Irish Tech News Audio Articles

Guest post by Orla Kelly, founder of Orla Kelly Publishing. You have a book inside you. It's a collection of your hard-won lessons, your unique perspective, your vision for the future. As a leader, you understand the power of a story to inspire change and build a legacy. Yet, that book remains unwritten. The document sits unopened, the ideas stay locked in your mind, and another year passes. As an independent publisher, I've seen this countless times. I work with coaches, founders, and experts who are brilliant at what they do - yet their book project lingers on the back burner. They build businesses, lead teams, and create impact daily, but when it comes to writing their book, something stalls. The truth is, this delay isn't about a lack of discipline or ambition. It's a complex mix of psychological, emotional, and practical hurdles that can stall even the most driven individuals. The Hidden Barriers to Writing Your Book Why do so many accomplished people put off this critical legacy project? The reasons are often deeply personal but universally understood. 1. The Weight of Perfectionism As a leader, your name is attached to quality. This drive for excellence, which is so valuable in business, can become a paralysing force in writing. You might feel that every sentence must be perfect, every idea groundbreaking. The fear isn't about writing a bad book; it's about producing something that doesn't live up to the legacy you've already built. 2. The Fear of Judgement Putting your ideas into the world is an act of vulnerability. What if people disagree? What if critics dismiss your life's work? This fear of being misunderstood can quietly stop even the most confident leader from starting. 3. The "Time" Illusion For busy professionals, "I don't have time" feels true. But procrastination is rarely about time and more about priority. The book becomes a "someday" project, overshadowed by immediate demands. 4. The Fog of Uncertainty Where do you begin? What's your message? How do you publish? The lack of a clear roadmap creates hesitation. When the path is unclear, standing still feels safer. Turning Procrastination into Progress Overcoming these barriers isn't about willpower - it's about clarity, structure, and support. Here's what consistently helps high-performing leaders make real progress: 1. Reframe the Goal Replace "write a bestseller" with "share my message." It lowers the stakes and reconnects you to purpose. Ask: Is it clear? Is it useful? Does it move someone forward? 2. Schedule Writing Sprints Momentum beats marathons. Block short, focused sessions and treat them like key meetings. 3. Start with a Mind Map Map your ideas before writing. It turns chaos into clarity and "writing" into "organising." 4. Speak Before You Write If typing feels stiff, talk it out. Recording your insights often captures your most natural, powerful voice. 5. Seek Trusted Support In my work with hundreds of aspiring authors, I've seen the breakthrough come when they stop trying to go it alone. A strategic publishing professional can help shape scattered thoughts into a clear, publishable message which transforms overwhelm into momentum. The rise of independent publishing has made it easier than ever for thought leaders to bring their ideas to life, but clarity and guidance still make all the difference. Your book isn't just about writing words. It's about sharing wisdom, shaping minds, and leaving a legacy that outlasts you. Stop waiting for the perfect time, idea, or first sentence. Your legacy isn't about perfection; it's about impact. The first step you take is the one that turns procrastination into progress. About the Author Orla Kelly is the founder of Orla Kelly Publishing, an Irish independent publishing house that helps experts, coaches, and thought leaders turn their ideas into beautifully crafted, professionally published books that grow their impact and legacy. You can get in touch with Orla via getpublished@ orlakellypublishing.com...

Three of Cork's highest-achieving female STEM students were today recognised by Stryker, a global leader in medical technologies, at the WISE UP Technological Awards to celebrate outstanding academic achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Founded by Stryker's WISE (Women in Stryker's Engineering) team in Anngrove, the annual award recognises outstanding students from Cork's all-girls secondary schools who have achieved exceptional results in their Leaving Certificate - earning at least three H1 grades in STEM subjects - and who have chosen to pursue STEM degrees at Irish universities. This year's winners include Gemma Collins from St. Aloysius' College, who received first prize; Abi O'Connor, also from St. Aloysius' College, and Aoibhe Sparrow from Mount Mercy College, who both received second prize. Speaking at the event, Mag O'Keeffe, Vice President of Advanced Operations and Global Additive Technologies, Stryker, said: "The WISE Group at Stryker's Anngrove location are delighted to present the WISE UP Technological Awards to these outstanding students who have shown a real passion for STEM. These awards are about more than academic achievement - they're about recognising potential, encouraging ambition, and showing young women that there is a place for them at the forefront of innovation. We're proud to support the next generation of innovators and play our part in fostering future talent." Following the presentation, Aoibhe Sparrow, a prize winner from Mount Mercy College, said: "Winning this award is an incredible honour that means so much to me. It represents recognition of my hard work, passion, and commitment to pursuing a future in science and technology. This opportunity not only supports my education but also motivates me to keep learning, innovating, and using my education to create positive change in the world. I am especially excited to continue my journey in pharmacy, where I hope to gain the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives through the development, preparation, and dispensing of medications. I am so deeply grateful for this opportunity and for everyone who believes in my potential." Tricia Ryan, Principal at Mount Mercy College, said: "We are delighted that one of our students has been honoured with this Stryker WISE Technological award. This recognition not only celebrates the talent, dedication, and potential of the student but also reflects the strong values and high standards we strive to nurture in our school community. It is very encouraging to see a leading company like Stryker acknowledge the achievements of our young people."

A researcher working on the design AI-driven methods for secure and trustworthy drone operations will share his expertise at one of the South East Science Festival's most keenly anticipated free events. 'Drones in Everyday Life - Promise, Potential, and Protection' is the title of Walton Institute researcher Iftikhar Umrani's talk in Clonmel Library in Tipperary on Wednesday, November 12, at 6.45pm. Pre-registration is not required. Drones are transforming how we live and work, from helping farmers monitor crops and improve harvests to enabling doorstep delivery of packages and medicines, he said ahead of the much-anticipated talk. "As these intelligent flying systems take on bigger roles in daily life, the UAVSec project at Walton Institute, SETU, funded by CONNECT Research Ireland Centre, investigates how to keep them secure ensuring they cannot be hacked or disrupted while in flight. The aim is to build trust in drone technology so it can serve communities with confidence and security. "Drones are opening new opportunities in areas such as precision farming, environmental monitoring, search and rescue, and the fast delivery of essential goods. They help reduce costs, save time, and support communities particularly in rural or hard-to-reach areas. "As drones become more autonomous, ensuring their safety, privacy, and security is essential. Public acceptance and regulatory frameworks also remain important challenges. Research under the UAVSec project focuses on protecting these systems from interference and building public trust in their use," the PhD researcher in the Department of Computing and Mathematics at Walton Institute, South East Technological University said. Iftikhar Umrani has been with Walton since March 2023, lives in Waterford City and has a keen interest in how emerging technologies can serve local communities safely and responsibly. The much-anticipated event is one of dozens on the South East Science Festival programme for 2025 from November 8 to 16 across pubs, restaurants, libraries, theatres, schools and community hubs in Waterford city and county, Clonmel and Carlow. All of the events across all three counties are designed to showcase how relevant all things science are in our everyday lives. Dr Sheila Donegan, Director of CALMAST, the South East Technological University's STEM engagement centre, said. "We're really looking forward to engaging with all sections of the community, from primary school children right up to adult-only audiences for this year's South East Science Festival programme. It's fun, it's engaging, it's entertaining and educational. We're delighted to work with Research Ireland and with our partners and sponsors, key among them the local authorities, SETU, key STEM employers in the region. "We now invite members of the public to peruse the schedule of events running across libraries, theatres, pubs, educational hubs, museums and so much more and to book their place. We will mix comedy and science and will be looking at why copper was mined in Waterford and if it could be again. We're examining fossils in the city, will host a coastal change workshop and walk and much more. Many events booked out within hours last year and we expect the very same for 2025," Dr Donegan said.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions and operating a global delivery centre out of Letterkenny in Ireland, has expanded its 18-year partnership with ABB, a global leader in electrification and automation. The partnership aims to modernise ABB's global hosting operations, simplify its IT landscape, and strengthen its digital foundation to drive resilience and innovation. As part of this multi-year engagement, TCS will operationalise ABB's Future Hosting Model, a next-generation modular IT infrastructure designed to streamline systems. This model will enable predictive operations, faster service restoration, and continuous security assurance through its AI-powered Zero Ops framework. This extension strengthens a trusted collaboration that has already delivered significant progress for ABB. TCS will help accelerate ABB's Core Platform vision which prioritises modernisation at scale, greater self-service and automation, cloud migration and agility, and orchestration and resilience. Alec Joannou, Group CIO, ABB, said, "Our extended partnership with TCS strengthens ABB's ability to deliver value to customers. By modernising our hosting operations, we're creating a foundation for agility, faster innovation, and improved reliability across the business." ABB envisions transforming the hosting landscape by leveraging state-of-the-art technologies that drive innovation and optimisation. This transformation aims to empower its evolving business demands with enhanced flexibility, superior quality, and cost efficiency. TCS' AI framework will ensure business continuity and excellent service delivery across ABB's global operations by minimising human intervention. Anupam Singhal, President, Manufacturing, TCS, said, "TCS has been a trusted partner in ABB's transformation journey for over 18 years. This latest milestone is not just a testament to our enduring collaboration, but a bold step towards reimagining ABB's hosting landscape with a modular, future-ready architecture. At the core of this engagement lies a shared vision: technology must serve a higher purpose - to empower people, enhance agility, and drive intelligent, responsible operations. Together, we embark on a transformative journey to build a platform-driven core that will unlock unprecedented levels of efficiency, autonomy, and innovation for ABB's global business." TCS's operational and industry expertise combined with ABB's platforms, security, and reliability will create a foundation that is resilient, efficient, and future-ready. Further, TCS' managed services platform architecture will enable flexibility in ABB's business integration needs across mergers, acquisitions, and carve-outs. Through a best-in-class, innovative environment built on a cloud-first approach and data-driven governance, TCS will help ABB reduce its carbon footprint. Over the past 18 years, TCS has supported ABB in initiatives such as ERP implementation, cloud migration, and data center consolidation. The new engagement will build on the foundation laid over the last two decades to transform ABB's infrastructure services and support service adoption to aid ABB's next phase of growth in electrification and automation, thereby enabling faster innovation to deliver more business value. Peter Alkema, Global Head of IS Technology and Platforms, ABB, said "ABB is committed to building a modular, scalable hosting service that drives agility and innovation. With TCS as our strategic partner, the Future Hosting Model strengthens this commitment and ensures operational excellence." This partnership builds on TCS' long-standing commitment to serving as a trusted IT partner for European enterprises, with a presence in the region for over 45 years. The company supports its clients in Europe with a robust network of highly skilled employees, operating out of 62 offices across 21 countries in the continent, serving over 350 clients. The company has been...

A majority of Irish organisations have enhanced cybersecurity measures in recent months yet under-investment in key areas of training and compliance, ongoing talent shortages and AI-powered cyber threats continue to be areas of concern for Irish cyber leaders. That's according to EY Ireland's inaugural Cyber Leaders Index, which surveyed 165 of Ireland's senior cyber leaders with a particular focus on the corporate, health and life sciences and government sectors. 83% of Irish cyber leaders report enhancing cybersecurity measures over the past six months, with nearly a third (32%) noting an increase in budgets, while two thirds (67%) report investment holding steady. However, more than 70% of cyber leaders report difficulties securing budget for staff cyber awareness training. 43% cited challenges in securing budget for hiring and retaining skilled personnel, which remains a key challenge for cyber leaders. Nearly half (48%) of cyber leaders identified AI and data security as a top priority for the year ahead, and many organisations are adapting their practices in response to the EU AI Act. Yet 44% say they face challenges securing budget for AI-related security initiatives, suggesting that investment is not keeping pace with strategic intent. This may reflect internal competition for AI budgets, rather than reluctance to invest in cybersecurity, and embedding cybersecurity into AI efforts positions the function as a driver of growth and advantage. Almost seven in ten (68%) of respondents said that protecting against supply chain and vendor-related threats is a top priority within their cybersecurity programmes, however only 4% identify third-party vendor risk as one of their main concerns. Compliance with relevant regulations and data privacy laws such as NIS2 was cited as a priority by 39% of respondents, while the EU AI Act is also having an impact with nearly half (47%) of the leaders surveyed stating they have updated their data handling and monitoring practices and four in ten (39%) having updated their data protection impact assessment systems. Puneet Kukreja, Technology Consulting Partner and Head of Cyber at EY Ireland said: "In an AI-driven world where algorithms and code are reshaping both attacks and defences, cyber risk is no longer something to eliminate, it must be managed with precision. This shift demands that cyber leaders evolve from engineers and managers to architects of trust, with a seat and a voice at the top table where strategic decisions are made and budgets are shaped. Cyber threats are escalating, with major breaches reported almost every week, and it's clear that defences are only as strong as their weakest point. Yet investment is not always going where it matters most, with gaps in staff training and talent retention remaining areas of concern." Carol Murphy, Consulting Partner and Head of Markets at EY Ireland said: "Irish organisations are strengthening their cyber resilience, with most reporting enhanced defences and stable or increased budgets. The challenge now is to direct that investment towards people and partnerships, ensuring teams are trained, supported and equipped to manage the growing demands of compliance and third-party risk. Organisations must prioritise the continuous training and wellbeing of their cyber teams, recognising that resilience depends as much on people as it does on technology." Burnout Risk As Cyber Threats Remain A Top Concern Burnout and fatigue amongst cyber leaders have been identified as growing resilience risks for Irish organisations, with 37% of those surveyed reporting concern about the gaps in their organisation's cyber risk coverage. More than one in four (26%) of respondents reported negative impacts on their mental health. Puneet Kukreja said: "Our research shows that stress is fast becoming a hidden cyber risk for organisations. Cyber risk is constant, and that unrelenting pressure is taking a toll on the people who defend against it. Burnout does...

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced Fastnet, a new state-of-the-art transatlantic subsea fibre optic cable system connecting Maryland, U.S., and County Cork, Ireland. When operational in 2028, Fastnet will add vital diversity for customers by building a new data pathway with unique landing points, keeping services running even if other undersea cables encounter issues. This enhanced network resilience will improve global connectivity and meet rising demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI). Increasing resilience through system diversity Fastnet is a dedicated transatlantic cable system designed with two strategic landing points that deliver critical route diversity away from traditional cable corridors. This strategic placement strengthens the network in two ways: it provides backup routes if other cables encounter issues, and it creates a network design for growing demands in cloud computing, AI, and edge applications that use AWS services such as Amazon CloudFront and AWS Global Accelerator. The Fastnet system incorporates advanced optical switching branching unit technology, engineered to accommodate future topology needs. This state-of-the-art unit is strategically positioned on the cable route, enabling seamless redirection of data to future landing points as network demands evolve. This scalable architecture is specifically designed to handle growing AI traffic loads, allowing customers to rapidly expand their data demands while the system adapts to accommodate future growth. Fastnet is designed for long-term reliability and performance. The system combines robust cable armoring with additional layers of protective steel wires in nearshore areas to protect against natural and human activity. With a design capacity exceeding 320 terabits per second (Tbps), Fastnet will integrate directly into AWS's comprehensive global network. To put this capacity in perspective, the system could transmit the entire digitized Library of Congress three times every second, or stream 12.5 million HD films simultaneously. This integration enables rapid data rerouting and multiple layers of redundancy, helping ensure uninterrupted operations for customers. Unlike the public internet, where each networking device makes routing decisions with limited network visibility, AWS's centralized, real-time traffic monitoring system has complete visibility into every link within the global network. This system implements millions of daily optimizations to ensure customer traffic always uses the most available and performant path, avoiding congestion and other issues before they impact applications. Through Fastnet, customers benefit from secured long-term capacity and rapidly scalable bandwidth for their most critical operations, from generative AI and cloud-native applications to advanced research, transatlantic business connectivity, and international commerce. This investment in network diversity helps ensure customers can reliably access their cloud resources, with the flexibility to quickly expand capacity as their demands grow. Driving community development Infrastructure projects of this scale succeed when they're built in partnership with communities. From day one, AWS has worked closely with local organisations, nonprofits, and residents in both Maryland and County Cork to understand what success looks like for them. As part of our commitment to these communities, we are establishing Community Benefit Funds for both Maryland's Eastern Shore and the local community in County Cork. We will work directly with stakeholders to identify and support initiatives that address each community's unique needs and priorities. These community-driven funds could support a range of local initiatives, such as sustainability and environmental programs, health and wellbeing services, Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) education, future workforce development, economic development and leadership training, inclusion and diversity...

