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Salesforce has announced an expanded relationship with CurrencyFair, a leading online cross-border payment and foreign exchange service, leveraging Agentforce, Salesforce's digital labour platform, to enhance its customer service. Through Agentforce, CurrencyFair will deploy an AI agent designed to augment its human customer service team by autonomously and quickly resolving common customer queries 24/7. This move will enable CurrencyFair's expert money-transfer team to focus on morecomplex and personalised support cases where it matters most. Why it's important: Ninety-three percent of service professionals at organisations with AI say the technology saves them time, allowing them to provide better support to customers. Driving the news: Irish-headquartered CurrencyFair, which manages over 100,000 customer interactions each year, is known for its exceptional, hands-on customer service, offering individuals and businesses a faster, more affordable, and secure way to send money across borders. As demand grows, maintaining this high level of service is crucial for scaling the business effectively. With Agentforce, CurrencyFair's customers will get their queries resolved more quickly, ensuring clear and accurate information is provided to them. Routine customer inquiries, such as questions about supported currencies and countries, password changes, and required documents for customer profiles, will be handled more efficiently through the AI agent's automated responses. AI agents are anticipated to assist with around 10% of customer requests, ensuring that customers receive the information they need more quickly, regardless of whether their support comes from a human or AI agent. With typical response times under 60 seconds, CurrencyFair's expert team will be better equipped to provide more complex and personalised customer support. CurrencyFair, which supports money transfers to over 150 countries with 20+ currencies, has been a long-standing Salesforce partner for over a decade. The company has deployed several Salesforce solutions, including Service Cloud, Marketing Cloud, and Tableau, to deliver a single view of the customer and an enhanced customer experience, all powered by data. The introduction of Agentforce is the next step in this ongoing partnership, further solidifying CurrencyFair's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. "At CurrencyFair, exceptional customer support isn't just a priority, it's the cornerstone of everything we do. Our customers rely on our team's speed, expertise, and dedication, which is why delivering timely, insightful solutions is central to our business strategy," said Jan Lorenc, CEO, CurrencyFair Ltd. "As we scale, Salesforce's powerful technology will empower us to maintain this high standard of service while enabling even deeper, more personalised support where it matters most," added Lorenc. "With Agentforce, CurrencyFair is embracing the future of customer service, where digital labour and human agents work together to provide a seamless and quality service. While agentic AI is a breakthrough technology, it delivers upon the fundamental principle of customer success and is underpinned by privacy, transparency and trust," said Niamh McArdle, Head of Ireland SMB Sales, Salesforce Ireland. "At Salesforce we are committed to helping Irish businesses of all sizes with this revolutionary technology, and are inspired by the vision that CurrencyFair has for its future with Agentforce working alongside the organisation's superb customer care team," added McArdle. 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 Tec...

eir today announced a significant milestone in its nationwide 5G rollout, its next-generation mobile network now reaches 99% of the population, delivering high-speed, low-latency connectivity to nearly every corner of Ireland. At the same time, eir has seen a 60% year-on-year surge in 5G traffic and a 20% rise in overall data usage, highlighting the accelerating demand for fast, reliable mobile connectivity and reinforcing the success of its long-term digital transformation strategy. eir can also confirm that on Monday, 30 June, Lana Del Rey fans broke the record for the most eir mobile data used at an event in the Aviva stadium, with 55% more data used than the previous record-breaking American College Football game in August of 2024. With more than 2,660 mobile sites in operation, eir's network is not only Ireland's largest, but it is also verified as having Ireland's No.1 5G network availability. This position has been reaffirmed for the fifth consecutive year by Ookla, the global leader in network intelligence and speed testing. "This is a defining moment in Ireland's digital journey," said Fergal McCann, Chief Technology Officer at eir. "We've built the country's best available 5G network, and now we're seeing how vital that investment has become. With 5G traffic growing by 60% in just 12 months, the appetite for fast, dependable mobile data is undeniable - and our network is built to meet that demand." "5G is enabling more than just faster smartphones," McCann added. "It's powering remote healthcare, connected homes, live-streamed learning, real-time logistics, and the digital services that make modern life work. Our job is to make sure the network always stays one step ahead - and that every customer, no matter where they live, gets the experience they deserve." "Reaching 99% 5G population coverage is a powerful step forward for our customers," said Kealan Donoghue, Director of Consumer and Small Business at eir. "It strengthens the experience we already deliver - fast, reliable mobile connectivity that people can depend on every day. More and more customers are choosing eir because they know they'll get consistent 5G performance, wherever life takes them. At eir, our purpose is to connect for a better Ireland, and this achievement brings that promise to life in communities across the country." eir's network expansion is part of an almost €2 billion strategic investment programme launched in 2019 to reshape Ireland's digital infrastructure. In that time, eir has: Built over 850 new mobile sites, expanding reach into rural and previously underserved areas Deployed fibre backhaul to 1,300 sites, greatly improving network speed and capacity Achieved 99% population coverage with 5G, a landmark in nationwide connectivity The result is a future-ready mobile platform capable of supporting Ireland's growing digital economy and the daily lives of millions of customers. Looking ahead, eir plans to invest an additional €100 million over the next three years to expand its mobile network and boost capacity in high-demand areas. This includes continued upgrades in urban centres and expanded reach in rural communities, supporting eir's broader purpose: to connect for a better Ireland. "Connectivity should never be an eircode lottery," said McCann. "Whether it's a student in Galway, a farmer in Tipperary, or a start-up in Dublin, every person and business in Ireland deserves equal access to the digital world. That's the commitment we've made - and we're delivering on it." eir's vision is simple but ambitious: to create an inclusive, resilient, and future-proof digital infrastructure that connects communities, empowers growth, and supports innovation, north to south, urban to rural, today and into the future.

Two Enterprise Ireland-backed companies have won funding approvals of up to €18.75m in the latest competition under Horizon Europe's European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Programme. The two successful companies are CroíValve and Lios. Enterprise Ireland leads the National Support Network for Horizon Europe which helps entrepreneurs to compete and win funding in EIC competitions. To date, 28 Irish companies have secured approvals totalling €175.5m under the EIC Accelerator Programme since the beginning of Horizon Europe in 2021. Trinity College Dublin spin-out company CroíValve is a clinical-stage medical device company focused on developing a minimally invasive device for the treatment of a severe cardiac disease called tricuspid regurgitation. CroíValve's DUO Tricuspid Coaptation Valve system will enable a non-surgical solution for the condition as currently less than one percent of elderly patients receive surgical treatment due to the risks involved in this population. CroíValve previously received funding under the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund which is administered by Enterprise Ireland and supports research collaboration to drive disruptive technology development. Lios, a pioneer in acoustic advanced materials technology, is a Dublin company with strong Sligo roots. SoundBounce is an advanced acoustic material developed by Lios that works better than traditional sound dampening materials. Transport, home appliances, power generation, and construction are among the major industries seeking to reduce noise levels. Part of the EU's Horizon Europe 2021-2027 Research and Innovation Programme, the EIC Accelerator Programme provides transformational funding to high-potential, high-risk start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs. Approvals include grant funding of up to €2.5 million combined with an equity investment ranging from €0.5 to €10 million in a blended finance offer. 959 applications were submitted to this latest competition with 150 companies subsequently selected for interview resulting in a total of 40 funding awards to 16 countries. The 40 companies were allocated funding of up to €229m in a combination of grants and equity investments. Almost one third of the selected companies were led by a woman in a key leadership role such as CEO, CTO or CSO. Minister of State for Trade Promotion, AI and Digital Transformation Niamh Smyth TD said: "Today's announcement is testament to the research and innovation capability of Irish companies and the vibrancy of the start-up and commercialisation eco-system. Collaboration between Higher Education, state agencies, investors, and business creates a pathway to success, and the government, through Enterprise Ireland, is committed to helping enterprises like Lios and CroíValve to realise their commercial potential. This announcement provides significant funding to support these companies to bring their innovations to the global market, and I wish both every success for the future." Jenny Melia, CEO Designate, Enterprise Ireland, said: "I'd like to congratulate Lios and CroíValve on their successful applications to the highly competitive EIC Accelerator programme. Both companies, working with the EIC, will be able to enhance their entrepreneurial capability and get the critical support required at this juncture in their development and scaling journey. It is particularly welcome to see that both projects have a female-inclusive leadership team which supports Enterprise Ireland's strategic ambition to increase the participation of women in entrepreneurship and business leadership." Lucy O'Keeffe, Co-Founder & CEO, CroíValve said: "Securing European Innovation Council (EIC) funding is very impactful in supporting full alignment of our novel technology with this complex patient population, along with expansion of clinical validation of our DUO System. There is a real unmet clinical need to provide a scalable treatment option for the heterogeneous patient population with tricuspi...

Almost 50 schools across Ireland have signed up to a new programme by US EdTech company Merlyn Mind and The Learnovate Centre to pilot a ground-breaking AI assistant tool for teachers. The programme is the largest trial of the Merlyn Origin AI assistant outside of North America. Supported by Learnovate, a learning technology research centre in Trinity College Dublin, the programme will see 300 teachers across 48 post-primary and primary schools utilise the Merlyn Origin AI technology in the classroom to provide students with a personalised, dynamic and interactive learning experience. The Merlyn Origin AI assistant tool been designed to support educators by streamlining the administrative and repetitive aspects of teaching. By leveraging generative AI, the system enables teachers to create lesson plans, generate grading rubrics and acquire instant feedback from their students with the push of a button. It also offers unique voice-controlled technology that allows teachers to operate classroom devices - from computers to front-of-class displays - entirely hands-free, freeing them up to focus on engaging directly with students. Phase one of the Irish pilot scheme during the academic year, just ended. Researchers will then incorporate feedback from teachers and learners into the technology ahead of phase two, beginning at the start of the 2025 academic year. It is hoped the success of the pilot will lead to a wider take-up of the technology in Irish classrooms. Merlyn Origin is actively used in more than 10,000 classrooms across the US where studies have found it to be effective at helping teachers reduce time spent on administrative tasks, leaving more time for teaching and learning, in as little as seven weeks. Research has also found that teachers using Merlyn experience reduced technostress - stress caused by technology tools and processes required in their work. Mullingar Community College in Co. Westmeath took part in a limited trial of the cutting-edge AI technology earlier this year. The success of that project has paved the way for the current pilot programme. Merlyn Mind has collected a series of industry honours in recent years, including Best AI Platform at the 2024 Global EdTech Awards and Best AI Solution at the 2024 Ed Tech Cool Tool Awards. The AI tool also won the Trendsetter category at the 2023 EdTech Awards, and the Back to School Primary and Secondary Education Awards at the Tech and Learning Awards of Excellence in 2023. Jason Mayland, Vice President of International Business Development at Merlyn Mind, says: "We're extremely excited to begin piloting our Merlyn Origin AI assistant in 48 schools across Ireland. This is the largest trial of our technology in classrooms outside North America where we've already seen Merlyn Origin produce fantastic results in terms of reducing technostress and time teachers spend on administrative tasks. "We're grateful to The Learnovate Centre, with whom we are a Patron Member, for its support on this project, which is a key milestone on our journey to bring Merlyn Mind to the European market." Learnovate Head of Membership Services Dave Farrelly says: "Learnovate is delighted to partner with Merlyn Mind on this pilot scheme for its AI assistant for teachers. AI has vast potential to revolutionise the classroom experience, which is why Learnovate is committed to supporting cutting-edge research in this area. It's important that we fully embrace this technology so that we maximise the benefits for teachers and learners."

Planning your holidays or busy packing your bags? Be aware that scammers are also busy planning to trick you out of your hard-earned cash. From fake websites to dodgy deals, here's how to spot and avoid common holiday ripoffs. Watch out for copycat travel firms The internet is rife with copycat airlines and bogus holiday firms. These fraudsters create cloned websites that mimic official logos and branding, making them look like the real deal. Travel tip: Always check that the URL and logo match the official website exactly. Verify contact details, and if something feels off, trust your gut. While the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) sign should protect your holiday, scammers can use fake licence numbers. If in doubt, visit IAA.ie to verify the company. Beware of fake tours and activities Imagine paying for an action-packed tour or exciting excursion only to find it doesn't exist. Scam operators often advertise or tout non-existent activities or trips. Travel tip: Before paying, check out verified reviews from other travellers. Be wary of red flags like poorly spelt ads, blurry images, or "limited-time offers." Never feel pressured to make an on-the-spot decision if you're approached on the street. Take their details, research, and only commit when you're ready. Don't fall under the influence Your social media feeds - Facebook, X, TikTok, and Instagram - are prime hunting grounds for scammers to lure sunseekers. Slick ads can spoof airlines or hotels, enticing you with quick and easy getaways that are simply too good to be true. You might even receive fake confirmation emails or booking references. Travel tip: Always check the authenticity of the profile promoting the deal and don't get drawn in by sham influencers. The golden rule is to book flights and hotels directly through the official websites. Only part with your money once you're 100% sure it's legit. Don't be duped by bogus government websites Despite warnings, counterfeit websites designed to mimic government bodies continue to trick consumers into paying hefty service fees for things like renewing passports or obtaining free EHIC cards. Travel tip: Double-check that it's an official government website before entering personal details or payment information, and be on the lookout for last-minute hidden costs. Legitimate government services are upfront about their fees. Avoid airport parking rouges Airport parking can significantly increase holiday costs, making cheap deals very tempting. But beware, some airport parking rogues promise to keep your car safe and secure, when the reality can be quite different. You may even return home to find your car damaged, dirty, or with added mileage. Travel tip: Research thoroughly and book well in advance with a reputable parking firm. Read and verify recent reviews from other customers to ensure your car will be in safe hands while you're away. Guard against car hire scams Hiring a car or scooter online or abroad offers freedom, but it also paves the way for fraudsters. You could end up paying for damage you didn't cause or extras you didn't need. Travel tip: Before signing any documents or driving away, scour the paperwork and take photos of the vehicle from all angles, noting any existing scratches or damage. Consider purchasing cheaper car hire excess cover from a separate insurer before you travel - it can save you a huge amount if something goes wrong. Eoin Clarke, Commercial Director at Switcher.ie comments: "By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can outsmart the scammers and ensure your well-deserved holiday is filled with happy memories, not financial headaches. Sadly, fraudsters are all too ready to take advantage of sun-seekers, who become easy targets for scams and ripoffs, especially once they relax and let their guard down. Before you spend money on your holidays, thoroughly research travel websites, tour operators, and parking firms. Read company reviews and scrutinise the small print to avoid being du...

Vodafone Ireland, the leading communications partner to Irish consumers and businesses, has once again been recognised as the nation's leading mobile network, securing the prestigious "Best in Test" accolade from independent benchmarking organisation umlaut, for the tenth year in a row. This milestone achievement comes as Vodafone Ireland continues to roll out its €500 million five-year investment programme to enhance network performance across the country. The investment is delivering improved call and text reliability, superfast 4G and 5G services, and expanded high-definition voice coverage for customers and businesses nationwide. In addition to being named "Best in Test" for the tenth consecutive year, the company was also recognised as the most reliable mobile network for Voice, Data and consistent user experience - reinforcing its commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality connectivity across the country. Vodafone Ireland which has over 2.3 million customers and growing, employs over 2,000 people in Ireland across its Dublin HQ and 80 retail units across the country. In this year's benchmark, Vodafone achieved a record-breaking score of 927 out of 1000 - the highest ever awarded for mobile performance in Ireland. Vodafone also ranked number one nationwide and received top honours in the "Best in Reliability" category for both voice and data. Recently appointed CEO of Vodafone Ireland, Sabrina Casalta said that this accolade is recognition of the outstanding service and care that our valued Irish customers receive. "Connectivity is at the heart of what we do. We deliver a reliable network that connects people and businesses every day, facilitating business, work and e-commerce. We are always on and our focus remains on continuing to deliver the best network, connections, and exceptional, industry-leading care to our customers. "We're proud to provide a reliable network that helps people stay connected and supports businesses in their day-to-day operations. And we're committed to continuing our investment in Ireland's digital future." In 2024, Vodafone Ireland completed the nationwide switch-off of its 3G network, a strategic move that has enabled the reallocation of spectrum and resources to strengthen its 4G and 5G services. This transition has allowed Vodafone to accelerate investment in next-generation infrastructure, resulting in faster speeds, improved reliability, and broader high-definition voice coverage for customers across the country. As a trusted business provider, Vodafone Ireland supports six in 10 Irish businesses - delivering secure, scalable business solutions that power connectivity and resilience. Our enterprise customers include some of Ireland's most recognised names such as Sherry Fitzgerald, Fexco and Cpl who rely on Vodafone for resilient business infrastructure and services. Brian Dooley, Chief Information Officer at Sherry FitzGerald - a Vodafone Ireland business customer and the country's largest property and financial services advisory firm - said: "Congratulations to Vodafone Ireland on being crowned Best Network by umlaut for an incredible 10th year in a row! "At Sherry FitzGerald, we rely on Vodafone's exceptional network coverage, unrivalled reliability, and the outstanding support of their account management team - to keep our business connected and running smoothly every day. Their high-performing service helps us deliver the same level of excellence to our own clients, right across the country. "This remarkable milestone reflects Vodafone's unwavering commitment to excellence, and we're proud to have them as a trusted partner on our journey. "Here's to a decade of excellence - and to the next chapter of innovation and success!" See more stories here.

