bring culture and motion into everyday environments, inspiring moments that move us. Discover. Collect. Share. Every screen becomes a living canvas. Event Details: Exhibit: Blackdove at CONTEXT Art Miami 2025 Dates: December 2-7, 2025 Location: One Herald Plaza, Miami, FL Web: www.blackdove.com See more breaking stories here.

Enterprise Ireland is leading a 20-strong delegation of high-growth Irish technology companies to Slush 2025, Europe's premier start-up and venture capital event. Slush, widely regarded as the largest gathering of venture capital under one roof, is a key platform for Irish start-ups seeking to accelerate their expansion and secure investment. The Nordics have emerged as Enterprise Ireland's fastest-growing export region for Enterprise Ireland supported companies, with client exports reaching €2.1 billion in 2024, up 24% on 2023. Finland is leading the charge as its most dynamic market. Against this backdrop, Irish innovators are leveraging Slush to deepen commercial ties and showcase cutting-edge technologies across AI, fintech, and sustainability. With Nordic markets driving export growth and Finland emerging as a hub for tech collaboration, Enterprise Ireland's presence at Slush underscores Ireland's ambition to position its start-ups at the forefront of European innovation. Momentum in Irish Tech Investment Ireland's start-up ecosystem continues to attract global attention, underscored by strong investment flows and landmark deals. Earlier this year, Tines, the AI-powered work automation platform, became Ireland's latest unicorn following a $125 million Series C round. This success story exemplifies the ambition of Irish companies attending Slush, many of which are scaling internationally and forging strategic partnerships in the Nordics. As part of the Slush programme of events, Enterprise Ireland will host an Irish Innovation event, featuring a fireside chat with George Ardagh of Tines as well as Enterprise Ireland Head of Scaling Finance Karole Egan and leading voices from global finance. The event will spotlight Ireland's vibrant tech ecosystem and its role in shaping global innovation. Among the Irish delegation at Slush are: EVERYANGLE, whose Vision AI technology powers retail giants including H&M, Samsøe Samsøe, and IKEA franchise partners. Fresh from winning Cisco's Global AI Innovation Award, EVERYANGLE is set to unveil its new product, Horizon, designed to transform in-store behaviour into data-driven growth. Otonomee, the customer support outsourcing specialist, has partnered with Finland's Oura to scale global operations during a period of exceptional growth for the health-tech leader. JustTip, Europe's fastest-growing digital tipping platform, is expanding its footprint through a partnership with Sweden's Surfboard Payments, reinforcing its mission to deliver transparent and instant gratuity management across hospitality. Marker Video, the content marketplace platform is launching their Marker Video app. With 10,000 verified users already onboarded and pilot campaigns underway with HelloFresh and Unilever, the app combines human-verification technology with instant user payments. This enables Marker Video to deliver the scale and authenticity modern brands demand, solving one of advertising's fastest-growing challenges. Leading the Irish delegation at Slush, Finland, Viktor Wagner Heide, Senior Market Advisor at Enterprise Ireland Nordics said; "Slush is a proven launchpad for Irish innovation, offering a unique opportunity to connect with international investors and partners. With exports by Enterprise Ireland-backed companies to the Nordics growing by 24% last year, this platform turns ambition into global growth and strengthens Ireland's position as a leader in Europe's technology landscape." Other Irish company participants at Slush 2025 include, BrightBeam, Capella, Chirp, CitySwift, Coroflo, Cytidel, EVE, HR Duo, Luna Systems, Marker Video, Mavarick AI, NoFrixion, Payemoji, Peroptyx, Provizio, Recruitroo and Tines. Full profiles are available in the Irish Innovation Directory. See more stories here.

Vodafone Ireland has recently marked the first anniversary of Ireland's inaugural telecom Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), celebrating a major milestone in its sustainability journey. In partnership with Flogas and the Derrynadivva Wind Farm in County Mayo, the long-term PPA has delivered 13.4GWh of renewable electricity in its first year - enough to power over 5.3 billion 5-minute phone calls. Vodafone Ireland became the first telco in the country to directly procure renewable electricity through a PPA in 2024. One year on, it remains the only live telecom PPA in Ireland, continuing to serve as a proof point for how businesses can accelerate Ireland's renewable energy transition This achievement is part of Vodafone Ireland's wider decarbonisation programme as it works towards net-zero operations (Scope 1 & 2) by 2028. Vodafone Ireland is on track to achieve a fully electric fleet by 2027, with all current vehicles hybrid or electric since the end of 2024. In 2025, Vodafone Ireland achieved its goal of sending 100% of network waste for recycling, ensuring responsible processing and recovery of materials. All retail stores have been upgraded to LED lighting, reducing lighting energy usage, and Vodafone Ireland's Trade-In programme has collected more than 60,000 devices since launch in 2022, extending product lifecycles through resale and reducing e-waste. Vodafone Ireland is also taking steps to reduce its operational footprint through plans to relocate its headquarters to a modern, more energy efficient building at 70 St Stephen's Green in Dublin to further reduce its carbon footprint and support the company's ambitious net-zero goals. The agreement with Flogas highlights the potential for cross-sector collaboration in driving Ireland's renewable energy ambitions. Over the past year, Ireland's corporate PPA market has gained significant momentum, with companies across healthcare, manufacturing and retail now signing similar agreements. Speaking on the agreement, Elizabeth Headon, Vodafone Ireland's External Affairs Director, said: "Since 2018, Vodafone Ireland's energy consumption has held level, despite a five-fold increase in data traffic. Through an ongoing focus on network management and innovation, we have been able to decouple energy use from data growth. Signing Ireland's first telecom PPA a year ago was the logical step in Vodafone's contribution to energy transition, and we are proud to champion Irish renewable generation, invest in cleaner operations, and show tangible progress towards achieving net zero." From renewable energy partnerships and electric vehicles to circular device recovery and waste elimination, Vodafone Ireland is demonstrating practical, measurable action towards a low-carbon future. Vodafone Ireland remains on track to achieve net-zero operations (Scope 1 &2) by 2028, contributing to Ireland's wider 2030 renewable energy goals. A spokesperson for Flogas commented on the strategic value of the collaboration: "Our partnership with Vodafone showed that corporate PPAs can deliver tangible progress for both industry and Ireland's renewable energy sector. This agreement provided stability for a wind project and gave confidence to the wider market that large corporates can be an integral part of the energy transition." Pat Brett, Director of Derrynadivva Wind Farm, highlighted the strong local impact of the initiative: "Vodafone's long-term commitment has supported local investment, sustained jobs, and ensured renewable power from County Mayo is contributing directly to Ireland's national grid." See more stories here.

Vault365, a leading provider of data protection services, has announced that it has been named Ireland Partner of the Year at the Veeam ProPartner Awards for Ireland and the UK. The prestigious awards took place at the annual VeeamON Tour event in London. These awards celebrate partners who have gone above and beyond to deliver best-in-class solutions, based on Veeam technology, to customers in an era when cyberattacks, outages, and natural disasters pose significant threats to business continuity. Vault365 was recognised for its expertise in delivering robust data protection and rapid disaster recovery services to businesses. Its team works closely with customers to safeguard critical data, ultimately enabling them to grow and innovate. Earlier this year, Vault365 announced that it had achieved Platinum Partnership status in the Veeam Cloud & Service Provider (VCSP) programme in Ireland and the UK - the highest Veeam partnership level. Alex Walsh, Channel, VCSP and Alliances Director UK & Ireland at Veeam, said: "Veeam's ProPartner Awards honours those partners that have gone one step beyond, delivering outstanding outcomes for our joint customers. The impact Vault365's work is having on the Irish market is a testament to the power of partnership and their contribution to Veeam's continued success. As a channel-first company, at Veeam, our partners are central to our success." Rob Norton, Chief Technology Officer, Vault365, said: "We are immensely proud to be awarded Ireland Partner of the Year at the prestigious Veeam UKI ProPartner Awards. It is an honour to be recognised among many of our industry peers. This award recognises the hard work and commitment of the entire Vault365 team who are dedicated to providing best-in-class data protection and recovery services for our customers. We look forward to continuing to build on our close partnership with Veeam to provide enhanced data resilience to businesses." See more stories here.

Dr Tapani Rinta-Kahila is Senior Lecturer of Business Information Systems at The University of Queensland and Esko Penttinen is an associate Professor at Aalto University School of Business. Dr Tapani Rinta-Kahila and Esko Penttinen worked collaboratively on the landmark study, "The Vicious Circles of Skill Erosion: A Case Study of Cognitive Automation" and they offer different perspectives on the issue of technology-driven skill erosion in the workforce. I caught up with them to find more about this. Tapani Rinta-Kahila and Esko Penttinen talk about their background, skillsets, their paper, context and more. More about Dr Tapani Rinta-Kahila and Esko Penttinen: Dr Tapani Rinta-Kahila is a Senior Lecturer of Business Information Systems and an ARC DECRA Fellow at The University of Queensland Business School. He holds a doctoral degree from Aalto University School of Business, where he wrote an award-winning dissertation on the decommissioning of organisational information systems. Esko Penttinen is Associate Professor (tenured) in Information Systems at Aalto University School of Business. Esko holds a D.Sc. in Information Systems Science and a M.Sc. in Economics from Helsinki School of Economics. Esko's research helps organisations understand the intricacies related to the implementation of various forms of artificial intelligence, harnessing its benefits and avoiding the pitfalls. Esko is an avid student of the interplay between humans and machines, curious to generate insights on how to coordinate work tasks efficiently between the two. See more podcasts here.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, has announced funding of over €3.5 million for 16 research projects under Research Ireland's COALESCE (Collaborative Alliances for Societal Challenges) 2025 programme. COALESCE supports excellent, interdisciplinary research that addresses national and global societal challenges by fostering collaboration between researchers and policymakers, civil society, and enterprise. Announcing the awards, Minister Lawless said: "Harnessing the power of research is key to tackling the most pressing challenges facing our society. These awards are not just about academic excellence - they are about delivering real, tangible benefits for people and communities. Whether it's supporting survivors of gender-based violence, driving climate action, or safeguarding our cultural heritage, these projects will make a meaningful difference. This is research with purpose, and I commend all the awardees for their dedication to the public good." Dr Diarmuid O'Brien, CEO of Research Ireland, commented: "The projects being announced today bring together diverse disciplines, communities, and policy partners to co-create knowledge that matters. We are proud to support projects that amplify underrepresented voices and tackle issues that are often overlooked. These research projects are advancing knowledge, sustainability, justice, and inclusion." Two of the projects are funded by Cuan: The Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) Agency, under a newly-launched strategic strand. Dr Stephanie O'Keeffe, Cuan CEO, stated: "Cuan is delighted to partner with Research Ireland to establish a new research funding strand for COALESCE 2025, dedicated to Domestic Sexual and Gender-Based Violence research. A key objective for Cuan is to strengthen the existing knowledge base and build an evidence-informed response to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, informed by the lived experience of victim-survivors. In this regard, the creation of this important research strand is of great significance to Cuan. "Given so many academic disciplines are of relevance to the study of domestic and sexual violence, Research Ireland's COALESCE funding strand provides a rich opportunity to support action and policy-oriented research, providing much-needed insights for policy makers and practitioners, and improving outcomes for victims and survivors." Funded projects include: Lived Realities: The first Irish study to explore the lived experiences of victim-survivors in sexual offence trials, aiming to inform future legal reforms (Dr Susan Leahy, University of Limerick) - funded by Cuan. Faith-Inclusive and Culturally Competent Responses to Domestic, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV): Addressing Systemic Barriers for Muslim Women in Ireland (FATIHA) (Prof. Roja Fazaeli, University of Galway) - funded by Cuan Canúint.ie: Developing a digital platform to preserve and share Ireland's regional Irish dialects through searchable audio archives (Dr Úna Bhreathnach and Prof. Tomás Ward, Dublin City University). AI and Dropout: Using AI to identify factors contributing to student dropout in STEM fields, aiming to inform national education policy (Dr Jason Power and Prof. David Tanner, University of Limerick). Bridging Landscapes: Co-creating climate resilience strategies with communities in Dingle and Balbriggan through a design justice approach (Dr Fiona Murphy and Prof. Fiona Regan, Dublin City University). Minimal Curation: Using energy-efficient digital tools to help communities ethically preserve and manage their own cultural materials (Dr James O'Sullivan, University College Cork, and Dr Susan Rea, Munster Technological University). RENOVATE healthcare: Evaluating the effectiveness of different treatments for depression to support affordable care tailored to the Irish health system (Prof. Frank Doyle and Dr Fiona Boland, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences). The ...

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has chosen the winning consortium that will lead EIT Water, the new Knowledge and Innovation Community in the Water, Marine and Maritime sectors and ecosystems. This marks a major step towards securing the continent's water future, and to deliver innovations that can respond to environmental, economic and social pressures of Europe's water systems. The EIT's tenth Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) will apply an integrated approach across freshwater, marine and maritime sectors and ecosystems to solve water-related challenges. EIT Water will support entrepreneurial education and skills development, innovation projects as well as business creation by connecting innovators, researchers, and educators to Europe's largest innovation network. EIT Water Launched Building on the EIT's proven model of powering innovation, talent, and entrepreneurship, this new KIC will contribute directly to the EU's priorities for a greener, more digital, and more resilient Europe - turning local potential into European impact. With an on-the-ground presence in all EU Member States, the EIT ensures that new technologies and innovative solutions are developed and rapidly deployed where they are needed most. The KIC will focus on the following areas: water scarcity, drought, and floods; marine and freshwater ecosystem degradation; the circular and sustainable blue economy. Meet the Winning Team Behind EIT Water The winning team, Allwaters consists of 50 partners from 24 countries, including leading industry partners, universities, research organisations, ports, non-governmental organisations, SMEs, amongst others. Independent experts reviewed the proposals, and the top teams presented to the EIT Governing Board before the final selection. Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, said: 'Water connects all parts of our society and economy - from food and energy to industry and biodiversity. With EIT Water, Europe is strengthening its ability to manage and protect this shared resource more sustainably and innovatively. This new community will play an important role in the implementation of the Water Resilience Strategy and the building of a water-smart economy in Europe. A water-smart economy that works for people, nature, and our competitiveness.' Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, said: 'A healthy ocean and resilient freshwater systems are two sides of the same coin. EIT Water will help us bridge the gap between blue and green innovation by empowering local communities, businesses, and researchers. Supporting the delivery of the European Ocean Pact, it will contribute to restoring ecosystems, protecting marine life and securing a sustainable future for Europe's water and maritime sectors.' Stefan Dobrev, Chairperson, EIT Governing Board said: 'We are proud to welcome EIT Water to the EIT Community, which will be a platform for collaborative innovation, bringing together business, research, and education with strong industry involvement to deliver real solutions for Europe's water challenges. By combining the EIT's proven innovation model with Europe's leading water experts and industries, we can turn today's pressing water crisis into an opportunity for sustainable growth, resilience, and global leadership.' Michelle Williams, Coordinator, Aarhus University (Allwaters consortium), said: "We are truly honoured to lead EIT Water and to help shape Europe's response to one of its most pressing challenges. Water is life - and safeguarding it requires innovation, collaboration, and commitment. Together with the EIT and our partners across Europe, we look forward to developing solutions that make our water systems more resilient, circular, and sustainable for generations to come." NEXT STEPS To facilitate EIT Water's establishment, the EIT will provide the KIC with a startup grant of up to €5 million ...