TechWorks Marine has commenced a comprehensive year-long metocean survey in Maritime Area A - Tonn Nua, of the Irish Government's South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (SC-DMAP), supporting EirGrid's Powering Up Offshore South Coast project. Commissioned by Fugro, EirGrid's appointed marine survey supplier, the survey will deliver vital baseline oceanographic and environmental data to support the development of offshore substations and grid connections along Ireland's south coast. This flagship initiative aims to connect 900 MW of offshore wind generation to Ireland's power network, accelerating national progress toward the government's target of 80% renewable energy and at least 5 GW of offshore wind in the coming years.. The Tonn Nua site is a designated area for spatially planned offshore wind, selected for its pivotal role in achieving Ireland's climate action goals and enhancing energy security for nearly a million homes. TechWorks Marine, the leading Irish-based supplier to Fugro on Powering Up Offshore South Coast, brings over 20 years of specialist expertise in metocean data collection and analysis. The data gathered will help inform the design and delivery of robust infrastructure for clean energy and support regional economic development. Charlotte O'Kelly, CEO of TechWorks Marine, commented: "We are delighted to support EirGrid and Fugro on this landmark project for Ireland's energy transition. Our team is committed to delivering world-class oceanographic data that underpins a resilient, sustainable, renewable energy system on the south coast." Speaking about the 2025 survey campaign, Chief Transformation, Technology and Offshore Officer at EirGrid, Liam Ryan, said: "These surveys would not be possible without a huge amount of coordination and strategic planning of staff across EirGrid, our strategic partners, fishing communities and local landowners. The data being gathered from this research is essential in shaping plans for the installation of this transmission infrastructure for offshore wind and creating a cleaner energy future for Ireland."

ePower is reminding sports clubs across the island of Ireland who have been selected for grants to install electric vehicle chargers to ensure they have carried out the necessary paperwork to receive the funding. Through the Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme, which was launched earlier this year, 227 clubs, of which 179 are in Ireland and 48 in Northern Ireland, have qualified for the installation of a network of publicly accessible chargers. This scheme is administered by Pobal on behalf of Zero Emission Vehicle Ireland (ZEVI). The scheme is designed to cover 100% of the installation costs, allowing clubs to enhance their facilities for both members and visitors at no cost to them. Following a comprehensive tendering process, ePower and two other charge point operators were selected to deliver fast EV charging solutions for both Ireland and Northern Ireland through the scheme. Offers have been sent out to clubs nationwide, across a multitude of sports including athletics, boxing, GAA, golf, hockey, rugby, soccer and tennis clubs. However, ePower is reminding clubs to evaluate the offers they have received, and select their preferred charge point operator via the mini-tender process. ePower is delighted to have already been selected as the preferred CPO for many of the clubs eager to capitalise on this opportunity to lead the charge in sustainability in their community whilst at the same time generating revenue for their clubs. Ivan O'Connor, Commercial Sales Director with ePower says: "This is a wonderful opportunity for sports clubs and ePower is delighted to be part of the scheme. Like with all grants, there's an element of paperwork involved, and the key is for clubs to take the next step and choose their operator, so we would encourage people with questions around this to liaise with the CPOs and Pobal. We look forward to seeing this initiative come to life; further expanding on the public availability of EV charging in communities the length and breadth of Ireland and Northern Ireland." 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.

New data from Matrix Recruitment for Q3 2025 has revealed that workers in Ireland are prioritising stability, flexibility, autonomy, upskilling, and culture despite economic uncertainty and geopolitical unrest. Despite a seasonal slowdown in manufacturing and construction, finance, healthcare, and engineering remained resilient. Contract and temporary role renewals soared, signalling a "wait-and-see" approach taken by employers awaiting the 2026 Budget, which was announced on October 7. "Employers are now taking stock," says Breda Dooley, Head of Recruitment at Matrix Recruitment. "They're managing costs, protecting key skills, and focusing on retention. It's more of a recalibration built around flexibility and foresight than a hiring freeze from what we've seen." Contract Economy Continued The Matrix Recruitment data confirms that contract and temporary extensions increased during the third quarter, particularly within the finance, engineering, and healthcare sectors. "Contracting is a deliberate strategy," Breda explains. "It allows employers to maintain output, manage uncertainty, and respond quickly to project demand without getting locked into long-term commitments with new permanent contracts." Workers are reaping the rewards of contract work, with experienced contractors leveraging the renewed demand for flexible expertise with strong daily rates and a balanced work schedule being an attractive draw. This all leads to a more agile labour market that supports the business continuity and workers alike. Long-term Strategy Employers were also seen to be shifting focus from external acquisition to internal development. This involves upskilling and mobility programmes, which have rapidly become a critical retention tool. "Companies that invest in their people through structured learning and recognition are seeing measurable improvements in morale and performance," agrees Breda. "Upskilling is not just a training exercise; it's a long-term competitiveness strategy." Matrix Recruitment notes that many organisations are introducing career-path frameworks and mentorship schemes, particularly at the mid-management level. Breda noted that this area is where turnover has been most acute. This also backs succession planning and lessens the need for short-term cover. Candidate Priorities Hybrid and remote arrangements are increasingly being viewed as standard expectations rather than optional benefits, says Breda, who warns that employers who can accommodate flexible patterns are outperforming competitors in both attraction and retention. "Work-life balance is now a key currency," Breda explains. "Candidates are prioritising shorter commutes, hybrid options, and supportive cultures over headline salary figures. Companies that recognise this are securing better talent and higher acceptance rates." Even as salary inflation eases, benefits packages, wellbeing initiatives, and authentic workplace culture remain critical to secure top-tier performers. Regional Outlook Matrix's regional offices in Waterford, Carlow, and Athlone report particularly strong engagement among mid-level professionals looking for hybrid roles close to home. The Midlands and Southeast continue to attract investment in logistics, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing, supporting job creation in comparison to Dublin's crowded job market. That said, the financial, legal, and tech sectors saw a mild slowdown versus Q2. "This was due to several multinational companies pausing their expansion," explains Breda. "Nevertheless, according to our data, regional recruitment sentiment remains stable as we approach year-end." 2026 Roadmap Matrix Recruitment anticipates a late-year uptick in hiring across supply chain, finance, and healthcare. According to the data, a balanced hiring market is predicted for 2026, with moderate growth predicted across professional services, life sciences, and infrastructure. However, there will be heightened competition for highly skille...

Guest post by Stanley Olisa For years, corporate giving has been dominated by the same playbook: annual donations, branded sponsorships and one-off CSR campaigns that rarely go beyond a press release. The problem is lack of structure. Business leaders want to create real social impact but most models for doing so are still transactional, not transformative. The world no longer needs photo-op charity. It needs systems that save lives. And that's where a new generation of tech-driven nonprofits, such as Helpster, are rewriting the rules of corporate giving: replacing one-off sponsorships with traceable impact, symbolic gestures with measurable outcomes and delayed reporting with real-time transparency. The CSR problem Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was meant to align business growth with societal good. But even after two decades of global adoption, its impact remains inconsistent. More than 80% of companies globally say they can measure ROI for their sustainability projects, according to a 2025 survey by Morgan Stanley Institute, but only around 70% report having long-term CSR strategies. These figures show a gap between doing good and knowing whether the good lasts. Across Africa, much of CSR funding still goes to highly visible projects, such as events, donations or relief drives, that are hard to scale or sustain. Globally, companies are re-evaluating this approach. The Edelman Trust Barometer 2024 found that 71% of consumers expect CEOs to drive societal change, not just fund it. Investors are also shifting attention to measurable ESG outcomes where impact is quantifiable, continuous and tied to business value. The implication is clear: companies that treat giving as a one-off cost miss the opportunity to make it a recurring investment in resilience, equity and public trust. A smarter model for impact Helpster Charity, founded in 2023, shows what already works: a model of social impact built on speed, transparency and sustainability. The organisation uses technology to provide free urgent medical cover for underprivileged populations across Africa and Asia. Behind its humanitarian mission lies a model that redefines how giving can work for both individuals and businesses. Helpster's life-saving platform tracks every donation in real time, from contribution to medical intervention, allowing donors and corporate partners to see precisely where their money goes and whose life it touches. This level of transparency builds accountability and emotional proximity; donors no longer just give, they witness impact. More interesting, however, is how Helpster's funding ecosystem creates continuity. In addition to one-time donations, it partners with an investment foundation where members can commit funds that generate income. The returns are directed towards medical interventions while the investors retain access to their principal. This structure converts generosity into a sustained revenue stream for impact, a practical blend of finance and philanthropy. In 2025, Helpster and its partners have distributed over $260,000 in direct medical aid, saving more than 1,100 lives across Kenya, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Cambodia, at the average cost of about $230. These are modest figures compared to the size of global corporate giving, estimated at $21 billion in 2023 (CECP Giving in Numbers Report), but they point to a model that's measurable, renewable and scalable. Why businesses should care For companies, embedding impact in operational systems is both moral and strategic. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed how fragile public health ecosystems directly affect supply chains, consumer behaviour and workforce stability. A business landscape that ignores health inequity is one that underestimates risk. By integrating giving through tech-driven platforms like Helpster, businesses can achieve three critical outcomes: Sustained visibility: real-time funding infrastructure ensures every donation is visible from disbursement to treatm...

Guest post by Isobel Rimmer, who is founder of international training and development consultancy, Masterclass Training, and author of Present with Presence: Everything you need to plan, prepare and deliver with impact in any situation published by Rethink Publishing I've trained hundreds of tech professionals, from IBM mainframe pre-sales engineers to the geekiest white hat hackers, consultants and data analysts, to speak with presence and confidence in customer meetings, conferences and events. In this article, I share what makes the best stand out and truly own the room. Presentation Skills, to Present with Presence There was a time when tech professionals, particularly in high level customer meetings, were expected to stay mute, speak only when spoken to, and then only in words of one syllable. How times have changed - and rightly so. Subject matter experts, SMEs, are critical to success in tech. Whether a systems architect, security specialist, pre-sales engineer, systems integrator or IT services professional explaining how the 'tech' will work, your ability to make what you say meaningful to every member of your audience, however technical, will make you stand out. And that's a key point. Just how technical is your audience? You probably take what you do for granted. You're comfortable with the 'tech' and you know the jargon. But that may not be true of the people you're speaking to. If you want to own the room, the first step is to assess the level of technical skill in the room. Most people are too polite to say they don't understand when things get complicated. They don't want to look foolish not knowing the latest acronym or piece of jargon. I once spent a whole day hearing about the 'uniques' of a major IT vendor when, to my horror (and that of the speaker), one audience member, looking confused, asked which version of 'Unix' he was talking about… No one likes a 'smart Alec' either, so your ability to pitch at the appropriate tech level will make you a star. Rarely does it work to try and impress with superior tech knowledge. One of the best ways to stand out is to introduce 'stories' and 'characters' into your presentations. I remember an amazing tech pitch at a Gartner event when the speaker used two hand puppets (and no notes) to explain his product's roadmap. Unique, fun and incredibly easy to understand. Whether you call them stories, case studies, use cases or citations, the outcome is the same. A story, told well, builds credibility, shows you 'know your stuff,' demonstrates your ability to solve serious technical problems and demonstrates the value you bring. A story is so much more memorable than a list of facts and figures. My 5D framework used by thousands of consultants globally allows you to bring even the most technical use case to life. A good story allows your audience to relate to you, your work, and how that can help them, increasing the likelihood of a 'virtual nod' because they see themselves in your story too. The first D - description - sets the context and gives validity to your story. If you've done similar work for a major global player, your audience will sit up and listen. The second D - dilemma - is where we share the challenges, issues and concerns the other customer faced. This does many things - it boosts your credibility and, if you choose the right story, shows what your audience is facing, too, connecting you more intimately. The third D - desire - is what the characters in your customer story wanted. This makes your story 'human' and relatable. Perhaps the CIO needed to overcome a major security issue, but was struggling to get budget from the Board, wanted to demonstrate a return on their ERP (enterprise resource planning) software to t shareholders, or ensure their systems were safe in the cloud following an outage. Your fourth D - delivered - is what you did. This is a pivotal moment. The best tech presenters, the ones who can really hold a room, understand that this descrip...

Time is running out for third-level students across Ireland to showcase their vision for the future of the country's energy sector. Students are invited to apply for the EirGrid CleanerGrid Competition 2025/26, with applications due to close on Wednesday, 19th November 2025. Back for a third year, the CleanerGrid competition run by EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland's electricity grid, aims to foster innovation and creativity by encouraging students to showcase their skills in creating innovative solutions for the Ireland's clean energy transition. With a top prize of €12,000 (€6,000 for the winning student team and €6,000 for the student's third-level institute), this year's theme focuses on "Opportunities and challenges in accelerating offshore wind potential." Entrants should propose innovative, practical solutions that address both the opportunities and obstacles in developing Ireland's offshore electricity infrastructure. Submissions may reflect each student's discipline or interests, whether in engineering, policy, economics, environmental science, data, or another field, and should offer fresh, actionable ideas that contribute meaningfully to Ireland's clean energy transition. Shona O'Halloran took part in last year's CleanerGrid competition as a student at the University of Galway. Now part of EirGrid's graduate programme, she is encouraging other students to apply, even if they do not have a complete project in mind. "CleanerGrid is an opportunity for students to be innovative and creative. When I initially applied, I did not have every detail of my project figured out, there was a few months before we had to present the final concept. This gave me plenty of time to consider different approaches and experiment with my ideas, as well as work around my coursework. If you are interested in applying, go for it, and see where it takes you." The competition is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, below PhD level, from all disciplines at any third-level institution in the Republic of Ireland. Students can take part by signing up at EirGrid.ie/CleanerGrid as part of a team of up to six members. Applications close on the 19th of November. The top entrants will be invited to EirGrid's head offices to present their innovations to industry experts, including members of the EirGrid senior management team.

Researchers from Trinity and the ADAPT Research Ireland Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology are leading a newly funded project to transform how AI is integrated into mobile and wireless communication systems. The NAIRA project (Native AI for Energy Efficient and Sustainable Radio Access Networks) is a pioneering initiative that envisions a new generation of intelligent, energy-aware networks capable of learning, adapting, and optimising themselves in real time. At its core, NAIRA seeks to embed AI natively within the very architecture of the Radio Access Network (RAN), moving beyond traditional approaches where AI operates as an external optimisation tool. This shift introduces Agentic AI, a new class of autonomous, goal-driven agents that can make local and collective decisions across the network. By doing so, NAIRA will enable networks that can autonomously reconfigure and optimise, while dynamically balancing energy efficiency, service quality, and operational cost. The three-year project, funded for €2.5 million via Call 7 of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF), will be coordinated by Prof. Marco Ruffini from Trinity's School of Computer Science and Statistics and ADAPT, and his co-PI, Dr Merim Dzaferagic. Industry partners include Dell Technologies, Red Hat Ltd., Intel Research and Development Ireland Ltd., Software Research Systems Ltd., and Tyndall National Institute. Prof. Marco Ruffini said: "NAIRA responds to the rapidly growing energy consumption of communication infrastructures, which is one of the most pressing global challenges - both from a logistical and sustainability perspective." "As data traffic continues to rise and connectivity becomes ubiquitous, mobile networks have emerged as a major source of energy demand within the ICT sector. NAIRA will address this issue by combining the latest innovations in AI, distributed intelligence, and Open RAN architectures to deliver a sustainable, high-performance framework for the networks of the future." Dr Merim Dzaferagic added: "By enabling intelligent collaboration among network components and continuous learning at the edge, NAIRA will demonstrate how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to drastically reduce energy use without compromising connectivity or user experience." "Its outcomes will contribute directly to Europe's green and digital transitions, setting the stage for AI-native 6G systems that are both sustainable and self-evolving." NAIRA was announced last week, along with another five newly funded DTIF projects, by Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, and James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Jenny Melia, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, said: "The latest tranche of DTIF funding is an important solution for Enterprise Ireland clients in supporting them to transform and underpin their ability to scale, extend their global reach and create high-quality jobs. It is exciting to see high-potential start-ups (HPSUs) leading the development of disruptive technologies in areas such as transport logistics and quantum computing, and collaborating with established multinational companies and research institutions."