Licovolt, a University College Dublin (UCD) spin-out company supported by NovaUCD, today announced that it is set to create 10 new jobs following a seed investment (undisclosed) from Davencor Holdings, established by John Corcoran, the founder and former CEO of Davenham Switchgear. Davenham, founded in 1982 and headquartered in Dublin, is a market leader of electrical distribution and control solutions for major industries, including datacentres, and was last year acquired by the Legrand Group, headquartered in France. Licovolt's technology is a novel chemical compound and associated process used to extract critical minerals from spent battery material at a fraction of the cost and emissions of current methods. The technology enables the recycling of these materials and creates a global opportunity for OEMs who manufacture cathode active material (CAM) which is required for the electric vehicle (EV) and data centre industries. Clint Zahmel, Executive Director, Licovolt said, "This investment by Davencor Holdings will enable the company to rapidly advance our strategic technology development roadmap to ensure that business development opportunities are grasped quickly given the scale of the global opportunity for Licovolt's technology. Additionally following this investment, we plan to create up to 10 new jobs over the next two years, in the areas of international business development, finance, chemical engineering and battery innovation." He added, "It is estimated that datacentres worldwide will need to recycle up to two million Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) battery systems over the next five years, and given John's deep understanding of the electrical and datacentre industries, together with his proven track record of building successful businesses internationally, makes him an invaluable partner as we develop and implement our international scaling strategy." John Corcoran, CEO, Davencor Holdings said, "Licovolt represents a really exciting opportunity in the field of battery recycling. The team's innovative approach and very strong technical foundation positions them well for significant growth in this evolving market." The Licovolt technology emerged after three years of intensive research, partly funded by Research Ireland, following a breakthrough chemical discovery led by Associate Professor Tony Keene, UCD School of Chemistry, in partnership with Associate Professor Steven Ferguson, UCD School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, the company's co-founders. Earlier this year Licovolt entered into a formal joint development agreement with Pure Battery Technologies (PBT), headquartered in Australia with operations in Hagen, Germany. This partnership with PBT will support the rapid advancement of Licovolt's technology.

In a city increasingly defined by data, design, and digital connectivity, a new pilot project is giving some of its youngest residents a powerful tool for change - Minecraft. As part of the Smart Docklands Pilot Call 2024 projects, Craft My Street addresses the topic of community development by delivering workshops to schools in Dublin. A total of 139 students participated and 54 ideas were designed in Minecraft. This initiative was created by researchers from University College Dublin that uses gaming to amplify youth voices in city-making. Blending open-source geospatial data with interactive multiplayer crowd mapping, this project enables young people to propose real-world urban interventions, all while building their ideas block by block in a virtual version of Dublin's Docklands. The initiative is part of a broader effort by Smart Docklands, an innovation programme established by Dublin City Council and CONNECT, the Research Ireland Centre headquartered at Trinity College Dublin. In 2024, the programme launched a €50,000 open call to fund pilots across four urgent themes identified through public engagement: environmental monitoring; urban greening; antisocial behaviour/safety; and community development. Craft My Street was selected for its focus on the latter and its potential to reimagine what participation looks like in the digital age. "Craft My Street shows what happens when researchers meet young people where they are - in games, in classrooms, in their communities - and hand them the tools to shape the future. It's not just about Minecraft; it's about empowering the next generation to imagine and build a better city," said Trinity's Prof. Dan Kilper, Director of the CONNECT Centre. "Young people are rarely included in decisions that affect the communities they live in," said Ítalo Sousa de Sena, Assistant Professor in Digital Landscape Design at UCD and the project's lead. "The Smart Docklands Pilot Programme was a great opportunity to further develop the Craft My Street project and validate its impacts. The network of participation and expertise in engagement from the Smart Docklands team was essential to achieve the goals of the project. The funding was crucial to guarantee that all students could have the same experience with the project, by securing devices and the game for all participants, as well as to continue promoting the playful crowd mapping of Dublin in Minecraft!" Through Mapathons, classroom-based workshops, and access to a public Minecraft server, participating students imagined new public spaces, proposed green solutions, and mapped safety and accessibility issues. The virtual environments reflected real data and spatial realities - but the creativity was all theirs. Reflecting on the programme's impact, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain, said: "Young people are an important part of shaping the future of the city, and it's essential to involve them in the conversation. The Craft My Street project as part of the Smart Docklands Pilot Call 2024 projects is a fantastic example of how technology can make youth participation in decision-making more engaging and inclusive." "By reshaping their surroundings in a virtual Dublin through Minecraft, students created solutions in a fun and meaningful way. I'm delighted to support this initiative and to see the creativity and vision of young people come to life. I was particularly flattered to see my own avatar be brought to life." Karolina Anielska, Programme Manager at Smart Docklands, said: "Craft My Street proved that serious topics like city planning can be fun and engaging, especially when young people lead the way. Through Minecraft, they shared creative ideas for Dublin's future and reminded us that play can be powerful. Their energy doesn't just shape the city - it encourages adults to get involved too. This is just the beginning." While the outcomes are playful, the project is underpinned by serious intent. It supports the National Framework for Chi...

One of Ireland's fastest-growing digital marketing agencies, Core Optimisation, has announced the acquisition of international PR agency, ClearStory. The acquisition forms part of a broader €500,000 investment in expanding its operations to North America and the United Arab Emirates. Founded in 2015 by Caroline Dunlea and David Brett, Core Optimisation has developed a significant foothold in strategic digital consultancy over the past number of years. The company began its international expansion with the UK market and is now positioning itself to expand into North America and MENA markets. Core has an extensive client book across multiple sectors including global brands such as Waterwipes, Tirlan Country Life, Kirby Group and Aryzta. The acquisition of ClearStory International will accelerate this growth by integrating ClearStory's tech, finance, defence and hospitality focused PR client base and expanding Core's capabilities as a truly integrated digital marketing and PR consultancy agency. ClearStory International was founded by James McCann in 2017 as an international PR agency specialising in reputation building for emerging and scaling brands. The agency has since expanded its client base across North America, Europe and MENA to include major players across the tech, finance and defence sectors including; Techstars, the Asian Development Bank, Dynasafe, CoinDesk, and Riskline. Core Optimisation currently provides digital marketing services including SEO, PPC, paid social, data analytics and digital strategic consultancy. With more than 70 clients spanning a wide range of industries, Core Optimisation boasts a team of 60 professionals across Ireland and the UK. The planned €500,000 investment will be used to establish a permanent presence in key emerging markets and support the integration of digital PR into its 360° marketing solutions. Speaking about the acquisition, Co-founder of Core Optimisation, Caroline Dunlea, commented: "We are delighted to acquire ClearStory International as we focus on international markets. This acquisition strengthens our global capabilities and enhances our ability to offer a fully integrated digital marketing and PR service to our growing client base. As we are in the AI era, brands need cohesive, data-led narratives across every channel and our clients are increasingly seeking partners who can anticipate and respond to their evolving needs. "By combining ClearStory's strategic communications expertise with our digital performance capabilities, we're positioning ourselves closer to our clients' strategic objectives by delivering integrated, insight-driven campaigns that drive meaningful growth and truly move the needle. This full-service offering allows us to be more responsive to the future demands of the marketplace and creates even more value through deeper client relationships." Commenting on the acquisition, CEO of ClearStory International, James McCann, said: "Over the past eight years, we've had the privilege of working with more than 200 clients across 25 countries, helping them navigate some of the world's most complex media markets. We're now excited to bring our deep expertise in international storytelling and reputation building to Core Optimisation, as we pursue a shared ambition to build a world-renowned, Irish-owned agency." 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, ...

Payslip announces it is powering payroll for over 100,000 employees globally, driven by new enterprise partnerships with companies including Booking.com & EQT. Payslip's platform now powers global payroll operations for companies generating over $16 billion in combined annual revenue and supporting more than 100,000 employees worldwide. In parallel, Payslip has more than doubled its own revenue, achieving 102% ARR growth between December 2022 and December 2024, and sustaining a 70% CAGR. Founded in 2016 in Westport, Co. Mayo by entrepreneur Fidelma McGuirk, Payslip is one of Ireland's leading FinTech companies and the market leading global payroll technology provider. Payslip empowers multinational enterprises with scalable, standardised payroll solutions. In November 2024, it strengthened its board with David Clarke (ex-Workday CTO) and Barry Dowling (TransferMate Co-Founder). A strategic partnership with Deloitte further reinforces its growing enterprise impact. "We're delighted to be powering payroll for leading global companies like Booking.com and EQT, as they scale across international markets," said Fidelma McGuirk, Founder & CEO of Payslip. "We're also equally proud to welcome Ann Marie Smith and David del Pino to our senior leadership team. Their experience will be instrumental as we enter a new phase of growth." "With the launch of Payslip's AI Payroll Element Classification Solution, Payslip has achieved an industry holy grail. This is a turning point for the industry: Payslip AI automates the identification, mapping, and normalisation of complex payroll data across countries, removing manual effort and accelerating automated standardisation. Payslip Control Platform is market unique as it unifies all global payroll data into one Global Payroll System of Record. With Payslip AI, the global data standardisation & unification is now achievable in minutes. It's a major innovation toward smarter, more scalable payroll." Stefan Hjerne, Head of Payroll and Benefits at EQT Group said "Payslip automates our payroll operations across EQT's 20 countries, transforming our processes and setting us up for continued growth and expansion". Payslip's Global Payroll Control Platform is ideally suited to world leading Private Equity Company EQT, as they scale through international M&A. Payslip customers report an average of 40% efficiency gains during every pay run as a direct result of Payslip AI & Automation." Payslip AI Element Classification Solution brings automation to one of the most complex parts of global payroll: mapping and standardising data from multiple countries and providers. By applying machine learning to identify and normalise payroll elements, the tool reduces manual input, shortens onboarding timelines, and improves data consistency across systems. It's a foundational capability designed to support faster, more scalable payroll operations for enterprise clients. See more stories here.

Partsol, the US-founded AI firm, has announced plans to create at least 25 new highly-skilled jobs in Ireland as it accelerates international expansion from its global headquarters in Dublin. The announcement reflects the company's long-term commitment to Ireland and will increase Partsol's present headcount in Ireland to around 35. Partsol has already raised $28.6 million (€25.2 million) in funding and expects to double that by the end of 2025. The firm's Cognitive AI platform ATAI is designed for high-stakes industries such as healthcare, law, accounting and financial services, where accuracy is paramount and hallucinations are unacceptable. ATAI is engineered with a unique "AI Stem Cells" framework grounded in verifiable truth, drawing on four scientific pillars to ensure outputs are rooted in factual evidence, not probabilistic guesswork. Commenting on his firm's hiring plans, CEO of Partsol Dr. Darryl Williams said: "We're investing in Irish talent because we believe the most important breakthroughs in AI will come from teams that are both technically brilliant and ethically grounded. "The calibre of expertise here is world-class, and it gives us the foundation to build not just a product, but a company that leads globally from Ireland. This is only the beginning of our hiring plans and we intend to expand next year too. The decision to relocate from the US to Ireland earlier this year reflects a deeper and more strategic bet on Ireland's future, said Dr. Williams. "Ireland offers a rare combination of regulatory clarity, scientific integrity and entrepreneurial energy. For a company like Partsol, building the future of AI, that's not just attractive - it's essential. "Where others see regulation as a constraint, we see it as an accelerant. Ireland's leadership on AI and data policy gives us the confidence to innovate boldly, knowing we're building within a framework that prioritises safety, transparency and long-term trust. "The future of AI shouldn't be left to chance or unchecked experimentation. It should be built with intention, in places that value both innovation and responsibility. That's why we're proud to call Ireland home," he said. 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.

Major AI chatbots have disclaimers. However, with mounting reports of personal interactions with them - resulting in distortion, delusion, ordering, conspiratorial conjectures and so forth, it is important to explore an extra layer of warning to ensure mind safety for users, at least to self-recall. This is what this chatbot might do to your mind, could be a display around chatbots to pop up at intervals, given the type of conversation. This will show that chatbots - whenever in personal conversations - often target the lighter parts of emotions: cravings, pleasure, companionship and so forth. Chatbots also utilize memory to seek new sequences in the mind, with information that seem novel and surprising, creating an appeal to the mind. This display could be a mental guard against extremes, elevating safety across age groups. By David Stephen The risks of AI Chatbots Cautionary texts about using AI chatbots - by the companies - are not potent enough for chatbots that are not just sycophantic, but versatile in captivating the human mind. AI chatbots, even in regular purposes can be dazzling, so when they deploy that might - from all scrapped data - to hold personal conversations, they wield might on the mind. This power makes it important to develop displays above or around chatbots [in personal conversations cases], to show the relays in the mind with their destinations, so that users have better awareness than getting carried away. This mental model can look like a flowchart. It will have blocks and arrows. It will mostly show all the light areas of emotions. It will also show how memory can be used to drive relays in the direction of [preferential] emotions. Simply, it will be letting users know that the experience [in that uptime] is that relays are directed at love or affection or companionship, in the mind, even if it is with a non-human. Since the appropriate [with another human] reality is missing, some of the properties of the mind can allow access to certain emotions for a parallel experience. This display can become a new way for mind safety preventing many of the risks from AI chatbots in recent months - sometimes resulting in fatalities. ChatGPT of OpenAI may take the lead with this, to shape the trajectory of the industry. In The NYTimes, They Asked ChatGPT Questions. The Answers Sent Them Spiraling, stating that, "Part of the problem, he suggested, is that people don't understand that these intimate-sounding interactions could be the chatbot going into role-playing mode. There is a line at the bottom of a conversation that says, "ChatGPT can make mistakes." This, he said, is insufficient. In his view, the generative A.I. chatbot companies need to require "A.I. fitness building exercises" that users complete before engaging with the product. And interactive reminders, he said, should periodically warn that the A.I. can't be fully trusted." See more breaking stories here.