A new University of Oxford report finds a rapid switch to renewables could double energy-sector productivity in low-to-middle income economies within 25 years. In many countries, this would result in a GDP boost by mid-century of around 10%. "Opting for clean energy could be an economic boon for solar-rich countries such as Burundi, DR Congo and Mozambique," says Professor Sam Fankhauser, Interim Director of Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment. "For context, 10% of GDP is roughly the amount countries typically spend on public health. These productivity gains are unprecedented, and it could be the developing countries that benefit the most." The importance and benefits of a clean energy transition Renewable energy boosts productivity in two ways: more electricity is generated per dollar invested, with fewer losses (for example to heat) compared to fossil fuels, and renewable energy is cheaper - enabling households, businesses and industries to run for longer at lower cost. The report quantifies this gain over the next 25 years and finds that renewable energy productivity gains are much higher in the Global South, resulting in an important advantage in the growing net zero economy. Renewables could finally start to close the income gap between rich and poor countries, say the authors. The report, part of a three-year research programme funded by energy company SSE, also investigates how renewable energy investment has already boosted GDP in low and middle-income countries as compared to fossil fuels. Spending on renewables gets multiplied in the local economy much more than fossil fuels - along the supply chain and through local wages. The analysis shows that from 2017-2022 this has boosted the GDP of the 100 largest developing countries (excluding China) by a combined US$1.2 trillion - the equivalent of 2 to 5% of GDP for most nations. In COP30 host Brazil, renewable investments raised GDP by US$128 billion. However, the authors caution that the economic benefits of renewables do not automatically flow to host communities. Instead, deliberate benefit-sharing mechanisms such as community benefit funds and co-ownership are needed. The report concludes by emphasising the potential of distributed renewable energy for accessibility and inclusion. "The success of the renewable energy transition will depend not only on lower costs and higher productivity - both of which are now all but guaranteed - but on our collective ability to ensure that its benefits are fairly and widely shared, leaving no community behind," says Professor Fankhauser. Rhian Kelly, Chief Sustainability Officer at SSE, comments: "Meaningful consultation must sit at the heart of every approach to community engagement. The most successful models go well beyond minimum requirements, reflecting the priorities and context of local people. By sharing learnings, we can identify what works best - and ensure that dedicated community funds are transparent, flexible, truly responsive to local needs. In the UK and Ireland, these funds have already supported more than 12,000 projects. With clear policy frameworks - including minimum contribution thresholds and standardised benefit-sharing agreements - we can build on this success and deliver lasting benefits for communities." The report will be uploaded here: https://www.smithschool.ox.ac. uk/research/economics sustainability About the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment The Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment at the University of Oxford equips enterprise to achieve net zero emissions and the sustainable development goals, through world-leading research, teaching and partnerships. https://www.smithschool.ox.ac. uk/ See more breaking stories here.

Veonet Ireland has announced the introduction of DR.NOON AI Software by HeartEye Diagnostics - an AI-powered retinal screening system capable of detecting early signs of cardiovascular and diabetic vascular risk from a single, non-invasive eye retinal scan. At a time of high waiting lists for ophthalmology and cardiology, at 53,000 and 45,000 patients respectfully, DR.NOON offers a powerful preventive tool that can identify risk before symptoms appear. Built on clinically validated deep learning algorithms, DR.NOON AI software analyses subtle vascular patterns in the retina to uncover early indications of systemic disease, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and microvascular changes associated with diabetes. Retinal screening to detect eye disease It delivers instant, AI-driven reports that match the outperform traditional methods in five-year cardiovascular risk prediction. This will include actionable insights for patients, identifying key risk indicators with personalised recommendations for lifestyle modification and disease management. With World Diabetes Day approaching on 14 November, the timing could not be more relevant. Diabetes remains a leading cause of vision loss among working-age adults, yet early detection can prevent over 90% of diabetes-related blindness, as it enables faster referral, timely treatment, and improved long-term outcomes for patients. Regular visits to your optometrist and enrolling in the Diabetic Retinal Screening Programme are as important as attending your diabetic clinic appointments. This is due to the increased risk of glaucoma, cataract and diabetic eye disease as a result of a diabetes diagnosis. "Diabetes, heart disease and vision loss are deeply interconnected, yet often diagnosed too late," explains Dr. Farah Ibrahim, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Veonet Ireland. "DR.NOON AI software changes that landscape - predicting cardiovascular risk for patients through a simple eye scan. This is preventive care in action: faster insights, earlier intervention, and ultimately, fewer patients joining already overstretched waiting lists." To mark its Irish debut, DR.NOON will be showcased at Veonet Ireland's upcoming CPD-accredited event, The Future of Vision: Emerging Advancements in Diabetic Eye Disease, taking place in Cork this Thursday, 13 November. The session will bring together optometrists, nurses, pharmacists and ophthalmic technicians to explore developments in diabetes eye management & experience how AI-driven innovation can reshape multidisciplinary diabetic eye care. You can learn more about the event, and reserve your spot in person or online, here. About Veonet Ireland Part of Veonet, Europe's leading ophthalmology group, Veonet Ireland is dedicated to delivering world-class, affordable, and accessible specialist eye care across Ireland. Founded by renowned ophthalmologists who recognised the value of sharing expertise, networking, and best practices, Veonet continues to advance the quality of ophthalmic care for patients across Europe. Veonet Ireland provides a supportive and positive environment where specialists and staff can grow both personally and professionally. Being a clinically led organisation, it empowers ophthalmologists to shape services and procedures in line with the highest clinical standards. See more breaking 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, Linke...

Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber have launched their new high-tech gift card, a replacement to their paper vouchers which have generated millions of euros in sales since 2008. Over 100 businesses are registered so far to accept the new Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber Gift Card, including shops, eateries, salons, venues and services. Available as either a physical card - a prepaid Mastercard that is swiped at the till - or a digital e-card that is added to digital wallets enabling 'tap to pay' technology. The card is available to buy online or in person from the Dungarvan Tourist Information Office on Main Street and from Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber at The Courthouse, Dungarvan. Organisations benefit from a new corporate ordering site, with the ability to order cards in chosen denominations and quantities with secure delivery. Digital Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber Gift Cards can be sent to multiple employees on the organisation's chosen date or time. Businesses in Dungarvan and West Waterford are welcoming the arrival of the new card. Karen Stack from Dungarvan Golf Club said: "Dungarvan Golf Club has over 850 members and is the biggest golf club in the area. Many members would receive the paper vouchers as a Christmas gift or bonus from work, which they could put towards their membership and enjoy it for the whole year. It makes a golf membership accessible to a range of people. "I think the benefit of the new Dungarvan & West Waterford Gift Card is that it will be more user friendly for all. I like the fact that it's easy to check the balance on the card - unlike other gift cards like One4All. People can keep their physical Dungarvan & West Waterford Gift Card in their wallet or purse or the digital version in their digital wallet, and this will encourage spending. I think it's a fantastic initiative for the town and we're lucky to have it." Hospitality businesses including cafés, restaurants, pubs and bars also accept the card. Vincent Pettit from 360 Cookhouse commented: "Our business comprises a catering company, accommodation and our popular restaurant on Castle Street. The paper vouchers have been a huge success story in Dungarvan. We accept lots of gift cards and vouchers but people really prefer the local option. As a business that sees lots of summer trade, people often spend the vouchers they've had for Christmas in the first 3 months of the year and it makes a massive difference to our business, helping us stay open year round. "As a busy restaurant, the ease of redemption of the new Dungarvan & West Waterford Gift Card is critical for us, and will be far easier than the paper vouchers. The new card will also be more customer friendly as they can spend it across multiple outlets with the card balance automatically updated, so they're not losing out on change. This will spread the benefit of the initiative to more businesses in Dungarvan, bringing people through the door with money to spend that the business has the chance to convert into regular customers. The customer wins and the business wins." Helen Barron from Helen's Lingerie adds: "Our Chamber is amazing, they are always striving to develop new initiatives. The paper vouchers have been successful at keeping a huge volume of money in Dungarvan. I think the new Dungarvan & West Waterford Gift Card will be a very helpful development and will have great appeal to a wide range of people, including the younger generation. Whether people spend their card with me or another business, it's all money that is staying in the town, and we all benefit." Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber CEO, Jenny Beresford, said the upgrade to a physical and digital card builds on the success of the paper programme: "Moving away from paper to a card system is something businesses and consumers have requested for some time. Having the dual physical and digital aspect is vital because digital is how people are paying now and by moving with the times, we have a future pr...

Wholesale broadband operator SIRO has announced it is launching a bespoke broadband product created for developers building new homes across Ireland. SIRO's new product, OpenPort, will streamline the delivery of fibre broadband services to housing developments by instead providing a shared access broadband infrastructure on-site. This will avoid, as currently occurs, the costly overduplication of telecom infrastructures amongst multiple operators seeking to provide services to new housing estates. Under forthcoming regulations, the Gigabit Infrastructure Act, which will take effect in Ireland from February 2026, developers are required to provide a fibre broadband infrastructure on-site, which is accessible to multiple telecoms network operators. SIRO's new product, OpenPort, responds to this requirement by providing developers with a shared access fibre broadband service for their new developments, which will be compliant with these regulations. Currently, to enable multiple operators to serve a housing development, developers have been required to accommodate multiple broadband infrastructures on-site. The negative impact of this method of rolling out fibre broadband in new developments has been the unnecessary duplication of broadband infrastructure on-site. This can lead to not only excessive expenditure, but also the avoidable use of limited site space to facilitate these multiple infrastructures. With SIRO's OpenPort, developers will still be able to accommodate multiple fibre broadband operators on their developments, but with the advantage of using a single network infrastructure, substantially reducing the cost of deploying fibre broadband networks to new homes across the country. A developer moving to SIRO's OpenPort product will also enjoy environmental benefits by reducing the construction works needed to facilitate fibre broadband rollouts. For homeowners and tenants, they will continue to enjoy choice and competition by maintaining access to multiple telecoms retailers. SIRO has announced that its first OpenPort new development site will be at Monaleen in Limerick city. The development, known as The Orchard, is being constructed by one of Ireland's leading developers, Homeland, and will see 131 new homes constructed at the site. These homes are expected to have first occupancy by Spring 2026. With Homeland Group's The Orchard development, the first new development to adopt OpenPort, SIRO has confirmed that the product will be available to all developers from 2026 onwards. Commenting on OpenPort, SIRO CEO John Keaney said: "Delivering fast and future-proofed fibre broadband infrastructure and services to new homes is a small but essential part of the construction of new homes overall. A high-quality fibre-to-the-home broadband connection is now a non-negotiable for all homes, supporting how we now live and work. "Like all the component parts of developing new homes, rolling out fibre broadband infrastructure comes at a cost - environmental, financial, resource and time - to broadband operators, developers and consumers." "Initiatives, like OpenPort, which can streamline the delivery process, reduce the timelines, and maintain efficiency and effectiveness of building fibre broadband networks in new developments, are key. By reducing overduplication of broadband networks on new development sites, SIRO's OpenPort will also give back much-needed site space to developers and provide wider sustainability benefits. "SIRO is excited to bring this product to market for developers from next year. We have already had incredibly positive feedback from key stakeholders in the construction industry who understand the benefits it can offer," added Mr Keaney. Homeland Construction Director Mike Quaid added: "Homeland has worked with SIRO to deliver fibre broadband to our new homes across the country for several years now. The construction industry is constantly challenged to innovate, build more sustainably and efficiently, wh...

Keychain, the AI-powered manufacturing platform for the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, today announced a $10 million investment, including funding from W23 Global, the venture capital fund backed by five leading grocery retailers: Tesco, Ahold Delhaize, Woolworths Group, Empire Company Limited/Sobeys Inc., and Shoprite Group. The new funding supports the rollout of Keychain360, a next-generation supply chain and product management platform designed to help retailers develop and manage their private label brands more efficiently. Private label is becoming the fastest-growing segment in retail, yet product development has never been more complex. Consumers demand high-quality, affordable products, and retailers face mounting pressure to deliver them to market quickly. Keychain360 addresses these challenges head-on by unifying product design, sourcing, manufacturing, and compliance into one intelligent operating system. The result is faster launches, fewer bottlenecks, and stronger collaboration across supply chains. "With speed and transparency increasingly shaping the market, Keychain360 gives private label brands the advantage," said Oisin Hanrahan, CEO and Founder of Keychain. "Retailers can now manage their products end-to-end, innovate rapidly, and adapt to consumer preferences and regulatory changes, all within a single connected platform." Built specifically for retailers, Keychain360 delivers the same intelligence and precision that leading manufacturers rely on. By connecting every stage of the product lifecycle, it drives smarter decision-making and execution. A top-ten retailer recently used Keychain to launch more than 100 new products, reducing time-to-market by over two months and improving efficiency across its supplier network. "Keychain's AI-powered platform streamlines private label sourcing and enables retailers to bring quality private label products to customers faster and more efficiently," said Ingrid Maes, CEO and CIO of W23 Global. "As consumer expectations around health, sustainability, and value continue to rise, Keychain's solution helps retailers respond to these expectations effectively while ensuring compliance and product quality." The company has grown exponentially since launching less than two years ago, raising a $30 million Series B, expanding into Ireland and the UK, and introducing KeychainOS, its operating system for manufacturers. With the launch of this third product, Keychain is extending that innovation across the entire retail ecosystem, connecting brands, manufacturers, and retailers through one intelligent, AI-powered network. Today, Keychain's technology is used by eight of the top ten global retailers, plus 7-Eleven and Whole Foods, as well as seven of the top ten CPG brands, including General Mills. The platform now supports over 30,000 manufacturers and 20,000 brands and retailers, helping them bring new products to market faster and with greater precision. As adoption continues to grow, Keychain is defining the next generation of product creation, making it smarter, faster, and more connected than ever before. Interested brands, retailers, and manufacturers can apply to join at www.keychain.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.