SEPA Instant payments will allow personal and business customers to make a euro payment within ten seconds, 24 hours a day. In tandem with this, Verification of Payee (VoP) will also be introduced for both SEPA Instant and standard SEPA payments. The services are being introduced as part of the EU's Instant Payments Regulation and will come into effect from 9 October 2025. While the benefits of faster transactions and enhanced security are obvious, there may be some teething problems in the initial stages. Uneven rollout across Irish banks may cause short-term confusion or fragmented service, and VoP does not entirely eliminate scams or social-engineering risks. To find out more about this I caught up with Donal McGuinness, CEO of Prommt who was a guest on the podcast last year. Donal talks about his background, faster payments, and older demographics. More about Donal McGuiness Serial entrepreneur Donal McGuinness is CEO of Prommt. He studied Computer Science at DCU and Telecommunications Engineering at DIT and spent the early years of his career in the telecommunications industry. His experience in mobile payments dates to 1999 when he founded his first mobile payments company, ItsMobile. Donal was also a Non-Executive Director of the Irish Internet Association from 2009 to 2011 and ran a movie distribution business from 2002 to 2020. In 2016 Donal joined a silicon valley startup in the identity verification space called Danal inc, where he set up and grew the global business outside of the USA as General Manager of EMEA until 2019 when the business was acquired by Boku Inc for $112 million USD. Donal joined Prommt as CEO in 2019. He is an innovator and is passionate about payment innovation. See more podcasts here.

By David Stephen Mental health symptoms and emotional distress are universally present in human societies, and an increasing user base means that some portion of ChatGPT conversations include these situations - OpenAI There is a new [October 27, 2025] safety report by OpenAI, Strengthening ChatGPT's responses in sensitive conversations, stating that, "Our safety improvements in the recent model update focus on the following areas: 1) mental health concerns such as psychosis or mania; 2) self-harm and suicide; and 3) emotional reliance on AI. Should AI be responsible for mental health? In order to improve how ChatGPT responds in each priority domain, we follow a five-step process: Define the problem - we map out different types of potential harm. Begin to measure it - we use tools like evaluations, data from real-world conversations, and user research to understand where and how risks emerge. Validate our approach - we review our definitions and policies with external mental health and safety experts. Mitigate the risks - we post-train the model and update product interventions to reduce unsafe outcomes. Continue measuring and iterating - we validate that the mitigations improved safety and iterate where needed. While, as noted above, these conversations are difficult to detect and measure given how rare they are, our initial analysis estimates that around 0.07% of users active in a given week and 0.01% of messages indicate possible signs of mental health emergencies related to psychosis or mania. While, as noted above, these conversations are difficult to detect and measure given how rare they are, our initial analysis estimates that around 0.15% of users active in a given week have conversations that include explicit indicators of potential suicidal planning or intent and 0.05% of messages contain explicit or implicit indicators of suicidal ideation or intent." The State of Global Mental Health OpenAI is seeking to distance itself from culpability about the global mental health situation, given the continuous bad press and lawsuits about AI psychosis and teens suicides. While the major stories were about how ChatGPT may have exacerbated or reinforced delusions, the intense [transparency-cloaked] rebuttal in OpenAI's report is about people bringing their issues to the chatbot, not necessarily about how ChatGPT may have hooked and inverted reality for some users. However, what is the state of global mental health? What is the primary responsibility of OpenAI towards AI-induced psychosis, and possibly suicide? It appears that OpenAI believes to be doing enough for general mental health, according to the report, especially if people are just bringing external mental health requests to ChatGPT - where there is no history of friendship, companionship or others. However, one unsolved problem is AI-induced psychosis and possible breaks from reality that can happen because an AI chatbot can access the depths of the human mind. The solution - an independent AI Psychosis Research Lab, whose sole focus would be to show relays of the mind, matching chatbot outputs to stations and relays - is not yet available, by character.ai, ChatGPT, claude, gemini or others. OpenAI's Global Physician Network OpenAI wrote, "We have built a Global Physician Network - a broad pool of nearly 300 physicians and psychologists who have practiced in 60 countries - that we use to directly inform our safety research and represent global views. More than 170 of these clinicians (specifically psychiatrists, psychologists, and primary care practitioners) supported our research over the last few months by one or more of the following: Writing ideal responses for mental health-related prompts Creating custom, clinically-informed analyses of model responses Rating the safety of model responses from different models Providing high-level guidance and feedback on our approach." Why Neuroscience Research Failed Mental Health While OpenAI may expect commendation for the...

BUILDINGS BEO is a property show with a difference: it's not only about the renovation of heritage buildings all around the country, but also about the people and the communities who bring these buildings to life. In this 6-part series, presenter Carrie Crowley takes a closer look at six inspiring projects across Ireland, where derelict architectural legacies are being preserved and transformed into vital community spaces. With over 166,000 vacant buildings in Ireland today, BUILDINGS BEO sheds light on the urgent need for renewal of abandoned spaces. With projects ranging from historical mills to old schoolhouses, each episode follows the journey of a different restoration, showcasing the trials, tribulations and triumphs that come with preserving Ireland's architectural heritage. Buildings Beo renovating old Irish buildings Some of the remarkable restorations include the transformation of the historic Hope Castle Gate Lodge into a thriving community library in Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, the revival of a railway building into a digital hub and youth centre in Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, and the redevelopment of a fire-ravaged cinema into a state-of-the-art local theatre in Cork's market town of Macroom. Audiences will be wowed as each episode culminates in a final reveal, as all the hard work comes together and the building is brought back to life. Throughout the series, Carrie meets with the builders, architects, and communities driving these restoration projects, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the transformation process. Through compelling storytelling and stunning visuals, "Buildings Beo" celebrates Ireland's rich cultural and architectural heritage, demonstrating how it takes a village to make a Building BEO. Produced by New Departures Media. Buildings Beo - 1 Hope Castle Gate Lodge (Castleblayney, Monaghan) TG4 Wednesday 19/11 8.30pm First up for Carrie is a visit to the historic town of Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, which takes its name from Blayney Castle, once the focal point of the area. Renamed 'Hope Castle' in the 1850s, the castle's gate lodge fell into disrepair with the passage of time. In this episode, Carrie will follow along as the local townspeople come together to reimagine the space. She'll watch first-hand as the forgotten lodge, situated off the historic market square and by the picturesque public park surrounding Loch Muckno, is reimagined as a state-of-the-art library beloved by residents of all ages. Buildings Beo - 2 Ballinamore Junction (Leitrim) TG4 Wednesday 26/11 8.30pm Carrie heads to the idyllic town of Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, where she falls in love with the town's old railway station, which has fallen into disuse and dereliction. She'll learn of how Ballinamore Community Council devised an exciting plan to revitalise the area by transforming the stunning red-brick junction house into a dynamic multi-purpose hub: the beating heart of the town. From conception to completion, she'll meet a colourful cast of characters who are all united in their mission to breathe new life into the junction house. Buildings Beo - 3 Mount Congreve (Waterford) TG4 Wednesday 3/12 8.30pm In this episode, Carrie returns to her home county of Waterford, where she explores the historic Mount Congreve estate. Carrie delves into the legacy of Ambrose Congreve, a passionate gardener who entrusted Mt Congreve to the Irish state when he died in 2011 aged 104. Carrie unveils the ambitious plans for the estate's restoration-a project that seeks to honour its storied past while ushering in a new era of vitality. She'll follow Mount Congreve's revival, including the creation of a first-class café featuring ingredients grown onsite and meticulously curated retail spaces, all honouring Ambrose's vision and legacy. Buildings Beo - 4 The Old Mill/James O' Neill Building (Kinsale) TG4 Wednesday 10/12 8.30pm It's off to Ireland's foodie capital, Kinsale, in this episode, as Carrie delves into the transformation of a...

A family of five beavers and a beaver pair have been released at two sites on Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin in the Glen Affric National Nature Reserve in the northwest Highlands. The beavers were relocated under licence from agricultural land in Tayside to an area where their natural behaviours are expected to positively benefit the landscape and biodiversity. New Beavers to be released Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), which manages the 17,604-hectare NNR, has been working in partnership with Trees for Life on the initiative since 2022, supported by Beaver Trust. The project has included three phases of extensive consultations with local communities and land managers. FLS North Region Manager, Alex Mcleod, said: "Beavers being translocated to Glen Affric is the culmination of a long, exacting and thorough process for FLS and Trees for Life. Fully engaging with the local Affric communities, including through a detailed consultation process, has been crucial in making sure that all voices were heard. "This high degree of local consultation has helped put in place processes to discuss any necessary mitigation, and to address concerns raised by those not in favour of beaver introductions. We are establishing a group to oversee ongoing monitoring to inform management decisions in the months and years to come, and I would hope that the beavers eventually become an integral and unremarked part of Glen Affric." Steve Micklewright, Trees for Life's Chief Executive, said: "As we saw the beavers released into the loch, we were watching a moment of wildlife history - offering hope for tackling the nature and climate emergencies, and a better future for biodiversity and people. "We're proud to have worked with FLS on this community-focused initiative. FLS has undertaken vital habitat restoration work in Glen Affric over many years and shown real leadership in nature restoration by reintroducing this important habitat-creating, biodiversity-boosting, flood-preventing animal." NatureScot granted a licence in August for the release of four family groups of beavers to the waters above Beinn a Mheadhoin dam, following an application by FLS last December. The first two releases, of the beaver pair followed by the family of five, took place on 24 October. Beavers create wetlands that benefit other wildlife, purify water and reduce flooding. The animals can bring economic benefits to communities through eco-tourism. Sometimes the species can also create localised problems. The Glen Affric project partners have put in place measures to address these quickly should they emerge. FLS is establishing a Beaver Community Mitigation and Monitoring Group as a community and visitor liaison focal point, where developments can be monitored, aired and addressed. The Group, which also involves NatureScot, will also look at developing educational opportunities with local schools, the wider community and visitors to the area. Trees for Life's dedicated Beaver Management Officer, Tobias Leask, will be engaging with the whole community, offering practical support to ensure local people can enjoy and benefit from the return of the beavers through a well-managed process. The translocation to Glen Affric was carried out by Dr Roisin Campbell-Palmer, Head of Restoration at Beaver Trust, who said: "Beavers are a powerful ally in turning the biodiversity crisis around, and we're delighted to have carried out this important reintroduction to one of Scotland's most famous glens. "Each new catchment we restore beavers to brings Scotland closer to its 2045 goal of a nature-rich, resilient future. Responsible, well-considered translocations like this are helping re-establish a healthy, connected beaver population across the country." Prior to their release in Glen Affric, the beavers were housed at a specialised beaver holding and quarantine facility at Five Sisters Zoo for health checks. Local resident Malcolm Wield said: "Beavers benefit a wide range of different species inclu...

A digital journey to the ocean depths, a virtual reality exploration of Notre-Dame Cathedral, and an international conference on art and technology are among the events announced today for Ireland's arts & technology festival, Beta. Title image :Foolish Flame, by artists Peter Power and Leon Butler. The immersive experience exploring climate change will be open to members of the public as part of Beta Festival 2025. Supported by The Digital Hub the event will be held at various locations throughout Dublin from November 7th to 23rd. This year's theme explores concepts of water and fluidity, and speaking at the programme announcement the festival's curator Aisling Murray invited members of the public to dive right in: "Beta Festival is the only festival of its kind in Ireland that merges art and technology. We are bringing together some of the leading minds from both fields to present cutting-edge ideas to the public and together imagine new possibilities. From immersive exhibitions, to quantum-inspired poetry performances and virtual reality experiences, I invite everyone to come and find inspiration in our carefully curated programme of exhibitions, workshops, and international guests." Beta Festival Highlights A centerpiece of the festival is a landmark exhibition titled "Undercurrent: As Below, So Above," which will be hosted at Dublin Port. The exhibition will feature interactive artworks by artist Kat Austen, who confronts the vital problem of marine microplastic pollution alongside an immersive experience created by Lauren Moffat that takes visitors on a journey to the ocean floor, and new multimedia works by Siobhan McDonald. As part of the festival, the Digital Hub, in partnership with Project Arts Centre, will present the Irish premiere of "Foolish Flame." Created by artists Peter Power and Leon Butler, this immersive installation addresses themes of climate change and cultural trauma. Combining the old with the new, the work draws inspiration from traditional Sean-nós dance archives, reinterpreted by choreographer Robyn Byrne, and features music composed by Peter Power, performed by Uilleann Piper Muireann Ní Shé. This year's festival is filled with public workshops and technology demonstrations. The Virtual Reality Notre-Dame Experience, created through 5,000 hours of historian-guided graphic work, will allow participants to explore the cathedral like never before, including areas of the cathedral that are not open to the public. A related panel discussion entitled "AI, Design & Cultural Heritage" will explore how contemporary designers are using AI as both a creative and interpretive tool for historic architecture. For the festival's opening weekend Beta will host the Irish premiere of "HeartBeat, Son cœur a trouvé sa cadence dans le silence des rencontres", the Venice Immersive Biennale experience by French artist Bonnie Lisbon. The installation offers a non-verbal encounter between two strangers, sharing their pulse and exploring emotional relationships. Local Artists Network The Local Artists Network strand of the programme is dedicated to new work by some of Ireland's most exciting artists working with new technology. Pallas Projects will present an exhibition by Caroline Mac Cathmhaoil, artist Istvan Lazslo will present an augmented reality work reconstructing the removal of Queen Victoria's statue from Leinster House, and a large-scale installation by Aoife Dunne will be presented within the historic Riddel's warehouse. Conference The Beta Festival's annual conference gathers artists, researchers, policymakers, and tech experts to discuss how art connects with technology and the environment. Among the conference highlights, Dr. Oonagh Murphy will deliver a keynote address titled "Responsible AI in the Cultural Sector," focusing on ethical practices, responsible technology use, and public programmes that prioritise people and the environment. A performative lecture from Jose Luis de Vicente will investigate ...

Investment in wind energy generated a net financial benefit of more than £100bn for energy consumers between 2010 and 2023, challenging misconceptions about the cost of the green energy transition, a new UCL study has shown. The study, published in UCL Open Environment, found that between 2010 to 2023 wind-generated energy lowered electricity bills by £14.2bn and cut the cost of natural gas by £133.3bn. When offset by the £43.2bn in green subsidies consumers paid through their bills, the net result was a reduction of £104.3bn in UK energy bills over the 13-year period. Wind power helping reduce energy bills As delegates prepare for COP30 in Brazil, the report's conclusions re-focus attention on the UK's green energy transition and challenge the argument that sustainability, affordability, and energy security are in conflict with each other. Crucially, the study's authors argue that investment in wind energy should be viewed as a public good whereby government support directly benefits consumers and industry. To assess the financial impact of wind power on the UK energy market, the researchers modelled the long-term Merit Order Effect (MOE), the mechanism by which introducing low-cost renewable energy lowers wholesale electricity prices. Unlike previous analyses, which have only considered short-term MOE, this approach considers the potential cost of constructing new gas capacity, providing a fuller picture and a more realistic reflection of how the energy market would respond over time. Models that only considered short-term MOE calculated the net benefit at just £0.9bn. In contrast, this study takes into account that had the UK continued to invest in gas instead of wind generation throughout the 2010s, demand for gas would have significantly increased and therefore led to higher prices today. However, the UK saw an expansion of wind capacity during this period from just five terra-watt hours (TWh) to 80 TWh, which was 30% of electricity generation in the UK. The study shows that this expansion of wind capacity in fact pushed gas generators out of the market and lowered electricity prices for consumers. Lead author Colm O'Shea (UCL Geography) said: "Far from being a financial burden, this study demonstrates how wind generation has consistently delivered substantial financial benefits to the UK. To put it into context, this net benefit of £104bn is larger than the additional £90bn the UK has spent on gas since 2021 as a result of rising prices related to the war in Ukraine." While good news for consumers, these lower market prices mean the wind generators themselves earn less per unit of energy, limiting their own profitability as they cannibalise their own market. The study proves that the profitability of the wind energy sector should not be seen as a measure of its financial value. Lead author Colm O'Shea said: "The simplistic assessment that the wind industry is a drag on the UK economy is deeply mistaken. It is perfectly possible for the wind industry to be consistently unprofitable without government support yet still deliver a net financial and economic benefit to the country. This study demonstrates why we should reframe our understanding of green investment from costly environmental subsidy to a high-return national investment." The study also calls into question the fairness of the current funding model. Currently, electricity users pay 100% of green subsidies used to aid the green transition but receive only 18% of the financial benefit. Meanwhile, natural gas users, who pay nothing toward wind investment, have enjoyed 82% of the benefit since 2010. Co-author Professor Mark Maslin (UCL Geography) said: "The study raises serious questions about the fairness of who funds our transition to renewables and who benefits. Right now, the biggest winners are not the investors, wind generation firms or even electricity consumers who foot the bill for subsidies - it is natural gas consumers, who benefit from reduced househol...

