Podcast appearances and mentions of ida ireland

The Taoiseach Micheál Martin today described two large-scale data centre facilities being developed by Echelon Data Centres in Co Wicklow as "the model for future data centre development in Ireland". Speaking in Arklow at the official launch of Echelon Data Centres' DUB20 and DUB30 facilities, the Taoiseach provided strong support for the data centre sector and the economic value it delivers for Ireland. Mr Martin said: "These two large-scale facilities demonstrate Echelon's commitment to responsible data centre development. They are located in a regional area where the grid isn't constrained, they will have the capacity to generate and dispatch power to the grid when needed, and they will facilitate the generation of renewable energy resources that will, in turn, help decarbonise Ireland's electricity system. "They are the model for future data centre development in Ireland - and they will deliver jobs and economic benefits for Wicklow, and will encourage further foreign direct investment in Ireland. CEO of IDA Ireland, Michael Lohan added: "Driving sustainable change sits at the very heart of IDA Ireland's Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025-29. Indeed, our client companies are instrumental in shaping a green and digital global economy. Echelon's commitment to operating its facilities sustainably, responsibly, and with due regard for the environment is commendable. I wish the team continued success." Echelon will invest an estimated €3.5bn to develop the DUB20 & DUB30 sites, creating around 2,600 jobs during construction and 715 permanent positions at the two facilities once they are operational. However, an Economic Impact Assessment report prepared for Echelon by KPMG has calculated that the potential economic output of the DUB20 and DUB30 sites could be as much as €7.5bn during the construction phase, and €801m per year once both campuses are operational. The Economic Impact Assessment states that the potential economic output of the DUB20 and DUB30 sites could be as much as €7.5bn during the construction phase, and €801m per year once both campuses are operational. The report found that every €1 Echelon invests in the DUB20 and DUB30 sites could yield a return of €1.60 due to additional economic activity through supply chains and employee spending across construction and operational phases. It also found that for every 10 jobs created during construction, up to nine additional jobs will be supported elsewhere in the economy, while every 10 direct operational roles could sustain a further 16 jobs. Echelon Chief Operations Officer, Graeme McWilliams said: "Echelon's sites in Wicklow will generate broad-based economic value with measurable impact across the Irish economy that goes far beyond our initial investment. They represent responsible data centre development which supports regional development and job creation in partnership with good grid citizenship. "The energy demands of DUB20 and DUB30 will underpin investment in almost 1GW of wind-generated renewable energy, power that will help reinforce the national grid, increase Ireland's energy security, and support our transition from fossil fuels to clean, green energy sources." Echelon's DUB20 campus is being developed on the site of the former Irish Fertilisers Industries plant at the Avoca River Business Park in Arklow. DUB30 is being developed some 5km away at Kish Business Park. Last year, DUB20 became the first large-scale data centre in Ireland to receive a grid connection from EirGrid for more than four years. This reflects the fact that the site meets Commission for the Regulation of Utilities' (CRU) 2021 criteria for data centre connections. The grid connection will allow Echelon to begin work on a 220kV substation at the site that will allow access to the grid for up to 800MW of wind energy generated off the coast of Wicklow in the future. Echelon is also investing in solar, battery energy storage systems, and renewabl...

Leading provider of hospitality technology Kappture has chosen Galway City as the location for the expansion of its Software Development Hub with the creation of at least 20 new roles. Currently operating out of The Portershed, the team will focus on the development of its cutting-edge AI platform, BRISK, as well as innovating on its core EPOS solutions. Kappture works with some of the world's most iconic live event brands including Croke Park, Thomond Park, six English Premier League clubs, Ascot, Cheltenham, Aintree, Punchestown, Celtic FC, Olympique Lyonnais, ASM Global and many more. Developed in Galway, BRISK is a world leading AI computer vision action tracking platform. It's first application will be for food & beverage retail at sports and live event venues. Using edge compute, BRISK is the first and only solution of its kind to offer instant payments with a human-free checkout experience. BRISK will remove the all too familiar experience of long queues for food & beverages at your favourite sports matches, concerts, and other live events. The first deployment is now live with Norwich FC with many more planned across Ireland, the UK and globally. Kappture is backed by Irish private equity investor Renatus Capital Partners. This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. Minister for Enterprise Tourism & Employment Peter Burke said: "Great news that Kappture, a leading provider of hospitality technology, has chosen Galway City for their new Software Development Hub, with the creation of 20 jobs. With a focus on innovative new AI technologies, the new office will provide exciting and transformative job opportunities for the locality. Galway is key hub for technology companies, and I very much welcome Kappture to this thriving ecosystem. Congratulations to the team on this new initiative." Kappture is currently recruiting in the areas of computer vision software engineering, software development as well as other commercial and operational roles as it builds out its team. To explore opportunities to join the team visit: Kappture - Careers Neil Haran, CTO of Kappture said "We are delighted to receive support from the IDA Ireland as we look to expand our activities in Ireland both for BRISK and our core EPOS activities. BRISK is the world's only solution that can take payments for food & beverages instantly with no human interaction. BRISK has global applications to remove the pain points of queues at live events, to make it a better experience for fans and more efficient for venue operators. Our ambition is to bring highly skilled talent to Galway and to increase its standing as a hub for AI, innovation and creativity" Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said "Kappture's decision to expand its software development operations in Galway underscores Ireland's growing reputation as a global hub for technology and innovation. Galway, with its vibrant tech ecosystem, skilled talent pool, and collaborative community, offers an ideal environment for companies developing cutting-edge solutions. This investment not only highlights the city's attractiveness for scaling ambitious tech ventures but also reinforces Ireland's position at the forefront of AI and digital transformation." For more information, visit Experience More - Kappture[AN1] and see BRISK in action here: BRISK 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...

Sony Interactive Entertainment, the company behind the iconic PlayStation brand, today announced it is to open an office in Dublin, with plans to hire 100 employees to staff the new operation. The establishment of this office is supported by the Irish government through IDA Ireland. The Dublin team will focus on research and development in projects that optimise digital operations, customer and employee servicing, as well as external operations through technology, digital tools, and data. Applications for the roles are open, effective immediately. "Establishing a presence in Dublin allows Sony Interactive Entertainment access to top-tier talent in digital innovation and technologies, in a region I know full well is ready to support our innovative approach to interactive entertainment," said Paul Walsh, SVP, Head of Digital Technology, Engineering, IT, and Operations, Sony Interactive Entertainment. "We're excited to contribute to Dublin's vibrant economy and looking forward to bringing onboard bright minds at all career levels. Through IDA Ireland, we're seeing first-hand how the Irish business community is nurtured at all levels, creating an environment that we'll be proud to play our part in supporting." Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said: "This significant investment by Sony Interactive Entertanment highlights Ireland's commitment to advancing our vibrant tech ecosystem and providing opportunities for top tier talent. I very much welcome Sony Interactive Entertainment's decision to establish its digital innovation centre here which demonstrates the continued appeal of our business environment." Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said: "I am delighted to welcome Sony Interactive Entertainment to Ireland. Their decision to expand and hire 100 talented software engineers here underscores Ireland's reputation as a hub for innovation and technology. This investment is also testament to the quality of our workforce and the vibrant tech ecosystem we have in Ireland.'' Information on career opportunities can be found at https://www.playstation.com/en-us/corporate/playstation-careers/ 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.

Skillnet Ireland and IDA Ireland are pleased to celebrate the first graduates to achieve a Certificate in Strategic Talent Development awarded by TU Dublin. Developed by Skillnet Ireland in collaboration with IDA Ireland, this new qualification upskills employees with the expertise to build a robust talent development strategy and plan. The Certificate in Strategic Talent Development offers participants a micro-credential award worth 5 ECTS at Level 9 on the NFQ from the Graduate Business School, Faculty of Business at TU Dublin. Skillnet Ireland has been successfully delivering the Strategic Talent Development Programme in partnership with IDA Ireland since 2021, with 50 companies and 77 individuals participating in the programme to date. Mark Jordan, CEO, Skillnet Ireland, emphasised the programme's impact, saying: "This programme is a major step forward in equipping businesses with the strategic talent management skills they need for long-term success. A strong talent development strategy creates a pipeline of talent, with the right skills which contributes to increasing competitiveness for businesses. Through our partnership with IDA Ireland and accreditation from TU Dublin, both companies and learners participate within an environment where they can receive top-tier expertise and recognition. Through initiatives like the Strategic Talent Development Programme, we are not only shaping individual careers but also strengthening the broader ecosystem that drives innovation, competitiveness, and growth." Breda O'Toole, Head of Talent Development and Digitalisation at IDA Ireland, said: "We are immensely proud to celebrate the achievements of our first cohort of graduates. This initiative has been instrumental in helping IDA Ireland client companies develop their workforce strategically, supporting them to be prepared for future skills demands. The knowledge and tools gained through this programme will have a lasting impact on both individuals and businesses." Dr Colin Hughes, Head of TU Dublin Graduate Business School, said: "Strategic talent development is vital for businesses to remain resilient and adaptable in today's fast-changing economy. This programme, an important part of our wider executive education portfolio, sets a benchmark for targeted upskilling, delivering high-impact learning that enhances capacity while offering formal recognition of skills and expertise." The programme was accredited by TU Dublin last year, underscoring the importance of the learning and the value of the qualification. The graduation ceremony for the programme was held on April 4th at TU Dublin's Aungier Street campus, where the graduates were recognised for their achievements and contributions to strengthening the talent landscape. Skillnet Ireland, IDA Ireland, and TU Dublin remain committed to fostering workforce development and look forward to expanding the programme's reach in the coming years.