Venture capital funding into Irish technology SMEs rose by 8% to €207.9m in the third quarter of 2025, compared to the same period last year, according to the Irish Venture Capital Association Venture Pulse survey, published today in association with William Fry. Funding for the nine months to end September fell by 10% to €853.4m from €945.3m the previous year. The total number of deals in the same period fell from 153 to 135. "Third quarter data provided some relief following a dismal second quarter this year when funding fell to €112.6m, its lowest in ten years," commented Caroline Gaynor, chairperson, Irish Venture Capital Association. "Hopefully, we are starting to see some confidence and stability return to the market, but it remains a challenging time for early-stage companies." She added that following the blow to investor confidence caused by the United States' April 2nd tariff shocks, international investors had started to return to the market. International VC investment into Irish SMEs rose to €146.7 m in the current quarter compared to €69.5m in the second quarter of this year. She said that bright spots in the overall data were deals in the €1m- €5m range, which accounted for 30 out of the 39 transactions in this quarter. Transactions in the €1-€3m category rose by 35% to €35.6m compared to the same time last year. Deals in the €3-€5m range increased by 18% to €34.7m. However, funding in the €10m-€30m category fell by two-thirds to €26m while €5-€10m deals dropped by 74% to €13.5m, compared to the same quarter last year. There was better news in the €30m+ category where medtech company, ProVerum raised €62m, and AI machine learning firm, Nory raised €34m. Sarah-Jane Larkin, director general, IVCA, said that while there was some healthy activity, gaps remained in the third quarter, particularly in seed funding and transactions under €1m, both of which disappointed. Seed or first rounds fell by 30% to €23.4m from €33.5m, compared to the same quarter last year. Seed funding for the first nine months was down 31% to €88.3m from €127.2m last year. Despite this shortfall, the IVCA director general said: "The process for deploying the Government's €250m Enterprise Ireland Seed and Venture Capital Scheme 2025-29 is well underway. We are optimistic that the environment for very early stage Irish companies seeking first round funding will pick up in the first half of next year." Lifesciences was the most successful sector to date this year, raising funds of €361.6m or 42% of the total in the first nine months. This was followed by Cybersecurity at €136.3m (16%); AI and machine learning €97m (11%); Fintech €92.2m (11%) and Software €66.2m (8%). 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.

Sustainability continues to rank highly on the agenda of Irish businesses in spite of geopolitical uncertainty, economic headwinds and a shifting regulatory landscape according to EY Ireland's latest State of Sustainability report. The research, which was conducted with 200 senior sustainability leaders, decision-makers across Ireland, is being released as COP30 continues in Belem, Brazil. It finds that over six in ten (62%) of organisations say they have assigned responsibility for sustainability at C-suite level, up from 53% last year, with almost one in five (17%) reporting that CEOs have responsibility for sustainability. Just under three-quarters (73%) said that environmental and social considerations were now embedded in how business priorities are set, via alignment between business and sustainability strategy, while almost seven in ten (69%) said these factors are used to assess organisational performance. However, while organisations are setting ambitious Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) targets, delivery confidence varies. While 37% of organisations report having a net zero goal, just one in four (26%) express strong confidence in achieving these targets, underscoring the gap between ambition and delivery that many organisations globally are grappling with. Interestingly, community impact (81%) ranked as the most important sustainability area of strategic focus for businesses surveyed, followed by climate risk (74%) and water stewardship (73%). The research also finds that geopolitical developments, including the EU 'Omnibus' regulatory changes, U.S. policy shifts and wider geopolitical uncertainty, have influenced the vast majority (80%) of businesses' sustainability strategies. This shift is particularly evident in areas such as supply chain risk, regulatory compliance and stakeholder engagement. Derarca Dennis, EY Ireland Partner and Sustainability Services Lead, said: "Despite the rapidly shifting geopolitical and regulatory landscape over the past year, it's encouraging to see Irish organisations continue to move forward on responsible growth and to prioritise sustainability. The increase in C-suite ownership is particularly noticeable, as it shows that leadership teams are taking this work seriously and building it into how they operate and assess performance, a sign that sustainability is becoming integral to how success is defined. "However, and while no means unique to businesses in Ireland, there is a clear gap emerging between ambition and delivery, pointing to the very real challenges in meeting climate commitments, especially in such an uncertain global landscape. These findings echo the sentiment from COP30, where global leaders are emphasising the need for continued commitment and strategic clarity. This reinforces the need for long-term thinking, embedding sustainability right across business operations, harnessing emerging technologies and staying the sustainability course." Sectoral differences are evident The research shows that sectoral differences are becoming more pronounced as organisations increasingly tailor their sustainability strategies to specific operational realities and regulatory exposure. For example, energy and utilities are focusing on emissions tracking and infrastructure planning, whereas the retail sector is prioritising supply chain due diligence and packaging regulation. Across all sectors, technology adoption is progressing, but maturity varies. While 54% have tools to gather supply chain information for compliance, integration levels differ. These systems are helping organisations respond to regulatory change, assess ESG performance and strengthen reporting infrastructure. However, many are still building the internal capability needed to fully leverage them. Sean Casey, EY Ireland Partner and Head of Energy, said "In the energy and utilities sectors, sustainability remains at the top of the agenda, driven through the lens of climate risk, emissions reduction and...

Pure Telecom, Ireland's high-speed broadband and telecoms provider, has announced new results from its annual Connected Lives survey which reveal that almost a third (32%) of adults in Ireland have shared misinformation online before realising it was false. The growing issue of misinformation has led 87% of adults in Ireland to believe that it is now a serious problem facing modern society. The nationally representative survey of 1,001 adults in Ireland was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Pure Telecom. It explores the role of misinformation in our everyday lives and how it shapes our experiences online. In total, almost half (46%) of adults in Ireland admit that misinformation has influenced their opinions or beliefs in the past. Two-thirds (69%) report that they have seen information online that they initially believed to be true, only to later realise that they had been misled. A similar proportion (65%) have observed misinformation being spread online by people they know. The research identifies AI as a contributing challenge in the era of misinformation. The majority of adults (81%) believe that AI-generated content, which includes the use of deepfakes, makes it harder to distinguish between 'real' and 'fake' news. Despite this, 56% say they can easily spot misinformation online and 72% are confident in their ability to fact check online news articles. But adults in Ireland also believe that social media companies must bear some of the responsibility, with 87% saying social media platforms should do more to prevent the spread of misinformation. The proliferation of misinformation online has led more than a third (37%) of adults to report that they don't trust mainstream online news sources to provide accurate information. The research found that one in 10 now turn to alternative news websites as one of their main sources of news. The most popular way adults in Ireland prefer to receive their news is on TV (46%). This is followed by social media (45%) and radio (35%). Most (79%) said Irish media is a top source for their news media, while 38% cited UK media and 34% cited US media. Paul Connell, CEO, Pure Telecom said: "While the majority of adults believe they can quickly identify misinformation, over-confidence could prove to be a person's greatest weakness. As misinformation becomes a defining challenge of our connected age, we must all apply a healthy degree of scepticism to what we see online to ensure we continue to reap the benefits of the online world. "The internet remains an incredible force for good, connecting communities, enabling learning, and driving innovation. As a provider that keeps people connected, Pure Telecom is passionate about bringing the value of the online world to people, households and businesses across Ireland." 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.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, TD, has announced €34.5 million in funding to support 39 cutting-edge research projects. Announcing the awards, Minister Lawless said: "We are investing in cutting-edge, curiosity-driven research, and empowering individual researchers to progress bold ideas that can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. These awards demonstrate our dedication to building a diverse and inclusive research community that delivers impact for our society and economy. I look forward to seeing the development and outputs of these projects over the coming years." Dr Diarmuid O'Brien, CEO of Research Ireland, commented: "Research Ireland's Frontiers for the Future Programme has, at its core, the exploration of high-risk, high-reward ideas, and the building of collaborative teams that produce excellent research. We are proud to be partnering with Children's Health Foundation, Breakthrough Cancer Research, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, and supporting 66 PhD students, 47 postdoctoral researchers, and 13 other research positions." This year's Frontiers for the Future Programme was co-funded by Children's Health Foundation, Breakthrough Cancer Research, and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, who collectively contributed €2.8 million to the programme. Fionnuala O Leary, CEO, Children's Health Foundation, commented: "Children's Health Foundation is extremely proud to support the Frontiers for the Future Programme which empowers researchers to pursue innovative ideas which have the potential to transform outcomes for sick children. None of this can be achieved without the incredible generosity of the Foundation's supporters who trust us to invest in the next generation of scientific discovery and helping to drive meaningful, lasting impact for sick children". Orla Dolan, CEO of Breakthrough Cancer Research said, "Breakthrough Cancer Research focuses our research investment on the lowest survival cancers because we urgently need smarter, kinder, and more effective treatments to improve survival. We are thrilled to partner with Research Ireland to support bold, creative new ideas and researchers to meet the urgent needs of people diagnosed with these very challenging cancers - to deliver impact where it's needed most." "SEAI is proud to continue our partnership with Research Ireland as we know that investing in cutting-edge research is essential to delivering the technologies and systems that will underpin Ireland's clean energy transition" said Kerrie Sheehan, Head of Research, Innovation and Electricity at SEAI. "We're delighted to co-fund two projects focusing on energy storage and an award for offshore energy data collection through the Frontiers for the Future Programme, that will support emerging energy technologies to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy." Highlights of this year's funded research include: Projects: Developing new materials to create longer-lasting, more sustainable batteries as alternatives to current lithium-ion technology, co-funded by SEAI (Prof. Hugh Geaney, University of Limerick). Designing a biodegradable 3D-printed stent material to help heal spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis (Dr Ciara Murphy, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences). [Photo attached] Building computer models that better predict long-term outcomes for babies affected by birth-related oxygen loss (Prof. Brian Walsh and Prof. Deirdre Murray, University College Cork). Awards: Exploring Irish ecosystems to discover novel yeast species with potential for use in food, biofuels, and biotechnology (Prof. Geraldine Butler, University College Dublin). Developing safer, low-cost alternatives to precious metal catalysts to convert ammonia into useful chemicals for medicines, agriculture, and industry (Dr Daniela Bezuidenhout, Maynooth University). Explore how early-life memories are lost and how this process differs in autism and be...

Panama City, Panama - 29th October to 1st November - Team Ireland has achieved an outstanding result at the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge, placing 8th in the world, the highest ever finish for Ireland. The event, held this year in Panama City, brought together the brightest young minds in robotics, engineering, and innovation to tackle real-world problems through technology and teamwork. The FIRST Global Challenge is an international robotics competition that aims to inspire science and technology leadership and innovation among youth worldwide. Each year, FIRST Global invites every country to send a team to design and build a robot to compete. Teams collaborate to complete challenges in a game designed around solving some of the world's biggest issues. This year's theme focuses on biodiversity loss and the ways we can work to prevent it. The competition aims to inspire global cooperation and understanding among young people as they use their skills and creativity to tackle real-world problems. FIRST Global Challenge Robotics Competition 2025 Representing Ireland, the team demonstrated exceptional creativity, technical skill, and collaboration throughout the competition. The 8th place finish, Ireland's highest ever ranking, was accompanied by 2 further awards, The Video storytelling award, and The Social Media award. This high finish allowed them to advance onto the play-off stage of the competition, where only teams of the highest quality compete. For each match, teams were grouped into alliances of 3 V 3 with alliances changing for every match. It was a test of technology and problem solving, communication across language barriers, and the ability to form new strategies each time. Although all countries started with the same kit, each resulting robot was unique - every country's robot had its own strengths and weaknesses and this required students to collaborate continuously and adapt their strategy as they were allied with country after country - in order to optimise their success in every match. "We're incredibly proud of Team Ireland's success on the world stage," said mentor Pawel Zielinski. "This achievement reflects the team's dedication, creativity, and collaboration over the past few months. It showcases the remarkable talent of young people in Ireland and offers great optimism for the future and what they can achieve." The competition not only highlighted Ireland's growing talent in robotics and engineering but also emphasized the importance of international collaboration and STEM education for solving future challenges. More info about FIRST Global and the World Robotics Competition: FIRST Global is a US charity founded by inventor and innovator Dean Kamen and it strives to convince the various national governments and organizations of the world to embrace STEM education, invest in FIRST programs, and support their young adults. The aim is to nurture cross-cultural communication and cooperation among high-school students around the world through STEM. In doing so students are empowered to collectively tackle the world's most pressing challenges and come up with solutions that improve quality of life for all. The FIRST Global Challenge is the mechanism for doing so. By bringing future STEM leaders together in an engaging and collaborative competition that drives home the importance, excitement, and applicability of STEM education, FIRST Global is using robots and technology challenges to build young adults that have the self-confidence, skill sets, imagination, courage, and vision to do important things. This year's theme challenged FIRST Global teams of students from around the world to collaboratively innovate to maximize biodiversity and protect the incredible variety of life that sustains us all. From rainforests to coral reefs, the health of us and our planet depends on it! The FIRST Global Robotics Challenge: An Olympic-style, international robotics competition that takes place in a different country each yea...

TechTides, one of the region's most anticipated Technology Conferences, has exceeded all expectations ahead of its upcoming event taking place next Tuesday, 18th November. Originally launched with a target of 350 attendees, the conference has already attracted more than 600 registered participants, marking significant momentum for its inaugural event. TechTides Conference 18th November TechTides brings together innovators, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and technology enthusiasts for a full day of forward-thinking conversations, networking, and insight into emerging trends across the tech ecosystem. The overwhelmingly positive response highlights the growing demand for collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the tech community. "We are absolutely thrilled by the support and excitement we've seen for TechTides," said Alastair Cameron, TechTides Founder. "Reaching 600 plus registrations before event day is a huge milestone for us and a testament to the strength and enthusiasm of the tech community. We can't wait to bring everyone together next Tuesday at the Millennium Forum in Derry for a truly impactful experience" Attendees can expect thought-provoking speaker sessions, industry-focused panels, interactive discussions, and valuable networking opportunities designed to drive innovation and collaboration. With limited time remaining before doors open, anticipation is at an all-time high for what promises to be one of the most dynamic tech gatherings of the year. Event Details: Date: Next Tuesday, 18th November Website: https://techtides.co For press inquiries, speaker information, or partnerships, please contact: alastair@techtides.co 07855833121 About TechTides TechTides is a forward-looking technology conference bringing together innovators, technologists, and visionaries to explore emerging trends, spark collaboration, and shape the future of the industry. It is also the first Major Tech Conference to take place in Derry~Londonderry in over a decade. See more breaking 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.