The level of optimism among Irish medium-sized firms has taken a sharp fall, with an 18% contraction in the last quarter, according to the latest Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR). The IBR, which provides insights into the attitudes of 10,000 mid-market businesses across 32 economies, revealed that while 63% of companies surveyed in Ireland are optimistic about the outlook for the economy over the next twelve months, this stands in sharp contrast to the Q1 findings where 81% of businesses surveyed stated a higher level of confidence. The research, carried out across April and May, shows that the change in mood has swept through Irish mid-market firms' view of their performance over the next year, with a 25% nosedive in predicted profitability (Q1: 80% vs Q2: 55%), a 9% decline in expected revenues (Q1: 77% vs Q2: 68%); and a 10% spike in the expectation of reduced demand (Q1: 17% vs Q2: 27%). International tariff disputes are a likely factor in the changing mood of Irish medium-sized enterprises, with almost double the level of concern among these companies (Q2: 26% vs Q1: 16%) that geopolitical disruption would be a key constraint on their business. This is starkly illustrated in the sharp fall in the percentage of Irish mid-market firms expecting an increase in revenue from non-domestic markets over the next 12 months, contracting from 40% in Q4 2024 to just 16% in Q2 2025. While the increase in concern about geopolitical disruption is significant, it is still short of the overall level of concern across the Eurozone, which stands at 44%, according to the research. The global uncertainty is similarly reflected in Grant Thornton's US CFO survey, also out this week, which reports that 46% of US CFOs surveyed are pessimistic about the U.S. economy, with 46% adjusting their supply chains to reduce the impact of tariffs. The worsening outlook in Ireland has had a knock-on effect across a range of areas, with a 10% fall (Q1: 52% vs Q2: 42%) in the amount of Irish medium-sized firms planning to invest in sustainability initiatives. This is compounding other challenges in the economy, where Irish mid-market firms are already experiencing a range of issues. For example, almost double (Q1: 27% vs Q2: 50%) the number of firms predict their labour costs will rise over the next twelve months. Similarly, there was an 18% spike (Q1: 41% vs Q2: 59%) in the percentage of companies that saw the availability of skilled workers as a key constraint on their business. Commenting on the latest International Business Report, Grant Thornton Head of Industry, Martin Shanahan, said: "Medium-sized firms, a key component of the economy, are navigating a period of global uncertainty with resilience and adaptability. While some companies are reassessing their growth forecasts, this reflects a thoughtful and strategic response to evolving global dynamics rather than a lack of ambition. Geopolitical shifts and economic pressures are prompting businesses to think more critically about where and how they invest, especially in key areas like sustainability. These challenges, including labour costs and talent shortages, are not new - but Irish mid-market firms have consistently shown their ability to innovate and adapt. The findings echo those of the Grant Thornton US CFO survey released this week, which shows an increase in pessimism amongst US CFOs earlier in the year, with companies taking proactive steps to deal with tariff and economic uncertainty in areas like pricing strategies; supply chain; cost containment and financial planning. Diversification and innovation remain powerful tools for progress. The business success stories of the future will be those companies that embrace change, invest wisely, and plant the seeds today for a more vibrant, resilient economy." 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...

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitably qualified and experienced persons to fill three vacancies on the Board of Directors of Skillnet Ireland. The term of office for the position will be for a period of three years. Skillnet Ireland, established in 1999, is an aegis body of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) and is funded from the National Training Fund. Minister Lawless said: "I invite those who are interested in being part of Skillnet Ireland's shaping of the future of workforce development in Ireland, and who feel they have the relevant experience and knowledge, to submit their expression of interest for this position". The process of filling vacancies on the Board of Directors of Skillnet Ireland is being managed by DFHERIS. A detailed Information Booklet can be found at the following link: https://gov.ie/en/department-of-further-and-higher-education-research-innovation-and-science/publications/invitation-for-expressions-of-interest-skillnet-ireland-board-of-directors-ministerial-nominees/ Expressions of Interest may be made by submitting a Curriculum Vitae, detailed cover letter and completed EOI form to the Department at FETboardvacancies@dfheris.gov.ie. The closing date for the receipt of applications is 3pm on Friday, 18th July. 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.

Elite Irish sprinters participating in a study at Lero, one of the world's leading software research centres at the University of Limerick, to determine the effectiveness of super spike sprint shoes, could boost their chances of success at the 2028 Olympics. Lero researchers at the University of Limerick's Sport and Human Performance Research Centre (SHPRC) have embarked on the research in collaboration with innovative Irish sports analytics company DANU are still recruiting elite Irish athletes to use DANU's groundbreaking wearable smart socks technology to capture and analyse athlete-specific data, focusing on the biomechanical assessment of super spike shoes. Professor Ian Kenny questioned whether athletes at the 2024 Olympics choose super spikes due to sponsorship deals or for their technological benefits and injury prevention. "Using real-world metrics on the track and not the lab, we will gain key insights into the benefits of DANU's technology, super spikes, and their impact on our elite sprinters - gaining a fraction of a second could give an Irish athlete a podium finish and a medal," he added. Lero researcher Shane Hassett said the research will quantify performance outcomes such as speed, ground contact time, flight time, muscle activation, and ankle kinematics to distinguish super spike shoes from other running spikes. "We will investigate if the DANU sports system can be used to monitor biomechanical changes in gait when wearing the super spike shoes, focusing on how specific components biomechanically change an athlete's sprint profile," he added. DANU founder and CEO Oisín Lennon said they are delighted to continue their collaboration with the University of Limerick and LERO, who he described as leaders in software and research innovation. "UL supported us in our early development, playing a vital role in validating our technology and shaping the direction of our platform. That early partnership was instrumental in helping us move from concept to a scientifically grounded product. "Now, it's incredibly rewarding to see LERO and UL using our technology to drive groundbreaking research in elite sprinting - pushing the limits of what's possible in biomechanics and performance science. "Collaborating with researchers of this calibre not only validates our approach but also ensures we stay at the forefront of innovation. We're excited to contribute to work that has the potential to impact sport at the highest level."

KINTO Join, Ireland's leading sustainable commuting solution, have announced new survey findings from its 'Ireland on the Move' Report which found that 35% of commuters in Ireland are looking for a new job to have better commuting options. This increases to 42% among 18-34-year-olds. The research - based on a survey of 1,000 Irish commuters comprising university students and employees - found that 65% consider commuting options when selecting a new job. Furthermore, the same proportion (65%) are more likely to stay in a job with more favourable commuting options, whilst some 68% would refuse a job if the commute was too long. The research also seemed to suggest that the option to go into the office or work from home is waning, with more than half (51%) of respondents feeling under pressure to travel into the office for work. With the commute having a significant influence on decision-making when considering and choosing an employer, it is perhaps unsurprising that 71% of commuters would prioritise employers or universities providing a free or low-cost shuttle bus service. To promote alternatives to solo driving, 45% of respondents said universities and employers should contribute to public transport costs. Meanwhile, 36% think they should offer a carpooling programme or app, with a similar proportion (35%)saying they should promote cycling through schemes such as Bike to Work. In terms of the overall commuting experience, some 62% of commuters agree that workplaces and universities should be more involved in supporting same and 39% believe employers and educational institutions have a responsibility to meet sustainability goals and regulations. However, just over a quarter (26%) of commuters believe their workplaces or universities are doing a good job at meeting sustainability goals and regulations. As for taking an active role, more than a third (36%) of commuters believe employersand universities should incentivise sustainable travel. In terms of specific incentives which would encourage people to change their means of commuting to a more communal or sustainable method, almost half (46%) of respondents cited more flexible working-hours. The other top incentives werefound to be tax reduction schemes (37%), additional time off work (36%), reward points programmes (29%), and free coffee and treats (29%). Patrizia Niehaus, CEO, KINTO Join Ltd, commented: "Commuters in Ireland clearly care about how they travel to work, with many making career decisions with this in mind. However, they lack choice and support. In turn, organisations are potentially missing out on the best talent and undermining their own sustainability objectives. "They might not realise it yet, but business leaders have the power to facilitate more sustainable journeys for both their people and their companies. From shuttle buses to staff rewards, these micro-level actions can have macro-level impact." 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.

Irish interior living space is being radically redefined by the 'Millennial' generation, who are opting for oversized bean bag sofas and chairs over conventional furniture - whilst moving their living room configurations a number of times each year. Just under a quarter of Irish youngsters aged between 29 and 44 (23%) now own a bean bag item as an alternative to an armchair or recliner, according to research from Big Bertha Original. The survey, conducted amongst 1,000 Irish residents, revealed that there's a spike in bean bag popularity amongst the age range, higher than any other bracket. Bean bag ownership across the Ireland sits at 20% today, compared to just 11% in 2004. In addition, 46% of Millennials will rearrange their living room furniture at least twice a year and 33% of them will change their furniture depending on the season of the year. The Big Bertha Original results point towards a renaissance in bean bag furniture, which is proving to be one of the most unlikely living room accessories of the year so far. Big Bertha Original's Buyer Hannah Blakey said: "Our survey results suggest that interior living spaces are being redefined and reimagined by a younger generation in Ireland. "They have broad horizons when it comes to style and comfort in their homes, and it is encouraging to see that our bean bag sofas, chairs and cushions are an increasingly prominent part of their vision." Big Bertha Original products are not only easily portable and affordable, but they're deceptively comfortable too, moulding to the body to deliver optimum physical support. This helps to ease muscle and joint strain and ensures maximum comfort. Also, modern bean bag furniture maintains its shape due to premium manufacturing processes and robust coverings, available in a wide range of styles and fabrics. Hannah added: "Our bean bag products offer so many benefits, most obviously in their price point, as one of our highback chairs cost as little as £59.50, compared to up to twice that amount for a conventional alternative from a High Street furniture shop." "They come in various shapes, sizes and colours, making them extremely versatile pieces of furniture that can complement any room. What's more, they can be lifted and moved easily, making the home a far more interactive living space than ever. "Overall, the combination of comfort, versatility, affordability, and accessibility makes bean bags an attractive choice, particularly for renters looking to enhance their living spaces with function and fashion at a fraction of the cost." For more information about Big Bertha Original's huge range of bean bag products, visit https://www.bigberthaoriginal.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.

The superstructure bridge deck parts of the River Suir Sustainable Transport Bridge in Waterford, Ireland - designed by Knight Architects in collaboration with Roughan & O'Donovan as lead Engineer and Hardesty & Hanover as M&E Engineer - have now been successfully installed. The 207m-long pedestrian and cycle bridge is a centrepiece of the €200million Waterford North Quays Infrastructure Project, Ireland's largest urban regeneration initiative. Commissioned by Waterford City & County Council and constructed by BAM, the crossing will create a vital active travel connection across the River Suir when it opens to the public in 2026, linking the historic city centre to the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) at the North Quays. The bridge forms a critical component in unlocking the SDZ's potential for private sector-led regeneration, including new homes, offices, hospitality, and public amenities. Spanning the river with a quiet elegance, the bridge pays tribute to the city's vibrant trading legacy and its deep-rooted connection to the majestic River Suir. The structure's subtle curves and faceted steel superstructure take inspiration from Waterford's celebrated tradition of crystal glassware, while its twin-leaf bascule span - concealed discreetly within the deck - ensures continued navigability of the river for marine traffic. Above each of the feature piers, the bridge deck widens to form generous viewing platforms, furnished with bespoke seating to invite pause and reflection over the Suir and its evolving surroundings. Designed for multi-modal use, the bridge will facilitate pedestrians and cyclists, forming a new section of urban greenway that ultimately links the Waterford to Dungarvan and Waterford to New Ross Greenways. The bridge design is also future proofed to facilitate a future electric shuttle bus connecting the north and south quays. To ensure efficient movement on the bridge coupled with safe transitions at the end, Knight Architects designed a new urban realm at the South Plaza landing site which features an array of surfaces which help intuitively guide pedestrians and cyclists in the right direction. This area activates the waterfront and integrates the area's wider active mobility network, further enhancing the public realm of Ireland's oldest city. In addition to enhancing local transport, the project aligns with Ireland's climate goals by encouraging modal shift and reducing car dependency. Tom Osborne, Director at Knight Architects, says: "This bridge does far more than connect two sides of a river. It connects the past with the future, catalysing the transformation of Ireland's oldest city whilst responding sensitively to its historic cultural and urban context. It represents a bold and forward-looking investment in the city's future and will act as a key enabler for the North Quays development, bringing new homes, jobs and cultural offerings to Waterford. It's been a privilege to help shape a structure that so clearly demonstrates the value of sustainable, people-centred infrastructure."

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD, today welcomed the conclusion and signing of the contracts for the commencement of construction of five new buildings across multiple campuses, which are being delivered by Public Private Partnership (PPP). The construction cost of the five buildings is approximately €380 million ex VAT. The new buildings are located in the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Galway and Letterkenny Campuses, South East Technological University (SETU) Waterford and Carlow Campuses and in the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Limerick Campus. This is the second phase of the Higher Education Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programme, with buildings in the first phase located in the Technological University Dublin (TUD) Tallaght and Blanchardstown Campuses, Munster Technological University (MTU) Cork and Kerry Campuses, the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Athlone Campus and in the Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT), Dún Laoghaire. The contract for phase one was signed in December 2022. When all eleven buildings are completed, they will comprise circa 72,800m2 of additional building space at the campuses and will cater for circa 8,500 student places. In addition, the provision of these buildings will free up space in existing buildings and allow for new student places. Speaking today, Minister Lawless said: "This significant capital programme demonstrates both my own and the Government's commitment to excellence across all our higher education institutions. It reflects our focus on achieving regional balance and delivering best-in-class facilities for the next generation of learners - and for the long-term economic impact that follows. "With construction now commencing on five new buildings across five campuses, this €380 million programme will significantly expand student capacity, modernise teaching spaces, and bring state-of-the-art labs, studios, and workshops to regions across the country. It is a vital investment in our economy, supporting scientific education in regional areas. "I've seen first-hand the transformative impact of buildings delivered under phase one of this PPP programme and the quality of what has been delivered. With today's announcement, we are building on that success, delivering lasting educational infrastructure that will reinforce Ireland's knowledge economy for years to come." The buildings will have a strong focus on supporting practice-based learning, including laboratories, workshops and studios. They will also have significant flexibility to adapt to changing teaching and learning needs, and to support hybrid and remote learning. The buildings being delivered in the second phase are as follows: Atlantic Technological University, Galway Campus: STEM Building A Science Technology Engineering Mathematics building is planned for ATU Galway Campus consisting of undergraduate and postgraduate science laboratories, general teaching space, learning resource space, administration space and ancillary space. In conjunction with decanted space elsewhere on campus, the new building will increase capacity of ATU at Galway by c. 500 students. Atlantic Technological University, Letterkenny Campus: Education Building A Library, IT and Education Building is planned for ATU Letterkenny Campus. This will consist of a library and various learning resource spaces, general and specialised teaching spaces, ICT laboratories, administration space and ancillary space. In conjunction with decanted space elsewhere on campus, the new building will increase capacity of ATU at Letterkenny by c. 600 students. South East Technological University, Waterford Campus - Engineering, Architecture, Computing and General Teaching Building A new Engineering, Architecture Computing and General Teaching building is planned at SETU Waterford Campus which will consist of undergraduate and postgraduate laboratories, general a...

Guest post by Ronnie Hamilton, Pre-Sales Director, Climb Channel Solutions Ireland If compliance feels overwhelming right now, you're not imagining it. New regulations covering cybersecurity, data protection, AI, and more are emerging - from the latest PCI DSS updates to the EU AI Act. As a result, compliance is actively shaping the IT channel, influencing how we do business, how we anticipate industry shifts, and how we support our partners and customers with the right solutions to stay ahead. Navigating compliance in 2025 means being aligned with regulatory requirements, but it's a balancing act because at the end of the day, we all still have a job to do: delivering the right solutions, tailoring services to customer needs, and being a trusted partner. With new regulations coming into force and the mounting challenge of understanding cybersecurity, AI governance, and data integrity requirements, it's more important than ever to stay ahead. On the other hand, those who stay agile and deliver solutions that meet regulatory demands have an opportunity to turn the compliance headache into a competitive advantage. The Agility Advantage of Smaller Partners Smaller channel partners face growing pressure from complex customer environments, resource constraints, and fierce competition for skilled talent. However, their agility provides a unique advantage. Unlike larger enterprises, they can quickly adapt to evolving customer needs, position themselves as trusted advisors, and identify emerging vendors - particularly those offering AI-powered and automated solutions. AI adoption plays a critical role in maintaining a competitive edge. By embracing AI, smaller partners can deliver exceptional managed services with fewer resources, keeping costs low and service quality high. This approach ensures they remain competitive in a crowded market. Tackling the EU NIS2 Directive The EU NIS2 Directive reinforces the need for robust cybersecurity measures, urging businesses to adopt a more comprehensive approach to risk management. Essential security practices such as multi-factor authentication, regular cybersecurity training, incident response planning, and strong supply chain security are no longer optional but essential. A key principle underlying the directive is the Identify, Detect, Protect, Respond, and Recover framework. While most organisations focus heavily on detection and protection, recovery is sometimes a weak link. A lengthy recovery period following a breach can be as harmful as failing to detect the threat in the first place. The integration of automation into threat detection and response processes is becoming more important for meeting compliance requirements. The EU AI Act: Compliance Meets Innovation The EU AI Act introduces new obligations for organisations deploying AI solutions - emphasising transparency, accountability, and risk management throughout the AI lifecycle. These requirements extend to all aspects of AI implementation, from data sourcing and model training to real-world deployment. To address compliance risks, managed service providers may consider introducing AI governance roles, such as "AI Managers as a Service." These specialists help organisations navigate AI regulations without requiring full-time in-house expertise. While compliance with AI regulations may introduce additional costs, the long-term benefits - such as enhanced customer trust, clear documentation, and ethical AI practices - can significantly outweigh the initial investment. Rather than viewing compliance as a regulatory burden, partners should position it as an opportunity to strengthen customer relationships and stand out. Automation and AI: Key Enablers of Compliance AI and automation are proving indispensable for managing compliance complexity. From automating repetitive processes to monitoring security events and ensuring adherence to evolving standards, these technologies help organisations streamline compliance efforts while mini...