A comment from IDA Ireland's CEO, Michael Lohan, at a Shannon Chamber lunch in Dromoland Castle Hotel was most appropriate at a time when commentary is focused on the impact that US-imposed tariffs will have on our economy. Stating that Ireland is more than a location but an ecosystem for extraordinary, defined by its people and place, stability and support, and its ecosystem and environment, he paid particular focus to the partnership approach, the business-friendly environment and the innovativeness of enterprise, which, he said, is the cornerstone of Ireland's success in attracting and retaining investment. In an address delivered the day before the much-heralded liberation day, Lohan did caution that the global race for impactful foreign direct investment has significantly intensified and that the year ahead will be turbulent for the global economy. He cited the key enabling conditions that Ireland needs to focus on as relative cost competitiveness, planning, infrastructure delivery, talent development and innovation and its incentive offering, and that IDA's strategy through to 2029 will target opportunities in the growth drivers of digitisation and AI, semiconductors, sustainability, and health. Delivering good news to the regions, he said that IDA aims to create 75,000 jobs over that time, including delivering 550 regional investments, whilst simultaneously reducing IDA client carbon emissions by 35%, and upskilling 40,000 people. Addressing the many companies and business groupings in the room, he emphasised the need for collaboration, stating that success in an intensely competitive landscape will require an enhanced focus on partnering impactfully with key stakeholders. "The collective strength that is evident in Ireland is not repeated across the globe. The real benefits will come from collective collaboration," he added. In a fireside discussion with Fine Grain Property's CEO, event sponsor, and director of Shannon Chamber, Colin MacDonald, who moderated a comprehensive questions and answers session after the main address, Lohan responded to questions both from the moderator and from transition year students from five Co. Clare schools whose attendance at the event was sponsored by Irish Rail. Responding to a question on tariffs, he said they were counterproductive and negative for productivity and that it was critical that space be created for discussion post the tariffs' announcement. When questioned on the impact of delays in the Irish planning system he called on everyone in the room to urge those within their sphere of influence to think before they make an objection to a planning application. While accepting that opinion is valued and critical, he said that it must be timely and not stymie agility in the planning system and, when planning concerns critical national infrastructure, he said that everyone needs to play their part in ensuring that they are delivered in a timely fashion. With a pending shift in global trade, looking to the future he said that to compete on a global stage, Ireland will have to play to its strengths, stay nimble, and trust its ability and capability to influence. Complementing Shannon on its unique ecosystem for business, he called for increased collaboration to bring additionality to the entire region. "Ireland is competing globally, not on a location-by-location basis," he added. Responding to this call, Shannon Chamber president Eoin Gavin said that it was the collective ambition of everyone attending the lunch to ensure that we continue to provide the infrastructure that will attract further investment in the areas set out in IDA's strategy 2025 - 2029 and in the newly developing landscape of digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability. "We are very much heartened by the fact that a key goal of IDA is to deliver regional investments. This will bolster the 165,000 job numbers already delivered by IDA Ireland client companies in regional locations across ...

IDA Ireland chairman Feargal O'Rourke considers next steps to guarantee continued inward investment into Ireland following Trump's 20% tariffs.Kate English, Chief Economist with Deloitte, Paul Colgan economics journalist and Robert Armstrong, US Financial Commentator with the Financial Times, discuss the implications in Ireland, EU and in the US of Trump's reciprocal tariffs and whether a trade war will ensue.To catch the full conversation, press the play button on this page.

Datavant, one of the world's leading health data platform companies, has announced its expansion into Ireland with the opening of its global R&D centre in Galway. The company plans to initially hire up to 125 people at its Global Development Centre in Galway by the end of 2027. Recruitment is already underway with a range of diverse engineering roles now open. Datavant Ireland will be working out of the Portershed initially with plans to open a city centre location before the end of the year. The project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. Datavant CEO Kyle Armbrester is making the announcement at an event in Galway's Portershed this morning (March 31st), which will be attended by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke T.D. and IDA CEO Michael Lohan. Members of Datavant's Executive Leadership Team also in attendance include Matt Vail, Chief Technology Officer; Arnaub Chatterjee, General Manager and President of Life Sciences, Ecosystem and Public Sector; and Susan Yun, Chief People Officer. The company is also announcing the appointment of its new Vice President, Engineering and Galway Technical Lead, Ciaran O'Toole, who will be based out of the Galway office. Ciaran will lead the effort to build the Datavant engineering team in Ireland with a focus on building the company's life sciences technology roadmap and integration with the enterprise technology organisation. Prior to joining Datavant, Ciaran was VP of Software Engineering for Globalisation Partners, a Boston-based global recruitment and talent company, where he led the build-out of the company's Irish engineering team and launched its Galway site. Throughout his career, Ciaran has worked on building out and maintaining multifunctional, high-performing engineering teams. Datavant is the world leader in secure, compliant healthcare data exchange and has more than 8,000 employees. It is making the world's health data secure, accessible and actionable. Datavant's vast and diverse health data exchange in the U.S. serves as a "network of networks," enabling seamless, privacy-preserving data exchange between life sciences, payers, and providers through its platform. By connecting disparate patient-level datasets ,EHRs, claims data, lab results, clinical trial data, consumer data, social determinants of health data, and more, in a privacy-compliant manner, Datavant helps each stakeholder in healthcare unlock insights and opportunities that weren't previously possible. Datavant's new Irish-based Global Development Centre will support the company's overall global development approach to product development and will operate as an integrated part of Datavant's tech and product development team. The decision to create a Global Development Centre outside of the U.S. was influenced by a desire to tap into top tech talent and to follow around-the-clock productivity. Two of the key reasons why Datavant chose Galway specifically were because of the rich talent pool in Galway and Ireland - especially highly-experienced people in the area of health tech - and because of its proximity to Datavant customers in the EU. Hiring has already begun for the new roles which will initially be in engineering, the majority of which will focus on building Datavant's Privacy and Linkage technologies to support its Life Sciences, Ecosystem and Public Sector business. The company is also recruiting for technology roles to support security and corporate systems. The Galway-based team will significantly expand upon Datavant's established presence of UK-based professionals, including engineers, data scientists, privacy experts, and product management specialists. Minister for Enterprise Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, T.D., congratulated Datavant on the opening of their R&D Centre in Galway, saying: "This great news comes with plans to hire 125 people in Galway over the next two years and is another vote of confidence in the Government and IDA's Regional De...

Today, we have a guest post by Mag O'Keeffe, Vice President of Global Additive Technologies at Stryker, focused on the role technology, talent and innovation can play in enhancing Ireland's position as a global MedtTch leader. The global medical technology (MedTech) landscape continues to evolve, and Ireland has been at the forefront of this transformation. The country has emerged as a leader in the sector, attracting multinational companies and driving cutting-edge advancements which are advancing patient care. With approximately 450 MedTech companies operating across the country, the sector employs over 45,000 people, making Ireland the largest employer of MedTech professionals in Europe per capita. This success story is the result of a unique ecosystem which has made Ireland a destination of choice for MedTech companies. As we look ahead, IDA Ireland has identified health as one of the four strategic growth drivers for investment for the rest of this decade. From the development of smart medical technology to advanced manufacturing, the agency's latest five-year strategy seeks to capitalise on opportunities within the MedTech sector. In an era of rapid change, driven by emerging technologies and increased global competition, the question we must ask ourselves is: How we do we unlock the opportunities that lie ahead and enhance Ireland's position as a MedTech hub into the future? The answer lies in a laser focus on research, development and innovation. However, to ensure that innovation can flourish, we must focus on developing and embracing new technologies, reinforcing ties with academia and healthcare institutions, and investing in the upskilling and reskilling of our workforce. Harnessing the power of technology Ireland's success in MedTech stems from the presence of international and home-grown organisations that are deeply committed to research and development. Ultimately, the global MedTech industry is dedicated to saving lives and improving patient outcomes, particularly in the context of an aging global population. Achieving this requires an ongoing commitment to innovation. Companies must not only stay ahead of evolving patient needs but also integrate new technologies seamlessly. Stryker, which has been at the very heart of Ireland's MedTech landscape for over 25 years, has a track record of staying one step ahead of change, developing disruptive technologies and advancing innovation to drive meaningful change for patients and healthcare professionals. We are particularly proud of the progress we have made in Ireland in the field of 3D printing. Our AMagine Institute in Carrigtwohill is home to one of the world's largest additive manufacturing facilities. The institute is pioneering the transformation of the manufacturing process, enabling the creation of custom devices tailored to individual patients. As MedTech companies embrace new technologies and move towards alternative ways of manufacturing like 3D printing, the realms of possibility will continue to expand, and innovation will continue to flourish. The success of our 3D technology is just one example of how Ireland's MedTech sector can continue to lead by developing cutting-edge technologies. Advancements in AI, robotics and digital twin technology are some of the other technologies that the workforce within the MedTech sector will need to continue to embrace to maintain Ireland's competitiveness. Deepening collaboration between industry, academia and the healthcare sector The MedTech industry cannot thrive in isolation. It is essential to broaden the culture of collaboration that has emerged in recent years and deepen the ties between industry, our world class research community, supply chain partners and clinical colleagues. As highlighted in Ireland's Industry 4.0 Strategy, the government recognises the need to foster collaboration both inside and outside the MedTech sector. To maintain Ireland's position at the forefront of MedTech, a strong collabo...

Publift, an Australian adtech leader, is excited to announce its expansion into Dublin with plans to have 50 employees by December 2025. This move highlights the company's rapid growth and strengthens its presence in the European market and boosts its ability to serve clients across Europe and North America. Publift is supported by the Irish government through IDA Ireland. Founded in Sydney, Australia in 2015, Publift has quickly become a trusted partner for over 700 publishers around the world. The company provides a cutting-edge managed service that helps digital and enterprise publishers maximise their ad revenue. With a range of advanced ad tech solutions, tailored strategies, and expert support, Publift is a Google Certified Publishing Partner (GCPP) and works with industry leaders like Rightmove (Europe) and REA Group (APAC), proving its capacity to support top-tier publishers in the market. In 2025, Publift aims to expand its product offering to cater to more enterprise publishers, including introducing their new FuseApp to existing clients. Publift is committed to providing efficient, results-driven solutions that allow publishers to focus on creating content while driving sustainable revenue growth. Minister Peter Burke, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment said: "Congratulations to Publift on their expansion into Ireland. A leader in Advertising Technology, Publift provide essential digital and tech supports to 700 clients throughout the world. This new expansion will create 50 jobs in Dublin in 2025, providing new opportunities for our talented workforce in an exciting and ambitious company. "Publift is a welcome addition to our already thriving Tech sector, allowing them to further expand their client base across Europe and North America. I wish the Publift team the best with this new venture and all future endeavours." Irish founder, Colm Dolan, shared his excitement: "Hailing from Portumna, I am particularly proud that Publift has created so many jobs in my home country. Our new Dublin office will play a crucial role in enhancing our service offerings, and we're excited to tap into Ireland's rich talent pool." The expansion is led by Roddy O'Caoimh, Publift's Head of Sales and Marketing, who said: "Bringing Publift to Ireland after my time in Australia is very special. We've been fortunate to welcome some incredible new team members here in Dublin, and we have ambitious plans for 2025. Being able to serve our publishers in this time zone has been a real game-changer." The positions in Dublin will span various departments, including Sales, Customer Success, and Engineering. Publift is looking for individuals passionate who want to work in a dynamic and fast paced industry with a team passionate about becoming the best monetisation partner globally. A recruitment campaign is already underway and is proving very successful. The company promotes a dynamic work environment that prioritises growth and learning. To learn more visit https://www.publift.com/careers. Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said: ''We are delighted to welcome Publift to Ireland as they announce plans to hire 50 employees over the coming years. This decision further demonstrates confidence in Ireland as a location for companies to expand their offering to customers across the globe, while accessing a talented workforce. I would like to wish Publift every success in the coming years as they establish in Ireland.'' See more stories here.

Michael Lohan, The IDA Chief Executive, joins the show to discuss the five-year plan to deliver 75,000 new jobs amid increased competition and geopolitical uncertainty.