Canada and the United States were once inseparable; not just neighbors, but partners who built a life together. We shared dreams, intertwined economies, and a deep cultural kinship rooted in democracy, fairness, and mutual respect. For generations, we finished each other's sentences in diplomatic halls, mourned the same tragedies, and believed without question that this bond was unbreakable. But something fundamental has shattered. This isn't a policy disagreement or temporary friction. This is the slow, agonizing collapse of a relationship we thought would last forever. Like a marriage that dies through a thousand small betrayals, the bond between Canada and the US is coming undone; and we're left making excuses for behavior we'd never tolerate from anyone else. The partner we thought we knew has become unrecognizable. Where there was reliability, there's chaos. Where there was trust, there's abuse. The country that once championed freedom now rolls back rights, worships division, and follows an orange demagogue into authoritarian fever dreams. And what's most infuriating? Our own prime minister seems paralyzed, unable or unwilling to stand up to this bully who slaps tariffs on our steel, insults our sovereignty, and treats us like a subordinate rather than an equal. We watch, humiliated, as our leader offers polite objections while our neighbor dismantles everything the relationship once stood for. We've tried to wait it out, to believe this is temporary. But as the US spirals deeper into MAGA madness, we're forced to confront an unbearable truth: the America we appreciated may be gone, and our leadership lacks the spine to acknowledge it. The time has come to stop pretending and start asking the hard questions: What does it mean to stand beside someone who no longer shares your values? And where does Canada go when both our neighbor and our own government refuse to face reality? Watching Democracy Rot The transformation of the United States feels both surreal and tragic, a nation that once stood as a beacon of democracy now teetering on the edge of paranoia. For Canadians, who once saw America as the guardian of liberty, the sight is both shocking and heartbreaking. The Make America Great Again movement has morphed into an ideology that feeds on fear, resentment, and conspiracy. What began as populist rhetoric has evolved into a quasi-religious crusade against truth itself. The rise of nationalist militias, the erosion of institutional trust, and the glorification of "strongman politics" have left the United States barely recognizable to its friends and allies. President Trump's administration didn't just disrupt norms, it dismantled them. Civil rights, once thought untouchable, were rolled back with alarming speed. Access to abortion, LGBTQ+ protections, and voting rights have all been targeted under a banner of "freedom" that feels anything but liberating. The deployment of troops to US cities during protests, the tear-gassing of journalists, and the intimidation of voters blurred the line between law enforcement and authoritarianism. Culturally, the freefall has been just as steep. Conspiracy theories now drive mainstream policy debates, from election denialism to anti-science movements. And this leaves Canada and the world wondering how a democracy so powerful could become so fragile. Schools in several states are banning books, whitewashing history, and treating education as a threat. Online hate speech, political violence, and attacks on minorities are now met with shrugs rather than outrage. Americans are dismantling the very institutions that once made their country admired. For Canadians, it feels like watching an older brother destroy the house you both grew up in each brick of reason, tolerance, and decency torn down in the name of "greatness." Tariffs, Trade Wars, and Trust Lost But the betrayal wasn't just ideological. When a partner turns on you emotionally, they usually come for your wallet next. In 2018, ...

The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) and the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) have signed a new cooperation agreement, marking the start of closer collaboration between the two countries as national standards bodies. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthen the role of standards in supporting innovation, sustainable growth and trusted trade. Standards provide the common rules that allow technologies to scale, supply chains to function smoothly and businesses to access new markets with confidence. This cooperation builds a bridge between Canada and Ireland's standards systems, ensuring that both countries can share expertise, align on priorities and increase their influence internationally. The new partnership between Canada's national standards body and Ireland's national standards body also opens the door for collaboration in key areas such as digital technologies, sustainability and infrastructure resilience. For businesses, it means greater predictability, fewer duplicative steps and stronger confidence that Canadian and Irish standards will support competitiveness at home and abroad. Geraldine Larkin, Chief Executive Officer, National Standards Authority of Ireland said: "At the heart of the global standardisation system is the principle of working together. This agreement between the NSAI and SCC demonstrates the power of global partnership. By working together, we can better align on emerging priorities, strengthen international cooperation and ensure that standards continue to drive innovation and sustainable growth in both Ireland and Canada." Chantal Guay, Chief Executive Officer, Standards Council of Canada added: "Standards create the trust that underpins innovation and trade. By launching this cooperation with NSAI, we are reinforcing Canada and Ireland's leadership in shaping international standards that support growth, open markets and give businesses the confidence to compete globally." Developed through collaboration and consensus-driven approaches, standards embed resilience into products and services, making them safer, more trustworthy, more sustainable and more adaptable. In addition to developing standards at national and regional level, the SCC and NSAI help ensure that technical experts from both Canada and Ireland contribute to developing ISO and IEC International Standards. See more stories here.

Ireland has emerged as a global leader in the AI era, ranking fourth worldwide for AI diffusion (adoption and usage) according to Microsoft's latest AI Diffusion Report. This achievement reflects Ireland's strong digital infrastructure, skilled workforce, and commitment to innovation, placing Ireland alongside nations like Singapore, the UAE, and Norway in shaping the future of technology. Globally, AI is spreading at an unprecedented pace. The report reveals that 1.2 billion people have used AI tools in under three years, making AI the fastest-adopted technology in history, outpacing the internet, personal computers, and smartphones. For Ireland, this rapid uptake signals a thriving ecosystem where businesses and individuals are embracing AI to boost productivity, creativity, and competitiveness. Recent research from Trinity College Dublin, in partnership with Microsoft Ireland, reinforces this trajectory. The AI Economy Index 2025 predicts that AI could add €250 billion to Ireland's economy by 2035, with 91% of organisations already using AI - nearly double 2024's figure. However, the study highlights the need for inclusive skilling and governance to ensure SMEs and the public sector keep pace. Insights from Microsoft's Ireland Work Trend Index 2025 further underline AI's transformative role in the workplace. Adoption is up 27% year-on-year, with 54% of workers believing AI skills broaden career opportunities and 41% saying AI helps them work smarter. Yet, access and training gaps remain, making employer-led skilling critical to unlocking AI's full potential. As AI becomes a general-purpose technology, Ireland's position shows what's possible when innovation meets investment. The challenge now is ensuring responsible and inclusive adoption so every organisation and worker can share in the benefits. To fully participate in an AI-driven economy, people need the digital skills and technical proficiencies to use AI tools productively and responsibly. Without this foundation, AI risks becoming a technology that only a segment of society can leverage, deepening inequality rather than broadening opportunity. Catherine Doyle, General Manager, Microsoft Ireland, commented; "I'm delighted to share that Ireland ranks 4th globally for AI diffusion - a testament to the creativity, ambition, and collaboration happening across the country. The AI Diffusion Report, published by Microsoft's AI for Good Lab, reveals that Ireland stands out as a global leader, behind only Singapore, the UAE, and Norway. This achievement reflects the strength of our digital infrastructure, our skilled talent base, and our national commitment to innovation. Ireland's position shows what's possible when innovation is matched with investment. As AI becomes a general-purpose technology, our focus must remain on inclusive access and responsible deployment to ensure its benefits are shared by all." Note: Ranking is adjusted for population size (per capita basis) to ensure fair comparison between countries. Read the full AI Diffusion Report here. See more stories here.

It used to be simple. Forex ruled weekdays, crypto ruled weekends. But these days, the two are blending fast. Traders now jump between both worlds: reading macro headlines for clues on Bitcoin, and using crypto charts to fine-tune timing in traditional currencies. The New 24/7 Mindset Forex has always been structured. Markets open Monday in Sydney, close Friday in New York, and everyone gets a break. Crypto doesn't. It runs every hour, every day, meaning opportunity and risk are always alive somewhere. The traders who adapt best learn to handle both speeds. They bring forex discipline to crypto's chaos and crypto's flexibility to forex's predictability. That's what makes the combination powerful. Two Markets, Same Emotions On paper, the differences are clear: Factor Forex Crypto Trading hours 24 hours, 5 days 24/7 Regulation Highly structured Still maturing Drivers Central banks, inflation, policy Supply, adoption, sentiment Volatility Moderate Extreme But beneath those differences, the same story plays out: price moves on emotion. Confidence builds, fear returns, markets overreact, and human behaviour draws the chart. Whether you're watching GBP/USD or Bitcoin/USDT, it's still the same psychology unfolding in real time. When Macro News Hits Both Macroeconomic reports used to matter only to traditional traders. Not anymore. Crypto responds to the same signals that drive forex: Inflation numbers - Hotter data makes rate hikes more likely, pushing investors into defensive mode. Interest-rate changes - When borrowing gets cheaper, traders pile back into risk assets, including crypto. Employment figures - Strong data supports growth; weak data brings fear. The overlap has become obvious. Watch how Bitcoin reacts to a surprise rate decision or a shock jobs report. It moves with the dollar now, not against it. That's why experienced traders use macro calendars as much for Ethereum as for the euro. Why 24/7 Markets Change Everything When forex closes for the weekend, crypto keeps going. That single fact rewires trading rhythm completely. Here's what that means in practice: Price can gap on Monday because crypto traded through the weekend. News released late Friday still moves digital assets instantly. Strategies built for weekdays alone can miss entire swings. The solution is to plan smarter. Use alerts, automate parts of your setup, and let the market come to you instead of chasing every candle. The Value of Structure in Chaos Forex traders entering crypto often find it wild at first. But their background gives them a quiet edge: they're already trained to think in probabilities, to use stop-losses, and to measure position size properly. Those habits protect them when crypto volatility spikes. Meanwhile, crypto traders who step into forex bring something valuable too: they're fearless, quick to adapt, and comfortable making decisions without perfect information. Blending those strengths creates the kind of discipline most traders only develop after years of mistakes. Why Broker Choice Still Matters It's easy to get caught up in strategy and forget the basics: execution quality, order reliability, and security. That's where working with a regulated forex broker makes all the difference. Tight spreads and consistent pricing mean your analysis actually matches what happens in the market. It's also peace of mind: your funds sit under proper oversight, not floating in a grey zone. Hybrid traders often keep their forex and crypto exposure in separate accounts, but both benefit from the same rule: good execution beats clever theory. Practise Before You Mix Markets Before running strategies across forex and crypto, test how they behave under real market pressure. A demo account for trading lets you do exactly that without financial risk. You can try switching between asset types, simulate weekend moves, or see how macro data affects crypto pairs. It's the fastest way to understand timing differences and spot where you might be stretched ...

Clio, the global leader in legal AI technology, today announced the opening of its new Dublin office at Two Dockland Central, marking a major milestone in the company's decade-long presence in Ireland. The new space reflects Clio's ongoing investment in Ireland's technology ecosystem and reinforces Dublin's role as a cornerstone of Clio's global operations. Over the next year, Clio plans to expand its Dublin team from 60 to more than 100 employees, adding new roles across research and development, AI innovation, and go-to-market functions. "Clio has proudly called Dublin home for more than ten years," said Sarah Murphy, General Manager, International at Clio. "Our growth here is a direct reflection of the incredible talent and culture that define our Dublin team. We have scaled substantially over the years and built an environment of collaboration, creativity, and purpose that continues to shape the future of Clio and advance our mission to transform the legal experience for all." "EMEA is one of our fastest growing regions globally," added Ronnie Gurion, Chief Operating Officer at Clio. "Law firms of every size, from small practices to large international firms, are choosing Clio as their technology partner. Our expansion in Dublin strengthens our ability to serve this rapidly growing customer base while investing in the innovation and people that power our platform." A Growing Presence in Ireland Since opening its Dublin office in 2013, Clio has grown from a small local team into one of Ireland's most dynamic technology employers. The office now serves as Clio's UK and European headquarters, housing teams across engineering, product development, customer success, and marketing. Over the past decade, the Dublin team has helped shape Clio's global product strategy and driven advances in AI and legal technology now used by more than 400,000 legal professionals in over 130 countries. Clio's growth in Ireland has been recognised through its Great Place to Work certification and continued expansion in both scope and scale. Ireland's rich tech talent and culture of innovation have been key to this success. Clio continues to hire across high-value disciplines, including AI research, product design, and customer engagement, embedding its presence even deeper in Ireland's thriving tech community. Celebrating a New Chapter To mark the occasion, Clio will host an official opening event on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at its new Dublin headquarters. The event will bring together Clio's leadership, local partners, and members of Ireland's tech and legal communities for an afternoon of connection and celebration. Minister Peter Burke, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment: ''Clio's continued investment in Ireland and the creation of over 40 new jobs in Dublin over the next year is a strong endorsement of our thriving technology sector and skilled workforce. This growth not only strengthens Ireland's position as a global hub for technology but also reflects the collaborative spirit that makes our country an ideal home for innovation. I thank Clio for their continued investment in Ireland and wish all the team the best for the future.'' "Clio's expansion reinforces Ireland's position as a leading destination for global technology and innovation," said Michael Lohan, CEO, at IDA Ireland. "Their continued investment highlights the strength of our talent and the collaborative ecosystem that drives companies to grow here." Clio's Dublin headquarters reflects a long-term commitment to Ireland and the company's confidence in the country's role as a global hub for innovation. The expansion builds on years of growth and collaboration, serving as both a space for continued innovation and a symbol of Clio's connection to Ireland's vibrant tech and legal communities. About Clio Clio is the global leader in legal AI technology, empowering legal professionals and law firms of every size to work smarter, faster, and m...