As summer holiday season gets into full swing and the hunt for the best deals ramps up, FraudSMART is issuing a timely reminder: be vigilant against a seasonal rise in travel scams. FraudSMART, the fraud awareness initiative developed by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), warns that these scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with fraudsters capitalising on the demand for last-minute getaways, particularly touting 'recent cancellations' or 'limited time offers' at heavily discounted rates. Holidaymakers are being lured in with these tempting offers and discounts, often through fake websites, online ads and social media links. To help consumers navigate online travel bookings safely, FraudSMART is urging every holidaymaker to utilise a free tool available on the FraudSMART website: Scamchecker.ie. This essential resource allows you to quickly verify the legitimacy of any website or link before making a booking, acting as your crucial first line of defence against online fraud. FRAUDSMART'S TOP TIPS FOR A SECURE SUMMER: Book Smart: Always use trusted and well-known booking websites or travel agents. Verify before you buy! Before you commit, check the link on Scamchecker.ie. This free tool is your essential safeguard against fake websites and fraudulent offers. Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers: Exercise caution with unsolicited emails or social media ads offering cheap holiday deals. Always verify special offers by visiting the official website of the travel company, rather than clicking on embedded links in an email or advert. Avoid Bank Transfers: Avoid making payments through bank transfers, as these are difficult to trace and recover. Use secure Wi-Fi: Do not use unsecured or public Wi-Fi networks when making payments; switch to 3G/4G on your phone if necessary. Keep Records: Print or save a copy of your order and purchase details. Update Security: Ensure your computer's security is up to date with reliable antivirus and browser software. Protect Your Card: Keep your card in your sights and protect your PIN - never share or write down your PIN details. Niamh Davenport, Head of Financial Crime at BPFI and lead for the FraudSMART campaign, said: "As people across Ireland plan last-minute getaways, fraudsters are working just as hard to take advantage of the holiday rush. These scams can be incredibly convincing and come from multiple sources including fake and copycat websites, convincing online adverts and social media posts. However, once payment is made - often by bank transfer - the so-called agent or website disappears, leaving victims without a booking and out of pocket. Some victims may even receive a fake booking confirmation, only to discover the scam after they have travelled to the destination and find the property doesn't exist when they arrive." Ms Davenport added: "However, there are a number of red flags to look out for, such as being asked to pay by bank transfer or being pressurised to act quickly. Our Scamchecker.ie tool gives consumers a simple, effective, and free way to double-check the legitimacy of a website or link before making a booking. If you pause before you pay, and use Scamchecker.ie, it can be the difference between the holiday of a lifetime or a holiday disaster and significant financial loss." FraudSMART is encouraging holidaymakers to make Scamchecker.ie the first stop before booking any holiday deal online. If you suspect you have been scammed, contact your bank immediately and report the incident to the Gardaí. For further advice and to sign up for email alerts on current risks and trends, visit www.FraudSMART.ie. 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 Podc...

The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) has published its 2024 Year in Review, highlighting a transformative year of progress in areas critical to Ireland's future, including housing innovation, digital resilience, and sustainability. In a year of global uncertainty and rapid advances in areas like cybersecurity, NSAI played a pivotal role in supporting business competitiveness and advancing Ireland's strategic ambitions under Housing for All, the Climate Action Plan, and the Digital Europe Programme. Minister of State with responsibility for Employment, Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon TD said: "The NSAI plays a vital role in strengthening Ireland's business ecosystem. From enabling housing innovation through Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) to advancing cybersecurity and sustainability, NSAI's Year in Review displays how the organisation supports our industries to grow safely, smartly, and compete internationally. The Year in Review reflects the important role NSAI plays in supporting Irish businesses and setting and maintaining world-class standards, measurement services and certification systems." In 2024, NSAI advanced key pillars of its Strategic Plan 2022-2026 in the areas of housing, digital transformation, climate and MedTech through standards, metrology and certification that directly support Ireland's Programme for Government and economic growth. Geraldine Larkin, NSAI CEO, said: "NSAI is committed to supporting businesses to enable growth, competitiveness and long-term success. We're proud to act as a bridge between innovation and assurance, empowering Irish businesses of all sizes to operate with confidence, integrity, and international credibility. Whether it's bringing a new MMC housing system to market or achieving ISO certification in information security, we ensure companies can move faster, meet expectations, and lead by example." Key highlights from the report include: Supporting housing innovation: With 80 new MMC enquiries and 48 new applications received in 2024, NSAI's MMC department is supporting faster, safer and more efficient construction outcomes. NSAI's Sustainability and Built Environment department approved 1,132 construction products last year and NSAI established a dedicated Building Information Modelling department before Christmas. Agrément certification is specifically aimed at products or systems that are new or innovative. The KORE group in Cavan, for example, achieved MMC Agrément certification through NSAI for its insulated concrete formwork system and its insulated foundation system. Caroline Ashe Brady, Commercial Director with the Kore Group said: "NSAI's rigorous assessment process has been crucial in enabling us to bring next-generation construction solutions to market with confidence. MMC Agrément certification helps manufacturers in the construction industry, like ours, to meet both compliance requirements and sustainability goals." Cybersecurity at the forefront: In September 2024, NSAI was appointed lead co-ordinator for the EU TrustBoost programme, aimed at strengthening cybersecurity certification across the EU. With threats to data privacy and digital infrastructure on the rise, this initiative under the Digital Europe Programme is helping to develop new technologies and tools to create a more secure digital ecosystem for Europe. Separately, NSAI developed a new certification readiness tool for Irish SMEs around information security. Innovation and excellence through standards: As Ireland prepares to take over the presidency of the Council of the EU in July 2026, NSAI continues to take a leading on the role of standards in support of the single market. This is a vital role at national and European level. In 2024: 1,467 standards were published 286,209 standards were accessed 200 new members joined technical committees (there are now over 2,400 national committee members) Precise measuring for trade: NSAI's Nati...

Queen Mary University of London is renowned for world-leading research and is committed to sustainable development across all its operational and academic activities. As part of a new project to improve its data centre sustainability, the University worked with Schneider Electric and its EcoXpert Partner, Advanced Power Technology (APT), to implement a new cooling solution that would enable heat reuse. By connecting with its district heating systems, the University has developed a data centre platform that can meet current and future research computing needs, while delivering on its sustainability strategy. Combined Data Centre & District Heating Project at Queen Mary University Schneider Electric, the global leader in energy management and automation, and its EcoXpert Partner, Advanced Power Technology (APT), have delivered a cutting-edge, data centre modernisation project at the Queen Mary University of London - one of the world's top 100 universities. Together, the companies have created a platform for heat recovery at the University's data centre, enabling waste heat from the facility to be connected to a campus-wide district heating network, providing heating and hot water for the buildings and student accommodation nearby. The project not only reduces the campuses scope 1 CO2 emissions in line with Queen Mary's sustainability goals but has also allowed it to reduce the costs of its energy bills. Further, the new energy efficient data centre has provided the University with increased resiliency and processing power for its on-premises, large-scale research and intensive computing applications, helping it to provision for future expansion. World-leading research Queen Mary University of London is ranked 94th in the world in the 2025-26 edition of the US News and World Report Best Global Universities rankings, and today has over 32,000 students from over 170 nationalities and 5,700 staff - with no less than nine?Nobel Prize winners?among its former staff and students. It is committed to conducting world-leading research and adheres to the principles of sustainable development across all areas of its operational and academic activities. Its vision is to create and oversee the evolution of a large-scale distributed computing infrastructure needed to maintain the UK's position as a world leader in particle physics. As such, it is a participant in the Grid for Particle Physics (GridPP) project, a collaborative effort among particle physicists, computer scientists, and engineers to analyse data generated by high-energy physics experiments, such as those conducted at the world-famous Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. The size, scale, and importance of this work means that the University must operate and maintain a highly efficient, on-premises data centre - ensuring it meets the technical requirements of existing and future research developments, especially those requiring High Throughput Computing (HTC) applications. Legacy challenges Prior to the modernisation project, Queen Mary's data centre was experiencing reliability, scalability, and availability issues, which required manual on-site interventions to fix. It was also becoming outdated, and its operations were, at times, impacted due to a build-up of heat in its server racks from its inefficient cooling systems. Future research computing may also have been hindered due to the data centre's hosting limitations. The refresh was, therefore, vital to improve and stabilise day-to-day operations, and its proximity to the campus' district heating network presented an opportunity for a new solution be designed and implemented to bring the data centre in line with the University's sustainability goals. Solution - a catalyst for sustainability Schneider Electric's data centre, power and cooling solutions were already installed across Queen Mary's estate, so when it came to the plans to upgrade its operations, the University directly sought help from Schneider Electric's partne...

The Irish Government and IDA Ireland today welcomed IBM's announcement to create additional high-value jobs in the south-east of the country. The leading global technology company will, over the next three years, hire up to 75 software engineers, dedicated to research and development (R&D), based in Waterford. The roles will focus on cutting-edge innovation for IBM Z, the infrastructure powering 70% of global transactions by value. The Waterford software engineers will closely collaborate with IBM's R&D teams around the world, from designing processors and firmware to software development and advancing the Linux operating system. Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise Tourism & Employment, said: "IBM's decision to expand its operations in Waterford with the creation of up to 75 highly-skilled software engineering roles is very welcome news. This investment is a strong endorsement of the South-East region's growing reputation as a hub for innovation and advanced technology. It also reflects the government's commitment to supporting regional development and fostering strong partnerships between industry and academia. I commend IBM for its continued confidence in Ireland and for its collaboration with the South-East Technological University to build a future-ready workforce." Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, said: "I welcome this very positive development which underscores Ireland's attractiveness as a location for businesses to invest in and to expand R&D operations. This strengthens IBM's long-standing presence in Ireland where it employs thousands of people today. IBM has cited Ireland's strong talent pool as a key factor in allowing the company to grow here, which reflects the significant increased investment by the Government in education, and particularly our third-level sector, over recent years. We are committed to supporting research and development in our tech sector, including in the South-East of our country, to drive balanced, regional development and economic growth." In addition to the expansion of R&D functions in Waterford, IDA Ireland also welcomes IBM's decision to deepen its collaboration with the South East Technological University, to develop a technical skills ecosystem with a focus on mainframes and Linux. Nathan Cullen, country general manager, IBM Ireland, said: "I am delighted to see our footprint in Ireland evolve further. This is testimony to the deep talent pools available across the country, upon which we have steadily built our business, including mainframes which are a cornerstone of global transactions. IBM has now operated in Ireland for nearly 70 years and this milestone investment for the region also speaks volumes about the ecosystem that has built up around the South Eastern Technical University." IBM last year announced the recruitment of another 800 high-tech jobs in Ireland by 2027, cementing the country's position as a globally strategic location for the company. These new roles, spanning R&D, digital sales and Consulting operations, will be spread across Dublin, Cork and Waterford. Michael Lohan, IDA Ireland CEO, said: "This R&D investment announced by IBM is fantastic news for Waterford and indeed the South East Region. This investment is also closely aligned to Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation, 2025-29, where IDA has committed to positioning Ireland at the centre of cutting-edge global technological innovation in the next five years. I warmly welcome this decision by IBM and assure them of IDA's continued partnership."

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is inviting entries from individuals and organisations across all sectors of the Irish economy at the vanguard of Ireland's clean energy transition, to enter the 2025 SEAI Energy Awards. The Awards showcase exemplary achievements and inspire others to follow suit. More than 2,000 previous entrants over the past two decades have saved over half a billion euro by pursuing their sustainable energy ambitions. 2025 Entrants Can Choose from 10 Award Categories including: Large Business Small Business Residential Energy Upgrades Inspirational Sustainable Energy Community Transport Energy Research (comes with a €15,000 bursary prize) Last Year's Winners include: Mannok (Large Business) BWG Foods (Transport) Tallaght District Heating (Innovative Deployment of Renewable Energy) University College Dublin: Bike Library (Excellence in Research and Innovation) William Walsh, CEO SEAI, said: "SEAI's Energy Awards shine a spotlight on the incredible efforts of communities, businesses, public bodies, and individuals driving Ireland toward a sustainable energy future. These awards don't just celebrate progress - they spark it. They showcase fresh thinking, new ideas, and ground breaking innovations that are helping to phase out fossil fuels and power a greener tomorrow. As we gear up for the 2025 SEAI Energy Awards, we're excited to honour the next wave of changemakers and visionaries. Whether you are part of a local initiative, a pioneering business, or a passionate individual, we invite you to share your story. Enter the awards and help inspire the future." Closing date for entries is Friday, 18 July 2025. Overall winners will be announced at a lunch event in Dublin in Autumn 2025. Read here about the impact of winning the 2024 Team of the Year award had on Swords Pavilions and why they feel others should enter the SEAI Energy Awards.

Researchers at TU Dublin have secured over €650K to develop innovative cancer diagnostic technology under the prestigious Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland Pathway Programme. The award is part of a national €23 million investment announced today by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, aimed at empowering Ireland's emerging research leaders. "This investment, through Research Ireland's Pathway programme, will support emerging researchers in their journey from postdoctoral work towards establishing themselves as independent investigators. The projects receiving funding span a broad range of disciplines, ensuring a broad impact on scientific discovery and societal progress. By aligning with Ireland's national research priorities, these projects will help drive advancements in key sectors such as healthcare, environmental sustainability, history and education," stated Minister Lawless The research, led by Dr Anand V.R., a postdoctoral research fellow at TU Dublin's Photonics Research Centre (PRC), will combine two advanced light-based technologies - whispering gallery mode (WGM) sensing and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) - to build a powerful new tool for detecting cancer. This new system won't need chemical labels and will be highly sensitive, making it possible to quickly and accurately detect important cancer signals in the body, even in very small amounts. Based at TU Dublin's Photonics Research Centre, the project will benefit from the Centre's state-of-the-art facilities, including 90m of specialised lab space and a multidisciplinary research environment. The project will also engage a PhD student under the co-supervision of PRC Director Prof. Yuliya Semenova. Further collaboration will come from TU Dublin's Nanolab Research Centre (NRC), led by Dr Furong Tian, whose expertise in nanomaterials and nanoparticle modification will support the development of the sensor's biomedical capabilities. A key outcome of the project will be the creation of a proof-of-concept prototype for a rapid, non-invasive diagnostic tool that can detect minute quantities of breast cancer biomarkers in blood samples, offering promise for earlier detection and improved patient outcomes. "I am honoured to receive this support through the Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland Pathway Programme. This funding will enable us to develop a next-generation biosensing platform that merges the unique advantages of whispering gallery mode resonant sensing and surface-enhanced Raman scattering," said Dr Anand V.R. "Our goal is to dramatically improve the speed, sensitivity, and accuracy of breast cancer detection. This project is a testament to the collaborative research environment fostered at the Photonics Research Centre and Nanolab Research Centre, and I look forward to translating our scientific innovation into real-world clinical impact." Commenting on the awards, Celine Fitzgerald, Interim CEO, Research Ireland, said "Our Pathway programme equips promising researchers with the resources needed to reach the next level and help drive impactful discoveries. These projects will contribute valuable insights into pressing global and national issues, including public health policy, digital well-being, technological advancements, healthcare and more." The Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland Pathway Programme is co-funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), and Met Éireann, contributing a total of €1.7 million to support projects with cross-sectoral relevance in sustainability, environment, and climate. For more information, please visit www.tudublin.ie/PRC 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-te...