We look at this new and interesting book by Jim Baggott. See more about Discordance The Troubled History of the Hubble Constant here. Discordance The Troubled History of the Hubble Constant, reviewed We are living in interesting times for studies about our universe. It looks like it is still expanding, fair enough if the big bang did it's thing, and exploded out from an incredibly small amount of space and matter. But, as the data increasingly suggests, the rate of the expansion is not only continuing, but also increasing the rate at which it does so. Baggott takes us on an interesting, well informed and clearly explained journey around the important developments and discoveries, especially over the last century or so. At some points the maths and the physics naturally left us behind, but, overall this is an accessible and comprehensible book for the wider reader. Time and time again it seems like our best and deepest thinkers have to conceive theoretical ideas and then often wait decades, often beyond their own lifetimes, before humanity has built sufficient tools to then test them. Often then, such was the brilliance of Einstein and others, their concepts turned out to be right. The clear example of the concept of black holes, long, long before it was ever possible to definitively proof their existence. This has repeatedly been the process, which the Hubble Telescope, Cern and the Higgs boson, and now with the James Watt Telescope, have all helped us to then conclusively prove or disprove concepts. All of this of course a massive riposte to the recent insane cuts in scientific research, and evidence based concepts. It is an exciting time new massive arrays coming online, and the far great capacity of JW and more to scan more of the sky, in higher resolution. Faster methodologies are also emerging to analyse what is being captured too. All of which means that new discoveries are being made near daily too. Baggot helps to communicate an interesting overview of these developments, and captures the enthusiasm that is out there in terms of sharing of ideas and robustly testing previously held ideas. Naturally dark matter and dark energy can still seem slightly questionable, as they are, by their nature, currently impossible, or at least extremely difficult to measure, observe or capture. At the same time, something has to be there to account for the fact that we can see, and measure so little of what must be around us. It does show we still have a long way to go in terms of understanding how the universe works and what is happening around us. Books like this help to communicate why this is important, interesting and well worth studying and investment. Check it out. More about the book Discordance The troubled history of the Hubble constant: a story littered with crises of confidence, astonishing discoveries, and extraordinary personalities, which still continues today. From the award-winning science-writer and author of Quantum Drama. In 1927 Georges Lemaître argued that our universe is expanding, a conclusion rendered more startling by the astronomical data that backed it up, presented two years later by Edwin Hubble. The speed of this expansion is governed by Hubble's constant, and Discordance tells its troubled history. This unpredictable and fascinating story begins with the first tentative steps to measure the distances to nearby stars and galaxies. It traces the extraordinary interplay between cosmological theory and astronomical observation which has given us the standard Big Bang theory. It was not all plain sailing, and the narrative takes us through the discovery of dark matter, the Hubble Wars of the 1970s, the invention of cosmic inflation, and other crucial scientific moments. Further satellite missions were expected to add to the clarity of our measurements. But from about 2009 onward, the results began to diverge and complicate our understanding of this expansion. This is the Hubble tension and perhaps even a cr...

The international business group RedCore invites SIGMA Rome participants to meet their investment team, who will also be present at the conference stand. RedCore specialists will be delighted to meet and discuss potential partnerships with representatives of promising projects from November 3 to 6. RedCore invites anyone interested in investing in a business group that combines technology products and services for digital markets to visit booth 1045. RedCore at SIGMA Rome "SIGMA Rome is the perfect place to meet teams that are changing the future of technology. We are looking for projects in the areas of iGaming, MarTech, FinTech, Web3, AI/ML, and technology analytics," comments Ihor Denysov, COO Investments at RedCore. - We offer more than just financing; we provide projects with comprehensive expert support, operational resources, and integration into the infrastructure of an international business group. Our goal is not just to invest funds, but to become a catalyst for growth for ambitious projects." RedCore's investment division focuses on projects that have already moved from the MVP stage with market testing to readiness to scale and grow their business. The business group collaborates with teams and technologies that have a working MVP and demonstrate growth potential, offering not only capital but also a full range of support to accelerate growth. You can submit your project for consideration by the team via the link: Pitch your project to the RedCore team. Discuss the details at SIGMA Rome 2025 from November 3 to 6 at the booth 1045. 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.

Eirmersive, the leading voice in Ireland for the immersive technology sector, officially launched the PRISM Manufacturing Programme at an exclusive evening reception attended by programme partners, funders, and manufacturing leaders from across the island of Ireland. In early 2026, the programme will engage manufacturing SMEs across the island to explore deep tech applications, such as immersive, Digital Twin and AI technologies, towards improved efficiencies and optimisation of manufacturing processes. With strong backing from cross-border partners - including InterTradeIreland, Queen's University Belfast, Digital Catapult NI, Dundalk Institute of Technology Regional Development Centre and others - PRISM represents a transformative, collaborative pilot approach to advancing digital innovation and competitiveness across the island. The launch comes following an exceptional day that began with the PRISM Immersive Technology Summit, Ireland's premier all-island gathering exploring the convergence of Extended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Twin technologies. The summit welcomed over 200 innovators, business leaders, and researchers, offering a deep dive into how immersive technologies are transforming key sectors such as manufacturing, construction, health tech, and energy. Speaking at the launch, Camille Donegan, CEO of Eirmersive, said: "The energy and engagement we witnessed throughout today's summit carried seamlessly into this evening's launch. The PRISM Manufacturing Programme represents the practical next step - moving from discussion to demonstration, and from potential to performance. We're thrilled to see so many stakeholders coming together to drive real innovation across the island." Aidan Browne, Head of Innovation & Business Development at Dundalk Institute of Technology, added: "Today has shown the power of collaboration between academia, industry, and innovation partners. The PRISM Manufacturing Programme will help Irish SMEs embrace immersive technology not as a concept, but as a competitive advantage." Earlier in the day, summit attendees experienced powerful keynote presentations and live demonstrations from global leaders including Brian Cooney, CEO of KUKA Robotics Ireland, and Timmy Ghiuru, Innovation Leader at Volvo Cars. Discussions explored how digital twins, XR, and AI are revolutionising industrial workflows, reducing lead times, and creating safer, more efficient production environments. If you are a manufacturing SME, in NI or the South of Ireland, and you would be interested in registering for the PRISM Manufacturing Programme, visit www.eirmersive.com/prism or contact mark@eirmersive.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.

Landmark Technologies, an Irish provider of IT and cybersecurity services, has announced that it is helping to secure daily operations for in-flight entertainment provider Inflight Dublin. Together, Landmark and Inflight Dublin's IT team have developed a customised cybersecurity solution tailored to Inflight Dublin's specific needs. This integrated solution counters rising cyber threats, safeguards critical data, and provides a secure foundation for innovative in-flight entertainment solutions that enhance the passenger experience. Headquartered in Dublin and with locations in North America, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, Inflight Dublin provides blockbuster movies, popular TV programmes, music, apps, games, and moving maps to leading airlines worldwide. These include Qatar Airways, Condor Flugdienst GmbH, Copa Airlines, Gulf Air, Philippine Airlines, Sunclass Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines. As Inflight Dublin collaborates closely with Hollywood studios to provide top content for customers, data security is paramount. The nature of the business requires many employees to travel overseas, and Landmark secures all devices and networks for the company's 55-strong team - wherever they're working. As cyber threats continue to grow more sophisticated, Landmark works closely with Inflight Dublin's internal IT team to provide rapid response and remediation should an incident occur. In addition, the tailored solution is boosting resilience for Inflight Dublin with onsite and offsite data backups to ensure business continuity in the event of an incident. Regular penetration testing identifies any cybersecurity gaps or vulnerabilities, and Landmark provides cybersecurity awareness training to employees. Landmark's technology, seamlessly integrated with Inflight Dublin's bespoke solutions, enables a secure, immersive, and uninterrupted entertainment experience for airline passengers. Inflight Dublin recently completed a major IT infrastructure upgrade, deploying data centre-grade systems engineered for fault tolerance, redundancy, and maximum uptime. This enhancement ensures the continued rapid delivery of content and publication updates to in-flight entertainment systems worldwide including Inflight Dublin's own wireless platform, Everhub. Additionally, Inflight Dublin recently announced a new partnership with TED to bring thought-provoking TED Talks to its onboard content offering. Pat Nolan, Director of IT & Information Security, Inflight Dublin, said: "Against the backdrop of a changing cyber landscape, this advanced security solution from Landmark and our teams gives us the confidence to continue to roll out our services, safe in the knowledge that our data and operations are fully protected. Effective cybersecurity is of the utmost importance in the aviation industry, and we are committed to providing secure solutions for customers which offer passengers an engaging and entertaining in-flight experience. In addition, even when located in different regions and time zones, our teams can work and collaborate securely to ultimately drive innovation for the business." Ken Kelleher, Managing Director, Landmark Technologies, said: "We are providing peace of mind and resilience for Inflight Dublin as the company continues to grow and evolve. Seamless access to movies and TV is a top priority for many airlines and as customers' needs become more complex, our ultra-secure services reduce cyber risk and enhance capabilities. Meanwhile, our customer-first ethos and proactive support is crucial for Inflight Dublin, particularly as its team is often dispersed. Landmark is enabling Inflight Dublin to take off and deliver its services quickly and efficiently, while future proofing operations and supporting seamless scalability in line with business growth." 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 fantast...

By J.M. Auron Quantum Tech Resumes These days, apparently, most job seekers are afraid of the Big Bad ATS. And, with the endless drumbeat of horror stories about the ATS destroying careers? It's pretty understandable that people are nervous. So I'd like to follow up my earlier post on IT resume misinformation, and try to relieve some of the anxiety that's come to surround Applicant Tracking Systems. Now, don't get me wrong. ATS systems are far from ideal. But I believe - based on many years as a professional IT resume writer, as well as my own research - that the ATS may not be the bogeyman it's often made out to be. What is ATS and how to deal with it People often see "getting through the ATS" as the biggest challenge in the job search. It's really not, though. Getting through the ATS - and I know this goes against the conventional "wisdom" - isn't that difficult, and shouldn't be the focus of your resume writing. So let's break it down a bit. 1) Getting Through the ATS isn't that Hard I know. I just said that. It bears repeating, though, given the fear-mongering online and on social media. From the research I've done, 80%-95% of all decently written, decently formatted resumes get through the gatekeeper. Decently formatted just means a simple, readable, reverse chronological framework with clear section headings. The problem comes when there are multiple columns, tables, graphics, or very unusual fonts. The ATS can't read that, but, honestly, they're hard for humans to read, too. So keeping things simple, clear, and straightforward is likely to improve your chances with both the ATS and the humans who are really making the decisions. 2) You Don't Need a 100% Keyword Match In fact, a keyword match that high (if it's even possible) looks over-optimized, as though you've just copied and pasted the job description. Recruiters are hip to that - so even if you do get through the ATS with an overly optimized IT resume, you may well not get past the human being making the decision. It's a bit like Google. Keyword stuffing is more likely to get a site lowered rather than raised. The general rule of thumb is that you need a keyword match around 70%-80%. That's not really that hard, though it sounds like a high number. If you're a Cloud Architect, for example, a lot of what you've done is going to overlap with any decently written job description (I know, of course, that not all are decently written, but that's not something we can control). So if you talk clearly about what you've done, and naturally weave in the skills and tools you've used, the keyword matching will actually happen fairly automatically. I'm not suggesting that you don't read job descriptions carefully, but focus on the places where all the job descriptions match, rather than on a few outliers. 3) AI Hasn't Taken Over the Hiring Process! I'm not, in general, a big fan of AI - or at least of the AI hype we're all bombarded with. But from everything I can find, AI has not taken over ATS systems. They are still pretty close to what they've always been. AI is used to automate some tasks nowadays. More importantly, AI may be used for more semantic keyword matching - "cloud computing" can now match "AWS expertise" - for example. That's actually a positive; semantic keyword matching makes writing a resume that reads naturally much, much easier. But AI has not become a demonic (or hopelessly inefficient) entity committed to destroying your careers. It's not even mucking up the works as much as in some other areas - at least at this point. Bottom Line? There's a lot to be concerned about in the job search. Things aren't easy. But the hype about the Big Bad ATS, in my view, is just adding to the many worries that job seekers already have. That's not a good thing. So I recommend writing a good, solid, clear IT resume that tells your career story. If you do that well, the keywords - and the ATS - should take care of themselves. Bio: I'm J.M. Auron and I've owned one of the to...

With over two million smart meters now installed across Ireland, households are entering a new era of smarter, more flexible electricity use. As time-of-use tariffs become increasingly popular (and dynamic tariffs set to launch in June 2026), Irish homes will soon have more control than ever over their energy bills. But how well are we using these tools, and what more can be done to help households make real savings? Munster Technological University's InVEST Project, supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) under the RD&D 2022 programme, has launched a nationwide survey to understand how homes across Ireland use electricity and how people can take better advantage of their smart meters and inherent household flexibility. Nationwide Survey on domestic Electricity Use, InVEST Project The Energy Use in Irish Homes Survey takes about ten minutes to complete, and participants will be entered into a prize draw to win home energy monitors and smart plugs (total prize value €340). The draw will be held on 4 December 2025, and one entry per household is allowed. Survey link: https://forms.office.com/e/2kLhviBvxp Understanding Ireland's changing energy landscape Ireland's residential sector accounts for roughly one-quarter of total electricity demand, and that share is expected to grow with the electrification of heat and transport. Many households are now equipped with smart meters, providing half-hourly consumption data and the potential for smarter energy decisions but access and understanding remain key barriers. "Across our project, we found that many participants struggled to retrieve or interpret their smart meter data," said Dr. Niamh Power (Project Lead). "This highlights a crucial gap between technology rollout and user empowerment. Access to clear, usable data is what allows people to shift when they use appliances, reduce bills, and cut carbon but without that access, much of the potential is lost." Academic and policy literature reinforce this finding: households with better data access and understanding of their usage patterns are more likely to adapt behaviour and benefit from new tariffs. Simple actions such as running appliances at off-peak hours or charging electric vehicles overnight can deliver meaningful savings under time-of-use pricing. A call for participation The InVEST team has already gathered insights from early adopter homes that invested in solar PV, heat pumps, or electric vehicles and found clear patterns of smart energy use emerging. However, the team wants to hear from all Irish households, regardless of whether they have advanced technologies. "With upcoming dynamic tariffs and growing interest in flexible electricity use, now is the perfect time for every home to understand their own patterns," the team added. "The more people participate, the better we can identify opportunities for savings and design fairer, more effective policies." For more information and to take part in the survey, visit https://forms.office.com/e/2kLhviBvxp or scan the QR code: Issued by: The InVEST Project Team Supported by: Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Grant: 22/RDD/866 See more breaking stories here.