Ian Guider, columnist with The Business Post, joins Matt to discuss all the big business headlines from Wednesday.IDA Ireland plans to deliver 75,000 new jobs in their five year plan, amid economic and political uncertaintyListen here for all the latest business news

The IDA has announced a new 5-year plan which would create 75,000 new jobs if achieved, in hopes to navigate the possibly difficult economic times ahead for Europe…To go into details of the plan, Kieran is joined by the Chairman of the IDA Ireland, Fearghal O'Rourke.Image: Reuters

Crusoe, the industry's first vertically integrated AI infrastructure provider, has announced its European headquarters in Dublin. With the support of the Irish government through IDA Ireland, Crusoe expects to grow its workforce in Ireland to approximately 100 people over the next three years. The company is hiring for multiple roles in Dublin across its Networking, Site Reliability Engineering, Customer Success, and Support departments. Crusoe's new European headquarters will allow the company to deepen its customer and partner relationships across the region. In December of 2023, the company announced its first data centre in Europe, located in Iceland. Powered by geothermal energy, the 100% renewable energy data centre continues to support AI workloads for customers across Europe. Chase Lochmiller, CEO and co-founder, Crusoe said: "Establishing our European Headquarters in Dublin marks another milestone in Crusoe's global strategy. Dublin's reputation as a world-class technology hub, and its exceptional talent pool, makes it the perfect location to forge stronger connections with our European customers and partners." Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said: "The news that Crusoe AI will establish their European HQ in Dublin, with the creation of 100 jobs, is very welcome. Cloud infrastructure plays a vital role in Ireland's digital and sustainable future by serving as both a critical enabler of AI technology and a potential catalyst for renewable energy adoption. This announcement is a testament to the skilled technology workforce and thriving AI innovation ecosystem here. "Our National AI Strategy: 'AI - Here for Good' which was refreshed in November sets out the Government's intention to harness trustworthy, person-centred AI for our collective economic and societal good. We are delighted to welcome Crusoe AI to Europe and to Ireland." Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth, TD, said: "Ireland is now ranked as the fifth most advanced digital economy in the EU, and having Crusoe choose Ireland as their European Headquarters is another vote of confidence in our country. These roles will allow for exciting opportunities for many of our skilled workforce." Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, said: ''Crusoe's announcement today of plans for 100 jobs in Ireland, as part of establishing their European Headquarters in Dublin is great news and a great vote of confidence in the skilled workforce available here. AI will be a key focus on our upcoming new strategy in IDA Ireland, so I am delighted to see companies like Crusoe join our technology ecosystem here.'' To view open positions on Crusoe's careers page here. See more stories here.

The 11th annual I Wish Showcase, held today at the RDS in Dublin, saw 4,000 female students gather to be inspired to pursue a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Maths (STEM). Today's event - the largest I Wish Showcase to date - was officially opened by Taoiseach, Micheál Martin. Speaking ahead of the event, the Taoiseach said: "I'm delighted to attend today's event, with 4,000 brilliant young minds gathering under one roof, ready to reimagine the world through STEM. I Wish proves that with opportunity, role models and determination, there are no limits to what girls can achieve - breaking barriers, shattering stereotypes, and building a brighter, more inclusive future for all." With 45% of girls citing a lack of access to female role models as a barrier to STEM careers according to a recent I Wish survey, 46 speakers engaged directly with students at the all-island event, showcasing the power of visible role models in shaping aspirations and breaking barriers. Among them were Olympic sprint star Phil Healy; Olympic rower Zoe Hyde; Olympic relay star and Deloitte's Strategic Project Lead, Claire Dunne (née Bergin); and international rally driver Aoife Rafferty, who shared their journeys of perseverance, ambition and success. This year's event also features the largest-ever exhibition hall, with over 30 exhibitors from leading Irish and global companies and organisations showcasing exciting STEM career opportunities. Highlights included the Sport Innovation Hub in collaboration with Sport Ireland's HER Moves campaign, where students explored how technology is transforming sports through interactive activities like rowing machines, reaction boards and jersey design stations. The Food Science Hub, led by Carbery, Kerry Group and Dawn Meats, demonstrated STEM's impact on the food industry with machine learning tools, cheese-making tasks and problem-solving games. Engineering and construction activities range from a Giant Jenga game with Jones Engineering to mini-golf with Regeneron, alongside insights from companies such as Sisk, Crown and Dornan on the evolution of careers in construction. Students also discovered the role of STEM in business and innovation with IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. Adding to the excitement, the Podcast Hub, in collaboration with Virgin Media, allowed students to record live podcasts, with a select few invited to visit the studio post-event to record their own. I Wish co-founder Caroline O'Driscoll highlighted the significance of providing access to inspiring role models, stating: "The findings from our most recent annual survey report make it clear that while progress has been made, systemic barriers persist, preventing too many young girls from seeing STEM as a viable career path. Collectively, we must give real choices to girls and ensure that they have every opportunity to take their place in the economies of tomorrow. "At our Showcase, over 4,000 teenage girls get the opportunity to listen to the lived journeys of some amazing female trailblazers. This in turn allows them to see what a career in STEM is truly like, understand the variety of careers and pathways available and the positive impact that STEM has on our world." I Wish, a multi-award-winning programme showcasing the power of STEM to female students in Ireland and across the globe, has held its renowned annual Showcase since 2015, engaging with over 65,000 students in this time, hosting over 1,000 speakers, and partnering with over 130 industry leaders. I Wish co-founder, Gillian Keating extended her thanks to the leaders in STEM from pharmaceutical, technology, food, sports and engineering sectors taking part in the event: "Each year it is magical to watch the ambitions of young girls from across the country expanding in front of our very eyes as they take in all that they can be through careers in STEM. We're so grateful to our partners, both multinational and indigenous, who take part in the showcase demonstrating t...

US President Donald Trump addressed business leaders in Davos, with a clear message: build in America, or face tariffs. FRANCE 24's Charles Pellegrin was on the ground to catch their reactions. IDA Ireland's CEO also spoke to FRANCE 24 about how Irish businesses are preparing for a second Trump presidency.

Yahoo today announced the official opening of its new offices in Dublin to further enhance its services across the company's corporate functions globally, in Ireland, and across Europe. Based in the EXO building in The Dublin Docklands, Yahoo will use the 3,317 sq m / 35,703 sq ft space to foster collaboration for engineering, research & development, legal, finance, sales, operations, customer care and security roles. "Our new Dublin office will help foster even more collaboration and innovation in the region," said Jim Lanzone, CEO of Yahoo. "With dedicated space for our engineering, sales, security, operations and finance teams, we're better positioned to serve our customers as a trusted guide navigating the digital landscape." The new office is an important milestone in continuing Yahoo's regional presence and a commitment to supporting local talent for the city's growing tech space. "We believe that Ireland is one of the best places in the world to do business," said Edel Murphy, MD Yahoo Ireland. "Dublin is home to a bustling tech scene, and the innovation on offer combined with the diverse mix of talent makes it an important, strategic location for companies like Yahoo. We're looking forward to welcoming our team members to this fantastic space dedicated to helping us deliver innovation to our clients and partners across Ireland and Europe, and for the millions of people who use Yahoo around the world." Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment Peter Burke said: "Congratulations to Yahoo on the opening of their new offices in the EXO in the Docklands, a significant milestone in the company's history. Thank you for choosing Ireland for nearly 30 years and continuing to invest here. Your unwavering confidence underscores what we know about our offering in Ireland - that we are a reliable location for international businesses to grow and thrive. Best wishes to Yahoo into the future." Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said: ''Yahoo has been in Ireland for 29 years and in that time has contributed to Ireland's growth and success in the tech sector. Their continued investment helps position Ireland as a location for long term growth and is a great vote of confidence in the talent that we can offer here. I would like to congratulate Yahoo on the opening of their new office space and wish them continued success.''

Countries around the world are waiting to see what Donald Trump as President will mean for their economies. Ireland - as a major hub for US tech and pharmaceutical companies - would be particularly exposed to any changes in trade or tax policy. Michael Lohan, the CEO of IDA Ireland, the government agency that oversees foreign direct investment spoke to Stephen Carroll and Caroline Hepker on Bloomberg Daybreak Europe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over 1,000 students from across the island of Ireland will flood through the doors of the RDS in Dublin to participate in the 61st Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, which represents the 25th year that BT Ireland has stewarded the exhibition. The participants will begin their unforgettable BTYSTE experience this morning, setting up their projects and preparing for the first round of judging, which will be carried out by 85 leading experts from Ireland's science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) academic and industry sectors. The first round of judging will be completed after the official opening of the exhibition this afternoon by President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins. A supporter of the BTYSTE for many years, President Higgins' address to students and their teachers this afternoon will be particularly momentous as it will be his last in office. Throughout President Higgins' terms in office, his championing of the exhibition has inspired many young people to explore their passion for STEM by entering the BTYSTE. The opening ceremony will be streamed live from 2pm on the BTYSTE website and on Facebook Live. The 2025 BT Ireland Executive Leaders Forum As the RDS Dublin fills up with many young people seeking to change the world for the better, BT Ireland, in partnership with Business in the Community Ireland (BITC) and the American Chamber (AmCham), will hold an exclusive Executive Leaders Forum for business leaders this morning. This year's forum will focus on the importance of collaboration for expanding Ireland's STEM pipeline. Broadcaster Áine Kerr will MC today's Forum, and speakers will include Managing Director of BT Ireland, Shay Walsh, as well as 2024 BTYSTE winner Seán O'Sullivan, who will talk about the importance of fostering STEM interest from an early age. Companies represented at the event's panels include IDA Ireland, American Chamber, Analog Devices, NOW Group, Fidelity Ireland, and ServiceNow. Speaking ahead of the first day of the exhibition today, Mari Cahalane, Head of the BTYSTE said: "This year marks 25 years since BT Ireland became custodian of the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition and is an extremely special occasion for me as I have been privileged be part of the organisational proceedings on behalf of BT Ireland since then. Since its inception in the 1960s, the exhibition epitomises BT Ireland's purpose, 'connect for good', setting many of the brightest young minds that this country has ever seen on the path to change the world, and we could not be prouder to help evolve this incredible event in the last twenty-five years. "BT Ireland's team of almost 180 volunteers will be ensuring that the participants and their teachers will enjoy a BTYSTE experience this year that they will never forget. I would like to thank them for all their hard work, and to our esteemed guest, President Higgins, for his unwavering support over the years, helping us and all involved keep the BTYSTE prominently on the national agenda each year." The BTYSTE opens to the public from Thursday, January 09 to Saturday, January 11, with a full programme of fantastic events and special acts for everyone to enjoy, including all student projects being on display throughout. Additionally, over 60 brilliant stands from the exhibition's partners, including the Department of Education,Analog Devices, Amgen, RTE, Stripe, BT, Re-turn, Permanent TSB, will be on display in the RDS. Tickets to the BTYSTE can be purchased at https://ticketing.btyoungscientist.com or at the venue. Visitors can plan their visit to the RDS in advance by downloading the?free?BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition app, available on Android and Apple devices. Full of helpful information, the app includes an exhibition map, a search tool for student projects and exhibitors, a schedule of events, as well as links to the BTYSTE social networks for live updates throughout the event. For more information on the exhibition, please visit th...