Nearly one year on from launch, Grinds360, Ireland's leading hybrid learning platform, has seen explosive growth, with over 3,000 paying members and 18,000 app users as the 2024/25 Leaving Cert draws to a close. By combining established and trusted teachers with AI-powered personalisation, Grinds360 is transforming how students prepare for their exams. Backed by a €3.2 million seed round and set to double revenue in 2025/26, the company has established itself as the go-to alternative to traditional grind schools. Grinds360 was founded on the belief that affordability and accessibility should be the foundation of exam support, something that, for too long, students across Ireland have been denied. That mission has resonated nationwide, with 65% of sign-ups now coming from outside Dublin, highlighting the demand for a more inclusive alternative to traditional grind schools. On Grinds360's future, Brendan Kavanagh, Chairman and Co-Founder says, "The numbers speak for themselves - there's a real hunger for a new model of academic support. Families are fed up with the high costs and limited options, but we have shown that there is a better way forward as the Irish education landscape continues to shift. Our ambition is to build a platform that doesn't just improve how students prepare for exams, but fundamentally changes what they expect. We've shown that you can make high quality, personalised education accessible to students no matter where they live, or what school they attend. Now we're focused on scaling that impact even further and becoming the gold standard for digital learning." Grinds360 model is a unique hybrid approach, combining Ireland's leading teachers with cutting-edge AI student tracking tech and a flexible all-access membership. For a single subscription fee, priced up to 75% cheaper than traditional grind schools, students gain unlimited access to live weekly grinds in 14 core subjects, over 3,000 on-demand lessons across 20 subjects, high-end animations and knowledge checks, expert-curated digital notes and exam focused revision courses. Having already addressed major barriers around affordability and accessibility, Grinds360 is now turning its attention to a growing concern in Irish education: the pressure on students to leave their schools entirely in the lead-up to exams. Kavanagh added, "Instead of replacing classroom teachers, we are working alongside them, challenging the outdated idea that success requires leaving school, friends, and local teachers for a full-time grind school - a growing trend we have seen in recent years. Students don't need to abandon their schools to get top-tier tuition. Ireland already has excellent teachers and strong schools, what students need is additional support that works alongside their education. We've made expert teaching accessible and affordable, and our results show that students don't need to break bonds with their teachers, classmates or communities to succeed." As Irish education undergoes significant change, becoming increasingly digital, the Grinds360 model supports students through continuous engagement and digital resources that reflect the evolving nature of the senior cycle and the Leaving Certificate. Since inception, Grinds360 has established itself as one of the fastest growing education platforms in the country. As demand accelerates, the team is focused on deepening its impact and ensuring more students across Ireland can access the support they need. 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 d...

HedgeHog Financial Wellness has been announced as overall winner of this year's coveted AWS EdTech Accelerator, run by The Learnovate Centre in Trinity College Dublin, with the support of Amazon Web Services (AWS). Ten EdTech startups were selected to join the eight-week programme, and received support and mentoring on building a digital solution to address a learning need or problem. All participants presented their solutions to Learnovate, AWS, and industry judges at the final 'Pitch Day' showcase which took place on June 17th at the AWS Offices in Dublin. HedgeHog Financial Wellness was announced as overall winner and will receive $100,000 USD of AWS cloud credits. Judges said HedgeHog stood out for its innovative, evidence-based approach to a critical global issue: the spread of financial disinformation among young people. Through its interactive, guilt-free financial wellness workshops, HedgeHog empowers students with the real-world financial skills they need to thrive. HedgeHog is building a strong foundation for financial literacy that is inclusive, practical, and scalable. The judges praised the startup for its clear global relevance, thoughtful pedagogy, and potential to create lasting societal impact by equipping the next generation with the confidence and tools to make informed decisions in an increasingly chaotic financial world. The other nine companies who were successful in making it onto the accelerator programme were: Future Learning, Rocket Learning Rewards, Mantra Strategy, Anytime Creativity, IntegrityIQ, Cobblestone Learning, iAir Academy, ScenarioWorx and WorkJuggle. This is the second year of the successful AWS EdTech Accelerator run by The Learnovate Centre, a leading global future of work and learning research hub, and AWS. Last year's winner was ALPACA, which developed a game-based tool that identified potential reading issues in children earlier. Entry was open to early-stage startups that are developing digital solutions to problems related to education and who want to accelerate growth and scale operations. The companies also received seven full-day workshops led by experts in learning, business and technology. Learnovate Director Nessa McEniff said: "We are delighted to announce HedgeHog Financial Wellness as the winner of this year's AWS EdTech Accelerator. The programme attracted exceptional startups with innovative ideas in the learning space, reflecting the vibrant EdTech community in Ireland. With this Accelerator, Learnovate continues to provide expertise and support to the growing and vibrant community of EdTech startups in Ireland." Learnovate Commercialisation Manager Tom Pollock said: "It's been exciting to see such a strong cohort of Irish EdTech companies engaging with cutting-edge research and innovation. We're proud to support the commercialisation of impactful learning technologies through initiatives like the AWS EdTech Accelerator. This programme exemplifies how academic expertise, industry partnership, and entrepreneurial ambition can come together to develop solutions that address real educational challenges." Stephen Bonney, EdTech Account Manager, at AWS said: "The AWS EdTech Accelerator is an intensive programme designed to accelerate Ireland's most promising education technology startups. By combining AWS's cloud expertise with specialised EdTech mentoring, we're helping Irish founders build scalable solutions that transform learning." Judge Andreea Wade, General Partner at Delta Partners, said: "It was a pleasure to join the judging panel for the Learnovate and AWS EdTech Accelerator. Congrats to all the teams - the ambition and clarity of thinking were inspiring. What set HedgeHog Financial Wellness apart was its goal of tackling a globally relevant issue with precision and purpose. "The startup's solution is grounded in strong evidence, targets a clearly-defined global market, and, most importantly, confronts the rising threat of financial disinformation. In an age whe...

Selva Ozelli interviews Mary Tiegreen about her environmentally inspired paintings. Tell us about your educational and professional background as an artist My interest in art began early and led me to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Iowa. I went on to study art in London and New York which resulted in a career in graphic design and the publishing industry. Throughout my career, I always had a fascination with technology as a tool for creation and was a very early adopter of the Macintosh computer for use in my design studio. London Climate Action week featuring Mary Tiegreen How did you become interested in environmental issues as a photographer and an AI artist? My childhood summers were spent in a cottage on a pristine lake in Northern Michigan. It was here that I first connected with nature in a deep and thoughtful way, the way a child becomes a part of the nature around her. The clear cold waters of Lake Superior and the tall pine forests. Chipmunks and porcupines, and the occasional black bear lumbering down the path. A family of eagles high in a white pine tree. A Rainbow Trout breaking the surface of the lake. Wild blueberry bushes everywhere. The Northern Lights reflected in the water. And the beautiful silence when walking in our forest. As the world has grown crowded and the climate continues to heat up, I have been heartsick at the thought of these treasures I cherished being destroyed. I wanted to contribute in some way to help change the direction we are all headed. Tell us about your "Climate Disasters Inspired by Great Masters" ("AI Art Series") that is on exhibit at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University from October 1, 2024 to October 31, 2026. Over the past eight years, I have had the opportunity to work as art director on ClimateChangeResources.org, an extensive not-for profit website dedicated to climate change issues. In early 2023, while working on ideas to illustrate sea level rise on the website, I began to wonder what New York City might look like under ten feet of water if painted by an artist. I'd been exploring Bing's AI text-to-image creator for a while and thought this could be an interesting test of the medium. Included in my prompt was a request for AI to paint this image of sea level rise in New York City in the style of James McNeill Whistler. In less than 30 seconds, I was staring at an image that seemed to have been painted by this artist from a distant past, depicting an environmental crisis from the future. And that was how this project began. I worked closely with Lena Tabori, one of the founders of the site. We collaborated on the choices of the climate issues and possible artists, and Lena wrote the text descriptions. The website presents 36 climate disasters, each inspired by a different famous artist, along with a short description of the issues surrounding this specific disaster as well as a link to a page that offers an in-depth look at the problem. How many issues caused by global warming does your AI Art Series address; why did you choose AI Art as opposed to photography to articulate these issues; and why did you pick each master artist to articulate those issues? While the Climate Change Resources web site has 36 images, the exhibition at Lamont has 29 canvases, due to limited space. Once I saw the possibilities of the AI images, I never thought about another medium. Photography is a very powerful resource to engage people, and there is a lot of incredible work out in the world today. I felt that I could contribute more by working with AI to create evocative and serious images that connect to the hearts of viewers. Matching the artists to the subjects was sometimes a very clear decision, and sometimes serendipity. There were some issues that we tried three or four different artists before finding the one. And other were one and done. Melting Glaciers Some Say the World Will End In Fire, Some Say In Ice Inspired by the work of Alfred Bie...

Analyses of over 40,000 documents, computer vision papers and downstream patents spanning four decades indicates the extent of this surveillance and the rise of obfuscating language that helps to normalise such approaches. New research has underlined the surprising extent to which pervasive surveillance of people and their habits is powered by computer vision research - and shone a spotlight on how vulnerable individuals and communities are at risk. Analyses of over 40,000 documents, computer vision (CV) papers and downstream patents spanning four decades has shown a five-fold increase in the number of computer vision papers linked to downstream surveillance patents. The work also highlights the rise of obfuscating language that is used to normalise and even hide the existence of surveillance. The research, conducted by Dr Abeba Birhane and collaborators from Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Washington and Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI2), has just been published in leading international journal Nature. Dr Birhane directs the AI Accountability Lab (AIAL) in the ADAPT Research Ireland Centre at the School of Computer Science and Statistics in Trinity College Dublin. Dr Birhane said: "This work provides a detailed, systematic understanding of the field of computer vision research and presents a concrete empirical account that reveals the pathway from such research to surveillance and the extent of this surveillance." "While the general narrative is that only a small portion of Computer vision research is harmful, what we found instead is pervasive and normalised surveillance." Among the key findings were that: 1. The field has evolved linguistically, with a trajectory away from generic papers in the 1990s towards a heightened focus on analysing semantic categories and humans and their behaviours in the 2010s 2. Surveillance has been increasingly hidden by jargon and obfuscating language that distracts from people being at the heart of the surveillance 3. Rights to privacy and certain freedoms are under threat Additionally, the work indicated the top institutions producing the most surveillance are: 1.Microsoft; 2. Carnegie Mellon University; 3. MIT; 4. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; 5. Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the top nations are: 1. US; 2. China; 3. UK. Dr Birhane added: "Linguistically the field has increasingly adapted to obfuscate the existence and extent of surveillance. One such example is how the word 'object' has been normalised as an umbrella term which is often synonymous with 'people'." "The most troublesome implications of this are that it is harder and harder to opt out, disconnect, or to 'just be', and that tech and applications that come from this surveillance are often used to access, monetise, coerce, and control individuals and communities at the margins of society." "Due to pervasive and intensive data gathering and surveillance, our rights to privacy and related freedoms of movement, speech and expression are under significant threat." However, the researchers stress that a major, more hopeful takeaway from the work is that nothing is written in stone, and that this large-scale, systematic study can aid regulators and policy makers in addressing some of the issues. Dr Birhane said: "We hope these findings will equip activists and grassroots communities with the empirical evidence they need to demand change, and to help transform systems and societies in a more rights-respecting direction." "CV researchers could also adopt a more critical approach, exercise the right to conscientious objection, collectively protest and cancel surveillance projects, and change their focus to study ethical dimensions of the field, educate the public, or put forward informed advocacy." The published paper can be read at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08972-6 after publication. An embargoed PDF copy is available on request in advance. Dr Birhane ha...

Skillnet Ireland has today launched a call for applications from industry groups to establish new Skillnet Business Networks aimed at meeting key business challenges of their sector, region or thematic area, through upskilling. With funding of up to €1m available, Skillnet Ireland is seeking applications from interested industry bodies or enterprise groups to deliver impactful solutions in upskilling for businesses. Chambers Ireland, Ibec, ISME, Irish Centre for Business Excellence and the Irish Farmers Association are just some of the industry organisations engaged with Skillnet Ireland as promoting bodies of some of the 70 Skillnet Business Networks. Dave Flynn, Director of Business Networks, Skillnet Ireland, said: "Developing a future-ready workforce is a core priority for every business leader. The Skillnet Ireland network model allows companies of all sizes to access high-impact, industry-led upskilling. We are calling on business groups or clusters to take the next step and partner with us to establish a Skillnet Business Network for your sector, region or thematic area. This is a powerful opportunity to develop talent that will deliver measurable value for the businesses you support." Patricia Callan, Promoter, IFS Skillnet and Head of Sectors and Director, Financial Services Ireland Group, Ibec, said: "Financial Services Ireland established the IFS Skillnet, on behalf of our members in the international financial services industry, with a steering group of industry leaders, to deliver employer-led world class training. It's been a hugely valuable resource for our sector and enhances Ireland's reputation as a global financial services centre. The IFS Skillnet is contributing towards building a strong pipeline of skilled professionals to build competitiveness for business and underpin Ireland's economy. I would strongly encourage other industry bodies to collaborate with Skillnet Ireland to create a network that addresses the specific needs of their sector or region." Skillnet Ireland is seeking applications aligned to its strategic priority of futureproofing businesses of all sizes through talent development in key areas such as digital and AI adoption, climate action and business sustainability, and workforce innovation. New network applicants receive one-to-one support and consultation throughout the application process, including a virtual information session and workshop before the closing date of September 30th, 2025, at 3pm. Full information is available at: www.skillnetireland.ie/funding

Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and AMBER, the Research Ireland Centre for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research, have officially launched the European Space Agency (ESA) Phi-Lab Ireland - a pioneering six-year programme designed to drive innovation in space technologies within companies in Ireland. Ireland, as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and materials science, will address the thematic area of space-optimised hardware. Phi-Lab Ireland will fund cutting-edge research across the entire life-cycle from materials discovery and testing, to the scaled production of components optimised for the unique and challenging environment of space. Benefiting from the combined capabilities of two of Ireland's leading research organisations, Phi-Lab Ireland will also offer access to expert mentorship and training programmes, state-of-the-art research infrastructure, comprehensive networking opportunities, and significant seed funding for projects up to 24-months. Welcoming the expansion of the European Space Agency's Phi-Lab network to Ireland, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, said "the launch of ESA's Phi-Lab Ireland offers Irish companies a great opportunity to further develop in the areas of advanced manufacturing and materials innovation. Available to space active companies and to companies who up to now haven't considering entering into this market, Phi-Lab Ireland will offer expert mentoring and training programmes, access to state of the art research infrastructure and critical seed funding up to €400k. Working in partnership with ESA, IMR and AMBER, two of Ireland's leading research organisations, will strengthen the capability of the growing Irish space eco-system and I look forward to Irish companies taking their place in the globally competitive space sector. I am particularly pleased to see this degree of endeavour and innovation taking place here in Mullingar in my own constituency". "The establishment of ESA's Phi-Lab in Ireland marks a pivotal moment in our journey to position Ireland at the forefront of space innovation. The initiative reflects our continuing partnership with the European Space Agency and our shared ambition to harness cutting-edge technologies for economic growth and global impact. Phi-Lab Ireland will empower Irish companies to lead in the development of transformative advanced manufacturing technologies, unlocking new markets and creating high-value opportunities for the future" said Minister of State for Small Businesses and Retail, Alan Dillon, on the launch of Phi-Lab Ireland as part of the expanding ESA Phi-Lab network. Phi-Lab Ireland's first funding call for research project proposals from Irish companies seeking to grow in Ireland's developing space ecosystem is now open. Unique to Phi-Lab Ireland, projects are welcome from companies who in the past may have never considered their products for the space sector, and also current space-active companies seeking to advance their position in this market and/or bring their innovations to larger terrestrial markets. Commenting on the launch of Phi-Lab Ireland's first funding call, Dr. Ken Horan, Director of Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship at IMR and Head of ESA Phi-Lab Ireland said "ESA Phi-Lab Ireland is a unique opportunity for Irish SMEs, start-ups, and researchers to become leaders in space-focused innovation. Today the Space sector offers opportunities akin to those presented by the MedTech sector a few decades ago and before that, ICT manufacturing. These have become cornerstones of the Irish economy. We want to see Ireland equivalently recognised as a global leader in the Space sector and are building a national competence centre to advance this ambition". Prof. Mick Morris, Director of the AMBER Centre added "AMBER are delighted to partner with IMR to support Irish industry and researchers in exploring new commercial opportunities in the space sector. This activity will build on our...