The Ireland Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI) has announced the winners of this year's PMI National Project Awards, in association with PwC. Among the winners was Lidl for its first net zero energy supermarket in Ireland. The annual awards recognise the contribution and excellence of project management in Ireland, showcasing the best innovation and talent in the profession. This year, 10 awards were presented at the black-tie event hosted at PwC's Dublin office on Thursday 6 November. From a workforce management transformation project in the retail sector to a telehealth programme, the event celebrated a variety of projects across numerous industries and demonstrates the growing influence and success of project management in Ireland. Lidl was celebrated in the special "Future of Work Excellence" category for Ireland's first net zero energy supermarket. Based in Maynooth, the store is net zero in both operational and embodied carbon. Furthermore, the supermarket's design promotes wellbeing and productivity among employees by incorporating natural light, landscaped surroundings and low noise systems. Electric vehicle chargers, bike racks, and e-bike stations have also been installed to promote sustainable commuting. Other organisations that were successful on the night included Primark, ESB and the HSE. Individuals were also celebrated, including three under-35 changemakers. These were Rachel Bothwell of GP Practice Ally, Sainath Vasantha of Deloitte, and David Garry of KSN Project Management. The full list of winners for 2025, chosen by an independent judging panel, can be found below. PMO of the Year - National Broadband Ireland. Project Professional of the Year - Niamh McAuliffe, NMA Consulting Ltd. Private Sector Project of the Year - Primark: Workforce management transformation "myTime". Public Sector Project of the Year - ESB: PI Vision: Unlocking data, empowering decisions, transforming ESB. Project Management for Social GoodP- AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Ltd: Nanobubble technology lifecycle project. Under-35 Changemakers of the Year - Rachel Bothwell (GP Practice Ally), David Garry (KSN Project Management), and Sainath Vasantha (Deloitte). eHealth Project of the Year - HSE: Community and primary care telehealth programme. Special category: "Future of Work Excellence" - Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland: Lidl Zero Maynooth Store. Special category: "2025 awards submission most compliant with the 17 x UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" - AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Ltd: Nanobubble technology lifecycle project. Ireland Chapter of the PMI Volunteer of the Year - Mariana Zanivan. Speaking about the awards, Peter Glynne, President of the Ireland Chapter of the PMI, said: "The project profession in Ireland seems to go from strength to strength every year. This year was no different, with the quality and creativity of projects pushing the boundaries in terms of ambition and innovation. Not only that but these initiatives and individuals are driving real impact both within organisations and for society as a whole." John Dwyer, Partner in PwC Ireland, added: "As the landscape of business and work continues to evolve, project professionals are at the forefront, driving innovation and technology-led transformation across Irish and international organisations to prepare for the future. Both the Ireland Chapter of the PMI and PwC are deeply committed to the transformation agenda, and we at PwC are delighted to again be the headline sponsor of the Awards this year and support two specific awards - the Future of Work Excellence Award and the eHealth Project of the Year. "This sponsorship highlights our dedication to advancing project management through a complex and fast-changing environment with resilience and optimism, to ensure that we are fit for the future. We commend each and every one of the finalists and a huge congratulations to the winners." See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech...

Guest article by Paul Dongha . Co-author of Governing the Machine: How to navigate the risks of AI and unlock its true potential. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has moved beyond the realm of IT, it is now the defining strategic challenge for every modern organisation. The global rush to adopt AI is shifting from a sprint for innovation to a race for survival. Yet as businesses scramble to deploy powerful systems, from predictive analytics to generative AI, they risk unleashing a wave of unintended consequences that could cripple them. That warning sits at the heart of Governing the Machine: How to navigate the risks of AI and unlock its true potential, a timely new guide for business leaders. Governing the Machine The authors, Dr Paul Dongha, Ray Eitel-Porter, and Miriam Vogel, argue that the drive to embrace AI must be matched by an equally urgent determination to govern it. Drawing on extensive experience advising global boardrooms, they cut through technical jargon to focus on the organisational realities of AI risk. Their step-by-step approach shows how companies can build responsible AI capability, adopting new systems effectively without waiting for perfect regulation or fully mature technology. That wait-and-see strategy, they warn, is a losing one: delay risks irrelevance, while reckless deployment invites legal and reputational harm. The evidence is already visible in a growing list of AI failures, from discriminatory algorithms in public services to generative models fabricating news or infringing intellectual property. These are not abstract technical flaws but concrete business risks with real-world consequences. Whose problem is it anyway? According to the authors, it is everyone's. The book forcefully argues that AI governance cannot be siloed within the technology department. It demands a cross-enterprise approach, requiring active leadership driven from the C-suite, Legal counsel, Human Resources, Privacy and Information Security teams as well as frontline staff alike. Rather than just sounding the alarm, the book provides a practical framework for action. It guides readers through the steps of building a robust AI governance programme. This includes defining clear principles and policies, establishing accountability, and implementing crucial checkpoints. A core part of this framework is a clear-eyed look at the nine key risks organisations must manage: accuracy, fairness and bias, explainability, accountability, privacy, security, intellectual property, safety, and the impact on the workforce and environment. Each risk area is explained, and numerous controls that mitigate and manage these risks are listed with ample references to allow the interested reader to follow-up. Organisations should carefully consider implementing a Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC) system, which brings together all key aspects of AI governance. GRC systems are available, both from large tech companies and from specialist vendors. A GRC system ties together all key components of AI governance, providing management with a single view of their deployed AI systems, and a window into all stages of AI governance for systems under development. The book is populated with numerous case studies and interviews with senior executives from some of the largest and well-known origanisations in the world that are grappling with AI risk management. The authors also navigate the complex and rapidly evolving global regulatory landscape. With the European Union implementing its comprehensive AI Act and the United States advancing a fragmented patchwork of state and federal rules, a strong, adaptable internal governance system is presented as the only viable path forward. The EU AI Act, which has now come into force, with staggered compliance deadlines in the coming two years, requires all organisations that operate within the EU, to implement risk mitigation controls with evidence of compliance. A key date is August 2nd 2026, by which time all 'Hig...

Retailers don't have to wait for electric vehicles to cut emissions, operational efficiency can make a difference today. Black Friday keeps getting bigger every year. In the US alone, online sales will pass $10 billion over the weekend. Millions of parcels hit the roads, releasing millions of tonnes of CO in just a few days. And Ireland is no exception. The average Irish consumer is expected to spend €329 over the Black Friday period, with 63% of sales taking place online. That means a surge in home deliveries right across the country and a sharp rise in vehicle emissions as vans race to meet tight delivery windows (PWC). Sustainability strategies for Black Friday Some of the larger retailers are trying to get greener, but their plans are far off. IKEA has targets for electric deliveries by 2028, while Amazon and Currys aim for net zero by 2040. These goals are important, but they take time. Charging infrastructure, vehicle supply, and range limitations mean electric fleets cannot scale overnight. "The problem is that everyone's waiting for the future to fix the present," says David Walsh, CEO of SmartRoutes. "If retailers focused on using what they already have more efficiently, they could cut a fifth of delivery emissions almost overnight." Smarter planning can make a big difference. By consolidating stops, reducing duplicated routes, and grouping orders efficiently, retailers can reduce total distance driven by 15 to 20 percent. Over a peak week like Black Friday, that is the equivalent of taking more than 300,000 cars off the road. "The final mile is where a lot of the waste happens," Walsh adds. "You'll see two vans from the same retailer passing each other on the same street. That is completely avoidable." Consumers are also making more sustainable choices. Many choose to group deliveries if it means fewer trips. That creates pressure for retailers to reduce delivery emissions, not just focus on packaging or product sustainability. There is also a clear business case. Every mile avoided saves fuel and time. For large retailers, the savings can be significant, while still meeting customer expectations. Black Friday is the busiest delivery period of the year, but it also offers the biggest opportunity to make a measurable difference. Electrification will shape the future, but smarter delivery planning can reduce emissions today. Author bio: Caroline Hassett is a content marketer with over seven years of experience, working with SaaS companies to communicate complex technology and business topics. She writes about trends in technology, logistics and last-mile delivery. Company bio: SmartRoutes is an Irish delivery operations platform focused on helping businesses plan efficient, lower-emission delivery routes. Its research explores ways retailers can reduce carbon emissions in logistics and the final mile. See more breaking 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.

Lative, the AI sales planning platform for sales and go-to-market teams, has announced it has raised $7.5 million in funding to boost product development and expand its go-to-market. The round, co-led by Act Venture Capital and Senovo VC, has also been backed by Elkstone, Enterprise Ireland, WestWave Capital, Handshake Ventures and Shuttle. Among customers utilising the platform already for more precise sales planning are Seismic, Intercom, Aiven, Avalara and Version 1. Lative helps companies understand their sales data and invest resources where they'll have the greatest impact. Instead of juggling multiple sheets, models and disconnected tools, Lative unifies the sales planning process in one cloud-based platform by connecting top-down targets and quota plans with bottom-up sales productivity and capacity. Teams can model and simulate future org designs to have the most effective sales team for achieving revenue goals, adjust plans in real time, and gain clear visibility into sales productivity and efficiency through AI Insights. This allows them to make smarter hiring and investment decisions based on data rather than assumptions, identify risks and opportunities before they impact revenue, and track execution with confidence. Lative was launched in 2022 by industry veterans Werner Schmidt and Laura Tortosa Sancho, bringing together over 32 years of senior operations experience from Sage, Citrix, and Deloitte. They recognised a common pain point: manual, fragmented sales planning that lacks real-time visibility and tracking execution. Frustrated by high-performing teams wasting time on outdated spreadsheets and models, Werner and Laura created Lative to deliver real-time sales intelligence and automated planning with AI. For end users, this means smarter planning, instant insights, and the ability to make faster, better decisions with customers seeing up to 24% increases in sales productivity across segments. "We saw the same issue over and over again, in every company we worked in - sales planning was slow, manual, and stuck in spreadsheets," said Werner Schmidt, Co-Founder and CEO of Lative. "We built Lative to change that, and to give sales teams real-time visibility and confidence so every decision is informed, not guessed in this critical activity for go to market organisations. Every sales organisation needs to plan and track execution, and it's mainly done in spreadsheets today. Now there's a better way." The sales performance management market, valued at over $2.3 billion in 2023, is projected to exceed $7 billion by 2030, showing the demand for solutions that automate and optimise sales execution. In just 15 months, Lative has achieved 10x growth, a clear sign of the demand for such a product. The company was recently ranked second to Salesforce on G2's Sales Planning Grid. Lative has also forged strategic integration partnerships with data platform leaders Salesforce, HubSpot, and Snowflake to enable seamless data sharing for revenue teams. "Lative is driving a paradigm shift to sales planning and optimisation teams that is long overdue. By helping teams identify what's working and what isn't in real-time, problems are identified before they become too large to manage," said Dr. Alexander Buchberger, Partner at Senovo. "RevOps leaders love Lative when they see it. New AI Consumption models now need better tooling to manage complexity. Lative helps industry leaders like Seismic, Intercom and Version 1 see true sales productivity and capacity in real-time to deliver efficient growth. Werner, Laura, and their team are defining a new category with an exciting AI roadmap." said Andrew O'Neill, Principal at Act. "Lative allows us to see our productive sales capacity in real-time which is fundamental to how we scale the business and invest in the right areas to accelerate growth." said Mathieu Cognac, Vice President of Revenue Operations at Seismic. See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are...

We look at the new C7 from Flexispot, see more about the chair here. C7 office chair from Flexispot reviewed This chair works well straight out of the box. We did have to impress on our testers that it was not solely about the speed that they could move along the floor in it, nor how many times they could complete a rotation in it. Once these stress tests were completed, as they insisted they were, then they also enjoyed using it for more normal purposes. The chair is cosey, the back support is good and it integrates well with the E7 desk that we also reviewed this morning too. Overall the selection process and delivery was all good and straight forward too, so our team were happy with it, so it seems like a good addition to the office for the team, More about the Flexispot C7 office chair Why Choose the C7? Versatile Use Office Mode: The backrest locks at 93 degrees with a foam/mesh seat and adaptive lumbar support. Wider and Larger Seat Cushions, unlike other ergonomic chairs, our seat cushion provides more room-43 to 49 cm adjustable depth, ensuring better support and relaxation for extended sitting periods. Accommodate various sitting positions The adaptive lumbar support conforms to the spine when seated. After adjusting the lumber support to a comfortable position, lumbar rise and fall?close-up of adaptive changes in lumbar support? No need for an additional cushion. Side-by-side comparison of our chairs and regular chairs + cushion Relaxation Mode: The chair has a 4-level lockable backrest with a maximum recline of 115°, pull-out footrest, adaptive lumbar support, and 3D armrests. 1. Pull the footrest out a bit: sit cross-legged 2. The footrest pulls out a bit: the footrest sits 3. The footrest pulls out a bit: playing with the cell phone 4. Foot rests all pulled out: playing handheld games, napping 5. Foot rests all pulled out: playing with pets 6. Foot rests all pulled out: office Personalized Customization: With vertical lumbar positioning, self-adaptive dynamic system, lockable lumbar support, adjustable seat height, adjustable seat depth, adjustable armrests and adjustable headrest, the chair offers a highly personalized experience suitable for multiple users. Part 3. Warranty, Discounts, and Encouragement to Purchase: (show the website) 60-day return policy for a risk-free trial. 5-year warranty Sale details: For C7 the discount is £90 or 29% OFF from 11.3- 12-1 See more product reviews 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.

Secondary students from across Ireland have once again showcased their scientific curiosity through the 1,974 project entries received for the 2026 Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (Stripe YSTE). From AI-driven health tools to the effects of Leaving Cert stress, Ireland's next generation of innovators are tackling the issues that matter most to them. The shifting focus of Stripe YSTE entries helps to illustrate the topics that are becoming more important to students. The number of projects related to AI and machine learning grew 75%, whilst sustainability and climate change entries increased 41%. Emerging themes-with lower entry numbers but strong growth-include robotics, which attracted double the number of entries (+100%), and renewable energy, which increased 50%. Conversely, projects focusing on social media fell by 16%, highlighting a possible shift in interest for students across Ireland. Dr. Tony Scott, co-founder of YSTE, said: "The level of intellect and curiosity displayed in this year's Stripe YSTE project entries has amazed us. Narrowing down the 1,974 entries to just 550 qualified projects was no small task, and we look forward to hearing more from the students about their projects at the exhibition in January." Eileen O'Mara, Chief Revenue Officer at Stripe, said: "It's brilliant to see students using science as a way to understand themselves, their communities and the world around them. What's exciting about this year's entries is the balance between deep scientific inquiry and social awareness. We can't wait to see hundreds of these ideas come to life in January, and I'd encourage everyone who wants to visit the exhibition to buy their ticket now." Health & well-being Health remains a top concern for students, with 27% of entries falling into this category. Within that: 13% explored mental health 10% examined the effects of stress, anxiety, or depression 6% investigated sleep Health and well-being projects incorporating technology increased significantly, up 40% compared to last year. Project applications include AI-driven mental health tools, wearable tech for health monitoring, apps for fitness and nutrition tracking, and studies into screen time and blue light exposure. Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) were standout themes this year, with a 75% increase in project submissions this year. These projects extend beyond the Technology category, with students applying AI and ML across biology, health, social science, and environmental studies. Students plan to use AI to diagnose health conditions, research the ways AI helps or hurts in business and educational settings, and even to predict global natural disasters. Multiple submissions also plan to pit human intelligence against AI to see which is superior. Sustainability Sustainability is also a growing area of focus for young scientists, with a 41% increase in projects addressing themes such as climate change, environmental protection, and sustainable living. Submissions investigate ways to decrease the average Irish person's carbon footprint, the effect of climate change on farmers, microplastics, and even using mathematics to prove why we need to take action against temperature increase. Culture, lifestyle & everyday curiosity Applying the scientific method to daily life, many students used their projects to investigate topics that resonate with teenagers in modern Ireland. This year's entries included: 41 projects on music 18 on the impact of Leaving Cert stress 15 exploring TikTok 11 investigating the effects of vaping 10 bring endometriosis into the conversation These entries highlight how young people are using science to question, measure, and reimagine their world, spanning health, habits, creativity and culture. Tickets for the Stripe YSTE 2026 are on sale now at www.stripeyste.com See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication a...