Organisations are increasingly concerned that a failure to develop workers' technical skills in response to advances in Artificial Intelligence and other technologies will leave them unable to compete in the market, according to The Learnovate Centre's annual survey. The Learnovate Learning Signals Survey 2024 polled more than 140 individuals involved in various industry sectors and found that the number of respondents who plan to prioritise the development of their technical skills increased from 33% to 41% in the past 12 months. Learnovate believes this is due to the growing role of AI in the market. Among other findings, the survey revealed that growing scrutiny over budgets for training and upskilling is putting organisations under increasing pressure to demonstrate the impact of their investments in learning, while a shortage of staff skilled in data analysis has left organisations unable to develop actionable insights from the volumes of information produced by AI. The Learnovate Centre is a leading global future of work and learning research hub funded by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland and based at Trinity College Dublin. The centre's Learning Signals Survey was designed to gain insight into the experiences of learning professionals and those who work in companies that create learning technology or content. The survey's key findings include: Some 41% of respondents plan to develop their technical skills in 2025, an increase of 8% since 2023 Some 36% of respondents plan to prioritise demonstrating the impact of learning on business metrics in the next year, while 30% rated 'budget restraints' among their top three challenges Information and data literacy is among the top three digital skills challenges for 24% of respondents, an increase of 9% in the past 12 months Almost all learning professionals are interested in exploring the use of AI, an increase of 8% since 2023, while interest in micro learning and big data has increased by 11% and 8% respectively in the same period Among the changes to technology that they would most like to see in the next 12 months, 21% of respondents said improved learner engagement or experience. This was followed by technology optimisation and AI integration (19%) and demonstrating impact (16%). The 141 respondents to the survey came from a variety of professional backgrounds, with more than one in three (32%) involved in learning and development or human resources and almost one in four (23%) employed as educators, lecturers, or trainers. The remaining respondents were employees in learning software or content development (16%), company founders (14%), self-employed (8%), or involved in research or academia (7%). Some 86% of the respondents were based in Ireland. Learnovate Director Nessa McEniff believes the results of the survey demonstrate the concern among workers that advances in AI have already exceeded their skill level. She says: "The findings of the Learnovate Learning Signals Survey 2024 show that the rapid development of AI is making workers more aware of the shortfall between their existing technical skills and the skills required to fully utilise these new technologies. It also reveals a need to shift towards improving data literacy, a development which we believe is down to the growth of data volumes and AI technology, with 'data overload' leading to stagnation in decision-making and business development. "Measuring impact of learning is something that has been on Learnovate's agenda for some time. That the survey reveals growing concerns around budget restraints and demonstrating impact of learning only further highlights the direction that research and development will be heading in this area." 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 h...

Stryker, a global leader in medical technologies, has announced the launch of its Training Centre of Excellence, a new initiative that will help upskill employees, enhance leadership capabilities and foster manufacturing excellence at the company's facility in Tullagreen, Co. Cork. The three-year training initiative, developed with the support of IDA Ireland, will equip employees at Stryker's Tullagreen facility with the agility and skills for the future of work, promote innovative thinking, embed a culture of continuous improvement, and advance sustainability. This comes as the World Economic Forum estimates that six in 10 workers globally will require training before 2027 due to the changing nature of work and pace of technological change. Stryker's new Training Centre of Excellence in Tullagreen will feature a workforce transformation programme focused on upskilling and reskilling employees in every function of the business. This includes a focus on lean management and continuous improvement. Leaders at the facility will be provided with bespoke training to further enhance their agility and ability to develop high-performing teams. In addition, digital and automation engineers will train employees across the site on advanced technologies such as AI and how they can be harnessed to advance innovation and product development. The Training Centre of Excellence will also allow employees to pursue a range of courses and bespoke courses in Environmental Sustainability Awareness. The training programme will promote awareness and drive sustainability initiatives for Tullagreen. Speaking on the launch, Ian Corkey, Site Lead at Tullagreen Stryker in Ireland, said: "The launch of Stryker's Training Centre of Excellence in Tullagreen represents a significant step in our journey toward operational excellence and propelling innovation forward. By investing in our people and their skills, we can ensure that they thrive in a rapidly changing world and foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement. "This new initiative will help future-proof our investment in our Tullagreen facility and strengthen our team's ability to develop cutting-edge products that help improve patient and healthcare outcomes long into the future. The Tullagreen Training Centre of Excellence will also serve as a lighthouse for other Stryker sites across Ireland. We are grateful to IDA Ireland for their invaluable support in bringing this initiative to life." Rachel Shelly, Global Head of Life Sciences at IDA Ireland added: "IDA Ireland welcomes the launch of Stryker's Training Centre of Excellence and is delighted to be partnering with Stryker on this important investment in its workforce. Stryker's mission is to make healthcare better. This is driven by the company's focus on innovation and performance, delivered through its world class team here in Ireland. The centre exemplifies the company's commitment to talent as an enabler for excellence in healthcare technology; and reinforces Ireland's role as a key partner for global MedTech companies. The launch of Stryker's Tullagreen Training Centre of Excellence builds on the company's annual apprenticeship programme as it reinforces its leadership in advanced manufacturing. Stryker first established a presence in Tullagreen in 1998 with an initial team of 20 employees. Over the past 26 years, the facility has expanded and evolved with employees now focused on manufacturing medical implants for joint replacement, spine and trauma and extremities which are positively impacting patients across the world.

For this week's episode, host Ciarán Hancock was joined by a stellar panel to look forward to 2025. They tried to predict what would happen with foreign direct investment with Donald Trump back in The White House, a new coalition government is to be formed but will it solve the decade-plus housing crisis, and they consider the impact of artificial intelligence – can it live up to the hype of the last two years? The panel comprises Feargal O'Rourke, the former PwC managing partner, who now wears many corporate hats, including as chairman of IDA Ireland, Marian Finnegan is Managing Director of Residential at Sherry Fitzgerald, the country's biggest firm of estate agents, while Chris Horn is a tech entrepreneur and columnist at the Irish Times.Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this week's episode, host Ciarán Hancock was joined by a stellar panel to look forward to 2025. They tried to predict what would happen with foreign direct investment with Donald Trump back in The White House, a new coalition government is to be formed but will it solve the decade-plus housing crisis, and they consider the impact of artificial intelligence – can it live up to the hype of the last two years? The panel comprises Feargal O'Rourke, the former PwC managing partner, who now wears many corporate hats, including as chairman of IDA Ireland, Marian Finnegan is Managing Director of Residential at Sherry Fitzgerald, the country's biggest firm of estate agents, while Chris Horn is a tech entrepreneur and columnist at the Irish Times.Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Lohan, Chief Executive of the IDA, on the fall in the number of projects and jobs secured by the IDA over the past year.

IDA Ireland, in collaboration with Microsoft and LinkedIn, has published the latest in its Labour Market Pulse report series, which provides insights and trends from the Irish labour market to help inform decision-makers across business, academia and public policy. As the global economy pivots toward sustainable practices, Ireland has the potential to become a leader in this transition, thanks to its ambitious climate goals, desire to attract more green-focused Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and growing demand for specialised green skills across industries. With LinkedIn data revealing that the percentage of job postings requiring green skills in Ireland is one of the highest internationally, with one in eight (12.4%) Irish jobs now requiring at least one green skill, this Labour Market Pulse encourages all citizens, businesses, and educators to embrace and invest in green skills development to prepare for Ireland's low-carbon future. The global demand for green skills is rapidly outpacing supply, with estimates indicating that by 2050 twice as many jobs will require green expertise than there will be people qualified to fill them. LinkedIn data saw demand for green talent grow by over 22.1% last year - well above the global average of 11.6% - demonstrating a strong and immediate need to upskill the workforce to keep up with the demands of the green economy. This trend has been evident for an extended period now with LinkedIn's analysis also highlighting that demand for green skills in Ireland grew at twice the rate of the rest of the world - 11.9% vs 6% - between 2021-2024. Furthermore, it green talent has become highly attractive to employers, as job seekers in Ireland with green skills or titles achieve a 79.8% higher hiring rate than the workforce overall. Ireland's Climate Action Plan 2024 has locked critical sustainability targets into legislation, mandating that by 2030 80% of the nation's electricity will come from renewable sources. To support these goals, IDA Ireland has facilitated over 50 green investments, fostering a diverse ecosystem of innovation. From wind turbine technologies to AI-driven energy distribution, companies are investing in Ireland's sustainable future, creating new jobs in green sectors. Green skills are most concentrated in industries like Utilities, Construction, and Manufacturing, with skills such as Environmental Impact Assessment and Operational Efficiency among the fastest growing in demand. However, the need for skills in areas like sustainable supply chain management, pollution prevention, and renewable energy is spreading rapidly to other industries, such as professional services, financial services, and technology. To support this need Skillnet Ireland's Ireland Talent Landscape 2024 report highlights that over 59% of businesses see upskilling in sustainability as critical to their future success. Green skills development is not only vital for environmental goals but also serves as a key driver for economic growth, innovation, and job creation. Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland said: ''I welcome the data insights which show that the green economy is a rapidly growing sector, with demand for green talent increasing by 11.6% from 2023 to 2024. Sustainability is a key focus in IDA's strategy, and we are committed to helping multinationals in Ireland achieve their sustainability goals. IDA have facilitated 50 green investments so far, and we are looking forward to continuing that progress.'' Commenting on the Labour Market Pulse, James O'Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Lead and Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Global Operations Service Center, said: "As Ireland advances on its sustainability journey, it is important that every community, business and individual has the right capabilities to support the green transition. Published today, the Labour Market Pulse highlights the need for greater investment in green skills across key industries to accelerate a zero-carbon future for Irela...