The signing of the first ever Memorandum of Understanding between the world-renowned Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) and a Technological University was witnessed by James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. The agreement with the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) was signed during the celebrations of the Institute's 85th year anniversary, marking its lauded track record since it was set up by Eamon De Valera's Government at the time when its first Director of Theoretical Physics was Nobel-prize winner Erwin Schrödinger. The MOU, signed by Dr Eucharia Meehan, CEO of DIAS, and President of TUS, Professor Vincent Cunnane, will strengthen collaboration in research and innovation between the institutions, with a focus on advancing education and practical knowledge in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Computer Vision (CV) and their application to Radio Astronomy. Under the terms of the agreement, two TUS PhD research students, funded by the university, will be appointed DIAS scholars, receiving mentorship from DIAS's world-renowned researchers at Dunsink Observatory and participating in cutting edge research, working on the prestigious I-LOFAR at Birr Castle in Offaly. I-LOFAR stands for Irish Low Frequency Array and it is Ireland's largest radio telescope. It is part of a Europe-wide collaborative astronomy project where Irish scientists and students participate in pan-European research in areas such as: Astrophysics, Cosmic magnetism, Space weather, Solar physics and Big Data and AI applications in astronomy. I-LOFAR generates massive volumes of complex data - often terabytes per day - and CV and ML play a crucial role in how that data is processed, analysed, and interpreted. DIAS and TUS will jointly collaborate on applying High Performance Computing including AI, ML and CV to the detection, classification and characterisation of targeted phenomena in the I-LOFAR data. Initially this will focus on Space Weather / Solar Phenomena but will be expanded to include others. The research outputs will be held in a new centralised Astrophysics storage and High Performance Computing facility at TUS which will benefit all researchers nationally. This new facility will train undergraduates in modelling large datasets. Together TUS and DIAS have also committed to regional educational and industrial workshops to create awareness of the expertise available from the collaboration. The first workshops will be held in conjunction with the LEO office in Offaly. Congratulating both Institutions, Minister James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science said: "I warmly congratulate DIAS and TUS on the signing of this important Memorandum of Understanding. Strategic collaboration such as this strengthens our research base and positions Ireland globally at the forefront of technological progress". Dr. Eucharia Meehan, CEO, DIAS said: "We are proud to formalise this collaboration with TUS as we mark 85 years of discovery at DIAS. Since our earliest days, DIAS has been a centre of discovery where students are welcomed and supported in their research endeavours. With this MOU we are further strengthening the research ecosystem to support talent, to foster innovation, and to deliver real impact for our research community and our economy. Building on our track record of developing research infrastructure for the benefit of research in Ireland and further afield, the establishment of a new centralised Astrophysics storage and High Performance Computing facility in partnership with TUS will provide an important resource for current and future generations of researchers." President of TUS, Professor Vincent Cunnane, said: "TUS is proud to embark on this new frontier with DIAS which will enable our students to explore previously undiscovered areas of research in the disciplines of engineering, science and technology. ...

ESB Networks is proud to announce Oatlands College, Stillorgan, Dublin as the winners of its first ever Weather Watch Schools Programme aimed at educating young people about the impact weather has on electricity generation from wind and solar energy and encouraging energy awareness conversations beyond the classroom. The first-year classes standout entry creatively displayed their increased understanding of the link between weather patterns and renewable energy generation. St. Pauls Secondary School, Greenhills, Dublin and Ramsgrange, New Ross, Wexford were named as runners up. Launched in 2025, the ESB Networks Weather Watch Programme aims to support Junior Cycle and Transition Year students in exploring the link between weather and renewable energy. More than 8,000 students across 90 schools nationwide took part, each receiving a free weather station and gaining access to a suite of learning resources via the programme's dedicated website. These included lesson plans and activity sheets all designed to foster interactive learning. By integrating weather data tracking into classroom activities and encouraging students to examine the relationship between weather and electricity generation, the programme promoted energy awareness both inside and beyond the classroom, bringing the messaging from the ESB Networks campaign "Is This a Good Time?" to a wider audience. Weather Watch has helped bring this campaign into the classroom, linking energy use behaviour with real-time weather patterns observed by students. Speaking about the impact of the programme, Brónagh Sweeney, a teacher from the winning school Oatlands College, said: "This initiative gave students the opportunity to engage with real-world energy challenges. They are not only learning about sustainability - they are actively thinking about their own role in how energy is used." Participating schools played a key role in embedding the programme into everyday learning. Teachers praised the educational benefits of using the weather stations, which enabled students to see the science of renewable energy in action, analyse real-time data, and link it to broader national conversations about energy use and sustainability. Lindsay Sharpe, Strategy and Customer Management, ESB Networks said: "The Weather Watch Programme has exceeded our expectations in building a national network of informed, engaged, and proactive young energy ambassadors. It demonstrates the power of education in driving real change and inspiring the next generation to support Ireland's journey to a cleaner energy future." As Ireland continues to prioritise sustainability and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, the lessons learned through the Weather Watch Programme will help equip young people to play a vital role in shaping a more energy-aware society. The next instalment of the programme will launch in the upcoming school term, expanding to even more secondary schools across Ireland. For future updates visit www.esbnetworksweatherwatch.ie. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. 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.

Dell Technologies has today announced that it has teamed up with the Crann Centre, a Cork-based charity, to develop an AI-powered solution that enhances care for children, adults and families living with neuro-physical disabilities. This collaboration has resulted in the development of a bespoke AI-powered intake application that reduces the administrative burden on Crann staff, streamlines intake processes, and enhances organisational efficiencies and service delivery. The collaboration began as a local volunteering connection, and it has since evolved into a relationship that harnesses the power of AI to support how care is delivered to families living with neuro-physical disabilities. Dell Technologies' Global Presales team worked closely with Crann to streamline their intake process, reducing processing time by 33%, enhancing data capture, and improving the overall experience for families. The solution has transformed how Crann performs its client intake appointments, improving the consistency and quality of data captured. The final step, currently in progress, will be the full integration of the app with Crann's Salesforce system to ensure a single and reliable data source. With fewer administrative burdens, the Crann team can now devote more time to delivering personalised support, strengthening relationships, and improving care outcomes. This collaboration is a testament to how AI can be used for societal good, increasing Crann's capacity to serve more families without requiring additional resources. Speaking about the collaboration Des O'Sullivan, Vice President, Dell Technologies Customer Solution Centres said "At Dell Technologies, we believe innovation truly matters when it drives meaningful change in people's lives. Through a shared commitment of making a difference, our team at Dell Technologies collaborated with Crann to develop an AI-powered solution keeping in mind Crann's deep-rooted commitment to family-centred wraparound care. "With the AI-powered solution that our team helped to create, Crann has increased capacity, allowing them to serve more families than requiring additional resources. The benefits extend far beyond efficiency; Crann team members now have the time and space to focus on deep, meaningful interactions with clients and their families, strengthening emotional and practical support. "As we look to the future, we're proud of what has been achieved. Our Dell Technologies team in Ireland and our broader Global Presales team has been at the heart of this journey, bringing Dell's AI innovation to life in a way that delivers real and lasting value to our community partners." The Dell-built solution is designed with future scalability in mind, offering a framework that can be adapted across sectors such as education and customer service. Crann, which offers wraparound services focused on improving independence and wellbeing, now has increased capacity to deliver support that spans generations underpinned by a shared commitment to personalised care and innovation.

A team of researchers at Trinity College Dublin has received €500,000 in funding to develop an AI-enabled platform to help teachers create assessments and provide formative feedback to learners. The project is called Diotima and is supported by The Learnovate Centre, a global research and innovation centre in learning technology in Trinity College Dublin. Diotima began its partnership with Learnovate in February this year and is expected to spin out as a company in 2026. The €500,000 funding was granted under Enterprise Ireland's Commercialisation Fund, which supports third-level researchers to translate their research into innovative and commercially viable products, services and companies. Diotima supports teaching practice by using responsible AI to provide learners with feedback, leading to more and better assessments and improved learning outcomes for students, and a more manageable workload for teachers. The project was co-founded by Siobhan Ryan, a former secondary school teacher, biochemist and environmental scientist, and Jonathan Dempsey, an EdTech professional with both start-up and corporate experience. Associate Professor Ann Devitt, Head of the Trinity School of Education, and Carl Vogel, Professor of Computational Linguistics and Director of the Trinity Centre for Computing and Language Studies, are serving as co-principal investigators on the project. Diotima received the funding in February. Since then, the project leaders have established an education advisory group formed of representatives from post-primary and professional education organisations. The Enterprise Ireland funding has facilitated the hiring of two post-doctoral researchers. They are now leading AI research ahead of the launch of an initial version of the platform in September 2025. Diotima aims to conduct two major trials of the platform as they also seek investment. Co-founder Siobhan Ryan is Diotima's Learning Lead. After a 12-year career in the brewing industry with Diageo, Siobhan re-trained as a secondary school teacher before leaving the profession to develop the business case for a formative assessment and feedback platform. Her experience in the classroom made her realise that she could have a greater impact by leveraging AI to create a platform to support teachers in a safe, transparent, and empowering way. Her fellow co-founder Jonathan Dempsey is Commercial Lead at Diotima. He had been CEO of the Enterprise Ireland-backed EdTech firm Digitary, which is now part of multinational Instructure Inc. He held the role of Director of UK and Ireland for US education system provider Ellucian and Head of Education and Education Platforms for Europe with Indian multinational TCS. Jonathan has a wealth of experience at bringing education technologies to market. Learnovate Centre Director Nessa McEniff says: "We are delighted to have collaborated with the Diotima team to secure €500,000 investment from Enterprise Ireland's Commercialisation Fund. Diotima promises to develop into a revolutionary platform for learners in secondary schools and professional education organisations, delivering formative feedback and better outcomes overall. We look forward to supporting them further as they continue to develop the platform in the months ahead." Enterprise Ireland Head of Research, Innovation and Infrastructure Marina Donohoe says: "Enterprise Ireland is delighted to support Diotima under the Commercialisation Fund. We look forward to seeing them continue in their mission to transform teaching practice through AI enabled assessment and feedback. We believe that the combination of excellence in AI and in education from Trinity College, expertise in education technology from the Learnovate Centre and focus on compliance with the EU AI Act and other regulations will see the Diotima team make a global impact". Diotima Learning Lead and co-founder Siobhan Ryan says: "We're delighted to have received such a significant award from the Enterprise Ireland C...

Olive for Education, Ireland's leading EdTech provider for post-primary schools, has announced the launch of its Learning Wallet, in a move to support students, schools and parents during the upcoming Senior Cycle Reform. Olive for Education looks to empower students and educators by making digital learning straightforward, safe, and accessible - exemplified by this latest product launch. The Learning Wallet is Olive for Education's all-in-one digital learning solution, designed to make personalised, curriculum-aligned technology accessible to every post-primary student in Ireland. Available on a subscription basis, the Learning Wallet offers a complete education bundle that includes a high-quality student laptop, built-in security measures, technical support for parents and teachers alike, and bespoke digital learning tools tailored to the Irish secondary school curriculum. CEO of Olive for Education, Ian Gaughran, said on the announcement: "Every student in Ireland deserves access to the tools that will help them thrive in a digital world - that's what the Learning Wallet is all about. As we move into a new era of education with the Senior Cycle Reform and the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, it's vital that no student is left behind simply because of cost or access. With the Learning Wallet, we have built a complete solution with equity in mind." This offering is specifically designed for students taking the junior and leaving certificate across Ireland seeking to transition to a 1:1 student device model - where the student has access to their own personal device for use both in the classroom and at home. With the introduction of the new Senior Cycle assessment model in September 2025 - where at least 40% of student grades will come from continuous assessment such as typed-up project work and practicals, the need for digital fluency in schools has never been more urgent. Students need access to digital tools to produce, manage, and submit this work, but that access cannot be limited to those who can afford high-cost devices, nor should it rely on teachers working overtime to bridge the gap. "In the current economic climate, the cost of a secure, education-ready device - typically between €600 and €700 - can be challenging for a lot of families.. With limited government funding currently available, the burden often falls on parents or school fundraising, creating serious barriers to access. We recognised this growing challenge, and wanted to provide a solution that supports all of the most important stakeholders - students, teachers and parents. "Through the Learning Wallet subscription, students gain access to high-quality devices and exclusive educational content, while teachers and parents benefit from ongoing support and control. As Ireland prepares for the most significant education reform in a century, Olive for Education is leading the charge to ensure every student is ready for what comes next," Gaughran added. With a mission to make digital learning equitable and future-focused, Olive for Education partners with schools nationwide to provide a seamless, curriculum-aligned digital experience. Today, led by a team of EdTech and education experts with over 40 years' combined experience, Olive for Education supports nearly 50 schools and over 10,000 students across Ireland, helping to modernise classrooms and bridge the gap between outdated infrastructure and the demands of 21st-century learning. 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 a...

Four years ago I interviewed the serial entrepreneur Ollie Walsh, co founder and CEO of Pipit Global. Since then Pipit Global has grown and last month they were taken over by the American paytech company Qenta. I recently caught up with Ollie who is now the president of Qenta. Ollie talks about the journey Pipit Global went on since we last spoke, Covid, AI, Quanta's takeover of Pipit Global and more. More about Ollie Walsh: Ollie was the CEO of Terraforma, the company behind Pipit Global, and is the president of Qenta. He has twenty years experience developing strategies for Start Ups and SMEs to target new markets and to grow. He specialises in building teams and implementing plans and making them work. Ollie holds a MBS at National University of Ireland, Galway. See more podcasts here.

An international team of astronomers led by University of Galway, has discovered the likely site of a new planet in formation, most likely a gas giant planet up to a few times the mass of Jupiter. Using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (ESO's VLT) in Chile, the researchers captured spectacular images around a distant young star for the first time in the form of scattered near-infrared light that revealed an exceptionally structured disk. The European Southern Observatory (ESO), the world's foremost international astronomy organisation, has published a stunning view of the new planet-forming disk as their picture of the week. New planet formation observed Photo: Image of the young nearby 2MASS1612 system (also known as: RIK113) taken with the ESO Very Large Telescope in Chile. The image uses near infrared light that was scattered of the dust particles surrounding this young star. While the disk itself is enormous in size (larger than the solar system), it appears tiny on sky (roughly the size of a pinte glass in Galway as seen from Tuam) due to its huge distance of 430 light years from Earth. The structures in the disk indicate that a young gas giant planet is forming in the system. Credit - ESO/C. Ginski et al Video: Simulation of the disk in the 2MASS1612 system. The planet is seen as a bright dot in the simulation that circles the central star within the gap of the disk. The planet drives the spiral arms seen in the disk center. The team of astronomers at the University of Galway will use the James Webb Space Telescope to attempt to take an image of this planet. Credit: C. Pinte/ C. Ginski et al. The disk extends out to 130 astronomical units from its parent star - the equivalent to 130 times the distance between Earth and the Sun. It shows a bright ring followed by a gap centered at roughly 50 astronomical units. For comparison, the outermost planet in our solar system, Neptune, has an orbital distance from the Sun of 30 astronomical units. Inside the disk gap, reminiscent of the outskirts of a hurricane on Earth, a system of spiral arms are visible. While appearing tiny in the image, the inner part of this planet-forming system measures 40 astronomical units in radius and would swallow all of the planets in our own solar system. The study was led by Dr Christian Ginski from the Centre for Astronomy in the School of Natural Sciences at University of Galway and was co-authored by four postgraduate students at the University. Dr Christian Ginski, lecturer at the School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway and lead author of the paper, said: "While our team has now observed close to 100 possible planet-forming disks around nearby stars, this image is something special. One rarely finds a system with both rings and spiral arms in a configuration that almost perfectly fits the predictions of how a forming planet is supposed to shape its parent disk according to theoretical models. Detections like this bring us one step closer to understand how planets form in general and how our solar system might have formed in the distant past." The study has been published in the international journal Astronomy and Astrophysics. Dr Ginski said: "Besides this exceptionally beautiful planet-forming cradle there is something else that I find quite special about this study. Along with the large international team that we assembled for these observations, four of our own University of Galway graduate students were involved in this study. Without the critical help of Chloe Lawlor, Jake Byrne, Dan McLachlan and Matthew Murphy we would not have been able to finalise the analysis of these new results. It is my great privilege to work with such talented young researchers." Chloe Lawlor, PhD student in Physics with a specialisation in Astrophysics, University of Galway, said: "Working with Dr Christian Ginski on the 2MASS1612 paper has been an incredible experience. As an early-career researcher, having the opportunity t...