By Selva Ozelli The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) is a world-renowned research institution at Columbia University, founded in 1949 to study Earth's natural systems. LDEO scientists were among the first to map the seafloor, provide proof for the theory of plate tectonics, continental drift, and develop a computer model that predicted El Niño events. LDEO's research covers everything from formation of the Earth, moon, and solar system, as well as the movement of carbon and other materials through the Earth System, including its atmosphere, oceans, and land, using different types of Earth materials from sediments to cave deposits to tree rings to identify past climate shifts and changes. Using Science & Art to promote COP30 Columbia University, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ryYqv2WJ_M Ahead of this year's United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil with a "Forests to Sea" theme that recognizes the interconnectedness of these two vital ecosystems, during September, LDEO's Tree Ring Lab celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Tree Ring Lab held a colloquium to highlight its contributions to climate and environmental research over the past five decades that focuses on using tree rings to understand past and future climate change. This includes creating global climate records, developing new quantitative methods, and analyzing how forests respond to events like heat waves, and droughts, with a specific emphasis on their role in the forest carbon cycle. Climate Disasters Inspired by Great Masters an AI Art Show by Mary Tiegreen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj4_ICdUC84 Mary Tiegreen explained the inspiration for her exhibition at LDEO, which is featured at COP30's Climate Heritage Network event: "Over the past eight years, I have had the opportunity to work as art director at ClimateChangeResources.org, an extensive not-for profit website dedicated to climate change issues. I began exploring Bing's AI text-to-image creator to create images of climate impacts depicting the range of ecosystems and environmental issues that span from terrestrial (forests, wildfires, drought) to marine (sea-level rise, ocean acidification, plastic pollution) environments that complement COP30's "Forest To Ocean" theme. Working with AI, I am able to create an image that seems to have been painted by a master artist from a distant past, depicting an environmental crisis from the future. And that was how my art project began." LDEO's Research of the Amazon At LDEO scientists are conducting extensive studies of the Amazon rainforest that align with the COP30's "Forests to Sea" theme. They are concerned about current deforestation rates in the Brazilian Amazon, since ongoing deforestation and climate change are driving substantial transformations, increasing water stress and potentially pushing the Amazon towards a critical tipping point or large-scale dieback, which would have global climate implications. Because forests are critical habitats for over 80% of terrestrial species, including numerous bird, butterfly and rabbit species, which is the focus of artist Hunt Slonem's art work. Hunt Slonem https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qn5ZLvHOoK0 Hunt Slonem explained the inspiration for focusing his paintings on butterflies, birds and rabbits that are on exhibit at COP30's Climate Heritage Network event: "My focus on butterflies, birds, and rabbits is rooted in a blend of personal experiences, a deep spiritual connection to nature. This strong bond with nature and its symbolism offers a beautiful foundation for artistic expression. My life experiences living in tropical places like Hawaii and Nicaragua have given me a unique perspective, allowing the shapes, colors, and forms of these beautiful living creatures to continuously fuel my creativity with a profound influence on my life and art." The Amazon is home to at least 35% of the world's known butterfly species, with estimates of at least 7,00...

We look at the new E7 Plus from Flexispot. See more about it here. E7 Plus from Flexispot reviewed The review team were happy to sit on the desks, the product specs suggest that you can, easily, stand on it too, as they say it can happily take 200kgs. The legs do seem able for it too, they are sturdy, solid, and probably could take a baby elephant, perhaps, maybe? While we didn't have any baby elephants lying around, the affordance of 200kgs is sufficient to be confident that, if you had to stand on the desk, to reach up for something, perhaps after removing shoes, it would work. It is good to have some solidity to your desk. Next up the look and feel of the desk. This is pretty good, looks good, like a mini glulam beam. Many mini pieces of wood, bonded together for greater solidity. One of our reviewers felt it was a bit sparse, but the others liked the minimalism of it's design too. It could be a question of you pay your money and you take your choice. Overall though it is solid, will weather well, last a long time, and is also large enough to accommodate everything you might need to work effectively and happily. Our team were happy to give it a thumbs up. More about the new E7 Plus 1.Four-legged design, steady loading Adopting scientific mechanical design, the force is evenly distributed at four points, which greatly improves the stability and is not easy to shake or tilt. Combined with high-strength carbon steel material and precision manufacturing process, it can reach a maximum load capacity of 200kg. Advanced Digital Keyboard: Equipped with an intuitive digital control panel, the E7 Plus allows users to easily set up to four memory height presets and includes a USB charging port for convenience. Versatile Height and Size Compatibility: With an adjustable height range of 66 to 131 cm, the E7 Plus is compatible with tabletops measuring 120 to 180 cm in length, making it suitable for various applications, from desks to conference tables. Adaptable to Accessories: Its simple frame design allows for easy integration with a range of desk accessories, optimizing desk space for improved organization and storage. Cable Management System: The E7 Plus includes features for managing cables effectively, creating a clean and organized workspace underneath the desk. Monitor Base Adjustment: The desk supports monitor height and tilt adjustments to promote proper posture and save valuable desk space. Durable Warranty: Comes with a generous 10-year warranty, assuring quality and longevity. Energy-Efficient Touch Screen: The LED touch display not only enhances usability but also contributes to energy efficiency. The sale details: from November 13-20 tiered discount pricing from 549.99 up to 50%, from November 21-December 1 its direct sale is from 549.99 to 359.99 discounted to 190 or 35% off. See more reviews 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.

Tozi, the anti-bullying and cyber-safety app developed by Vodafone Foundation, in collaboration with DCU Anti-Bullying Centre and the ISPCC, is marking Anti-Bullying Week (wc 10 November) with a new social media campaign: Supporting Young People in the Digital World. The campaign aims to empower young people to recognise, respond to, and rise above bullying and is launched as recent ESRI research shows that 62% of 13-year-olds reported experiencing at least one bullying behaviour in the past three months, while one in ten Tozi users have activated the app's SOS feature in the last year, connecting them directly to Childline via call or chat - demonstrating the importance of a trusted digital space and the need for quick, seamless access to support 24/7. At the heart of the campaign is a short video featuring two girls exploring Tozi's "Beat Bullying" module, sharing their thoughts on the app and how it helps them navigate online challenges with confidence. Tozi: In 2022, The Vodafone Ireland Foundation developed and launched Tozi, a free app to combat cyberbullying and promote online safety among children and young people. Since its launch, Tozi has had over 20,000 downloads, and is currently being rolled out across Europe following the Irish success. It offers a content library with advice on handling online challenges, a private journaling space with a feeling's tracker, and direct access to Childline through the SOS feature for 24/7 support. The ESRI research also found that 37% of 13-year-olds faced repeated incidents, with online bullying and name-calling among the most common forms, while children targeted at age nine were more likely to be bullied again at age thirteen, underlining the need for early intervention. Expert Perspective: The Irish Girl Guides have been a Vodafone Foundation partner since 2023, working to provide lessons on digital skills to older people through the Hi Digital initiative. The Irish Girl Guides work closely with young people across Ireland and see firsthand the challenges girls face online. Their experience underscores the urgent need for resources like Tozi, which aims to empower and protect young people in the digital world. Speaking on the growing issue of online bullying, Irish Girl Guides Tir na nÓg Leader and Programme and Training Commissioner, Róisín Mills, said: "As a Leader with the Irish Girl Guides, I worry about the impact social media is having on the girls in my Unit. I see them becoming more disengaged, and I've witnessed the effects of online bullying and the pressure to present a perfect image. That's why we run activities focused on body image, cyber-security, and smart surfing - giving our members the tools to stay safe and confident online. We're realistic about phone use and guide the girls to use technology in a positive, informed way. Creating a safe space for these conversations is vital, and I believe it's making a real difference." Tozi doesn't just teach users what bullying is - it shows them how to stand up, speak out, and support each other in the moments that matter most. Tozi is available for free download on the App Store and Google Play. Learn more at https://www.to-zi.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.

Consumers across Ireland and the EU are benefiting from a new energy label on smartphones and tablets, that rates devices on energy efficiency, durability, and repairability. This initiative is part of the new Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Regulations introduced in June 2025, which will empower consumers to make choices that go beyond the price tag. Research shows that consumers consistently rank longevity and reliability of appliances and electronic goods among their top decision factors, alongside price, brand, and warranty. However, until recently, consumers had to rely on their own research to evaluate these factors for smartphones and tablets. The new EU-wide label provides clear, comparable information on how products perform in areas that matter most: Energy efficiency: rated from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) Battery life and endurance: how long your device lasts between charges and over its lifetime Durability: including resistance to drops and protection from dust or water Repairability class: showing how easily devices can be fixed and spare parts accessed The label is now mandatory in-store and online, providing an easy-to-understand guide to help consumers make their purchasing decisions. "These new labels give consumers a clear comparison on key factors when buying a new smart device. Choosing a phone or tablet with better energy efficiency and durability isn't just about fewer charges or a tougher screen. It's about getting more value and creating less waste. Devices that last longer and are easier to repair help consumers save money and are more sustainable", Tim Stokes, Market Surveillance Programme Manager at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, explained. "Empowering consumers with better information through the new energy label can significantly influence energy use, especially given the vast number of devices in circulation. By choosing longer-lasting, repairable products, individuals help reduce waste, conserve resources, and lower lifecycle energy consumption. When millions make these informed choices, small actions will create major impact. This behavioural shift to more sustainable consumption model supports both national and EU-wide efforts toward a circular economy, where products last longer, cost less over time, and have a reduced environmental footprint", Stokes added. With the new energy label, consumers are better equipped than ever to choose smartphones and tablets that last longer, perform better, and support a more sustainable future. To learn more about the energy label for smartphones and tablets, visit our website.

The following is an extract from an interview with Rory McIlroy on how conversations with Bob Rotella have helped his game. "We are talking about not getting too much into results and outcomes, we talk about trying to chase a feeling on the golf course. Like if you're on the golf course, what way do you want to feel when you're playing golf. That's something that is a - it's not something I obviously just do here, but I do every week that I compete. If I can chase that feeling and make that the important thing, then hopefully the golf will take care of itself". Source: Golf News UK - Masters Inteview: Rory McIlroy I have experienced this feeling on the golf course, but not nearly as often as I would like. That feeling, in my words, is best described as playing effortlessly without thoughts of technique, swing planes, or score, etc. That's the day you will smile on the course and have fun with those around you. While playing your best golf. It's never about the score; it's about playing Golf effortlessly. (Or whatever your sport is.) Realising that this is what you are capable of, more often with the right thoughts or no thought process, just doing what comes naturally. Why am I having this conversation with you? About my thoughts on golf? Because I believe the same advice applies when speaking in public. I often encounter people who want or need to be more confident and speak in front of groups, but are hesitant or nervous about doing so. Why? Because I believe they have experienced what people describe as "helpful advice". This advice usually starts with "Let me provide you with some constructive criticism". (Constructive criticism is criticism with the word constructive added to soften the blow - it does not!) Speak slower, speak quicker, louder; don't put your hands in your pockets, make eye contact, imagine your audience is naked, etc., etc. You know the drill. All of the above advice merely increases people's nervousness and diverts the focus from your purpose and reason for speaking to this group. Golf Lesson: Anyone who has experienced a golf lesson from a friend will know the drill: keep your head down, turn from the waist, wait for your shoulders to touch your chin, finish high, all leading to total confusion and exasperation. My wife went to a very well-known golf professional for a lesson some years ago, which consisted of him telling her to 'hit down on the ball' for the whole lesson. The problem was that she did not know what he meant by 'hit down on the ball', and he did not explain or demonstrate; he just assumed she understood. Good coaches, firstly, listen to understand and then provide simple, clear instructions enabling you to progress. Bob Rotella Bob Rotella says you should do this when standing over your golf ball on the course. Look at the target Look at the ball Swing the club What this series of actions does is clear your mind of all the junk usually going around in your head. The advice I provide to my clients as part of their preparation is also a three-step process. Research your audience You know your subject/topic; otherwise, you would not be asked to speak Believe in yourself and they will BELIEVE in you Like Bob Rotella, I aim to keep my clients' heads clear of all the noise and stress that are usually associated with speaking to a group. PS Golf is not a game of perfect, and neither will you be perfect when presenting, but you can be BELIEVABLE and that is what audiences WANT! By Executive Coach Andrew Keogh of Aristo.ie 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. W...