Taoiseach Simon Harris joined James O'Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Corporate Vice-President of Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, and IDA Ireland Chief Executive Michael Lohan today to announce that Ireland has been selected as a key location for Microsoft to invest in advancing its global AI innovation. The decision will result in Microsoft adding 550 new Irish-based engineering and R&D roles to pioneer the development of new AI technologies. The investment will see Microsoft, a global leader in the development and use of AI, undertake significant industrial research into AI to develop critical, leading-edge technology in the area of AI and cyber security, which will then be made available to public and private sector organisations all around the world. Multidisciplinary teams in the areas of Azure Networking & Infrastructure, Business & Industry Copilot, Customer Success Engineering and Cyber Security will be recruited to investigate groundbreaking technologies and the development AI infrastructure that is scalable, responsible, trusted and secure. The new roles will ensure that Microsoft Ireland's Engineering Hub will have end-to-end AI product development capabilities. Furthermore, teams will seek to drive new applications for AI across multiple industries and create brand new AI-enabled product offerings and internal solutions for Microsoft, supporting the corporation's strategic objective to be at the forefront of responsible AI development and cyber security. This investment will result in an additional 550 new highly skilled jobs at Microsoft Ireland over the next three to four years, across areas such as software engineering, applied sciences, product management, program management, data science, design, technical writing and analytics. 120 of these roles are available to apply for from today in software engineering, applied sciences, security research, product management and program management. Microsoft first invested in Ireland in 1985 and with the addition of the roles announced today the company will employ more than 6,000 people across a multifunctional campus in Leopardstown, its data centre campus in Grange Castle, and LinkedIn. This investment is supported by the Government of Ireland through IDA Ireland. Taoiseach Simon Harris said: "I very much welcome Microsoft's announcement today. Not only does this highlight Ireland's attractiveness as an investment destination, it also promises a significant boost for the AI ecosystem in Ireland. Fostering AI skills and advancing capabilities in the field are core to the Government's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and this project will help develop new specialist skills and expertise, thereby positioning Ireland for further investment in this critical area." Tara Roth, Microsoft Ireland Executive Site Sponsor and Corporate Vice President, Engineering, Microsoft said: "Today we are delighted to announce a strategic investment in our Irish operations that will strengthen our AI capabilities globally. These new roles span many of Microsoft's future-focused key product areas and services, including Security. Security is Microsoft's top priority, and our Secure Future Initiative (SFI) is the largest cyber security project in history. We're delighted that these roles will significantly contribute to both Microsoft's AI development and our security efforts." James O'Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, said: "AI is one of the most transformative technologies of our time - it will unlock profound possibilities for people, industry, and society. At Microsoft, we are delighted to be at the forefront of the AI era - delivering safe, secure and ethical solutions to all industries that will accelerate breakthroughs in healthcare, education, infrastructure and more for the benefit of society as a whole. "Through this investment, we are building on our almost 40-year prese...

Expel, the leading managed detection and response (MDR) provider, today announced plans to establish a fully remote workforce in Ireland, creating up to 50 high-skilled cybersecurity jobs over the next three years, thanks to the support of the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. Expel's investment is part of its ongoing expansion strategy into the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) market and aims to tap into Ireland's thriving technology ecosystem and skilled talent pool. With a diverse customer base spanning industries such as aviation, technology, and professional sports, Expel's move into Ireland marks a significant milestone in its global expansion efforts. Expel is trusted by some of the world's most recognisable brands for their cyber security needs. The company combines world-class security practitioners and its AI-driven platform, Expel Workbench, to provide cutting-edge visibility for cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments. This strategic expansion into Ireland underscores the country's reputation as a global hub for technology and cybersecurity innovation. As Expel continues to strengthen its foothold in EMEA since its initial expansion into the market in late 2022, collaboration with IDA Ireland and this investment highlights an exciting cornerstone for the future of cybersecurity technology and the accompanying booming workforce in the region. Emer Higgins, Minister of State for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, welcomed the announcement, saying: "We are delighted to welcome this investment in Ireland's growing cybersecurity sector. The establishment of Expel's remote workforce, creating 50 new high-quality jobs, demonstrates the strength of Ireland's position as a hub for innovation and digital expertise. This commitment not only reinforces our reputation as a leader in the tech industry but also provides valuable opportunities for skilled professionals across the country. We look forward to supporting Expel's continued success and growth in Ireland." Cat Starkey, Chief Technology Officer of Expel, said: "Ireland offers the rare mix of a world-class technology infrastructure, a highly talented workforce, and a cybersecurity culture that aligns with our own, making our decision to invest in growing our team there an easy one. We're thrilled to grow our presence in Ireland, and we look forward to welcoming some of the world's best cybersecurity professionals and engineers as Expletives." Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said: "Cyber security continues to be an important cluster across Ireland, and we are a recognised destination of choice for global tech companies. Expel's decision to establish operations here is a testament to the strength of our talent and technology ecosystem. We are delighted to welcome Expel and look forward to supporting their growth as they create new opportunities in cybersecurity, a critical industry for our economy and the wider global market."

A leading expert in AI is urging lawmakers to rapidly pass new legislation to regulate Agentic AI, a ground-breaking new form of AI capable of completing complex goal-oriented tasks without the need of a human prompt. President of the European Responsible AI Office (EURAIO) Nell Watson made the call today during her keynote speech at Learnovation 2024, the annual summit on the future of work and learning, which took place at the Aviva Stadium. Alongside her role as head of the EURAIO, Nell is an executive consultant for Apple and a senior scientific advisor to The Future Society, an independent non-profit focused on developing and implementing governance mechanisms for AI. She has also been a senior fellow to The Atlantic Council, a US think tank. The theme of Learnovation 2024 is 'Navigating the Future of Learning', with speakers and workshops focused on preparing learners for the challenges of the 21st century and the future of work. Learnovation is the annual summit organised by The Learnovate Centre, a leading global future of work and learning research hub funded by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland and based at Trinity College Dublin. Nell told Learnovation 2024 this morning that autonomous Agentic AI represents a significant upgrade on traditional AI and generative AI models which require human prompts. In response, industry must prepare workers for the introduction of the technology with new workplace training and upskilling programmes that teach innovative and independent thinking. She also told the conference that, while applications of Agentic AI will have positive effects for many, especially those with disabilities, lawmakers and officials must still move quickly to pass new laws and regulations to defend workers' rights from bad corporate actors. They must also, she says, legislate to ensure developers impose limits on the AI itself so that it does not breach the law while working to achieve its goals. President of the European Responsible AI Office Nell Watson says: "Agentic AI promises to dramatically change the world of work and learning. It's vital that we start preparing people for that change through education, training and upskilling, and new laws and regulations to ensure that the rights of people are not sacrificed in the pursuit of corporate profit. "This technology has vast potential. Applications in virtual reality will allow people to learn new skills in low-stakes virtual environments. It will make learning more inclusive with applications for people with reduced hearing or sight loss, or those with speech issues. Applying Agentic AI to learning will have life-changing effects for many people. However, it remains hugely important that officials take action now to regulate this technology and protect workers' rights before Agentic AI becomes ubiquitous, rather than spend valuable time playing catch-up later." Director of The Learnovate Centre, Nessa McEniff, said: "Learnovation 2024 is looking at some extremely interesting and topical issues including how to recognise and remove barriers for innovation in learning and how to embed AI in education in ways that are both effective and responsible. We will also explore AI's role in learning technology and focus on corporate learning in the 21st Century and how to prepare for the challenges of the future workplace." The event's host is Dr. Mary Kelly, Academic Dean at Hibernia College, who also gave the opening address. Other speakers at Learnovation 2024 include: Richard Culatta, CEO at the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Association for Supervision of Curriculum Development (ASCD), non-profit global education organisations based in Washington that are focused on accelerating innovation in education and elevating learning to meet the needs of all students. Dr Nigel Paine, Global Thought Leader and ex-CLO of the BBC. Nigel has more than 25 years of experience in corporate learning and is a regular speaker, writer and b...

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Shauna Higgins and Tristan McCallum from IDA Ireland about the country's ambitious offshore wind energy goals and its growing green economy initiatives. Ireland is quickly positioning itself as a leader in renewable energy, with a target of achieving 5GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, and scaling up to 20GW by 2040. With an eye toward creating 37GW by 2050, Ireland is on a clear path to not only meet its own energy needs but to generate surplus capacity, opening up exciting investment opportunities and fostering innovation in sectors like energy storage, AI, and digital technologies. Shauna and Tristan walk us through the current state of Ireland's offshore wind ecosystem, which is driven by strategic policy frameworks like the Future Framework and the €5 billion grid infrastructure plan known as Shaping Our Electricity Future. These initiatives are laying the groundwork for Ireland's sustainable development, attracting international players and fostering a strong business environment for renewable energy companies. With over 300 wind farms already generating 4.8GW of power, Ireland ranks third globally for installed wind power per capita, and the momentum is growing as the country hosts its first offshore wind auction, granting 3GW of projects. We also discuss how IDA Ireland is helping companies embrace the twin transition of digital and green technologies, supporting industries that are eager to tap into Ireland's emerging renewable energy surplus. From energy storage innovations to the growing potential of hydrogen for industrial use, Ireland's offshore wind strategy is opening doors for tech-driven advancements in sectors such as AI, quantum computing, and semiconductor manufacturing. Shauna and Tristan provide insights into how Ireland is leveraging its natural resources, talent pool, and pro-business policies to create a robust ecosystem for offshore wind energy. With top-tier training centers like the National Maritime College and a highly skilled workforce, Ireland is not just building a sustainable future but leading the way for other countries to follow. Tune in to discover how Ireland's offshore wind initiatives are driving new opportunities for businesses and helping to shape the future of renewable energy. Could Ireland's investment in offshore wind become a global model for sustainable growth? Shauna and Tristan share their thoughts on the exciting potential ahead.

Proofpoint, Inc., a leading cybersecurity and compliance company, today announced that it is expanding its global presence with a new office in Cork. The new location will serve as Proofpoint's international hub, creating more than 250 jobs in the next two years - with plans for ongoing, active recruitment and continued investment in the region. With global headquarters in Sunnyvale, California, and offices worldwide, including in the UK and Northern Ireland, Proofpoint helps companies around the world stop targeted threats, safeguard their data, and make their users more resilient against cyber attacks. The Cork City centre hub will initially house key functions for the business, including engineering, research and development (R&D), customer support, finance, and marketing. "We warmly welcome Proofpoint's decision to establish their new international hub in Cork. This expansion is a testament to Ireland's attractive business environment and our commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the cybersecurity sector," said Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. "The creation of over 250 jobs in the coming years is a significant boost for the region and highlights our ongoing efforts to support enterprise development and employment opportunities across the country. We look forward to seeing Proofpoint thrive and contribute to Ireland's dynamic tech ecosystem." "Proofpoint is committed to delivering world-class technology through relentless innovation, continuously evolving our human-centric solutions to address some of today's most challenging business security needs. We invest more than 20% of our revenue back into research and development - among the highest rates in the industry - to stay ahead of attackers' evolving tactics," said Rémi Thomas, Chief Financial Officer, Proofpoint. "Our expansion into Ireland is critical to our international growth, solidifying our ability to protect European organisations and our commitment to delivering innovative technology that addresses our customers' needs." "Keeping ahead of today's threat landscape and accelerating our position as a trusted cybersecurity partner for the world's leading organisations requires exceptional people. We are excited to be able to tap into Ireland's strong technology ecosystem, with its broad cybersecurity talent base," said Kim Sullivan, Chief People Officer at Proofpoint. "Our new Cork office will house a dynamic and diverse group of teams, working on challenging and meaningful projects, helping us to make an ongoing impact on such a vital and evolving industry." "We are thrilled that Proofpoint has selected Cork for its new international hub," said Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland. "This choice emphasises the critical importance of regional investment and showcases the South-West region's established cybersecurity cluster and the abundant talent available regionally and indeed across the country. Proofpoint's expansion further solidifies Ireland's reputation as a premier location for global cybersecurity and compliance companies. We eagerly anticipate supporting their growth and continued success in Cork." Proofpoint currently has over 4,500 employees globally - with over 100 employees in Cork at the time of this announcement. The company hires the most innovative talent in the world to help protect some of the world's most security-conscious organisations against an increasingly sophisticated cyber threat landscape. Proofpoint was recently recognised across multiple categories at Comparably's 2024 Quarterly Best Places to Work Awards, including Best Company Outlook, Best Global Culture, Best Engineering Teams, Best Sales Teams, and Best HR Teams. The awards join nine other Comparably honours won by Proofpoint in 2023 highlighting excellence in diversity, work-life balance, and compensation and benefits among others. Proofpoint was also recognised at the 2023 Business Awards UK: Health & Wellbeing Awards, winning the Best Emp...