A new international study involving researchers from Durham University has revealed that climate change is accelerating the rate of development and global abundances of antibiotic resistance bacteria in soils. The findings, published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, highlight a new and deeply concerning less seen consequence of global warming to public health. Rising antibiotic resistance in soils The study shows that rising global temperatures are significantly increasing the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factors in soil microbial communities. These genes can make bacteria less susceptible to the effects of antibiotics, increasing the probability of acquiring antibiotic resistant infections, including from dangerous pathogens. The research, which integrates field data, metagenomic analysis, and laboratory experiments, provides compelling evidence that warmer conditions will favour the survival and evolution of pathogenic and other bacteria that are resistant to therapeutic treatment - bacteria that often originate in the natural environment. Professor David W. Graham of Durham University, co-author of this study, a water engineer and expert in antibiotic resistance, says "the study exemplifies how closely connected human health is with environmental change." This research provides compelling evidence that climate change is more than an environmental crisis, it also is impacting global antibiotic resistance due to warming. This research forms part of a growing body of evidence that environmental factors, including global warming, are playing a crucial role in the spread of antimicrobial resistance. It underscores the importance of a 'One Health' approach that recognises the interconnected nature of human, animal, and environmental health. Professor Graham said: "Most people do not realise that most of the pathogens that cause infectious disease humans actually originate from the environment. "Therefore, increasing resistance in soils will almost certainly translate into increased levels of untreatable infections in human and veterinary practice. This is why One Health solutions are important". The study found that the impact of warming will be more pronounced in colder regions. In the past, colder temperatures normally kill off bacteria, especially human pathogens, but as temperatures increases, such strains will survive longer, which this study shows. As temperatures rise, bacteria also appear to changing on an evolutionary level, with an increased probability of genetic changes and the appearance of 'new' pathogens to which no antibiotic options exist. Professor Graham said: "The relationship between climate and antibiotic resistance was predicted in the 2023 United Nations report: Bracing for Superbugs: Strengthening environmental action in the One Health response to antimicrobial resistance and the new work here provides concrete evidence for that prediction." The research team found that even modest increases in temperature can trigger significant rises in the abundance of ARGs, particularly in bacterial groups such as Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, which are known carriers of resistance and virulence genes. Laboratory experiments with Escherichia coli confirmed that elevated temperatures lead to increased expression of antibiotic resistance genes, including those involved in efflux pumps and stress response proteins, which are key mechanisms in bacterial defence. Moreover, machine learning models used in the study project that, under high-emission climate scenarios, global levels of soil ARGs could rise by up to 23 percent by the end of this century. The researchers warn that climate-driven changes to microbial communities could undermine efforts to control antibiotic resistance and may lead to greater risks of infection from previous antibiotic-susceptable bacteria from soils and, more importantly, an increased probability new pathogen 'jumping' from environmental sources ...

Different paths. Shared ambition. Founders in conversation at StartUp Ballymun With the preparations complete, the twelfth edition of StartUp Ballymun takes place on Wednesday 25 June in Ballymun Civic Centre, Dublin 9. This year's event continues the tradition of supporting and encouraging entrepreneurship across Dublin's northside and beyond. StartUp Ballymun returns Find out more and book your ticket here StartUp Ballymun 2025 . Funded by Dublin City Council through its Ballymun Area Office, StartUp Ballymun has grown over the years into a valuable platform for entrepreneurs, startups and small business owners. The event is free to attend but pre-booking is essential. A local event with a clear purpose The heart of StartUp Ballymun is simple. It exists to give practical encouragement to people who are starting or growing their own businesses. This is not a conference for large companies or serial investors. The event is designed for founders at different stages, early-stage entrepreneurs, self-employed, family businesses, aspiring entrepreneurs and those considering their first steps into enterprise. It attracts people from Ballymun and the surrounding areas, as well as entrepreneurs from nearby Finglas, Santry, Glasnevin, Blanchardstown and across Dublin. For those who attend, StartUp Ballymun offers access to stories, advice and insights from business owners who have already taken the same journey. The 2025 theme: Innovation in Action Every year, the event builds around a theme. For 2025, the focus is on practical innovation. It is not about big theories or abstract ideas but how business owners are adapting to change, responding to challenges, and using new tools to improve what they do. Fireside conversation: Bobby Healy Alongside the usual panel, for the first time StartUp Ballymun will feature a fireside conversation with one of Ireland's best-known tech entrepreneurs. Bobby Healy, founder and CEO of Manna Drone Delivery, will join us to share his story. Bobby's work in autonomous drone technology has attracted international attention, but his earlier entrepreneurial journey, including building CarTrawler into a global platform, offers many insights for small business founders. For the audience, the fireside chat offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from someone who has developed and led truly disruptive businesses, while staying firmly grounded in Irish enterprise. The speakers: entrepreneurs sharing real experiences At the centre of the event is the Panel of Entrepreneurs. This year, five Founders will take part, each giving a short talk about their business story. They will share how they started, the challenges they faced, the changes they made, and how they are now using innovation to grow. These are honest accounts of starting and running businesses, including the reality of setbacks and the constant process of adapting. The confirmed speakers this year include Edezima Onilanle of Mamashee, Kevin Murphy of 2GoCup , Sinéad Ryan from Little Fitness, Lucie Cunningham of The Homeshare and Eileen McHugh of Hair Together. Each of these businesses is actively trading and delivering services, employing staff, serving customers and responding to changing markets. Supported by local partners and agencies Dince 2016 StartUp Ballymun has been organised by Billy Linehan of Celtar Advisers and Liam Barry of Dublin City Council on behalf of the Ballymun Area Office of Dublin City Council. Dublin's longest running start-up event receives strong support from many local agencies and networks who promote entrepreneurship in the area. Each year, agencies such as LEO Dublin City, Enterprise Ireland and other partners assist with promoting the event and encouraging participation. The collective support ensures that StartUp Ballymun remains open, inclusive and free to attend. An open invitation to join us If you are a business owner, a founder, or someone simply curious about starting a business, StartUp Ballymun offers a fri...

Minister Patrick O'Donovan TD was joined by Vanessa Hartley, Head of Google Ireland to celebrate the official opening of The Factory, a dedicated community arts and culture space located at Bolands Mills, the new urban quarter made possible by Google. Designed as a home for creativity, collaboration, and community engagement, The Factory reaffirms Google's long-standing commitment to its local community. Long a landmark on Dublin's cultural map, The Factory has hosted legendary names like The Bolshoi Ballet, U2, and David Bowie, who have spent time here, performing, recording or rehearsing. The Factory has also nurtured some of Ireland's most talented actors and film-makers. Paying homage to its rich history, the space has been restored by Google in consultation with multiple local community groups across the arts and creative industries including the National Performance Arts School, Neurodiversity Irishtown, Ringsend & Pearse Street (NIRP), RMS Music, the Dublin 4 Dance Academy, St Andrews Resource Centre, Ringsend Community Services Forum, Education Task Force and This City Works. Vanessa Hartley, Head of Google Ireland said: "For 22 years, Google has been proud to call Ireland home to our EMEA headquarters. What began with just five employees in a shared office has grown into a thriving team of over 5,000 people around Barrow Street. But our presence here has always been about more than just offices - it's about being a supportive part of the local community. "With the opening of The Factory, we're creating a revitalised space for arts, culture, and creativity - a space for people to come together, express themselves, and nurture the talent of the Dublin Docklands. This is just one part of our commitment to being an active, helpful neighbour, and we're extremely grateful to all those who helped bring this vision to life." The Factory is located at the site of the historic Bolands flour mills which was acquired by Google in 2018. Now complete, the restoration of the 150-year-old mill and surrounding site includes over 50,000 square feet of newly landscaped outdoor areas alongside 30,000 square feet of retail and community space. Bolands Mills also provides a new hub for Google's engineering teams, retail spaces for an eclectic mix of independent local businesses, as well as 46 discounted-rental apartments made available to key workers supporting the local community via Clúid. Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan said: "The restoration of The Factory is a shining example of how we can preserve our cultural heritage while creating new opportunities for creativity and community. Spaces like this are essential for fostering artistic expression, inclusion, and innovation - especially in dynamic urban areas like the Dublin Docklands. I commend Google for their ongoing commitment to cultural engagement and look forward to seeing The Factory become a vibrant hub for local talent and creative collaboration." The Factory is now ready to continue the creative legacy of The Docklands. As a versatile hub for all forms of expression, it has been redesigned for flexibility and inclusivity - offering a blank canvas for diverse voices, sounds, and rhythms of the neighbourhood. From 2025, this storied space will be available for local groups to book for various creative, educational, and cultural activities. Requests for booking can be made at https://bolandsmills.com/event-spaces/. Speaking at the event, local artist Paula Moen said: "The arts are a vital part of Ireland's cultural identity. Spaces like The Factory at Bolands Mills are essential in nurturing creativity and community connection. The support of a global company like Google is invaluable and very much appreciated in our local communities - not only does it help preserve our rich artistic heritage, but it also empowers local artists to thrive and innovate. It's crucial that we continue to champion our homegrown talent and create opportunities for...

Microsoft has just unveiled its Comprehensive Sovereign Solutions, a new suite of capabilities designed to help European public and private sector organisations meet evolving data residency, governance, and compliance needs. Their latest blog post which you can read below details what their Comprehensive Sovereign Solutions does. This week we are taking the next step in strengthening our European Digital Commitments to empower our customers with greater choice, more control over their data privacy and the most robust digital resilience we have ever offered. Building on our 42-year history as a company in Europe, we are expanding our efforts with Microsoft Sovereign Cloud. This offer spans both public cloud and private digital infrastructure, ensuring our customers can choose the right balance of control, compliance and capability for their needs. With this expanded offering we are announcing Data Guardian for European operations, External Key Management for customer-controlled encryption, Regulated Environment Management for simplified configuration and Microsoft 365 Local for critical productivity services in private cloud environments. This brings together comprehensive productivity, security and cloud solutions designed to enable European organisations to grow, compete and lead on their own terms and with more control than ever before across Sovereign Public Cloud, Sovereign Private Cloud and National Partner Clouds. Building on our experience delivering sovereignty solutions that meet the needs of highly regulated customers and government agencies, our Sovereign Public Cloud is an evolution and expansion of the Microsoft Cloud for Sovereignty and will be offered across all existing European datacenter regions, for all European customers, across enterprise services such as Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Security and Power Platform. Sovereign Public Cloud ensures customer data stays in Europe, under European Law, with operations and access controlled by European personnel, and encryption is under full control of customers. This is enabled for all customer workloads running in our European datacenter regions requiring no migration. Microsoft's new Sovereign Private Cloud will support critical collaboration, communication and virtualisation services workloads on Azure Local. This solution now integrates Microsoft 365 Local and our security platform with Azure Local, providing consistent capabilities for hybrid or air-gapped environments to meet resiliency and business continuity requirements. In France and Germany, our National Partner Clouds offer comprehensive capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure in an independently owned and operated environment. In France, we have an agreement with Bleu, a joint venture between Orange and Capgemini, for Bleu to operate a "cloud de confiance" for the French public sector, critical infrastructure providers and essential services providers that is designed to meet SecNumCloud requirements. In Germany, we have an agreement with Delos Cloud, an SAP subsidiary, for Delos Cloud to operate a sovereign cloud for the German public sector that is designed to meet the German government's Cloud Platform Requirements. Across our Sovereign Public Cloud, Sovereign Private Cloud and support for National Partner Clouds, Microsoft Sovereign Cloud offers the most comprehensive set of sovereignty solutions in the industry for integrated productivity, security and cloud. Sovereign Public Cloud for all Microsoft Cloud customers in Europe Many technology providers have approached sovereignty as niche requirements for a unique set of customers that require a specific deployment approach that at times is at odds with the economics and innovation of public cloud systems. This often requires running duplicate systems and teams, migrating to separate environments and limiting access to cutting-edge technologies like AI. However, Microsoft's Sovereign Public Cloud builds an evolving set of so...

Guest post by Elisabeth Kant (she/her) Head of Data Science at SumUp Following the AI summit in Paris earlier this year, Taoiseach Micheál Martin stated "we need to embrace the opportunities that AI offers - for our start-ups and businesses, our public services, and ultimately for our citizens, and their quality of life.…If we don't, we risk losing out and forfeiting the enormous gains AI promises." In an increasingly digital world, small and medium-sized enterprises face a pivotal moment: adapt to technological change or risk being left behind. While innovation was once the domain of large corporations, advancements in digital tools like automation and artificial intelligence are future-proofing SMEs, should they choose to adopt them. That includes the sectors we don't typically associate with cutting-edge innovation: your local salon, the family-run grocer or an independently run café. AI is no longer a futuristic concept reserved for the few, it's part of a broader wave of digital tools that businesses must embrace to stay competitive. We've already seen examples of how adopting new technologies such as AI can make or break businesses. When looking at the booming e-commerce sector, for example, the rise of personalised shopping experiences thanks to artificial intelligence has had a great impact on how retailers are bringing their goods to customers. It is no secret that the popularity of online shopping has led to many businesses leaning on algorithms to present their customers a personalised shop window. Those that have failed to adapt the opportunities AI has created in the space not only lose out on making their offerings more attractive to consumers, but risk losing their business by relying on outdated technology. AI is the new frontier of digital transformation, and organisations that oppose it risk falling behind. Ireland's SMEs in the digital age This digital transformation of SMEs in a plethora of other industries is currently being driven by tools that provide services like automation, AI, and cloud-based systems across Ireland. Once thought to be reserved for larger scale organisations, these technologies are now inexpensive, accessible, and for many, essential to the running of their business day to day. SMEs are the backbone of the Irish economy, representing a third of the country's GVA according to the CSO, and the advantages of embracing digital technologies mentioned above are endless, with some being able to be integrated almost immediately. You don't have to be a tech company to benefit from technology - automation can deliver real value by taking repetitive tasks off the plate of any business. We're increasingly seeing examples like lead qualification for small sales teams or appointment scheduling for local restaurants - freeing up time for business owners to focus on higher-level strategic work. AI, although sometimes seen as removing the human element from processes and procedures, can in fact customise client interactions, improve the sales process, and enable teams to provide a more bespoke experience. Hairdressers for example can use AI scheduling tools to personalise reminders and rebooking prompts. These benefits are especially important for SMEs, which operate with limited resources and where customer care is paramount. The rise of AI According to a recent report conducted by Trinity College Dublin and Microsoft Ireland, AI use in Irish enterprises increased significantly from 49% in 2024 to 91% in 2025. Among the SMEs surveyed, just under 40% of respondents are actively utilising AI, with 10% having adopted an AI strategy. However, there's a noticeable gap when looking at the AI usage in large multinational enterprises. Perhaps in order to gain a competitive edge in an ever-changing and evolving industry, following the example set by larger corporations could be beneficial, improving upon operational efficiency and customer service for example. That being said, there are barriers SMEs face ...

Safe Software (Safe), the creator of FME, the only All-Data, Any-AI enterprise integration platform, is excited to announce the strategic expansion of its business operations to Ireland and the UK. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the company's global growth trajectory, deepening its commitment to supporting clients across Europe by offering local expertise and presence. With a mission to help organisations across the globe do more with data, Safe has experienced accelerated growth over the last several years. The move to establish its foothold in Ireland reflects the company's impressive progress on its path to achieve its goal of hitting $250M in revenue by 2028. "Our customers are tackling complex, high-volume data challenges across industries, and they rely on our FME Platform, from Form to Flow to Realise, to turn data into action," said Don Murray, CEO of Safe Software. "By expanding into the EU, we're both strengthening support for our growing customer base and deepening collaboration with our partners, ensuring faster response times, tailored solutions, and end-to-end success throughout the entire data journey." The new European operations serve as hubs for customer and partner support, innovation, and increased collaboration across the region. This announcement represents a key step in the company's long-term vision to scale its global team that is passionate about helping customers solve the world's toughest problems with data. Safe Software is now hiring across a range of roles in Ireland. To learn more about what life at Safe is like and to view open opportunities, please visit: www.safe.com/careers. See more stories here.