Studio Ulster, a world-class virtual production company in Northern Ireland, has collaborated with Dell Technologies to elevate its virtual production capabilities. By leveraging Dell's AI infrastructure solutions, Studio Ulster is set to redefine the future of on-screen innovation. Why does it matter? Studio Ulster's £72 million virtual production facility in Belfast positions Northern Ireland as a global leader in virtual production. Developed by Ulster University in partnership with Belfast Harbour Commission and supported by Northern Ireland Screen, the facility is home to some of the world's most advanced virtual production technologies, pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling through using LED panels to create real-time, in-camera digital environments. The facility also houses CoSTAR Screen Lab, an integrated R&D lab driving advancements in screen and performance technology. Advancing Creativity Through AI Innovation Dell PowerEdge R760 servers provide the computing power required to handle the complex and resource-intensive workloads of virtual production. This technology supports multiple production stages, accelerates workflows and raises the bar for visual quality, enabling teams to bring their cinematic visions to life with confidence and ease. Leveraging Dell's extensive GPU technology ecosystem, the Dell team identified and deployed the optimal graphics cards to meet the environment's demanding rendering requirements, while ensuring seamless compatibility with the Unreal Engine matrix. Dell PowerScale's advanced AI capabilities are transforming how Studio Ulster delivers cutting-edge virtual production solutions. With trillions of data points generated every day, teams can now train machine learning models directly within their workflow - empowering artists to create and customise virtual sets quickly and efficiently from existing libraries. This saves production teams time and resources by eliminating the need to build sets from scratch. Dell PowerScale extends this high-performance foundation with next-generation data management, supporting intensive motion capture and 3D/4D scanning workflows. Its robust, scalable architecture ensures that massive data volumes move securely and quickly. Driving Sustainability and Global Impact Virtual production is transforming entertainment mediums everywhere, from blockbuster films to hit television shows to AAA gaming titles. It's not only faster and more cost-effective than traditional methods but also more sustainable. Ulster University's research shows that virtual production can reduce carbon emissions by up to 50% compared to conventional filming. The studio further amplifies its sustainability efforts by operating on 100% renewable energy and maintaining a BREEAM Excellent certification. Dell and Ulster University share a long-standing research partnership, spanning health, life sciences, and digital media. This collaboration has fueled innovation through PhD research funding and joint projects in media and entertainment. Professor Declan Keeney, CEO of Studio Ulster, said: "As we expand our virtual production capabilities, having the right infrastructure to manage intensive computational workloads is essential. Dell's expertise in compute and storage makes it the ideal partner to support our needs today and in the future. From managing terabytes of daily data to unlocking AI's potential, Dell's solutions are integral to how we're using technology to develop cutting-edge solutions within the entertainment industry." Mark Hopkins, General Manager, Ireland and Northern Ireland, Dell Technologies, said: "With AI transformation accelerating, Dell is empowering businesses across the island of Ireland to seamlessly adopt AI, drive faster insights, improve efficiency, and accelerate business outcomes. Together, with Studio Ulster, we're pioneering advancements in creative production, filmmaking, and immersive experiences for global audiences." More about Irish Tec...

Upscale Conference held it's annual European gathering last week in picturesque Málaga, Spain. Creativity and AI may seem strange bedfellows to some with the efficiency drive of AI bumping up against the messy organic nature of creative production. But the bubbling enthusiasm evident at Upscale Conf shows that there are plenty that believe it's an augmentation to the creative process rather than a replacement. Upscale Conf is into its third year with AI Entrepreneur Linus Ekenstam as circus master keeping the crowds energised and making sure the focus is always on the creative output rather than the intricacies of AI models. Upscale Conference 2025 reviewed The optimism evident over the talks spoke to a resilience that design was always governed by the human as editor. Marten Kuipers of Dutch design firm DEPT® proclaimed that "AI does not have taste but you do" gaining a loud cheer from the room. While the AI advancements mean that all sectors are experiencing upheaval, we would expect the stalwarts of the creative industry to be treating AI with kid gloves. Veterans Frog Design were represented by Andreas Markdalen who emphasized the importance of human creativity and collaboration in the face of AI, arguing that the ability to connect with people emotionally and create meaningful experiences remains the most crucial factor in the success of any design project. But AI is pushing barriers and breaking rules and nowhere is this more evident than viral AI video breakout stars The Dor Brothers. Ironically Yonathan Dor is the only Dor that exists, but it doesn't stop him putting out hugely popular political satires with an irreverent group of 10 employees. Given the reaction to the videos, it's maybe no surprise that the White House called him looking for more of his edgy style. Riot But the economics of the media landscape still prevail. As Yonathan Dor states, the Dor Brothers is "still a business. So sometimes we post an ad, they're like, what the fuck is this? Sorry guys, we need to make money. Yeah, you know, we're up front. I think at the end of the day what people appreciate is transparency and honesty." At the moment AI has become a lightning rod for all the controversies, anxiety and optimism swirling around society at large. But as our media landscape is changing Nacho Floristan of Google Cloud predicts that 80% of global internet traffic will be video by 2030. Whether that is dominated entirely by AI generated content remains to be seen. FreePik Spaces One of the common issues around AI generation is the parallel task to run models, compare outputs, test parameters and tweak workflows. A hodge podge of techniques might work for an individual, but has been hampering the ability for companies and groups to adopt AI into their workflows. Upscale's sponsor, the local Málaga firm, FreePik, used the conference venue to launch their solution to this problem. FreePik Spaces is an impressive blend of collaboration features and node based workflows. FreePik seems to be tackling the bugbear of most enthusiasts in this Creative AI space. What was previously only available to ComfyUI tinkerers and those comfortable with GitHub repositories is now a node or two away. Brands can stay aligned while generating work and the shared canvas means iterations and feedback can be visible to all. Freepik Spaces: The infinite canvas for creative workflows FreePik for their part sees it as becoming less noticeable even while being more integrated into our lives. Speaking to Irish Tech News, their CEO Joaquin Cuenca said that "wider society will eventually normalize AI, just like computers became commonplace. As AI becomes more integrated into products and services, it will become less noticeable and its impact will be more subtle, focusing on the value of the product itself rather than its AI capabilities." More avenues for AI Slop? The idea that AI is shovelling out slop of low quality and dubious use was not shared by most attendees. Max Ott...

URGREEN have recently launched the NASync DH2300 and the NASync DH4300 Plus for the UK and Irish market. We reviewed the NASync DH4300 Plus here, but today we are looking at the more budget-friendly NASync DH2300. The NASync DH2300 is a 2-Bay device which is really easy to set up and use and is aimed at the beginner market. Even so, it doesn't skimp on features, and the unit is very well spec'd for its price. What's in the Box Inside the box, the NASync DH2300 comes with a power supply, Ethernet cable, an instruction manual, a set of screws for fastening drives into the carriers for each bay, and a small screwdriver. Specs Initial Setup The setup of the NASync DH2300 is very straightforward, even for a beginner. The included manual will step you through each step if it's your first time, and for anyone else who has any experience with PCs, you will be up and running in no time. The two drive bays are accessed from a cover at the top of the device. Once removed it reveals two hard driver carriers which can be removed by squeezing two tabs together and pulling up. The carriers can accept both 2.5" and 3.5" hard drives or SSDs. UGREEN include the screws and a small screwdriver to help you secure your chosen drives in the carriers. We went with two 4TB, 3.5" drives from Seagate to test out how the unit will perform. It is best practice with NAS to use matching drives to avoid any performance or storage issues. We fitted both drives and then connected the power supply and Ethernet cable to a free port on a router in the office, and we were ready to power the device up for the first time. Time to Boot! We powered up the device and checked the manual to see how we could find the device on our network. To find your device, you open a browser on your PC and navigate to find.ugnas.com. From there, you are presented with a UGOS Pro operating system and UI, which will guide you through the setup. The UI guides you through creating an Admin account, linking an email address, and once that is done, it configures the system for a few minutes and then presents you with the UI of the operating system. In total, from pressing the button on the front of the device to turn it on, to the initial setup being complete, and the OS being available to use, took 8 minutes. The next thing you need to do is to create a Volume using the storage pool available and select the RAID option you require. As this is a 2-bay device, there are fewer RAID options than there are with the larger 4-bay NASync DH4300 Plus. We went with RAID 1, which is the recommended choice for a two-drive system. This allows for your data to be stored and backed up on each of the drives, so if one drive fails, your data will still be safe. The steps to set this up are easy and explained to you along the way. Once you have selected what you want, the system creates the storage pool. As we used large capacity spinning disks, this took about 20 hours to complete. The system is usable during this time, so you can get busy adding users, installing apps and setting up remote access. NASync DH2300 Features The NASync DH2300, while more budget-friendly, is still feature-packed and includes everything you need to a device like that. Multiple Users It is possible to add multiple users to the NAS and allocate certain access rights and storage quotas, all of which is easily managed from the Control Panel. Remote Access Remote access to the UI is available either through an intermediary server or through port forwarding if you choose to set it up this way. Ports The NASync DH2300 comes with three high-speed USB ports (2 x Type A & 1 x Type C) as well as a 1GbE port and an HDMI port that supports 4K/ 60Hz. File Services There is support for common file transfer services such as SMB, FTP and NFS, making it really easy to map/access the device's storage from your PC's file explorer. The range of services ensures support for just about any of the main PC operating systems. Security The sys...

Oxford University study: Climate policy strengthens globally, despite unprecedented contestation in the US and Europe Granular survey of 37 major countries' climate-related laws and regulations, compiled by Oxford University researchers and dozens of leading global law firms, gives most detailed view yet of how climate policy is developing at a time of unprecedented political contestation. Although the Trump Administration has reversed climate rules in the US, companies face increasing global compliance obligations: over 200 new rules were approved across the 37 countries in 2024 and the first half of 2025, 75% of which appeared outside Europe and North America. On balance, climate policies are getting stronger. Across the 37 jurisdictions, policies moved closer to best practice in 82 instances and weakened in 42 instances. Climate policy strengthening globally Developing countries increasingly set the pace of climate action. Overall, however, policies remain insufficient to close the gap between targets and actions and prevent severe climate impacts. FULL REPORT (non-discoverable link available to media ahead of embargo lifting): https://www.bsg.ox. ac.uk/sites/default/files/ 2025-11/Annual%20Climate% 20Policy%20Monitor%20Report% 202025.pdf As countries meet at COP30 in the Amazon, a new Oxford University study gives the most detailed view yet of how different nations' laws and regulations are aligning - or not - to climate goals. The survey of climate policies across 37 countries (including the whole of the G20) was developed through pro-bono partnerships with dozens of leading law firms around the world. "Nations and companies have made ambitious climate pledges, but to prevent catastrophic climate change what matters is concrete, implemented, enforceable rules", says co-lead Professor Thomas Hale at Oxford University's Blavatnik School of Government. "That's what we're surveying." Since the last survey in 2024, new and strengthened climate policies can be found across the world, especially in Asia and emerging markets. For instance: Brazil, Kenya and Nigeria operationalised carbon markets. China has set out a regulatory framework for banks and insurance firms to promote carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. The Philippines' New Government Procurement Act seeks to redirect the country's USD$52 billion+ in annual procurement spending towards greener and more sustainable purchases. And the State of California adopted ambitious transparency rules requiring companies to disclosure information about their greenhouse gas emissions and the risks they face from climate change. At the same time, the Trump Administration has rolled back climate policies in the US, and the EU has begun to revise or delay climate rules in areas like corporate disclosure, though the outcome of that process remains unclear. "In this climate of contestation climate policy is fragmenting, but even in that fragmented landscape the global direction of travel remains clear and points to transition: the vast majority of nations continue to create and strengthen climate rules in the policy areas we surveyed", says co-lead Dr Thom Wetzer, Associate Professor at Oxford's Faculty of Law and Director of the Oxford Sustainable Law Programme. Professor Hale of Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government adds: "The engine of climate policy has moved to emerging economies. In some regulatory domains, like rules requiring companies to disclose their emissions and other information related to climate change, African and Latin American countries now show higher ambition, on average, than European and North American countries. The US rollback has a real impact, but the long-term trend to transition remains increasingly clear even in the face of unprecedented contestation." Overall, however, policies are still insufficient to close the persistent gap between targets and actions, and so prevent catastrophic climate change. While countries, companies, and other actors continue...

'A win for people-led rewilding' - new hutting law to unlock public land to connect people and nature. Last night (4 November) MSPs in the Scottish Parliament voted to create a new hutting law compelling the Scottish Government to publish a model lease for hutting on public land. The change to the law will make it easier for people across Scotland to access public land for low-impact, sustainable hutting in future. New hutting law to unlock public land to connect people and nature Huts are simple homes where people can reconnect with nature and experience the land off-grid. Reforesting Scotland's 1000 Huts Campaign says that a culture of recreational hut use would benefit people greatly, including by bringing people close to nature, cultivating practical skills in low-carbon living, fostering community, and offering benefits for health and wellbeing. With hutting depending on access to land for huts, campaigners from Reforesting Scotland and the Scottish Rewilding Alliance had called on the Scottish Government to publish a draft lease for hutters on public land. The successful campaign for a legal change was inspired by a pilot project at Carnock in southwest Fife, which has seen a pioneering lease enable a group of hutters to build 12 huts on the national forest estate. Al Whitworth, Director of Reforesting Scotland, said: "This is another success for our ongoing 1000 Huts Campaign, and we're delighted that the Scottish Government has again recognised the benefits of making a model lease available for hutting on public land. We hope this will help unlock more sites where hutters can enjoy nature protected by a strong legal agreement." Steve Micklewright, co-convenor of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance and chief executive of Trees for Life, said: "It's great to see the Scottish Government supporting the need for a model lease for hutting in the new Land Reform Bill. As well as restoring nature in a big way, rewilding is about people and restoring our relationship with the land. Hutting offers a fantastic way for more people to share in, and care for, Scotland's landscapes. This is a win for people-led rewilding." The successful changes to the bill were proposed in Parliament by Ariane Burgess, Scottish Greens MSP for the Highlands and Islands. "Opening up more public land for hutting will in turn create all sorts of opportunities for people to get closer to nature and develop practical skills, and will foster community and co-operation. I'm really pleased to see the Scottish Government recognising the importance of hutting in the new Land Reform Bill by supporting my proposed amendment. This positive result should benefit people for years to come," said Ariane Burgess. The hutting win represents a double success for the Scottish Rewilding Alliance's recommendations on the Land Reform Bill. MSPs voted on 28 October to create a law obliging the owners of large landholdings over 1,000 hectares to publish plans on how they will increase biodiversity - which the Alliance says represents a 'big step towards a Rewilding Nation'. While celebrating the two new laws, the Alliance says that with Scotland one of the world's most nature-depleted countries, the Scottish Government needs to be more ambitious going forwards. Although the Scottish government is committed to protect at least 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030, just 2.5% of Scotland's land is currently rewilding - with current rates of increase meaning it will take 65 years before major nature restoration is underway across 30% of the country. Rewilding is the large-scale restoration of nature to a state where it can look after itself, focusing on restoring natural processes and, where appropriate, reintroducing missing species. The Scottish Rewilding Alliance is calling on the Scottish Government to declare Scotland the world's first Rewilding Nation, bringing in bold legislation to support rewilding. Polling has shown this is supported by over 80% of the Scottish public....