UKG, a leading provider of HR, payroll, workforce management, and culture solutions and the largest U.S.-based private software company in the world, has announced the establishment of its newest Global Operations Hub in Kilkenny, Ireland. In partnership with the Irish government through IDA Ireland, a government agency under Ireland's Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, UKG plans to hire approximately 200 new roles in the country, with a focus on cybersecurity, but also including customer success, research and development, and professional services. ''I am delighted to join with UKG today to welcome the launch of their newest Global Operations Hub in Kilkenny," said Án Taoiseach Simon Harris. " This announcement will see the creation of 200 new jobs, adding to Kilkenny's growing success as a home to leading technology companies. Today's announcement is also a testament to the considerable talent and skills we have available in Ireland. I look forward to seeing the benefits UKG's investment will bring to Kilkenny and the wider South East Region in the years ahead.'' Located in southeastern Ireland, the historic city of Kilkenny is a thriving technology hub that specialises in cybersecurity and has a strong mix of innovative startups and global technology providers. UKG has operated in Kilkenny since the 2023 acquisition of multi-country payroll technology provider Immedis, which resulted in the launch of the UKG One View solution. "We're on a mission to give every organisation the opportunity to become a great place to work through technology built for all, and Kilkenny's vibrant technology community will provide key talent to help us achieve this goal," said Hugo Sarrazin, president, chief product and technology officer at UKG. "With more than 80,000 customers located around the world, our Irish team joins a robust security and network operations group that plays a vital role in safeguarding our solutions." ''I'm delighted that UKG, which is widely respected for driving innovation, has chosen Kilkenny, which is home to some of the best cybersecurity talent," said Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland. "Creating high value job opportunities in regional locations like Kilkenny is one of IDA's key strategic pillars. UKG's plan to create 200 jobs in the region is a testament to the strength of our technology community within Ireland's regions." As part of its growing presence in the region, UKG is a top sponsor of the Cyber Ireland National Conference, taking place September 26th in Kilkenny. Mustapha Kebbeh, chief security officer at UKG, will be a featured speaker on the topic of addressing global cybersecurity through public-private partnerships. Further expansion into the Ireland market follows the addition of Global Innovation Hubs in both Bulgaria and Uruguay, which support the development of award-winning UKG solutions and strategic products. UKG also maintains Innovation Hubs in Canada, India, and the U.S., where it hosts dual headquarters in Lowell, Massachusetts and Weston, Florida. See more stories here.

Ericsson, a global leader in communications technology and services, today celebrates the 50-year anniversary of its Research and Development (R&D) center in Athlone. Over the past five decades, the Athlone site has evolved from a factory, initially established in 1974 with 250 employees, to a software development hub in 1979, marking the inauguration of one of the first R&D centres in Ireland. Today, the facility boasts a workforce of over 1,300 employees, making it one of the largest R&D centres in Ireland. Senior Ericsson executives, along with Government and industry representatives, were welcomed to the R&D headquarters for Ericsson's Network Management portfolio to mark this historic milestone. Speaking in Athlone, Per Narvinger, Sr. Vice president and Head of Business Area Cloud Software and Services at Ericsson, said: "As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of our R&D center in Athlone, we celebrate not only a significant milestone, but also the profound contributions of our dedicated workforce. Their expertise and commitment have been pivotal in advancing essential mobile technologies that power communications networks across the globe. Our ongoing R&D efforts and projects with Governments and academic institutions, including what we have announced with Enterprise Ireland and the Technical University of the Shannon today, serve as key foundations in realizing Ericsson's vision of intelligent and programmable networks." Attending the event, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland, Peter Burke stated, "I am delighted to be here today to join in the celebrations to mark Ericsson's 50 years in Athlone. Ericsson's presence here continues to be of immense benefit to Athlone, the Midlands Region and to Ireland as a whole. There is a long-standing partnership between Ericsson, IDA Ireland and the Irish Government and regional investments such as this are a priority for both Government and IDA. The advancements made here over the last 50 years are truly amazing and it is exciting to see what unfolds in the future such as the new partnership with Enterprise Ireland and the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). I wish the Ericsson team here in Athlone continued success in that journey." Denis Dullea, Head of Ericsson's Athlone site and Network Management Engineering Unit, added: "It is an honour for me to welcome members of Ericsson's executive team and Minister Burke to join us as we celebrate 50 years in Athlone. Over these 50 years, we have established a track record of leadership, which is a testament to the fantastic employees who have contributed to our journey so far. Together with our people, engagements with academia, and connections with the community, we will continue to lead and shape our industry for many years to come right here from Athlone." CEO of IDA Ireland Michael Lohan said: Ericsson has shown consistent commitment to its Irish operations over the past 66 years in Ireland and 50 years in Athlone. Their ongoing investment and expansion in this campus have led to significant growth in their portfolio of strategic functions. Since 2000, Ericsson has invested more than €3 billion in the Athlone facility. Beyond economic contributions, each year, more than 6,000 local individuals, from junior school students to adults transitioning into technology careers, have benefited from Ericsson's presence. I congratulate both the Irish and global teams on this milestone and assure Ericsson of IDA Ireland's continued partnership. In conjunction, Ericsson also announced a significant new partnership with the Government agency Enterprise Ireland and the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). This new partnership between Ericsson, Enterprise Ireland, and TUS has the potential to revolutionize the management of mobile networks. The initiative, 'Digital Adaptive Twin for Unified Management' (DATUM), will utilize digital twin technology as well as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (...

Technology Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the technology sector, today launched the 32nd Annual Technology Ireland Industry Awards. Technology Ireland is excited to announce the opening of applications for the Technology Ireland Industry Awards 2024, our distinguished award programme recognising companies that have demonstrated extraordinary achievements through the past year. The Technology Ireland Industry Awards celebrate the best in the industry, shining a spotlight on companies that have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also set new benchmarks for innovation and business growth. This year's awards are open to organisations that have shown remarkable leadership, creativity, and commitment to excellence. Commenting on the launch of the Awards, Director of Technology Ireland, Una Fitzpatrick, said: "We are thrilled to open the applications for the Technology Ireland Industry Awards, these awards recognise the most innovative and successful companies across the industry. The Technology Ireland Industry Awards honours the innovation and sustained growth that drives our industry forward, and we look forward to celebrating all who have made a significant impact over the past year. The Technology Ireland Industry Awards offer a stage to both indigenous and multinational technology companies to demonstrate how the sector is contributing to national, European, and global digital efforts, and seeks to sustain and promote Ireland's reputation as a global technology hub by emphasising the role of technology in addressing cross-sectoral issues." Marie Treacy, Technology Sector Leader and Partner with platinum sponsor EY Ireland, commented: "EY Ireland is thrilled to once again have the opportunity to partner with Technology Ireland and to sponsor the Digital Technology Company of the Year Award. At a time when global technology innovation is advancing rapidly, these unmissable awards enable us to take a moment to recognise and celebrate the continuous achievements of the technology sector in Ireland. At EY, we believe that technology and Artificial Intelligence, in particular, can have a transformative, positive and far-reaching impact on all businesses - from SMEs to indigenous and multinational companies - as well as the people working in these organisations and, indeed on wider society, so it is incredibly important to showcase Ireland's achievements in the sector and the continuous efforts and innovation that will ensure Ireland continues to thrive as a dynamic global technology hub now and into the future." Technology Ireland, together with Award sponsors EY Ireland, Fidelity Investments, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, FIT the ICT Talent Pipeline, Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet and Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet, is urging all Irish-based software and digital companies to submit their own entries for the Awards by 30 September 2024. Entry is free and not restricted. To submit an entry, visit: https://www.ibec.ie/technologyireland/industry-awards The 11 categories are: Open to Indigenous (Irish-owned) technology companies only: Digital Technology Company of the Year Emerging Company of the Year Outstanding Achievement in International Growth Technology Innovation of the Year Digital Technology Services Project of the Year Open to Indigenous and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) technology companies: Tech 4 Good - Product/Service Award Tech 4 Good - Community Award Tech 4 Good - Sustainability Award Women in Tech Company Initiative Excellence in Talent Development Outstanding Academic Achievement The black-tie Awards Ceremony will be held on Friday, 15th November 2024, in the Mansion House, Dublin 2.

The IMI (Irish Management Institute), a centre of excellence for business education, has published new research revealing that AI is not currently a strategic priority among most business leaders in Ireland. The 'IMI Leadership Barometer' surveyed senior business leaders in Ireland from private, public and semi-state organisations across a wide range of sectors, including technology, food/agriculture, utilities, banking, finance, professional services, legal, healthcare, logistics, construction and others. The research provides key insights into the attitudes and priorities of senior decision-makers as they navigate a shifting business environment and the rise of disruptive new technologies. Findings show that only 30% of business leaders currently consider AI a strategic priority. Many organisations are still in an experimentation phase with the technology, with 40% of leaders stating that they are testing the technology in areas of their business. A further 30% of decision-makers reported struggling to keep pace with rapid advancements in technology, reflecting a clear need for upskilling and education in technology among business decision-makers. With businesses continuing to face the impact of a tight labour market, attracting and retaining highly skilled talent is set to continue as a top concern for decision-makers, according to the findings of the Barometer. 36% of leaders state that retaining top talent is set to become more difficult over the coming months. More than half of business leaders (54%) believe that retaining talent will remain challenging in the next 12 months. Despite these challenges, business leaders in Ireland are generally confident about their capacity to navigate change. Findings reveal that 84% of senior leaders are reasonably confident about their capacity to achieve core business objectives over the next 12 months. Only 4% of decision-makers state their organisation is fully prepared to overcome obstacles and unlock business growth over the months ahead. Leadership and management capabilities are the top business priority for senior decision-makers, indicating clear awareness among leaders of the importance of strengthening skills in this rapidly evolving landscape. Future workforce skills/ways of working and technology from a business perspective make up the top three most important areas on leaders' business agenda for the coming months. The new research is released as the IMI announces the agenda for its 2024 National Leadership Conference. First held over 70 years ago, the NLC 2024 will bring together senior business leaders from across Ireland for a series of discussions focused on enhancing leadership skills and positioning their organisations for future success. Speakers at the event include Deputy Simon Coveney, former Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland; Ann Kelleher, foundry technology development General Manager at Intel Corporation; Bernard Gloster, CEO of Health Service Executive; Siobhan Talbot, the former CEO of Glanbia; Vanessa Hartley, Head of Google Ireland; and Christopher Hartwell, Head of the International Management Institute & Professor of International Business Policy at ZHAW School of Management and Law. The 2024 edition of the NLC will be held on October 3rd at IMI's Sandyford campus, with additional speakers due to be announced in the coming weeks. Commenting on the release of the research, Shane O'Sullivan, CEO of the IMI, said: "Senior leaders across Ireland continue to navigate a fast-evolving business environment from a tight labour market to rapid advances in technology and heightened global competition. The IMI Leadership Barometer provides an important insight into the key challenges and opportunities facing leaders in Ireland in this environment and the actions they're taking to prepare their businesses for future success. "It's clear from the findings of the Barometer that many leaders are still at an...