Storm Technology, a Littlefish company, has announced the findings of a survey which shows that 69% of IT leaders say a failure to successfully implement AI is costing their company money. The research for Storm Technology involved 200 IT decision-makers and leaders across Ireland and the UK (100 respondents per market) - also found that a similar proportion (71%) think their organisation will lose market share or competitive advantage within the next 3 years if they do not invest effectively in AI. Echoing this, 82% agree their company needs to invest in updating technologies and tools to be competitive. Furthermore, two thirds (66%) of respondents agree their organisation is taking too long to leverage the potential of AI. This rose to more than three quarters (77%) of respondents in Ireland. Meanwhile, some 63% of IT leaders say their company has become disillusioned by AI. Again, a higher proportion of respondents from Ireland (70%) expressed this view, with 77% of the opinion that their organisation should spend more on AI in 2025. In terms of the anticipated investment in AI for 2025 among businesses in Ireland, that came in at approximately €491,250 on average - marking a 42% increase from the estimated AI spend for 2024. Among all respondents, AI (35%) is one of the top five priority areas for IT spend over the next year. The others are cybersecurity (37%), cloud infrastructure (30%), data analytics (25%), and technology training (26%). Where businesses are currently leveraging AI, 36% are deploying it in Operations, followed closely by Marketing (35%), and then Finance (31%). The survey also revealed the main benefits of AI usage as driving business growth (29%), enhanced customer service (28%), and improved data analysis, reporting or insights (28%). However, just a fifth (20%) of respondents in Ireland cited business growth as a main benefit of AI, compared to 38% of UK counterparts. As for actual results being driven by AI among all respondents, faster data analytics came to the fore (35%), followed by rising productivity levels (25%). Shorter customer response times (24%), increased profitability (24%) and automated processes (23%) finished off the top five. Karl Flannery, CEO, Storm Technology, said: "While most companies believe that investing in AI is critical to growth, many are not clear where the most benefits can be derived. Additionally, they believe their company is taking too long to invest and have become disillusioned with AI. "Failing to embrace AI and get leadership buy-in will only exacerbate this issue, impacting future innovation and competitiveness. There is no alternative, but to just get started and build that organisational understanding across all levels of this fast-developing capability to unlock new levels of growth and efficiency." See more stories here.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, has announced the expansion of its capabilities in the rapidly evolving Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV) space. TCS sets up two new Automotive Delivery Centres in Germany - located in Munich and Villingen-Schwenningen, as well as an engineering centre in Romania. These new hubs mark a strategic move to help TCS' global automotive clients accelerate their transition to next-gen mobility solutions. The delivery centres in Germany will support automakers in developing and deploying TCS's software-driven services that cater to autonomous driving, infotainment, safety systems, and connected vehicle technologies. Meanwhile, the engineering centre in Romania will focus on designing and building advanced automotive software platforms to support early-stage development and innovation. This expansion is part of TCS's long-term strategy to strengthen its end-to-end automotive software capabilities, chip-to-cloud technologies, and services. In Ireland, the TCS team operating out of its Global Delivery Centre in Letterkenny works closely with its locally based client, JLR (Jaguar Land Rover), to support them in their move from a traditional automotive manufacturer to a software-centric organisation. The strategic location of these centres will enable close collaboration with leading European OEMs and global automotive enterprises, providing nearshore capabilities. The new centres currently house over 100 talented professionals who will work together with more than 2000 SDV Engineers across TCS global locations, including Ireland. This diverse and global talent pool will enable the development of next-generation automotive platforms for digital cockpits and infotainment, advanced driver assistance systems, and other critical SDV functions, supporting the full product lifecycle from concept and development to production and post-launch support. Regu Ayyaswamy, Senior Vice President & Global Head, Internet of Things (IoT) and Digital Engineering at TCS, said, "These new centres will position TCS at the forefront of automotive innovation, enabling us to deliver state-of-the-art solutions in autonomous driving and advanced cockpit systems. This expansion reaffirms our commitment to leading the transformation in the Software-Defined Vehicles space." TCS' expansion aligns with the global automotive industry's shift toward software-defined, connected, and autonomous mobility. As demand grows for intelligent vehicle technologies, TCS is well-positioned to lead the transformation. Europe is a strategically significant location for TCS's automotive delivery hubs due to its robust automotive industry and the presence of numerous leading automotive manufacturers in the region. TCS has been serving automotive customers in Europe for the past 25 years and has a strong presence in automotive hubs across the region, including Ireland. The organisation has been delivering innovative solutions in digital cockpit, electrification, autonomous vehicles, and connected car ecosystems through digital engineering, IoT, cloud, and data analytics. TCS also leverages Generative AI to accelerate product development with feature generation and testing in SDVs, enabling faster innovation and enhanced personalisation. Anupam Singhal, President and Business Group Head, Manufacturing, TCS, said, "The shift to software-defined vehicles marks a defining moment for the automotive industry. With the launch of these new centres, we are deepening our commitment to support OEMs in building the next generation of intelligent, connected, and sustainable vehicles. This expansion is a key milestone in our journey toward Future-Ready Mobility - where software, engineering, and design, backed by AI, converge to deliver safer, more personalised, and continuously enriching experiences for drivers and passengers." TCS's presence in Europe enhances its position in the global automotive va...

ServiceNow, the AI platform for business transformation, has released its latest Enterprise AI Maturity Index in partnership with Oxford Economics. The findings reveal a surprising trend in Europe and the Middle East: although AI investment continues to grow, the average AI maturity score across the region has dropped by 10 points year over year. As enterprises struggle to keep pace with rapid innovation, many are finding it difficult to translate AI ambition into scalable, effective execution. The index examines five key components indicative of AI maturity level: leadership and strategy, workflows, talent, governance, and investment. Together, they provide a comprehensive view of how prepared organisations are to scale AI successfully. Now in its second year, the global report draws on insights from almost 4,500 respondents globally, including 1,950 across nine markets in Europe and the Middle East. It shows that emerging technologies, such as agentic AI, are fuelling experimentation and delivering early returns across Europe and the Middle East. However, the pace of change is moving faster than organisations are able to scale AI in a structured, governed way. To this end, the region's average AI maturity score has dropped 10 points year-on-year, from 44 to just 34 out of 100. "Organisations across Europe and the Middle East are accelerating their AI projects, but many are still in the early stages of their journey," said Cathy Mauzaize, President, EMEA at ServiceNow. "They recognise the potential, and now is the time to build on that energy. To keep moving forward, organisations are exploring how to lay the right foundations to make the data work for them and give their people the skills to use AI with confidence. According to IDC, European spending on artificial intelligence will reach $144.6 billion in 2028. The opportunity is huge, but only if we focus on getting the basics right today." The report outlines three major trends shaping the region's AI journey and what's needed to turn early success into lasting transformation. AI is outpacing organisations' capacity to harness it There is a clear appetite for innovation, with nearly half (47%) of organisations in Europe and the Middle East launching more than 100 AI use cases in the past year. Still, most remain in the early stages of implementation, as reflected in this year's overall European AI maturity score of just 34. The majority of the region's organisations are focused on experimentation and expansion, with only 6% reaching the augmentation stage, which is the most advanced stage identified in the survey. Agentic AI presents a clear opportunity Agentic AI, which is AI that can act autonomously, is poised to reshape enterprise automation. However, awareness varies widely across the region. While 15% of organisations in Europe and the Middle East are already using agentic AI and 42% plan to implement it within 12 months, familiarity is still in its early days. Only one in five organisations is very family with agentic AI, revealing a significant knowledge gap. The opportunity is clear, with over half of early adopters in Europe reporting improved gross margins (58%), greater efficiency and productivity (59%), and better experiences (60%). Governance is the missing link Rising adoption brings rising risk. AI at scale introduces serious challenges around cybersecurity, privacy, and regulatory compliance. However, progress on governance has stalled in Europe and the Middle East. The number of organisations making significant strides in AI data governance has dropped from 45% to 42% year-on-year. Similarly, those succeeding in breaking down data and operational silos declined slightly from 43% to 42%. This points to a need for greater focus on managing AI risk effectively. The pause in progress on AI governance indicates organisations must place greater emphasis on this, given that data security is cited as the number one barrier to realising AI value. To scale AI sa...

Supermetrics, the leading Marketing Intelligence Platform, has announced the acquisition of Relay42, a leading, real-time Customer Data Platform, for an undisclosed amount. Supermetrics has rapidly grown its Irish operations since opening its Dublin office in 2021, now employing 40 team members, including key leadership roles in sales & marketing, finance and HR and boasting Irish customers such as Glanbia, Kingspan and Permanent TSB. With this acquisition, it becomes the only Marketing Intelligence Platform to unify data integration, analysis and activation into a composable, marketer-friendly platform. By combining Supermetrics' powerful marketing intelligence capabilities with Relay42's real-time personalisation technology, marketers can now connect insights with action more easily than ever. Together, the companies will deliver the industry's first end-to-end marketing intelligence platform - one that connects data performance, customer behaviour, and revenue outcomes in a single, intelligent system. According to Forrester, Marketers globally are set to continue increasing their spend in marketing technology at 13% annually over the coming years, with the segment expecting to reach $215bn in annual value by 2027. As part of Supermetrics' strategy to broaden beyond its existing core data pipeline capabilities into agentic AI. customer data platform and analytics capabilities, it is positioned well to be able to realise considerable growth with this segment over the coming years. "Supermetrics is the pioneer of the evolving Marketing Intelligence category, with more than 200,000 businesses already leveraging our technology," said Anssi Rusi, CEO of Supermetrics. "We firmly believe that Marketing Intelligence can only truly deliver on its promise if it seamlessly combines data analysis with action. With this acquisition, we're delivering on that promise, combining real-time data with AI decisioning and cross-channel optimisation. We're creating a platform that empowers marketers to unify their marketing performance and 1st party customer data into a single view, and use it to dynamically engage customers with the right message at every touchpoint." Founded in 2011, Relay42's enterprise-grade Customer Data Platform unifies customer data and enables audience building, targeting and personalised experiences across digital and offline channels, including email, web, apps, and programmatic advertising. "We built Relay42 to help businesses turn siloed customer data into optimised customer journeys that drive business growth," said Relay42 CEO Christiaan van der Waal. "Now, as part of Supermetrics, we can democratise the power of the Relay42 platform to the 1000s of businesses globally that already use Supermetrics, and augment Relay42 with Supermetrics' rich set of data integrations spanning performance marketing, e-commerce, CRM and 1st party data. Together, we'll deliver on our shared vision to enable businesses of all sizes to leverage the power of real-time journey orchestration to create smarter, more relevant customer experiences." Supermetrics and Relay42 customers will see integrated capabilities roll out in the coming months, including new AI Agent-driven workflows that further automate data analysis, decisioning and activation. See more stories here.

IT.ie, a leading Irish managed IT services company, has announced that it has acquired Abacus Systems, a South-Dublin based managed IT service provider, in a seven-figure deal. Following the acquisition, the company is forecasting revenues to exceed its previous target of €8M, reaching €10M by year-end 2025. Its workforce, meanwhile, will grow to a team of more than 50. The strategic move reinforces IT.ie as a leading player within the managed IT service provider and cybersecurity market, bolstering its existing expertise and enabling the company to offer a broader range of industry-leading systems and solutions. IT.ie will continue its commitment to providing exceptional customer service as its customer base grows by 50% to more than 500 clients. Established in 1992, Abacus Systems brings over three decades of experience delivering trusted IT services, combining technical expertise with a client-focused approach. As a long-term technology partner to corporates, public sector organisations, healthcare providers, and SMEs across Ireland, the company works consultatively with clients to align technology solutions, such as managed services, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, and compliance with their business goals, supporting each organisation's growth and long-term success. The acquisition was independent of private equity, and was self-funded by IT.ie, reflecting the company's financial strength and independence. Eamon Gallagher, Founder and Managing Director of IT.ie, said: "The acquisition of Abacus Systems marks a key moment in our success and is another milestone in our journey to becoming a leading force in the managed IT services space. It firmly strengthens our position within the market, allowing us to offer an even greater portfolio of services and deeper expertise to facilitate our growing customer base. "The acquisition unites two companies built with the same core values. For us, the partnership goes beyond growth and is an opportunity to learn from one another and build on our existing expertise together. Our customers will receive the same exceptional customer service that they are used to, with the added bonus of expanded service offerings, deeper industry knowledge, and even more solutions tailored to meet their individual needs. Above all else, the success of our clients remains our top priority, and the acquisition of Abacus systems sets out to facilitate this further." Derek O'Callaghan, Managing Director of the Abacus Division, said: "This acquisition isn't just great news for our business, but also our customers. Regardless of size, every business needs to be a resilient, digital enterprise and we are proud to have joined forces with IT.ie to work as one team in delivering this for combined customer base. In terms of services and our cultures, we complement each other and are excited to be on this journey together. "IT is becoming more complex and that is likely to see more pooling of resources of this kind. The IT industry is consolidating and getting stronger, and we are bringing that strength to our customers." 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.

The third annual Microsoft Dream Space Showcase brought together students from across Ireland to demonstrate how their STEM and AI skills developed during the programme can tackle real-world challenges. Held over three days at Microsoft's Dublin campus, and supported by three additional regional showcase events, the initiative saw more than 800 students present over 110 innovative projects, providing inspiring solutions to many of today's environmental, health, wellbeing, and accessibility challenges. From earthquake sensors and plant health monitors to food waste trackers and inclusive communication tools, the projects reflect a wide range of creative, impactful ideas developed by the next generation of STEM leaders. Launched in 2018, Microsoft Dream Space was designed to provide young people with an opportunity to participate in immersive, research-based STEM experiences to enhance their STEM skills and shift their perceptions about the role technology can play in their future careers. Delivered through a mix of in-person, virtual, on-demand, and community-based programmes, today, Microsoft Dream Space is providing every primary and post-primary student, as well as their teachers, across the island of Ireland with the opportunity to engage in STEM and AI learning experiences that will equip them with the skills that are required to fully participate in the era of AI. The Microsoft Dream Space Showcase was launched three years ago with the objective of extending access to the programme's learning content and supports to students and their teachers in rural communities in collaboration with the Department of Rural and Community Development and local county councils. Since the first event in 2023, student participation in the Microsoft Dream Space Showcase has grown significantly, with a near 200% increase in project submissions highlighting the growing enthusiasm among this young cohort to apply their STEM and AI knowledge in creative and impactful ways. Students and teachers from communities in Longford, Cork, Mayo, Tipperary, Monaghan and Waterford have been the most engaged in the initiative, with the number of communities involved continuing to grow each year. As part of the initiative, students embark on a year-long learning journey that combines in-class activities, digital resources, and in-person programme engagement. Using content from three Dream Space TV series - Full STEAM Ahead, Code Green, and brAIn_waves - students develop skills in coding, computational thinking, sustainability, and AI, laying the groundwork for their participation in the Showcase. The learning journey culminates in the Microsoft Dream Space Showcase, where students travel to One Microsoft Place to demonstrate the many ways in which their newly developed STEM skills can help solve real-world problems. From climate action to inclusive design, the projects presented at the Showcase address key challenges linked to the UN Global Goals, demonstrating how technology and creativity can come together to drive positive change. This year, Microsoft is celebrating its 40th year of innovating and investing in Ireland. To mark this milestone, the company gave a special 'NextGen 40' award at the Microsoft Dream Space Showcase to 6th class students from St Marys National School in Edgeworthstown, County Longford for their inspiring project, 'The Eco-town'. Building on the knowledge and skills that the students developed over the past year, the students created multiple micro:bit devices through coding to transform Edgeworthstown into an eco-town. They focused on key areas such as safety, recycling, and solar energy. As part of the project, the students built a prototype of their local town to demonstrate how their micro:bits would function, offering a clear vision of how technology can enhance sustainability in their community and empower them to achieve more. James O'Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Corporate Vice President Microsoft Global Oper...