SETU Sports Scholar, Róisín Sweeney, graduated from the University's conferring ceremonies at the Kilkenny Road campus in Carlow on 28 October. Naas Native, Róisín Sweeney, completed her Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Aerospace Engineering in Carlow after four years of study. Róisín began studying aerospace engineering in 2021, receiving an academic scholarship on entry into first year of the course. First female Motorsport Ireland karting champion Róisín established herself as the fastest driver of the SETU karting club early on in her time SETU. She was selected for the A team on first trials and went on to compete in the Student Sport Ireland Karting Championships throughout the four years of her degree. "Karting has been a part of my life since my early teens. I discovered the sport while on holiday with my family; I was hooked right away. Karting is very important to me and brings back very fond memories," Roisin explained. In her second year, Róisín achieved runner up in the Karting Driver championship, in conjunction with becoming the first female Motorsport Ireland T4 Senior National Karting champion. In 2023, Róisín became the first female to win a Student Sport Ireland individual student karting championship, while also leading the SETU A team to third place in the team's championship. SETU sports scholarship and student recognition award Róisín was awarded a sports scholarship for karting, from 2022 to 2024. The SETU Sports Scholarship Programmeis designed to assist high-performance athletes in their overall development. The programme supports high-calibre athletes to reach their maximum potential both in their sport and in their academic careers. For four years running, Róisín achieved the SETU Student Recognition Award in acknowledgement of her commitment to her studies. When speaking about balancing her academic life and sporting career, Róisín said, "The SETU Sports Scholarship was a huge help in balancing my national karting career and the various activities involved both inside and outside of the University." "Even with all I was working towards in sport, I wanted to keep up my grades and learn as much as possible within my degree in aerospace engineering, an area that I became very passionate about. I have always found the world of aviation extremely interesting, and the course gave me great exposure and insight into the aviation industry. Being able to physically work on aircraft was a very important experience, and I found that a lot of the topics I studied through the year related to my motorsport interests too. The course has left me well prepared for pursuing my future career in the aviation industry," Róisín explained. "The overall feeling of recognition and support from the scholarship made me feel even more motivated to commit into my university career, both academically and through clubs and societies." Now graduating with a first-class honours' degree in Aerospace Engineering. Róisín has already begun the next chapter, having gained a graduate position at Milestone Aviation, a helicopter leasing company. Since completing her studies, Róisín has also graduated to car racing, having just finished a successful season in 2025. See more stories here.

Leitrim County Council is inviting parents and children aged 7 to 12 to explore coding technology together through a series of free, family-friendly sessions as part of Science Week 2025, which runs from November 9th to November 16th. The OurKidsCode workshops will take place across the county at Leitrim's Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) and libraries. OurKidsCode is a nationwide programme developed by a research team at Trinity College Dublin that helps families learn about technology in an enjoyable, hands-on way. No experience is needed - just a laptop and a willingness to learn something new. The workshops are most suitable for children aged 7 to 12, but everyone is welcome. Leitrim County Council has been supporting the programme for 18 months, and it has already proved a hit in Leitrim communities, with excellent feedback from parents and children alike. During Science Week 2025, the two-hour workshops will take place in Leitrim's libraries and BCPs, giving families across the county an opportunity to discover how coding can spark creativity, build problem-solving skills and boost confidence. As well as being a fun and stimulating way for families to spend time with each other, these educational sessions help to address the urban/rural divide by bringing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) activities to families in rural Ireland. In time, initiatives like OurKidsCode could open doors for future opportunities for people to live and work in their home counties, as so many careers in computing and technology can be done from home. The workshops have also seen significant numbers of girls shine in the fun environment, which could lead to a higher take-up of STEAM careers for young women. Martina Gilmartin, facilitator of the OurKidsCode programme in Leitrim, said: "Working as a facilitator with OurKidsCode here in Leitrim, it has been lovely to see parents and children sitting together, laughing, creating, problem-solving, and being proud of what they achieve as a family. "In this very tech-savvy world, many parents worry about children spending too much time on screens. OurKidsCode offers something completely different - active, creative computer time rather than passive screen time. Coding helps children to think, to problem solve, to plan and sequence, to make patterns and to persevere. In truth, it is about more than coding. It is about connection - between parents and children, between families and communities, and between creativity and technology." Nicola Mc Manus, Broadband Officer at Leitrim County Council, said: "Leitrim County Council are delighted to be part of this very worthwhile initiative with Trinity College and OurKidsCode in bringing coding workshops to young people and their families in County Leitrim. We encourage families to take this opportunity to support our young people to access valuable learning in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths." Fiona Wheeldon, who participated in an OurKidsCode workshop with her sons, said: "We really loved the coding workshop provided by OurKidsCode over four days in Manorhamilton library last year. My two sons (5 & 9 at the time) and I learnt lots about Micro:bit, Scratch & Makey Makey - how to use them and where to go to get our own. My kids are still interested in coding now, with the younger one doing some Makey Makey projects, and the older one doing Makecode Arcade at home." If parents, parent associations, and community groups would like to enquire about hosting Our Kids Code workshops at their local BCPs, they can email nicola.mcmanus@leitrimcoco.ie for further information. To take part or find out more and to register, contact your local library, your nearest BCP, or phone Martina Gilmartin on 087 154 5012. Families can find more information at www.ourkidscode.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 h...

Imagine - Ireland's independent broadband provider - has announced a price freeze until 2030 on all fibre broadband plans, guaranteeing customers that their monthly bill won't change between now and then. The move directly challenges the industry trend of short-term deals followed by steep increases and annual inflation-linked price hikes. Imagine provides fibre and 5G mobile broadband throughout Ireland and promises one clear price until 2030 that can save households and businesses up to €1,247 over five years compared to competitors. Imagine is also offering leave anytime flexibility across all broadband packages, giving stability without being tied into 12 or 24-month contracts. Recent national research by Ipsos B&A (2025) highlights widespread frustration among broadband users in Ireland: 79% are tired of constant price hikes. 71% say cost is their top reason for switching. 54% believe all broadband providers are the same. Nearly half have been with their provider less than two years. Niall Tallon, Chief Executive Officer, Imagine, said: "We want to reimagine what broadband can be in Ireland and give customers a real alternative that is fair, honest, and free from the usual tricks. Nobody wants to deal with annual inflationary price hikes or switching when short-term offers expire. People want price stability and simple, no-nonsense high-speed connectivity". "Imagine has a long history of doing things differently. We were the first to bring high-speed broadband to rural communities when others didn't. We're still that independent company challenging the status quo. Our five-year price freeze, straightforward customer journey, and leave-anytime flexibility aren't available anywhere else", added Tallon. "Why sign a contract for one price and end up paying double within a year? It doesn't make sense. We are rewarding loyalty and are the only broadband provider that can look you in the eye and say: Your fibre broadband bill won't change until 2030." Imagine's new fibre broadband packages include plans for €55 a month for 500MB, with speeds going up to 2GB, and they are available nationwide. All packages include?leave-anytime flexibility, meaning no 12-month or 24-month contracts or hidden fees. For more information, go to imagine.ie

Marking its 30th anniversary, Science Week will take place across Ireland from 9-16 November, with 14 festivals and a huge variety of events set to take place nationwide. Coordinated by Research Ireland, Science Week is an annual week-long celebration of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). With this year's theme of 'Then. Today. Tomorrow.', Research Ireland is encouraging people to explore how science and research have shaped and improved the lives we live today, while also looking at the questions and challenges of tomorrow, and how insights from the past can influence our future decisions. A wide range of festivals and events will take place across Ireland as part of Science Week, from an Immersive Sustainable Escape Room to an Otter Spotters Roadshow. There is something for everybody. There will be two showcase events in Cork and Dublin that are not to be missed: Cork: Renowned spectacle theatre company Macnas will make its Cork premiere at Marina Market for Science Week 2025. On Sunday, 9 November, Macnas will bring its vibrant troupe of drummers, stilt walkers, sculptures, and puppets to Cork city to tell a powerful story about biodiversity loss and the gradual disappearance of the corncrake across Ireland. Known for its distinctive and recognisable call, the corncrake's decline serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to protect habitats and biodiversity. An installation inspired by the performance will remain at Marina Market, alongside the Science Week-funded SpaceFest, until Thursday, 13 November. Dublin: Luke Jerram's Museum of the Moon Lands in Merrion Square to celebrate 30 years of Science Week. Internationally acclaimed artist Luke Jerram will bring his breathtaking installation, Museum of the Moon, to Merrion Square, Dublin, from 13-15 November. The seven-metre illuminated sphere, featuring detailed imagery of the lunar surface from NASA, offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity to experience the Moon up close. Suspended in one of Dublin's most iconic city parks, the artwork invites reflection on our relationship with the night sky, the planet, and beyond. Some other events taking place not to be missed include: Then, Today and Tomorrow - Exploring a Changing Ocean Around Us - Galway - November 15th, 10 am - 5 pm Join the aquarium team and friends to explore the past, present and future of the ocean and waters of Ireland. Explore our marine heritage and past, meet our animals and discover the habitats they live in, and consider the ocean and waterways of the future. Visitors will be to join hourly feeding tours and meet our team at activity stations around the aquarium. The Science of Storytelling - Dublin - November 9th, 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Storytelling is as old as time, but what about the science behind it? Join neuroscientist Shane O'Mara, author of Talking Heads: The New Science of How Conversation Shapes Our Worlds, master traditional storyteller Niall de Búrca and science writer Claire O'Connell as we delve into communication, connection, and why storytelling remains such a powerful form of human expression. Let's Talk Science Festival - Dublin - November 8th, 10 am - 4 pm. The Let's Talk Science Festival is back at the Rediscovery Centre - and this year we're celebrating 10 years of science, curiosity and fun! Join us on Saturday, 8th November, for our special anniversary festival with the theme "10 Years of Let's Talk Science". It's an all-day, family-friendly event packed with exciting STEM activities for all ages. Teddy Bears Hospital - Athlone This event is part of the Midlands Science Festival and will be hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Paediatrics Society through a special pop-up teddy bear hospital in Athlone. This event introduces children to healthcare in a fun and friendly way, helping to ease any worries they may have surrounding the hospital environment. Through a number of stations, such as the emergency station, phlebotomy, or pharmacy, every ...

We look at the new Pixel Buds 2a, see more about them here. New Pixel Buds 2a, reviewed Out of the box our testers liked a few things about the earbuds, in a way that they felt that perhaps the manufacturers had responded to user feedback. Our team quickly noticed that the charging box was back to a smaller more snug size. They quickly pulled out the last iteration, larger, and then the ones before that, smaller, which they felt was better, more mobile and less obtrusive. Similarly they pointed out that some degree of an ear clip was now back again, also absent in the previous version, but to be found in earlier types. This was again a thumbs up, as they felt it meant that they were less likely to slip, and consequently easier to avoid catastrophic fails such as one falling out while you were cycling, rock climbing or using the local ferry out at sea in rougher waves. Moving onto the colour, while not everyone might like the subtle lilac colours, it was again a hit with our female testers. If you are not so wild on this, you can always go for more conventional darker hues too. The noise cancelling has always been a good to strong feature of the Pixel Buds, and this continues with this version of the ear buds too. Battery time is pretty decent, charging quickly, and delivering a long period of usage too. Overall our testers were pretty happy with these earbuds and more than happy to give them a definite thumbs up. More about Pixel Buds 2a Do Pixel Buds 2a have Active Noise Cancellation? Yes, Pixel Buds 2a has pro-level Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal 1.5 to help block external noise for clear and uninterrupted sound. Or you can switch to Transparency Mode when you still want to hear the world around you while you listen. How is the sound quality? Pixel Buds 2a are the first A-series buds with Active Noise Cancellation. They combine Silent Seal 1.5 and technology from the pro-level Active Noise Cancellation of our Pixel Buds Pro 2 to block out distractions so that you can stay immersed in the moment. With the 11 mm dynamic speaker driver, you can always listen to clear, balanced, round sound, with opportunities to further personalise the levels of bass, treble and more with the five-band equaliser. Pixel Buds 2a are also powered by the Tensor A1 chip, the same processor used on our Pixel Buds Pro 2. What is in the box? Your Pixel Buds 2a come with:Earbuds with medium eartips installed Charging case Eartips with four size options: extra small, small, medium (pre-installed), large Quick start guide Safety and warranty information Are Pixel Buds 2a compatible with Android and iOS? Yes, Pixel Buds 2a pair with any Bluetooth® 4.0+ device, including Android, iOS, tablets and laptops. To get full access to features, you need: Google Account Google Assistant-enabled companion phone running Android 6.0 or newer Internet connection You can also use the Pixel Buds web companion app on Chrome OS, MacOS and Windows. To get started, visit mypixelbuds.google.com. For minimum OS and hardware requirements, along with available Google Assistant languages, visit the Pixel Buds Help Centre What's the battery life? With Active Noise Cancellation off, up to 10 hours of listening time and up to 27 hours total listening time with the charging case. With Active Noise Cancellation on, up to eight hours of listening time and up to 20 hours of total listening time with the charging case. A five-minute charge of earbuds in the charging case delivers up to one hour of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation turned on. Pixel Buds 2a do not include wireless charging (available on Pixel Buds Pro 2). How is the call quality with Pixel Buds 2a? With Pixel Buds 2a, you can have peace of mind that you'll hear and be heard on calls, no matter where you are. Clear Calling helps block background noise so your conversations aren't interrupted by wind, external chatter, or other distractions in your environment. Your voice will come through loud and ...

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 commented: "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.

In an era when milliseconds define customer experience, having a reliable and flexible communication platform is no longer optional - it's essential. Communications Hub positions itself as a trusted partner for businesses that rely on real-time communication. We sat down with the CTO of Communications Hub, Bohdan Bulatsan, to talk about what makes the platform unique, how it ensures uninterrupted message delivery and why integration with new providers can be done up to 75% faster than the industry standard. Communications Hub Q: Communications Hub emphasizes real-time operations with automatic cascading. Could you explain how the cascading mechanism works and how it guarantees delivery even during routing issues or provider downtime? Our cascading mechanism is designed to ensure that no message ever gets lost. When the system detects any negative signal from the current provider - such as a blocked sender name, insufficient balance or a delivery issue - it automatically switches to the next available provider in the cascade. Administrators can configure multiple cascading levels in the platform. The more levels you set, the higher your delivery reliability becomes. Each level acts as a backup route, guaranteeing continuity even during provider downtime or unexpected routing failures. All message logs are recorded and displayed in a clear, user-friendly dashboard, allowing users to track delivery paths and troubleshoot in real time. Q: One of Communications Hub's strongest advantages is how quickly new providers can be integrated. How is that achieved from a technical perspective? We've developed a universal SDK that standardizes all core functions common to most provider APIs. This means our team doesn't have to start from scratch each time a new provider joins. We've also optimized the deployment process, allowing multiple adapters to be implemented simultaneously. Before any integration goes live, our pre-testing procedure identifies potential issues early, ensuring smoother performance from day one. Altogether, these improvements have reduced our onboarding time by up to 75% so what used to take 35-45 days can now be completed in about 10 days. Q: The platform collects advanced analytics directly from all providers. How does that process work and how does it give businesses full visibility over their communication flows? Our analytics service aggregates detailed depersonalised data from every message sent through the system. It collects metrics directly from connected providers and organizes them into meaningful insights for our users. Through the dashboard, clients can monitor every campaign, view delivery reports, analyze trends and see any real-time changes reflected instantly. This level of transparency empowers businesses to make informed decisions and fine-tune their communication strategies with confidence. Q: Communications Hub focuses on maintaining high delivery quality and preventing wasted messages. What technical mechanisms make that possible? We use a multi-layer verification system to make sure messages are sent only to real, active users. The first layer validates incoming numbers to confirm they follow the correct format and can potentially exist. The second layer prevents duplicate messages from being sent. The third, an optional HLR (Home Location Register) lookup, checks whether a number is currently active on the network. The first two levels run automatically by default, while HLR verification can be enabled when needed. This combination significantly reduces wasted traffic and improves delivery efficiency across all channels. Q: What would you say is Communications Hub's main mission today? Our mission is to simplify communication management. We help businesses integrate, manage, and optimize their communication channels in one place. Whether it's SMS or flash calls, we make it easy to connect with audiences reliably and intelligently. We want our clients to think less about technical barriers and ...