Bluetech's wind-optimized SeaWasp tanker design models demonstrate significant gains in propulsion power and fuel savings on representative trade routes, based on a joint research project with tanker owner International Seaways, Inc. (INSW) Bluetech partnered with NYSE-listed INSW to explore a critical question: Can wind propulsion deliver more power in our ships of the future? Advanced simulations using Bluetech's new 'SeaWasp' vessel design showed the answer to be a resounding yes. SeaWasp boosts vessel performance With the support of wind-propulsion specialist Norsepower, Bluetech modified its BT50 design to extract maximum forward thrust from two 35-metre Rotor SailsTM. This resulted in a total savings of up to 876 kW of propulsion power on one representative INSW MR tanker route from San Francisco to South Korea - equating to around 597.2 MT of fuel per annum. The design modifications alone are estimated to contribute 104 kW or 71.5 MT of the savings, effectively improving the vessel's overall performance by around 13.5% in certain conditions. Wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP or sometimes WAPS) technologies have traditionally been used to add propulsion power to existing ship types that were not originally designed to accommodate such forces. Even newbuild projects that integrate WASP from the planning phase make little or no changes to the ship's overall design beyond what is necessary to install the units and comply with regulations. However, Bluetech's designers went back to the drawing board with SeaWasp, creating a vessel that is purpose-designed for wind, but still practical for INSW MR fleet operations. STRONG FOCUS ON OPERATING PROFILE "We set out to develop a ship that is entirely WASP-optimized, but maintains every essential operational feature and meets all trade-specific terminal and port restrictions," said Sam Robin, Director of Energy Savings Solutions at Bluetech. Michael LaGrassa, Director of Performance and New Construction at INSW, added: "We focused on more than just energy savings and emissions reduction - our goal was a concept design that works in the real-world conditions of the MR trade. That meant ensuring reasonable build costs, equivalent cargo capacity and a design fit for purpose. Our approach was to test a wide range of scenarios across the MR trade, rather than rely on selectively favorable assumptions." For this reason, the project also carefully examined the lower end of the savings potential. For example, on a route from South Korea to Singapore, the SeaWasp saves 185.9 MT or 275 kW per annum versus a conventionally powered BT50, due to the prevailing wind directions. Keeping such a baseline allowed for a range in the data analysis and ensured that any commercial projections were realistic. EFFICIENCY BY DESIGN - ABOVE AND BELOW THE WATERLINE "On routes where wind propulsion offers limited advantage, the inherent efficiency of the vessel's core design becomes paramount. The BT50 design is itself approximately 12% more efficient than the typical tanker performance profiles in the sample fleet. Our design modifications enhance that efficiency even further," said Robin. One ground-breaking feature beneath the waterline is a unique new fin design dubbed 'blueSURF' that computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis shows has significant power saving potential. "We were genuinely surprised to see such pronounced benefits in power demand, making the fins an additional powerful design modification that improves the case for WASP deployment," said Juha Hanhinen, Head of Hydrodynamics at Bluetech. Modifications above the waterline include an aero upper deck and superstructure, as well as semi-enclosed mooring stations to reduce wind disturbance. COMPARING CONFIGURATIONS The project also examined which Rotor SailsTM configuration - four smaller 24-metre devices instead of the two 35-metre devices - had the best combination of cost versus thrust. "Each configuration had slightly better performan...

AI Research Lab: Has Human Intelligence Stagnated? By David Stephen "The advances in machine learning have taught us more about the essence of intelligence than anything that neuroscience has discovered in the past hundred years." - Doris Tsao, neuroscience professor at the University of California, Berkeley. The world has been unable to solve most of the major global problems in the last few years. This is not about things that went bad but needed to be solved to return to the preexisting status, but major problems that would have exponentially advanced the world - including in economics. Nations, mostly, are not solving their national problems either. There are projects, budgets and much else, but there is mostly stagnation, in most nations, across the globe. Has Human Intelligence Stagnated? Though it is true that there are lots of differences from centuries ago, progress, at this time, has become incremental. Sometimes, negligible. The lack of solutions to [most of] the world's problems is an indication that human intelligence may have peaked. People complain about brain rot, AI slop, doom scrolling, and much else. There are layoffs, hiring freezes, illegal migration and deportations, automation, and so forth. The numbers of universities, institutes, centers, labs, startups and so forth have ballooned, yet fewer major problems are getting solved because human intelligence is having efficiency issues. Human are sticking with intelligence with little economic value. Several problems that would not even require huge facilities or funding, where there is no excuse for not doing something excellent, yet nothing of major usefulness gets done. Criticisms are often partitioned. Oh, it's this political party, or that group, or that device or app, or whatever. Maybe some have had an effect, but the core is that major problems are no longer within reach for solutions. Human intelligence seems to be at sunset, after rapid progress in the last 200 years. So, for now, there is often something to utilize to manage most problems or find a way around [minor] problems [that were major, years ago]. And when big problems cannot be solved, which is a purpose in itself, then small or new problems take the stage and non-problems as well. Most importantly, human intelligence became adapted to finding ease, as the world became easier. AI is not suddenly making people lazy or unwilling to think, work, try or whatever else, human intelligence had already dwindled, unable to action solutions, then AI came along. LLMs Capex AI is the only thing propping the economy because AI is the only thing worth investing in, it seems and it is the only direction where growth in intelligence appears possible. Hence, the prospect for solutions, so the stock market gives AI all its mitochondria. The capital expenditures on large language models, by four of the big tech, was reported to be $360 billion in the last year. It was shown that jobs openings, since 2022, after ChatGPT was launched had plummeted, compared to the surge in the stock market. All these are signals that hiring en masse for the expectation that problems would get solved is now anachronistic. Managing or operating things are the outline of most tasks, while improvement that are expected are marginal - or spread over a long, unknown time. The United Nations does not have any world day for human intelligence. There should be a world day for human intelligence every month, starting from this November 10, 2025 and then December 20, 2025 and some date per month. There is no human intelligence research lab on earth. Neither the World Health Organization nor the United Nations has it. People are hating on AI. They are critical of data centers, in investments, energy consumption and water. However, there is something more to these. In recent years, several investments have been made to processes involving human intelligence - while some things are complex, and take a lot of time - most of those have not...

Glitch has raised €2 million in seed funding to make digital advertising faster and easier for lean marketing teams and boutique agencies. The round was led by Elkstone, with participation from Gaingels, HBAN, and several European angel investors backing the company's next stage of growth. Founded by Aisling Browne and Kingsley Kelly, Glitch is an AI-powered ad platform that helps B2B marketers launch high-performing campaigns in minutes. It automates campaign setup, targeting, budget allocation, and daily optimisation, while delivering detailed reports showing which audiences, copy, and keywords drive results. These insights power smarter campaigns and give marketing a strategic voice across the business. The company was built around one insight: lean teams don't lack strategy, they lack time. By automating repetitive, data-heavy tasks, Glitch gives B2B marketers the same performance edge as larger organisations with in-house specialists. Early customers report a 5x increase in conversion rates, a 9% lift in click-through rates, and a 30% reduction in cost per acquisition compared to previous setups. "Digital advertising shouldn't feel like decoding a foreign language," said Aisling Browne, CEO and Co-Founder of Glitch."We built Glitch to give lean teams the power, insights, and confidence to run high-performing campaigns - saving hours ofmanual work and removing the guesswork." Browne and Kelly met through Founders, the Dogpatch Labs talent accelerator, where they teamed up around a shared goal to simplify and modernise B2B advertising. Since then, Glitch has grown into a platform used by companies including Protex AI, Web Summit, We Are Riley, Mango Media, and Squid Loyalty. "In a crowded digital marketing landscape, Glitch stands out because it delivers measurable results for its clients," said Niall McEvoy, Managing Director - Venture at Elkstone. "The team has built a platform that truly empowers B2B marketers and boutique agencies - simplifying campaign management while driving performance." The impact of Glitch's platform is evident in customer collaborations. "Over the past four months, our partnership with Glitch Ads has significantly improved campaign efficiency and overall ad performance," said Dan Hobbs, CEO and Co-Founder at Protex AI. "Their data-driven optimisation, transparent communication, and automation tools have delivered measurable gains while allowing our team to focus on higher-value strategic initiatives." "Glitch handled the heavy lifting for our Search Ads. It's like having an extra performance marketer for our team" said Barry McCullagh, Senior Vice President at Web Summit. The new funding will be used to support Glitch's international expansion, grow its commercial teams, and launch new features - including multi-platform integrations with Meta Ads and LinkedIn. The company will also roll out CRM integrations designed to enhance cross-platform reporting and provide clearer visibility into campaign performance and attribution. 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.

Coffee from the sky: inside Manna's drone delivery service in Dublin 15 In parts of Dublin, takeaway deliveries no longer arrive by car. They come from above. From a launch pad at Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, Irish company Manna Air Delivery has been flying small autonomous drones over the suburb since February 2024, dropping coffees, groceries and take-away orders into gardens and driveways. For residents in the catchment area, it's gone from novelty to routine. For the rest of Ireland, and for visitors hearing about it for the first time, it still sounds like science fiction. Manna's operation in Dublin 15 has already completed more than 52,000 deliveries, part of over 200,000 flights worldwide since the company was founded. The service has removed thousands of local road journeys in Blanchardstown alone, replacing short van and car trips with battery-powered flights. What is the Manna's drone delivery service? At its simplest, Manna is a local delivery service that swaps vans and scooters for small aircraft. Customers order through the Manna app, choosing from 49 partner businesses in and around Blanchardstown Shopping Centre. That list includes independent Irish grocers, bookshops, clothing stores and a butcher alongside a number of national brands. Once the order is confirmed, staff at Manna's base pack it into a standardised cargo box. A drone is loaded, lifted to the launch point and sent on its way. The aircraft flies at up to 80 km/h, typically within a 3 km radius of the centre, though some routes stretch to 6 km. Most deliveries take five to six minutes from loading to drop-off. When the drone reaches the delivery point, it hovers, lowers the box on a tether, releases it gently, and returns to base for the next job. For the customer, the experience is simple: order, track the aircraft on the app, collect the parcel from the lawn or driveway. The complexity lies elsewhere. How it works behind the scenes? Manna's aircraft are fully autonomous, but they don't operate alone. Every flight is supervised from the company's operations hub in Glasnevin, where trained staff monitor multiple missions on large screens. Each drone follows a pre-approved flight path designed to avoid obstacles and respect agreed corridors with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). Onboard sensors and navigation systems manage altitude, speed and route, while ground staff can intervene if needed. Power comes from rechargeable batteries which are swapped between flights and charged using renewable electricity. According to an independent emissions study, Manna's drones are up to eight times more efficient in CO? terms than a petrol car doing the same delivery. The company estimates that in each suburb it operates, the service cuts local emissions by around 150 tonnes a year. Safety? Manna's safety case is built on redundancy. Each aircraft has dual motors, backup communications and automatic return-to-base protocols. If something unexpected happens - a sudden change in wind, or a technical fault - the drone is designed to take the safest possible action without waiting for human input. The operation in Dublin 15 runs at roughly 140 flights per day, serving a population of about 120,000 people. Every one of those flights is logged. "We're running a delivery service, not a tech experiment" Eoghan Huston, Manna's Chief Operating Officer, detailed that his emphasis was less on the drones themselves and more on the discipline needed to run them at scale. "The technology does most of the work," he said, "but what makes it real is the operational discipline. We treat every flight like an airline flight - logged, checked, verified." Each mission is authorised by a safety supervisor before take-off. After landing, data from the flight are reviewed and fed back into the system to improve performance and reliability. "People assume we just press 'go' and the drone flies off," Huston added. "In reality, it's a carefully controlled environment with layers o...

We look at the new FlexiSpot Power Swivel Rocker Recliner with Waffle Back. See more about it here. FlexiSpot Power Swivel Rocker Waffle Recliner reviewed At first our reviewers wondered if the Waffle Recliner was a concept like Emmet's double decker sofa in the Lego movie. Good, dumb, fun, interesting, crazy, impossible, or some mix of all of them. In the demo video there is someone laughing and chatting with a glass of wine in the chair. Initially this raised alarm bells, suppose they spilt the wine, but of course this was the point. The chair is stain resistant, so, as we use the chair for leisure and pleasure as well as work, it does it's job, and ensures it is future proofed, to some degree at least. There are charging ports too, so, like Emmet's buddies initial responses, 'that is the literally the dumbest idea I have ever heard of', maybe, just maybe as our testers pushed back in my conversation with them, it is actually quite handy. If you think about it, how many times are you sitting in your current, pre-waffle chair, with a cable snaking it's way over the edge and up into your lap? Yep, admit it, you have done it, so, therefore, maybe it is not actually quite the dumbest idea ever afterall!? The waffle concept seemed a bit sketchy at first too, just think about all the actual waffle crumbs that could end up in the waffle cushioning? Of course it is better designed than that, and it actually works well. We preferred the green option, and it has a cosy feel to it. A good point made by our testers was the limited range of colours however, they were not sure that, if there were only two colours that these would be the only two that they would offer. Maybe more will be added in the future perhaps. The swivel and rocking sound good in theory, but, you would probably also want to be confident that, once you have found your sweet spot, it is something that you can then fix and ensure that this preferred setting remains locked in place. There is a nice element of fun to the swivel waffle chair and our testers enjoyed road testing it. One to check out perhaps when your boss declines your pay rise, but you can at least counter with this to help you out for your deep thinking moments instead? More about the FlexiSpot Power Swivel Rocker Recliner with Waffle Back Experience comfort that moves with your mood. Whether you're relaxing, reading, or chatting with loved ones, the FlexiSpot Power Swivel Rocker Recliner lets you unwind your way - with gentle rocking, smooth swivel motion, and effortless power adjustment for ultimate relaxation. Designed for both comfort and convenience, it reclines up to 135°, includes USB and USB-C charging ports, and features extra padding for superior back and lumbar support. The wide armrests and non-compressed cushioning create a cozy, supportive feel right out of the box. Crafted with easy-care chenille fabric, it's waterproof, oil-proof, and stain-resistant, making maintenance stress-free. From its plush waffle-back design to its modern functionality, this recliner redefines home comfort - so you can relax clean, stay serene, and enjoy every moment. Sale details: From November 12-18 its discounted from 499.99 to 379.99, see here for more information. See more product reviews here. Irish Tech News is an award-winning online publication aimed at keeping you informed of all the latest news from the world of Technology. With the main focus on Irish based news, we cover a wide range of topics from social media and smartphones to start-ups and SMEs. 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 pro...