PennEngineering has announced the expansion of its operations in Galway City, Ireland. This significant extension is set to create 70 new jobs over the next five years in support of the company's commitment to growth and community development. The €14 million expansion project, which involves the construction of a new building, includes a state-of-the-art technology and training centre as well as testing laboratories and customer experience centre that will enhance PennEngineering's capacity to meet the increasing demand for its engineering fastening solutions. The new jobs created will span a variety of roles, including manufacturing, engineering, training and more, offering diverse opportunities for local talent. The expansion project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD, said: "I am pleased to welcome this announcement from PennEngineering, which will see the creation of 70 jobs as part of a major expansion project. Investments such as the one today continues to advance Galway's position, in particular, as a global hub. I am pleased to welcome this announcement and wish PennEngineering every success." "We are thrilled to expand our operations in Galway," said Mary Ann Fleming, President of PennEngineering Europe. "This investment reflects our confidence in the potential for growth in the region and our commitment to contributing to the local economy. We look forward to welcoming new members to our team and continuing to innovate in the world of fastening technology. Our on-site manufacturing also continues to expand with the introduction of new products, continuing our 85-year history of product innovation in self-clinch fasteners. Supporting training and development of our people and job creation are priorities for us, and this expansion is key to this initiative. As part of this growth announcement, we welcome the board of PennEngineering on site for their Bi-Annual meeting and wish them well as they strategise for the future of our global company." "Our long-standing partnership with Ireland and the IDA spans over 20 years, and their support has been invaluable in fostering the growth and development of our business in Europe." According to Pete George CEO of PennEngineering. The expansion is expected to be completed by January 2025. PennEngineering plans to begin the recruitment process immediately, with job openings to be posted on the company's website and local job boards. Mary Buckley, Executive Director of IDA Ireland, said: "PennEngineering has been in Galway since 2001, and this announcement today highlights their ongoing commitment to the West Region. The operation is already a recognised centre of excellence within the global organisation, and this 4000m expansion and 70 jobs further enhance its strategic capabilities in Galway. I wish the PennEngineering team continued success." For more information about the expansion and job opportunities, please visit www.pemnet.com/eu/.

Slalom, the global business and technology consulting company, today announced plans to create 300 new jobs in Ireland in the next three to five years. The announcement comes as the firm signs a lease on the high-profile Waterways House in Dublin's Digital Docklands. Slalom's Irish operation, the company's 8th international market, was established a year ago, and expects to have 60 employees by the year end. The new roles will be in key growth areas, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Salesforce, Data Analytics, Business Advisory Services, and AI-enabled Change. The expansion reflects the company's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive business transformation and growth for its clients. "We are thrilled to announce the creation of 300 new roles in Ireland, adding to the 40 created in our first year, a testament to our commitment to invest in the talent and potential of this dynamic market," said Jane Dawson-Howe, Country Managing Director of Slalom in Ireland. "The demand from clients for the application of Gen AI to drive innovation in their operations has contributed to the rapid expansion of our Irish business over the past year and will fuel our future growth." The new Dublin base will serve as a central hub for the firm's operations in Ireland, facilitating collaboration and innovation with clients across Ireland and the UK. The move to Digital Docklands aligns with Slalom's strategy to partner closely with other organisations leading technological advancement and business innovation. "We are committed to investing in the Irish market, and our new office will act as the cornerstone of our efforts to deliver transformative AI solutions and advisory services to our clients. We are proud to be part of Dublin's thriving tech community and look forward to contributing to its continued success," added Dawson-Howe. "Our expansion in Ireland is not just about job creation; it's about building better tomorrows for our clients, our employees, and the wider community." Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment Peter Burke said, "Slalom's decision to expand its operations in Ireland with the addition of 300 new jobs underlines the importance of Ireland as a stable and attractive location for international business. I am pleased to see a large technology consultancy company recognising the benefits of locating in Ireland, and I wish Slalom every success in the future." Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, said, "Today's announcement by Slalom confirms Ireland as a great location to commence and scale your business with our vibrant ecosystem and available talent pool. I want to congratulate Slalom and to assure them of IDA Ireland's continued support as they expand their operations in Ireland in the years ahead." As part of its commitment to unlock the benefits of AI for employees, Slalom also announced that it will equip every Slalomer in Ireland and the UK with a Microsoft Copilot licence to drive innovation and productivity across its current 520-person strong UK&I workforce.

Ireland's proposition for FDI investment remains strong, according to IDA Ireland, as it publishes mid-year results for 2024 alongside its latest Annual Report. IDA Ireland continues to deliver an exemplary performance across foreign direct investment indicators as set out in its 2021-2024 strategy Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth, having exceeded on targets relating to the total number of investments, job approvals, regional investment and number of sustainability projects supported by the agency. In line with this performance, the first six months of this year saw IDA Ireland support 131 investments, 74 of which are planned for regional locations, enabling the future delivery of 8,900 jobs to the economy against an increasingly challenging global operating environment. New investments secured by the inward investment agency since January include Pentagon Technologies, whose state-of-the-art facility in Dundalk will create 100 jobs; automotive fleet manager Element Fleet Management that is to set up a global leasing centre in Dublin creating 70 jobs; Evernorth Health Services, which is to locate a new innovation hub in Galway that will create 100 jobs; and Motorola Solutions, who just today, announced its new global R&D Centre in Cork with plans to recruit 200 highly skilled staff to design technologies vital to the company's global footprint of customers. In addition to companies newly investing in Ireland this year, IDA Ireland has also announced a number of significant, transformative investments of scale from existing clients, such as IBM Ireland's announcement in May that it would create 800 high-value roles across its sites in Dublin, Cork and at its subsidiary Red Hat in Waterford; and Bristol Myers Squibb's $400m investment which will create 350 jobs, bringing the total number employed at its campus in Dublin to over 1,000 people. In its Annual Report 2023, IDA Ireland has called out the imperative of safeguarding the competitiveness of its client base and that of the country as the global FDI landscape becomes increasingly challenging and complex. Ireland needs to remain agile as it evolves and adapts to emerging sectors and a more dynamic and highly competitive global landscape. The agency is committed to continuing to work with stakeholders to ensure ongoing investment and development in areas such as talent, infrastructure and energy supply, which are central to the country's competitiveness and critical to continued FDI success in Ireland. Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, said: "Ireland continues to be recognised as a highly stable and attractive location for global investment. Our country has a reputation for being agile, with an economy underpinned by a dynamic ecosystem of global companies, indigenous enterprise and academia working in collaboration. Government remains committed to ensuring the right polices are in place to facilitate the development of appropriate skills, infrastructure, and innovation to facilitate strong levels of FDI into the future." Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, said, "Ireland's proposition as a location for FDI investment remains strong. Against the backdrop of an intensely competitive global environment and the proliferation of industrial policies, it is imperative that IDA Ireland continues to attract and win new investments whilst at the same time continuing to support existing clients in their investment endeavours across the twin transition of sustainability and digitalisation. "Ireland has a track record of being nimble, demonstrating a level of agility that will be key to ensuring future success. IDA Ireland is partnering with our clients on delivering competitiveness-enhancing, transformative investments concentrating on R&D, digitalisation, sustainability and talent development to ensure the FDI pipeline remains robust." "I am very pleased to have welcomed several investments of significant scale in these areas so far this year that will ...

Motorola Solutions today announced it is opening a new Research and Development Centre in Cork which is expected to generate 200 highly skilled jobs. The team will be focused on designing software for the company's comprehensive land mobile radio (LMR) portfolio, with plans for expansion across other technologies in the future. Following investments of more than $12 billion in R&D and acquisitions over the past decade, Motorola Solutions' ecosystem of technologies is centred on safety and security, with LMR representing a foundational core. The company has deployed more than 13,000 LMR networks worldwide, trusted by governments and enterprises for highly secure communications designed to work in the most extreme conditions. Modernised with broadband and advanced data applications, LMR remains at the forefront of providing public safety agencies with the communications they rely on and need. "Decade after decade, the durability of our mission-critical LMR technology helps protect those who protect us all," said Greg Brown, chairman and CEO, Motorola Solutions. "Our new centre in Cork will contribute to advancing our future vision for LMR, while building upon the collective impact of our more than 20,000 employees who are innovating what's next for our customers around the world." The investment is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. "Motorola Solutions is an iconic American company known for its work over many decades to support public safety and first responders," said U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Claire D. Cronin. "Today's announcement of its new Research and Development Centre in Cork marks a significant step forward in the company's commitment to Ireland and in further expanding its innovation footprint in technology that plays a vital role around the world to help keep people safe today and in the future. It also recognizes the highly skilled talent in Ireland and further bolsters the strong trade and investment relationships between the United States and Ireland." The new R&D Centre, planned for Cork's vibrant city centre, complements Motorola Solutions' existing footprint in Ireland, which is focused on delivering the emergency services' secure communications network, Ireland's National Digital Radio Service. "It's fantastic news that Motorola Solutions has chosen Cork City for their new global R&D Centre," said Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment. "Regional investment is a priority for Government and the creation of 200 highly skilled jobs in R&D is a significant boost for the region. The new Centre will be a welcome addition to the already thriving city centre and will provide exciting new work opportunities for technology talent. It is encouraging to see new investments in R&D technologies, which is very much in line with our National AI and Digital strategies. I want to thank Motorola Solutions for their continued investment in Ireland and I wish all the team the best with this new venture." "This investment decision by Motorola Solutions to select Ireland and Cork as the location for their new global R&D Centre is an important vote of confidence in the technology sector," said Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland. "The company's plans to create 200 new jobs demonstrates Ireland's ability to win strategic investments from global leaders looking for a location that can provide a talented and skilled workforce and a track record in delivering innovative, and pro-business environment for multinational companies." The company embraces a people-first philosophy and encourages its 20,000+ employees to share their unique perspectives to influence new ideas, tackle challenges and make an impact. The team in Cork will join a global force of talent focused on developing communications, video security, access control, artificial intelligence and command centre technologies to help address the growing scale of safety and security challenges. Motorola Solutions' communications portfolio is...