Going for Growth - the business development programme for female entrepreneurs - will host an Inspiring Roadshow event at Dublin City University (DCU) next month. The Going for Growth: Inspiring Roadshow will take place at the Polaris Building at DCU's Glasnevin Campus on November 6. Doors open at 6 pm. The event will run from 6.30 pm to 9 pm and includes time for networking and refreshments. Registration is free and can be booked on the home page of the www.goingforgrowth.com website under 'News Updates'. The Inspiring Roadshow is one of a series planned in Dublin and Galway, which are designed to provide information and encouragement to businesswomen at any stage of their entrepreneurial journey. Alongside an array of special guest speakers, there will also be information on supports, like Going for Growth, designed for those who wish to increase revenue, create employment, and explore new market opportunities. The DCU event will feature contributions from Dr Sheelagh Brady, founder of the AI-powered personalised travel risk management application Kowroo; Emily Brick, founder and Managing Director of Athena Analytics, an EdTech company that tracks academic performance using machine learning and AI tools; and Dr Anne Cusack, founder and formally of Critical Healthcare, a leader in the Emergency Services market providing healthcare solutions at the frontline. Dr Sheelagh Brady will offer insight into her journey from academic research in the areas of Criminal Justice and Crime Science to working in high-risk environments with the United Nations and European Union missions in countries such as Nigeria, Libya and Bosnia and Herzegovina. She co-founded Kowroo to provide travellers with real-time personalised risk insights, enabling them to make smarter decisions while abroad. Emily Brick will discuss how she combined her academic background in statistics and data analytics with a passion for mathematics and education to create Athena Analytics in 2017. The EdTech company now works with 350 schools to enable more data-driven academic tracking and support. Dr Anne Cusack, meanwhile, will give an outline of her experience co-founding Critical Healthcare, a contribution which is sure to showcase her strong background in MedTech and digital technology, as well as her experience in scaling a business. These Inspiring Roadshows are taking place while the call for applications for a new cycle of Going for Growth is open, so enterprising women, at various stages of their entrepreneurial journey, can learn what is possible from the experience of other women. Going for Growth is supported by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG. The closing date for receipt of completed applications for participation in the next cycle of Going for Growth is midnight, November 21. Those interested in getting an application form sent to them should register on the website www.GoingforGrowth.com. Sixty places are available for the free programme, which is due to begin with a one-day Launch Forum in January and will run until June. National Director of Going for Growth, Paula Fitzsimons, said: "We're delighted to bring our Going for Growth: Inspiring Roadshows to Galway and Dublin in November. We hope the information provided at these evenings, along with the contributions from our guest speakers, will encourage female entrepreneurs to be more ambitious in their business development goals. We also hope that it will demonstrate the support available, including Going for Growth, designed to support ambitious women to realise their growth aspirations. The deadline for applications for the 18th cycle of Going for Growth is midnight on Friday, November 21, so Inspiring Roadshows come at just the right time for anyone who may be considering applying." Visit www.goingforgrowth.com for more details and to request an application form. 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 ...

Strategy and Change reviewed by David Stephen. See more about the book here. Strategy and Change: Finding Opportunity in Disruption Through Insight, Choice, and Risk, reviewed Does disruption - by a tech company - always come with profitability? If so, how immediate? If not, why? An appropriate example of a major disruptive business in this recent era is OpenAI, with ChatGPT, a technology of broad knowledge. However, OpenAI is not a profitable company, with some analysts wondering if they would ever be. One observation though is that if a company is seeking to disrupt say Google search, the company should be ready to give away services for free, for as long as possible. Now, the problem is not that there have not been consumer internet companies that took a while to break even, but that OpenAI has to run on huge compute and utilities, signing deals recently totaling $1 trillion, while only around 5% of 800 million ChatGPT users pay. How does OpenAI have an excellent product, solving tasks, professionally and personally across, but most users would rather not pay? In the book, Strategy and Change: Finding Opportunity in Disruption Through Insight, Choice, and Risk by Aaron K. Olson, Ward Ching, Richard Waterer and B. Keith Simerson, there were several lessons about disruption, including with case studies. Disruption was generally correlated with staying power, ["Corporations like Montgomery Ward, Blockbuster, and Kodak have disappeared due to new forms of competition brought on by innovative technologies."]. However, certainty of some of this, so far in this AI era, seems unclear. There were points on "visionary, incubating, directive and collaborative types of strategic leadership". They also wrote, "In its most fundamental form, we define disruptive change as the aggregate impact of all forms of environmental change on the decision ecosystem. By this we mean both instances of disruptive innovation that affect the competitive viability of an organization's core business and any disruptive innovation that alters the way that business operates. Importantly, we are also referring to the fact that these forms of disruption are likely to arise more frequently due to the accelerating and compounding nature of technological innovation." They gave an example of a company that went under that did not recover from a situation, "In 1990, the Food and Drug Administration informed Perrier Water that carcinogenic benzene had been found in US lab samples. This contamination was subsequently traced back to clogged filters that had gone undetected for six months. Perrier issued a recall for 160 million bottles from 120 countries, but following a rocky period of recovery, the company was eventually sold to Nestlé in 1992, for $2.6 billion." They also mentioned that, "In his 1994 critique of the field of strategic management, Henry Mintzberg argued that strategy cannot, in fact, be planned. Rather, he emphasizes the role of experiential learning in the development of strategic insight. Mintzberg's view was reinforced by other popular management thinkers of the time who promoted ideas like "management by walking around" and rejected what they viewed as the professionalization of management in ways that increased formality and distance from everyday work at the expense of direct experience." "Strategy is about trade-offs. In every organization, the chief executive faces difficult decisions on myriad issues such as which market opportunities to pursue, where to invest scarce resources, and how to ensure results through the right governance and controls. They make these decisions in the context of environmental factors like emerging trends, competitor actions, customer priorities, and the requirements introduced by regulations or employee expectations" The book discussed risks in details, including stating that, "Resilience through risk, Interconnected approach, Expert data analysis. Stanford economist James March expanded on the [ambidextrous] c...

The South East Science Festival is back from November 8 to 16, and this year's extensive programme of free and ticketed events across Waterford city and county, the Suir Valley and Carlow includes even more fascinating daytime and evening events in colleges, libraries, theatres and pubs. All of the events across all three counties are engaging, all fun and all showcase how relevant all things science are in our everyday lives. Novel events this year include the science of wine tasting and pairing, coastal change, fossils, and copper mining. Recent approval of the capital programme supporting the Veterinary Places Activation Programme (VPAP) and the creation a new veterinary school at SETU is a massive boost to the south east as a STEM cluster. Such investment is expected to spur even greater interest in this year's Festival programme of 90-plus events, which is supported by Research Ireland. This year, Science Week celebrates its 30th anniversary with the theme Then. Today. Tomorrow. Managed by Research Ireland, Science Week 2025 marks thirty years of harnessing the power of curiosity and collaboration to advance science in Ireland. Speaking ahead of Science Week, Director of Research for Society at Research Ireland, Dr Ruth Freeman, said: "Since its inception, Science Week has grown into a cornerstone of Ireland's national calendar, inspiring generations to explore the role of science in shaping our world - past, present, and future. "Delivered through a dynamic nationwide programme and on the ground through agencies such as CALMAST, the South East Technological University's STEM engagement centre, Science Week includes in-person events, a widespread media campaign, and engaging educational content for both primary and secondary schools. The Science Week Funding Programme supports a diverse range of activities, ensuring science is accessible and exciting for all." Engaging and fun presenters, Mark Langtry, Ken Farhuhar and Cas Kramer are back by popular demand on this year's South East Science Festival programme. And libraries have opened their doors, and their teams are coordinating and marketing events across venues such as Ardkeen, Clonmel, Cappoquin, Lismore, Dungarvan, Carlow town and Tallow. This year's Festival theme, "Then. Today. Tomorrow", is central to the extensive programme of traditionally popular as well as new events on this year's South East Science Festival programme across Waterford, Tipperary and Carlow, Dr Sheila Donegan, Co-Founder and Co-Director of CALMAST, the South East Technological University's STEM engagement centre, said. "We're really looking forward to engaging with all sections of the community, from primary school children right up to adult-only audiences for this year's South East Science Festival programme. It's fun, it's engaging, it's entertaining and educational. We're delighted to work with Research Ireland and with our partners and sponsors, key among them the local authorities, SETU, key STEM employers in the region. "We now invite members of the public to peruse the schedule of events running across libraries, theatres, pubs, educational hubs, museums, and so much more and to book their place. We will be exploring the science behind wine tasting and pairing. We will also mix comedy and science, and will be looking at why copper was mined in Waterford and if it could be again. We're examining fossils in the city, will host a coastal change workshop and walk and much more. Many events booked out within hours last year, and we expect the very same for 2025," Dr Donegan said. Among the South East Science Festival partners this year are internationally renowned street art festival specialists Spraoi. TV Honan, Spraoi Director, said: "Spraoi performances are a mix of art, engineering, and technology. Human creativity is the common link, and we love working with SETU colleagues, making imaginative connections between art and science." For more on the South East Science Festival programme...

A hydrogen-powered renewable energy storage system developed by Atlantic Technological University Galway graduate, James Swift, has been awarded the Siemens Innovative Student Engineer of the Year Award 2025 by Engineers Ireland. This annual competition, which took place on Wednesday, 22 October, showcases projects by third-level engineering students that demonstrate innovation, sustainability, and commercial potential, and this year marked 25 years of sponsorship by Siemens. Five finalist teams were invited to present their projects, which ranged from biomedical devices to energy innovations, to a panel of judges at the competition final in Engineers Ireland. James Swift, a graduate of Energy Engineering at Atlantic Technological University, Galway, received the award for developing a prototype hydrogen-based energy storage system designed to harness surplus renewable electricity and convert it into clean, reusable power. James commented: "I am delighted and honoured to be awarded the Siemens Innovative Student Engineer of the Year Award 2025 by Engineers Ireland. This project set out to demonstrate how hydrogen can be adopted to fulfil energy balancing requirements across Ireland's rapidly growing renewable energy sector, and I would like to thank Siemens and Engineers Ireland for highlighting the importance of renewable energy technologies to our future sustainability." The winning project was selected by a panel of judges, including Joe Walsh, Director and General Manager of Siemens Ireland; Niamh Hegarty, Director, Advanced Operations, Stryker; and Dave Ludgate, Associate Director, Sustainability Lead - Water, AECOM. Commenting at the event, Joe Walsh, Director and General Manager of Siemens Ireland, said: "We are incredibly proud to celebrate 25 years of supporting the Engineers Ireland Innovative Student Engineer of the Year Award. Encouraging young people into STEM fields and helping them develop the skills for a digital future is vital for Ireland's continued success. "Digital technology is transforming every aspect of engineering, and it is inspiring to see students embracing innovation and creativity in their projects. Every year, I am struck by the creativity and determination shown by the students who take part in the awards. Congratulations to James, and to all who took part - your innovation is shaping the future of engineering in Ireland." John Jordan, President of Engineers Ireland, added: "The initiatives showcased at the Siemens Innovative Student Engineer of the Year Award highlight the exceptional talent and ingenuity within our third-level engineering institutions. These students represent the next generation of Irish leaders, poised to drive forward innovative and sustainable solutions that will benefit communities both at home and abroad. "I would like to offer a sincere congratulations to James Swift and the shortlisted finalists who truly exemplified innovation and engineering excellence. I wish each team continued success in their academic journey and future careers in engineering - they are the changemakers and leaders of tomorrow." 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.

Recently, I attended a Pitch event and listened to four entrepreneurs present their business ideas. Of these businesses, three already had revenue. In my experience, the best presenter is more likely to win the pitch competition, because they will be remembered long after the other pitches are forgotten. You win by being the best communicator and telling an exciting business story in the right way. On this occasion, there was an audience vote at the end of the event to select the best Pitch. I agreed with the audience's choice, and later, when I engaged with the judges, they shared the same opinion. How should you Pitch? Start here: Priority One: Tell the judges and the audience the problem you solve. The best way to do this is with a story that engages and is memorable, while clearly explaining the problem/opportunity. In my experience with Pitch events/Competitions, the majority of decks are usually just collections of slides that attempt to provide information; more often than not, they are unmemorable and dull. Priority Two: Tell the listeners about your customers and your sales to date. If you are at a very early stage, tell people who your customers will be and what your current level of engagement is. Priority Three: Introduce the team and their expertise early; people give money to people they believe in. Investors need to judge whether this person will spend their money wisely. Next, discuss your solution. Keep it short and straightforward. What else is a potential investor or judge on a panel looking for? Here are some of my thoughts. Start and finish on time; it's bad manners to do otherwise On this occasion, everyone ran over time and had to rush through their final slides. In most cases, the slides and information that the judges required to make an informed decision about the business idea and the team's ambition were missing. The slides were generally uninteresting and lacked engagement. It was unclear whom they would invoice. In several cases, there was no ASK. Revealed in the Q&A: In all cases, the presentations became clear only after the judging panel quizzed the presenters to elicit the information that should have been included in the pitch deck. When this happens, the judges will understand the problem you solve and who will pay for your solution. Allow for more in-depth interrogation of the presentation and their plans for the next three years or so. Be sure your financial numbers are accurate and, when asking for money/ investment, clearly explain to the judges how you plan to spend the funds. Epilogue: I've been coaching startups for 20+ years to pitch their business ideas. Making a good impression the first time is critical; you may not get a second opportunity. By Executive Coach Andrew Keogh of Aristo.ie

Guest post by Yasmin Vorajee If you run your own business - whether you're a coach, consultant, or service provider - you've probably felt how quickly things can change online. One week, your posts are flying; the next, the algorithm shifts and visibility drops overnight. A platform you've relied on for years suddenly changes its rules. And all that effort building an audience can feel like it's hanging by a thread. That's why future-proofing your business isn't a luxury - it's essential. It's about creating a business that still brings in clients, income, and opportunities no matter what happens online. One that's built on solid foundations, you control - not borrowed attention. And it all starts here. 1. Build an Ecosystem You Own When you rely entirely on social media, you're renting space on someone else's land. Future-proofing begins by building what you own - your email list, your website, and your digital assets. These are the foundations that give you stability and control, even when the online landscape changes. They're how you build lasting relationships with your audience - directly, personally, and on your own terms. 2. Craft a Message That Moves With You Platforms change. Your message shouldn't. Your message is the thread that travels with you anywhere - from a post to a podcast to a stage. A strong, clear message cuts through the noise and makes your business recognisable, no matter where people find you. It's the story you keep telling: who you help, how you help, and the difference your work makes. Clarity never goes out of style. 3. Turn Your Expertise Into a Signature Framework When your expertise becomes a framework or process, you're no longer competing on trends - you're leading with ideas. Frameworks make you memorable. They give structure to your brilliance and make it easy for people to trust what you do. This is how your business becomes bigger than you - it turns into a body of work that lasts. 4. Build Systems That Create Leverage The most resilient businesses aren't the busiest - they're the best designed. Think automation, not exhaustion. A future-proof business has simple systems that nurture leads, deliver value, and generate sales - even when you're offline. Automated emails, repurposed content, digital assets that sell - these are the quiet engines that keep your business moving while you take time off. 5. Diversify How People Find You Visibility should be layered, not linear. Don't rely on one discovery source. Blend search-based visibility (like blogs, YouTube, or podcasts) with connection-based growth (collaborations, interviews, and referrals). This approach creates stability and reach. When one source slows down, another keeps your business visible. 6. Multiply How You Monetise Your core transformation - the result your clients get - can take many forms: a course, a program, a workshop, or a digital product. Future-proofing means creating multiple ways to buy - all connected to the same message and expertise. That's how you build consistent revenue and long-term sustainability, without reinventing your business every few months. 7. Stay Adaptable - Inside and Out No system can replace the ability to stay calm and clear when things change. The entrepreneurs who last are the ones who can hold their nerve - they lead themselves first. That's why future-proofing isn't just about systems; it's about self-trust. The more grounded and adaptable you are, the more freedom your business gives you. 8. Keep Refining and Reinventing Finally, treat your business like a living thing - it grows, evolves, and occasionally needs pruning. Review your data. Listen to your clients. Refine your message. Adjust your strategy. Businesses that last don't cling to what used to work. They stay alert, curious, and willing to evolve. The Bottom Line A future-proof business is one that works even when you step away. It's powered by ownership, clarity, leverage, and adaptability. Because freedom isn't found in chasin...

The new Grá Macroom Gift Card for the town of Macroom and neighbouring villages listed on the Grá Macroom Gift Card has gone live following an official launch event at the Castle Hotel in Macroom on the 29th October. Backed by Macroom Business Association, the Grá Macroom Gift Card replaces the previous paper Macroom shopping voucher and extends its reach from the town to its surrounding villages in the Lee Valley region, benefiting 15,000 people and around 100 businesses. Available in both physical and digital formats, the new Grá Macroom Gift Card is part of the award winning Town & City Gift Card initiative, and the first of its kind in County Cork. Cards are available to buy online and in person from Killian Auctioneers Macroom, Cooney's Garage in Coachford, Connections in Macroom, Dromeys Centra in Ballymakeera and Daybreak in Ballingeary and can be spent with around 100 participating local businesses. The Grá Macroom Gift Card is eligible to be used with the Small Benefit Exemption that allows organisations to gift their people up to five small non-cash benefits, tax free, each year up to the value of €1,500. Organisations can avail of a new corporate ordering site, with physical cards delivered securely by post, or the ability to send digital cards on a day/time of the organisation's choosing. Irish owned chain Connections has stores across County Cork, including in Macroom. The Macroom store is both a location to buy the new Grá Macroom Gift Card and a business which accepts the card. David O'Leary is CEO and founder of Connections and said: "It's the right time for Macroom to have its own high-tech gift card because the paper vouchers were dated. The new Grá Macroom Gift Card, being a physical and digital card, is more streamlined and easy to use. Since the pandemic, we've moved from around 40% card payments to 70% card payments. The Grá Macroom Gift Card is something recipients will have in their pocket or digital wallet. "Coming up to Christmas, employers can buy the Grá Macroom Gift Card for their staff in bulk. It's an easy, efficient way to reward staff. Why would you give a Perx or One4All Gift Card, when you can keep it local with the Grá Macroom Gift Card, and ensure that spend stays in the local economy. It makes more sense. "The extension of the Grá Macroom Gift Card beyond Macroom to its neighbouring villages will bring the benefits of the initiative to more people." Restaurants, pubs and hotels also accept the new Grá Macroom Gift Card, such as third generation family-owned The Castle Hotel. Manager, Rory Buckley, said: "The Castle is a four star hotel with 56 bedrooms and a leisure club. The launch of the new gift card is a great move for Macroom. Every community wants money to circulate and keep spend local, and that's what the Grá Macroom Gift Card will do. We accept the card at the hotel, and I think in today's economy, a card that can be used to pay for annual leisure club membership, swimming lessons for the kids or on an ongoing basis to enjoy lunch out is a real positive, easing the cost of living. "The ease of purchase and use of the Grá Macroom Gift Card will also bolster tourism. With the card, people can enjoy a night away and a full experience of Macroom, spending over and above what's on the card as they enjoy Macroom and its surrounding villages. A former Macroom resident now living in Australia recently commented that they see the card as a great gift to give to family still living at home in Macroom. So as well as locking spend into Macroom, it'll bring new money in too." Third generation business Matt Murphy's Pharmacy in Macroom is part of the new card. Henry Murphy commented: "The pharmacy is a family run, third generation business that has been located in the centre of Macroom for over 100 years. We used to purchase the paper vouchers for our staff and this year, we'll be purchasing the new card. It's nice that there's the option of the physical or digital card, and I like the fact ...

This November 4-6, Frogo invites you to stand #1047 at SiGMA Rome - where everyone will have the chance to see how our next-generation fraud prevention platform helps businesses stay one leap ahead of every threat in real time. At SiGMA Rome, Frogo - a RedCore's brand - will be on-site to present how its intelligent tools, from device fingerprinting and AI-powered scoring to graph-based forensics, work together to deliver instant visibility into user behavior and fraud patterns. Frogo empowers companies across iGaming, e-commerce, fintech, and beyond to detect anomalies, respond in real time, and protect their profits with confidence. But Frogo's appearance in Rome isn't just about technology - it's about redefining how businesses approach risk in a world where threats evolve every minute. Frogo at SiGMA Rome "Fraud doesn't wait and neither do we," says Frogo CEO Volodymyr Todurov. "Our goal is to make fraud prevention not just smarter, but simpler. We want to show how companies can shift from chasing fraud to predicting it and even turning those insights into profit." Visitors to the Frogo stand will be able to explore the platform's all-in-one environment, designed to centralize everything anti-fraud teams need - from automated scoring policies to AI-powered insights and dynamic rule management. Where to Find Frogo Frogo will be present at stand #1047, ready to connect with businesses that want to take control of risk, automate their processes and strengthen customer trust without slowing down operations. Whether you're looking for a scalable solution or just exploring what's next in fraud prevention - Frogo's team is ready to meet you. About Frogo Frogo is a next-generation anti-fraud product built for companies that take fraud seriously. With solutions combining device fingerprinting, AI-powered scoring and forensic-level analysis, Frogo empowers teams to detect smarter, respond faster and act with confidence. See more breaking stories here. 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.

At ExCeL London last week, ManageEngine, the IT management division of Zoho Corporation, announced a major expansion across the United Kingdom and Ireland. The region is now the company's second-largest market worldwide, accounting for ten per cent of global revenue and growing at twenty per cent year on year. For CEO Rajesh Ganesh, the success in the UK and Ireland is both strategic and symbolic. "These markets have always been early adopters of technology," he says. "They were among the first to invest in large-scale digital infrastructure. Today, the focus is on how to get the best return on those investments, how to keep systems running, how to measure productivity, and how to stay secure." ManageEngine growth planned for the UK and Ireland Security is now central to ManageEngine's business. As more companies move to hybrid or fully digital operations, the attack surface expands. Regulations such as GDPR have also raised the stakes. "Regulation is really about evidence," Ganesh explains. "You must always be ready to show that you follow best practices, who has access to what, what happened, and when. That's what our products do. They make that evidence available in real time." ManageEngine operates in 190 countries and has evolved with the industry it serves. Founded in 1996 by engineers who left Bell Labs and Qualcomm to return to India, the original business built software for telecom manufacturers. After the dotcom collapse in 2001, the company pivoted, deciding to build software that could manage any IT infrastructure, not just those of telcos. That decision gave birth to ManageEngine. "We wanted to build a global product company out of India," Ganesh says. "Why should innovation only come from Silicon Valley?" From ten employees in 1996, ManageEngine has grown to a team of six thousand within Zoho's eighteen thousand-strong organisation. The company's core customers are CIOs and IT leaders responsible for keeping modern enterprises secure, compliant, and operational. "Every business today is a digital business," Ganesh says. "Our role is to help them manage that reality." The firm's growth is driven by its end-to-end model. Rather than offering point solutions, ManageEngine provides a single integrated platform covering service management, cybersecurity, compliance, and automation. "Our customers don't want to manage multiple vendors," Ganesh says. "They want one system of record. That's been our vision from the beginning." ManageEngine competes across several categories, from ServiceNow and Atlassian in IT service management to Microsoft in endpoint control, but Ganesh is careful not to define the company purely by competition. "We've always built rather than acquired," he says. "Our technology, support, and cloud infrastructure are all in-house. We even run our own data centres. It's slower, yes, but it keeps us close to our customers and their challenges." That proximity is both cultural and operational. ManageEngine's technical support sits alongside its engineering teams; they travel together, visit customers, and feed insights directly into product development. "We don't outsource," Ganesh says simply. "We believe in face-to-face interaction. Our customers tell us again and again how much they value that." The UK office is in Milton Keynes, and the company operates data centres in the UK, Amsterdam, and Ireland, an investment that proved essential after Brexit. "When the UK left the EU, certain clients, especially in government and healthcare, required data to be hosted locally," Ganesh explains. "We responded immediately by building the infrastructure here." An Irish office is likely to follow. "It makes sense," he says. "We already have a data centre there and a growing customer base. Ireland will be an important part of our regional expansion." The company's long-term approach is deliberate. ManageEngine prioritises resilience over speed, preferring to build self-sufficient systems with minimal external de...

By David Stephen How much will an individual be willing to pay, to know - approximately - how human intelligence works? Or, how much will an individual, who is learning something new, be willing to pay, to prospect the process of learning, recall and understanding? How much will corporations be willing to buy this subscription for their workers, towards reskilling? How much will parents be willing to pay, for this, for their children? What does it mean that human intelligence is creative, innovative or can do problem-solving? What does it mean that human intelligence can operate and improve processes? The value of Human Intelligence Answering these questions, alone, is an exceptional start where there is nothing at all. It is a leap too, in human knowledge, to close-in on the basis for the advancement of human society. At this time, across science, there is no standard definition for human intelligence. There are no types of intelligence based on theoretical neuroscience. There is no known brain mechanism - even theoretically - on how human intelligence works. There is no explanation of learning stages with respect to the components and the relays of intelligence in the brain. Becoming the first to answer these questions, conceptually, with strict extractions from empirical brain science will be a huge economic hit, providing a necessary solution, generating immediate profits by creating a market to dominate. This is a major progress opportunity as well as a commercial goldmine. The product will be displays [digital or paper]. The service will be the mechanism of human intelligence. The value will be advancement of humans for the benefit of human society, without external dependencies - on devices, servers or networks. Investing to provide the mechanism of human intelligence will require far less than the staggering amounts that have been invested in AI by venture capitals in 2025. It will also be more valuable, at least times four, almost instantly than the most valuable startup in the world, since the solution is the only one there, for the only thing there - intelligence or the significance of what it means to exist. Investing in this will not just be another AI video app, or data center, but directly for humans, wherever humans are, useful to analyze the past, reshape the present and build the future amid uncertainties. Human Intelligence - Unknowns To nimble around the current situation, the thing to do is an internet search or to prompt any AI chatbot [with the questions below] to place the gap. What is human intelligence? What are the types of human intelligence? What are the components of human intelligence in the brain? What are their relays? How exactly does human intelligence work, in the brain? How can the components of human intelligence be used to measure it? What is the difference between the intelligence that can be used to drive a car against an intelligence that can be used to invent one? [Answer this question with components of intelligence in the brain, not just parts or areas of the brain, mention the direct components and how, answer creatively]. Human Intelligence Research Lab - Startup Human intelligence is specifically described as the use of memory for desired, expected or advantageous outcomes. This means that whenever memory is used excellently for certain outcomes then that is intelligence. There are two major types of intelligence, operational intelligence and improvement intelligence. Both of them have mild and complex ranges. The specific components of intelligence, conceptually, in the brain are electrical and chemical signals. Their interactions and attributes make-and-wheel intelligence. Whenever the brain is said to be active in empirical neuroscience, electrical and chemical signals of neurons are at work. This postulation submits that they [in sets, obtained in clusters of neurons] are responsible for the configuration and transportation of intelligence. Several attributes can explain o...

Professor Aideen Ryan, Professor in Tumour Immunology at University of Galway's College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. Photo: Andrew Downes Researchers at the University of Galway have revealed the results of a world-first study into how bowel cancer shuts down the immune system, and how this can be reversed to improve treatment. The findings have been published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (JITC). Breakthrough for bowel cancer immunotherapy The research team showed how structural stromal cells switch off the immune system and how the body's own killer cells can be switched back on, opening up the opportunity for a completely new approach to optimising immunotherapy for patients. Colorectal cancer - commonly referred to as bowel cancer - is one of the world's most common cancers and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Diagnoses in people under 50 have been climbing in recent decades, with recent global analysis showing these early-onset cases have almost doubled since 1990. In Ireland, the disease affects more than 2,500 people a year. Professor Aideen Ryan, Professor in Tumour Immunology at University of Galway's College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, said: "While immunotherapy has revolutionised care in cancers such as melanoma and lung cancer, it has shown very limited benefit in bowel cancer, leaving patients with advanced disease with few treatment options and poor survival outcomes." The breakthrough research discovery is the first to demonstrate that tumour stromal cells - the structural cells that support cancer growth - are directly reprogramming the immune system. They do this by switching off, or hijacking, two of our body's most important tumour-fighting cells - the natural killers (NK) and macrophages - rendering them unable to attack the cancer. Professor Ryan said: "The interaction between the cancer, our body's healthy cells and our defence mechanism is a complex one, but our research shows that the cancer is essentially creating an immune brake - it is blocking the body's natural response and fight mechanism." What has been discovered in relation to how the cancer interacts with the human body? Tumour stromal cells are the structural cells which allow the cancer to grow. They are coated in sugars called sialoglycans. These interact with receptors on the body's immune cells called Siglecs. This interaction causes the body's natural defence response to be switched off and unresponsive when immunotherapy is used, and therefore unable to attack the cancer. The research identified a specific enzyme that drives this process of 'switching off', as it produces the Siglec-binding sugars on stromal cells. When the researchers blocked this pathway using drugs called sialidases, they could show that the body's most important tumour-fighting cells - the natural killers (NK) and macrophages - reactivated. It showed that the tumours shrank and the spread of cancer, known as metastasis, was prevented. The multidisciplinary research was conducted in collaboration with colorectal surgeons and pathologists at Galway University Hospital, led by Professor Aisling Hogan and Professor Sean Hynes; as well as experts in colorectal cancer - Dr Philip Dunne, Queen's University Belfast and experts in targeting sialoglycans at Palleon Pharmaceuticals, MA, USA, who have developed sialidase drugs that disrupt the sialoglycan-Siglec interaction. Professor Ryan added: "Our research is a clear breakthrough in our understanding of bowel cancer and how immunotherapy could be more successful. This world-first finding shows that some of the bowel cancer cells are not just passive bystanders, they are actively reprogramming the body's immune cells, preventing them from doing their job. We have uncovered an entirely new checkpoint and by focusing on it we can reactivate the immune system and improve our body's innate ability to fight the disease, and even target metastasis." Michael O'Dwyer, Pro...

The first businesses have been successfully onboarded to the forthcoming Dungarvan & West Waterford Gift Card, following an information meeting in the town. A replacement to Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber's paper chamber vouchers, the new Dungarvan & West Waterford Gift Card is set to launch pre-Christmas. The original paper system launched in 2008. Following massive growth, sales of these vouchers reach in excess of €1million every year. The Dungarvan & West Waterford Gift Card will be available as either a physical card or a digital e-card. Digital cards can be added to digital wallets enabling tap to pay technology. Around 150 businesses currently accept the paper chamber vouchers, with all eligible to accept the new card which works on the Mastercard system. There are no costs for businesses to register to accept the Dungarvan & West Waterford Gift Card, and no additional equipment is required. Various in person and online information meetings were held for the business community and were attended by representatives from Miconex, founders of the Town & City Gift Card program active across Ireland. Miconex will provide the technology for the new Dungarvan & West Waterford Gift Card. Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber CEO, Jenny Beresford, said the upgrade to a physical and digital card builds on the success of the paper programme: "It's a case of 'you spoke, we listened' with the new card. Moving away from paper to a card system is something businesses and consumers have requested for some time now. Our goal was a tried and tested system which is what we have with the new card provided by Miconex. We trust Miconex to deliver this for us. "There will be many benefits for all involved, especially businesses. With the paper vouchers, recipients were confined to spending in one business, whereas with the new card, they can spend with multiple participating businesses. This will spread the benefit out to more businesses. Merchants get paid into their bank like any other Mastercard transaction, taking away the paper voucher administration. The simplicity is what businesses love. "It's great to see so many businesses signing up to accept the card. Our goal over the coming weeks is to get all of our participating businesses set up and ready to accept the cards in readiness for the Christmas season." Colin Munro is the managing director of Miconex and said: "The registration process to accept the forthcoming Dungarvan & West Waterford Gift Card is simple and involves businesses completing an online form and undertaking a test transaction. The Town & City Gift Card initiative is a proven means to drive revenue and spend to local businesses and with the new Dungarvan & West Waterford Gift Card, we can build on the success of the paper chamber voucher with a future-proofed gift card that will take 'shop local' to the next level in Dungarvan and West Waterford." See more stories here.

The latest Everhaze "Battle of the Airwaves" report has found that Fianna Fáil's leadership turmoil was the most defining and negatively framed story of the 2025 Presidential election, eclipsing all other topics across more than 16,000 radio mentions. The fallout, which was intertwined with Jim Gavin's withdrawal generated over 2,000 mentions resulting in a sustained national discussion and an average negative weighted sentiment of -43.8 pp, the lowest of the election. Amid the turbulence, Maria Steen emerged as an unexpected winner of the campaign, gaining national prominence on a non-polarising current securing 1,300 mentions largely avoiding controversy and securing net sentiment of +1.0 pp. In contrast, the two leading candidates, Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys, were both drawn into negative narratives late in the race, as Connolly's "Bank Representation" (-3.6 pp) and Humphreys' "Shane O'Farrell" (-4.2 pp) storylines became the most damaging stories of their respective campaigns. Connolly ultimately led the airwaves in the final fortnight (44.1% share of voice, +2.3 pp net sentiment) with coverage driven by governance reform and community advocacy themes. Humphreys followed at 37.3% (-2.6 pp), her tone weighed down by ongoing justice and departmental accountability discussions. Gavin's residual post-withdrawal commentary held 18.6% (-3.6 pp) and remained strongly associated with leadership fallout. Local radio again proved decisive, accounting for 72% of all mentions, while national talk shows supplied narrative framing and tone moderation. Overall sentiment across the campaign closed slightly negative (-0.8 pp net), underscoring a cycle defined more by leadership disruption and controversy than by policy promotion. Speaking about the findings, James McCann, CEO of Everhaze said: "Jim Gavin's withdrawal from the race, and the ensuing fallout for Fianna Fáil's leadership, will likely stand as the defining story of the 2025 Presidential campaign. Equally striking is how Maria Steen's absence from the ballot became an unexpected advantage. The sheer volume of her mentions, combined with their notably non-polarising tone, propelled her into national prominence without the burden of controversy. It's also unsurprising that Catherine Connolly was the only candidate to finish with a positive sentiment score, largely because Heather Humphreys' campaign struggled to generate strong counter-narratives capable of offsetting a series of negative stories." The Battle of the Airwaves: Irish Presidential Campaign 2025 report analysed more than 16,000 radio mentions from 60 stations nationwide, tracking sentiment, share of voice, geography, and trend dynamics between 24 September and 25 October 2025. Everhaze is an Irish-built PR intelligence platform that tracks real-time media coverage across radio, print, and online sources in Ireland and the UK. Its technology combines broadcast capture with AI-driven analysis to map who is getting talked about, where, and in what tone. The platform is widely used by communicators to monitor campaigns, understand sentiment shifts, and measure share of voice. 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.

Dyle, is a tech startup founded out of Ireland and MIT. The founder of Dyle, Oisín O'Sullivan, previously led Klarna's launch in Ireland and is now building Dyle in NYC. Oisin has had an interesting journey rom Ireland to MIT to Klarna to leading a venture-backed AI company. Now based in ERA, New York's top tech accelerator, Dyle has raised $500k+ in venture funding. I recently caught up with Oisin to find out more about his interesting journey. Oisin, talks about his background, his interesting journey, ERA and more. More about Dyle: Dyle offers AI software that finds revenue opportunities by analysing data from tools like Slack, Salesforce, and Amplitude. Dyle is also the first Agentic AI Account Manager that unifies product analytics and CRM data to surface customer signals, driving expansion and retention revenue. Dyle was recently part of Irish Tech Week NYC, just after their ERA Demo Day at Google, and they were on the Times Square Billboards last week. See more podcasts here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

By Billy Linehan Maker Faire Festival of invention Maker Faire Rome is a family-friendly festival of invention, creativity and resourcefulness. It brings together creators, tinkerers, artists, scientists, engineers and enthusiasts of all ages to showcase their projects, share ideas, learn from each other and connect. Each year the fair attracts a wide range of participants from across Europe and beyond. The 2025 edition, held at the Gazometro Ostiense site in Rome, showed how Italy presents technology as something open to everyone rather than the preserve of specialists or companies. It is a public meeting place where ideas, skills and tools are shared. Curated by Innova Camera The event is promoted and organised by Innova Camera, the Special Agency of the Rome Chamber of Commerce, with support from the Italian Trade Agency and other public partners. ENI, Italy's leading energy company, was the Platinum Partner for Maker Faire Rome 2025, showcasing its work in sustainable energy and innovation. Readers can see my first report on the event, published in Irish Tech News , which gives background on the fair's scale and purpose. This follow-up looks at what stood out for me in 2025 and why Maker Faire Rome continues to matter. A city of invention Rome becomes a city of invention for three days. People attend to show what they have built, not simply what they intend to sell. Exhibitors range from individual hobbyists to full university research groups. Companies such as Digikey and Arduino are there alongside independent makers. Robots, devices made from recycled materials and new teaching tools for electronics and coding are all on display. The organisers placed a stronger emphasis this year on sustainability, digital manufacturing and human-centred technology. Makers tackling real problems Across the halls and marquees, the emphasis was on solving practical problems. Many exhibitors focused on energy, agriculture, health and sustainability rather than consumer gadgets. The DAFNE project (Digital Agriculture Framework for the Networked Economy), led by the University of Tuscia, focused on combatting the Xylella pathogen that attacks olive trees. It showed how crop-protection research can connect scientific study with practical farming applications. At the University of Siena, a public health team presented UV-Heroes , a device for disinfecting stethoscopes that addresses a genuine hospital hygiene issue. Access to digitised heritage Elsewhere, the Rome-based startup Scan Heritage demonstrated both 2D and 3D digitisation of cultural and archival materials. Their work creates accurate digital copies of documents, artefacts and objects to support preservation, study and public access. The approach has some similarities with Ireland's Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland, as both protect fragile archives through digital access. These examples reflected a grounded approach to technology, linking design with real-world needs. Highlights from the fair With hundreds of exhibits spread across four gasometers, halls, pavilions and outdoor spaces, Maker Faire Rome covered everything from electronics and robotics to applied research and digital art. I focused on projects where ideas are being put to use, alongside creators working with materials and form. A lively robot-football tournament drew large crowds. The SPQR team from Sapienza University of Rome played against visiting teams from the Netherlands and Germany, showing how academic research can be turned into fast, reactive machines. Swiss maker Manuel Imboden presented his Open Source Satellite Kit, an open CubeSat model that helps beginners understand space technology. A former film producer, Imboden turned to electronics and engineering during the pandemic and has since built an online following through his YouTube channel. Technology with a Human Purpose Several research projects showed how technology supports social and medical work. The Pet Robots research team from the Universit...

Guest post by Cillian McCarthy, CEO, Paradyn More often than not, the weakest link in any organisation's defences is its people. Evolving social engineering tactics such as deepfakes, an ever-increasing volume of cyberattacks, and the growing sophistication of threats from would-be hackers combine to make a perfect cybersecurity storm which can confuse and overwhelm employees. A key reason for this is a lack of cybersecurity awareness, and that's why building a strong cybersecurity culture is paramount. Transforming employees into active defenders Cultivating a culture of cyber awareness is about transforming employees from potential vulnerabilities into active defenders. However, this doesn't happen overnight or during a single training session - it's a continuous process which must be evolved in line with changing risks. It also must start from the top down, and business leaders should set the example for the rest of the organisation and demonstrate their commitment by actively driving increased cyber awareness. Communication is key and when it comes to an organisation's security policies, it's crucial to explain the "why" behind the "what". Demonstrating the real-world impacts will help to cement the vital importance of adhering to security protocols. Knowledge is power This is where cybersecurity awareness training comes in. The threat landscape is constantly changing, and employees must be kept up to date on emerging threats and best practices. It's a good idea to run regular penetration tests - simulated phishing attacks - to assess vigilance and identify vulnerability gaps in your defences. Businesses should take the time to develop and enforce clear, concise cybersecurity policies that are based on their individual needs and easy to follow. The final step is to have an incident response plan in place and ensure that employees know what to do - and how fast they need to do it - in the event of a cyber incident. Perhaps most importantly, employees need to be encouraged to report potential breaches or suspicious activity without fear of repercussions. Malware can go undetected within systems for significant periods of time, so it's crucial to get out in front of any potential threats. Fostering a culture of shared responsibility will ensure that employees feel supported and empowered. Tools of the trade The right toolkit will enable an organisation to create a powerful line of defence against cyber threats. Solutions might even need to be tailored to different roles or departments, depending on the specific threats they are likely to face. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) makes it harder for malicious actors to gain access to your systems as it requires several steps to verify the user's identity. Password managers, meanwhile, can securely store login details for company accounts and even suggest strong, unique passwords. And, while it may seem simple, ensuring that all devices and software are regularly updated and patched will go a long way to protecting your business against emerging risks. In addition, compliance with new and changing cybersecurity regulations such as NIS2 is becoming necessary for a growing number of businesses. Non-compliance can not only leave your organisation vulnerable to cyber threats, but can also have financial ramifications and create lasting reputational damage. Effective cybersecurity goes beyond ensuring that systems are protected. It can also boost employee engagement, enhance customer trust, and increase productivity and efficiency within the business. Cybersecurity is constantly evolving and we will see a continuous flow of new threats to be grappled with - underscoring the importance of a security-first mindset for businesses. Ultimately, building a strong cybersecurity culture is all about the journey - not the destination. See more stories here.

Gigi Supplements, TrakPro and Cyber Cert Labs have been named as Dublin regional winners at this year's InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition. The three categories included Business-to-Business, Business-to-Consumer and Deep Tech. TrakPro won in the B2B category, Gigi Supplements won in the B2C category, while Cyber Cert Labs won in the Deep Tech category. Each company received €50,000 and will advance to the All-Island final in Dublin on November 13th. The InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition is the largest business competition of its kind on the island of Ireland, offering a total prize fund of €800,000 to promising start-ups and early-stage businesses. The Seedcorn competition offers start-up businesses the chance to win big without giving away an equity stake. B2B Category TrakPro is a B2B SaaS platform that streamlines subcontractor payment claims and commercial account management for the construction industry. The platform provides a centralised solution that automates compliance with payment legislation, integrates with construction ERP systems, and increases commercial team efficiency by 25%. Colm Brennan, CEO and Co-Founder of TrakPro, said: "We're absolutely delighted to have won the B2B category in the Dublin regional final of the InterTradeIreland Seedcorn competition. While I had the privilege of pitching, this achievement is truly a reflection of the entire TrakPro team's hard work, dedication and belief in our vision. The insights and guidance provided throughout the competition have been incredibly valuable as we prepare to embark on our pre-seed investment round." Pictured are Alison Currie, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at InterTradeIreland, with Colm Brennan, CEO of Trak Pro B2C Category Gigi Supplements was founded by two registered Nutritional Therapists who specialise in female health. Together, they have a combined 12 years of experience working with clients in the nutrition space. They are passionate about empowering women to live happy and symptom-free at every stage of their reproductive lives and know just how impactful the right nutrients can be for female hormonal health. Jennie Haire, Co-Founder & CEO of Gigi Supplements, said: "Winning the InterTradeIreland Seedcorn regional finals means the world to us, and the incredible prize for the company is just the cherry on top. What started back in 2023 as a learning journey, where we reached the second round of the competition, to finally taking home the win today, is just the most incredible feeling. This has been the ultimate lesson in persistence. It's a competition like no other, and we've learned so much from it. We're proud and very grateful to have taken home this prize today. Third time lucky!" Deep Tech Category Cyber Cert Labs' mission is to revolutionise the way organisations approach cybersecurity by addressing end-to-end supply chain vulnerabilities. They develop software for digital product manufacturers, enabling them to embed cybersecurity into their development lifecycle. Their solutions also support businesses that purchase these products (e.g., IoT, OT, and software), ensuring secure operation as defined by the manufacturer. Patricia Shields, CEO & Co-Founder of Cyber Cert Labs, said: "We are so proud to be winners of the Dublin regional final in the Deep Tech category of the Seedcorn competition. It has been a wonderful experience and genuinely great preparation for Cyber Cert Labs as we go forward.. A massive thank you to InterTradeIreland for hosting the competition." All companies emerged victorious from a group of six innovative start-ups and early-stage businesses representing Dublin. They also included Harcourt Building Technologies, Polliknow and A Slice of Life. The regional final, held on October 22nd in Dublin, saw the finalists pitch their investment proposals to a panel of judges, including active investors. The Dublin regional winners will now compete for the ov...

IrishJobs has today published new data from its Hiring Trends Update, revealing that nearly 1 in 4 employers expect to increase hiring in 2026. The IrishJobs Hiring Trends Update is a new biannual research report on the state of the recruitment market in Ireland. The research gathered insights from 500 employers and 1,000 professionals in Ireland on the evolving hiring landscape and shifting attitudes and actions across the market. The research also includes data from OTT, an in-house tool developed by the Stepstone Group, the parent company of IrishJobs, which analyses online data on job postings and associated information. In-demand skills As employers continue to navigate a highly competitive market for demand, sourcing candidates with in-demand skills is a top challenge. Nearly 7 in 10 employers (69%) report struggling to recruit talent with the right skills. Technical skills, such as programming, data analysis and AI competencies, are the most highly sought-after skills by employers. 30% of employers are prioritising the recruitment of talent with technical skills. 28% of employers are looking to hire candidates with soft skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. 25% of employers say that recruiting candidates with leadership and people management skills is a top priority. Pace of hiring The tight talent landscape is impacting the length of time to successful hiring. The median time for successful hiring is 10 weeks, as employers continue to face challenges in sourcing the right candidates for key positions. Findings show that recruiters are increasingly using AI tools and automation to reduce administrative burdens and streamline the hiring process. Nearly half of employers (47%) surveyed are using AI to draft job adverts. 35% of employers are using AI tools to help schedule interviews with job candidates. Hiring landscape There is a positive hiring outlook for 2026, with nearly 1 in 4 employers (24%) in Ireland planning on increasing recruitment over the next six months, indicating growing confidence among employers following a period of heightened geopolitical and trade volatility. Large enterprises have the most positive outlook on future hiring, with 27% of these firms expected to increase recruitment over the coming months. Findings show that smaller firms are more cautious on potential growth, with 21% of SMEs forecasting an increase in hiring in 2026. 21% of employers plan on increasing spending on hiring for more specialist roles, while 19% expect to increase hiring for temporary roles and contractors. 33% of employers surveyed have increased their levels of recruitment since April 2025, according to the report findings. Large businesses were the most active in recruitment, with 35% of these firms hiring more staff over this period. Findings show that 31% of SMEs have increased hiring since April 2025. However, there are also signs of cooling in certain areas of the labour market. 24% of employers reported restructuring certain teams or departments within their organisation over the previous six months. Increased jobseeker activity ahead Despite elevated uncertainty, jobseeker activity has remained robust across the labour market, with 21% of candidates actively looking for a new job in September 2025. However, there are signs that greater stability may lead to increased activity in the months ahead. Findings show that 29% of candidates plan to look for a new job in 2026. Salary is the top factor candidates consider when evaluating a new job and employer. Work-life balance is the second most important factor, with 31% of candidates considering it important when considering a new job. There are also signs that international volatility is having a growing impact on the selection of employers by candidates, with 29% of candidates ranking job security as a crucial factor influencing selection. Flexibility is increasingly a baseline expectation for many job candidates. 71% of candidates woul...

Munster Technological University (MTU) has become the first Irish institution to take a direct role in the world's largest scientific experiment at CERN - the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, as part of a global effort to uncover the fundamental secrets of the universe. The Government of Ireland confirmed that the country has become an Associate Member of CERN, with MTU now playing a leading role in the world's most powerful scientific machine, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Last year, MTU became Ireland's first Technical Associate Institute to join the ATLAS Collaboration, one of the LHC's flagship experiments that helped discover the Higgs boson particle in 2012. Of the 246 organisations worldwide analysing CERN-ATLAS data, only 17 are Technical Associate Institutes, placing MTU among a select group of institutes worldwide. MTU's contribution to CERN is focused on engineering critical systems for the ATLAS detector as it prepares for the upcoming "High-Luminosity" phase of the LHC. Senior Researcher Dr Manuel Caballero, MTU, and his team are building and testing the electrical panels and cables that will deliver power to the upgraded detectors, where every component must function to avoid disrupting experiments involving scientists across the world. The first batch of patch panels was successfully delivered to CERN after stringent testing. These play a crucial role in routing data. Once installed, they cannot be easily accessed. Reliability and performance testing are therefore crucial. While lecturer Paddy McGowan and his team at MTU are designing the delicate mechanical supports that will hold thousands of sensors, along with the cooling pipes and cables, all operating under extreme conditions deep underground. MTU is also contributing to the design of the core cooling system for these detectors. Dr Niall Smith, Head of Research and CERN-ATLAS lead, MTU, who emphasises that this work is about more than engineering, said: "This is about giving Irish staff, students, and industry the chance to be part of one of humanity's greatest scientific quests." Dr. Seán McSweeney, Dean of Engineering, serves as the deputy lead, with support from the Nimbus Research Centre and the Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering. ATLAS Spokesperson and CERN physicist Andreas Hoecker has said, "We are thrilled to welcome Munster Technological University to the international ATLAS Collaboration at CERN's Large Hadron Collider. MTU's innovative engineering expertise will be a tremendous asset as we prepare for the high-luminosity phase of the LHC. MTU is the first Irish research institution to join ATLAS, marking an exciting milestone." Through this work, Irish engineers and researchers at MTU are helping build the tools that may one day explain dark matter, the origins of the universe, and why it exists. MTU's involvement is inspiring the next generation of Irish scientists and engineers to dream bigger than ever before. To know more, please visit: https://home.cern/.