North American Bancard LLC., a U.S.-based leader in fintech solutions, has today announced it will create 54 jobs in Limerick City. This centre of excellence will be responsible for developing the company's portfolio of next-generation risk management products and services. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, USA, North American Bancard is re-imagining the payment experience. As a leading payment technology innovator, NAB has a diversified product platform that provides a modern end-to-end infrastructure to enable globally preferred payment types. NAB's superior solutions deliver seamless payment experiences in mobile, e-commerce, and in-store environments. Serving hundreds of thousands of businesses and with over $100 billion per year in electronic transaction volume, NAB delivers functional, feature-rich and frictionless solutions for the evolving merchant economy. This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment Peter Burke TD said: "It is great news that North American Bancard (NAB) have chosen Limerick City as the location for their new R&D Centre of Excellence, with the creation of 54 jobs. NAB is a leading Fintech solutions and payment technology innovator, providing next-generation risk management products and services. Limerick, and indeed the Mid-West Region, has the optimum level of skills and talent for NAB to thrive here, and the new roles will provide excellent employment opportunities for our graduates across a number of disciplines. Ireland has a thriving Fintech ecosystem where we have a track record in supporting the biggest Tech and Financial Services companies in the world for decades, and this new announcement by NAB reinforces this. I wish all the team in NAB the very best in this new and exciting chapter." Minister for Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O'Donovan TD said: "As a proud Limerick person, I know how fertile a landscape we have here for talent, innovation and commerce. This investment by NAB in the Mid-West is further recognition of that talent, and their arrival to Limerick city will provide a significant boost to the wider local economy. Limerick is the perfect base for industry of this kind. Risk management solutions are important for us all, as we increasingly rely upon financial institutions to be resilient and withstand attacks. I look forward to the arrival of the NAB team and hope to be able to pay a visit to their site in the coming months". "It is fantastic to begin our journey on establishing a presence in Ireland, and specifically in the Limerick region. This establishes a specialist R&D facility with a keen focus on addressing the global issue of payments fraud. The Limerick site represents a strategic pillar for NABs, and it would not be possible without the support of the IDA and meaningful partnerships within the city," said Dr. Christopher Mascaro, Chief Risk Officer, of North American Bancard. "As a company, NAB strives to provide state-of-the-art payments solutions that meet the needs of all our partners and merchants, across a wide spectrum of industries. Ensuring that our partners are protected in an ever evolving landscape of fraud is a critical step in the journey." North American Bancard plans to invest in establishing an enterprise risk management solution for payment solution providers and financial institutions which will rely on highly scalable cloud-based architecture, real-time event processing, data lakes, AI based decisioning frameworks and an intuitive case management system. Executive Director of IDA Ireland Mary Buckley said: "North American Bancard's decision to establish operations in Limerick is a significant and ambitious addition to the thriving technology-led cluster of companies in the Mid West. This move underscores the region's exceptional talent and technical capabilities, further elevating its profile as a hub for payments investments and advanced R&D initiatives. I wish North ...

Huawei makes an €800 million economic contribution to Ireland annually, a new report by Amárach has revealed. The comprehensive economic assessment report, 'Huawei Ireland: Economic and Social Impact', shows that the company employs 543 individuals and supports the employment of a further 6,100 individuals through indirect (3,170) and induced (2,949) effects from its activities which include significant R&D. The report was launched at Huawei's 20th anniversary event held today at The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin. Since its arrival to Ireland in 2004, Huawei's activities have developed from supplying mobile phones, building Ireland's first national fixed wireless network, to being at the forefront of powering Ireland's digital connectivity and the country's green energy ambitions. According to the report, Huawei - the leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure - will contribute €4.5 billion in economic value to Ireland between now and 2030, with the potential for this figure to be bigger. Speaking at the event, Minister Dara Calleary said: "I am pleased to be here at this event to acknowledge Huawei's contribution to the Irish economy through direct and indirect employment and induced effects from its activities since 2004. The company's investment in R&D has allowed Huawei to work towards being at the forefront of Ireland's digital transformation. Huawei is responsible for supporting the connectivity of millions of people across Ireland and is currently supporting local customers in the rollout of next-generation networks, including 5G and gigabit broadband, while contributing to the development of Ireland's national digital infrastructure." Also speaking at the event, Huawei Ireland CEO Calvin Lan said: "From small beginnings, our products and services now serve approximately 3.5 million people and businesses across Ireland, the continued support of our customers, partners, and dedication of our staff has contributed significantly to our growth. We employ almost 550 people directly and we have four offices across the country including three R&D centres in Dublin, Cork, and Athlone. Huawei is operating in over 170 countries across the world. In Ireland, there is a lot of internal competition to attract investment and new projects, and we have managed to secure investment and projects because Ireland has a strong and growing talent pool. Ireland has developed an innovation ecosystem which sees world leaders in technology like Huawei locate here." He continued: "Huawei believes that FDI in Ireland should be encouraged from America, Asia, and everywhere in between. A strong and diverse pipeline of foreign investment helps create an innovation mindset. It also supports the development of Ireland's home-grown start-up ecosystem, leading to greater collaboration, cooperation, and opportunities for Irish companies to go global." One of the panellists at the event, David Gaskin, VP of Technology, IDA said: "IDA Ireland is pleased to have partnered with Huawei since the company first established a presence here 20 years ago. In those two decades, Huawei has grown, adapted, and contributed significantly to the Irish economy and society. Foreign Direct Investment, such as this, is crucial to the continued growth and success of Ireland's tech sector, not only through substantial capital investments but also technical expertise and innovation which further drive economic growth and technological advancement. We look forward to continuing to work with Huawei and to supporting them in their future growth and development in the decades to come." While launching the report, Gerard O'Neill, chairman, Amárach Research explained: "In carrying out our research for the report we found that along with the positive impact of Huawei's R&D activities, Ireland's economy derives significant economic benefits from the company's operational expenditure and exchequer contributions. As well as discussing in detai...

Each year, Skillnet Ireland provides digital upskilling support to over 13,000 people in businesses through the delivery of cutting-edge programmes and initiatives and supporting SMEs to embrace digitalisation. Skillnet Ireland and its technology Networks have developed a wide range of academic programmes in partnership with enterprises in areas such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, blockchain, and data analytics. Through 70 Skillnet Business Networks, and national initiatives - including Skillnet Climate Ready Academy, Skillnet Innovation Exchange and MentorsWork - Skillnet Ireland works with businesses in each industry sector and region across Ireland, putting enterprise in control of their upskilling and talent development. This year, Skillnet Ireland will take part at the Dublin Tech Summit, which is expected to draw a crowd of tens of thousands from across Ireland and further afield to the two-day event in Dublin's RDS, on May 29th and 30th. Mark Jordan, Skillnet Ireland's Chief Strategy Officer, who will be speaking at the Dublin Tech Summit, said: "Working in partnership with industry and the tertiary sector, Skillnet Ireland is continuing to develop the key digitalisation supports needed to ensure businesses can stay ahead of the curve, embrace the digital transition, and utilise the potential of modern technologies. Our highly skilled workforce is what gives us our competitive edge in Ireland. By upskilling their workforce in key digital skills, Irish businesses can unlock new opportunities for growth and expansion." Many of the 70 Skillnet Business Networks providing business support to specific sectors or within a given region specialise in digital and technology skills, including the Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet, Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet, ITAG Skillnet, Cobotics Skillnet, Connected Health Skillnet; Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet; Irish Medtech Skillnet, MIDAS Electronic Systems Skillnet and CITA Skillnet. These technology-based networks provide upskilling solutions to help businesses be the best they can be and maintain Ireland's position as a leading global technology hub. Some of the upskilling programmes offered in the digital space include the National MSc in Artificial Intelligence offered by Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, in partnership with the University of Limerick, Dublin City University and University of Galway, which were the first AI Masters qualifications in Ireland. The MSc in Leadership, Innovation & Technology designed by Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet in partnership with Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) has been delivering essential skills to industry for over a decade, while a new Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Analytics, Technology and Innovation from the Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet and TU Dublin was launched recently. This pioneering new programme is designed to equip participants to become a leader in the emerging SportsTech industry, fusing data with insight from top SportsTech industry figures and unparalleled peer learning. Skillnet Business Networks that provide supports to businesses across multiple sectors, also deliver a range of digital literacy programmes such as digital marketing, word processing and data analysis tools which all focus on raising the baseline of digital skills to ensure Irish businesses position themselves with the right skills to take advantage of digital innovation. In a recent report from Skillnet Ireland in partnership with IDA Ireland focussing on 'Data and Digital Skills for Non-IT Roles,' it was found that the demand for data and digital skills within Ireland's key industries is rapidly increasing across all types of roles. This demand is set to increase in the future. Industry leaders identified particular skills as requirements for all non-IT roles, including data input, analysis, validation, manipulation and visualisation, as well as dig...

IDA Ireland, in collaboration with Microsoft and LinkedIn, have published the latest in its Labour Market Pulse report series which provides insights and trends from the Irish labour market to help inform decision-makers across business, academia and public policy. The latest edition of the Labour Market Pulse entitled Unlocking the Future: Ireland's Prosperity with Generative AI, is focused on how generative AI can unlock the potential of Ireland's workforce and the AI skills that will be central to enhancing the global competitiveness of Irish businesses. Generative AI Enabled Workforce According to the Labour Market Pulse, generative AI is set to be a catalyst for enhancing workforce productivity and reinventing work. Based on data from over two million LinkedIn members in Ireland, the Labour Market Pulse indicates that it is older workers who have the most to gain from generative AI tools. 60% of Gen X (1965-1980) in Ireland have occupations where generative AI can complement or transform the work they do, freeing up their time for more value-added and creative work. Millennials (1981-1996) were also identified as having a significant opportunity to leverage generative AI, with 56% in jobs where generative AI can complement or transform their role. For Gen Z (1997-2012), this number drops to 52%, with the remaining 48% currently working in roles whose core skills are less able to leverage generative AI. Sectoral Impact of Generative AI According to data from LinkedIn, Technology, Information and Media is the sector with the greatest potential to harness generative AI tools and technologies. More than 2 in 3 (72%) of occupations in the sector can use generative AI to transform key responsibilities. This is followed closely by the Financial Services sector in which generative AI can transform 70% of roles in the sector, and the Professional Services sector, with more than half (63%) of job roles ready to be transformed by the technology. Skills Vital to Ireland's Competitiveness Ireland is in a strong position to maximise the potential benefits of generative AI by accelerating the shift to a skills-based labour market. According to a recent joint study by Trinity College Dublin and Microsoft Ireland, 49% of organisations in Ireland are already using generative AI in some form, and Ireland has a strong skills foundation with the highest level of third level attainment and highest level of STEM graduates per capita in the EU. Data skills, digital problem solving, and digital communication and collaboration were identified by LinkedIn as some of the core AI skills required by workers across all industries and functions. As generative AI tools are adopted by industry, skillsets required will continue to change. Upskilling and reskilling among the current and future workforce will be vital to harnessing the opportunities presented by generative AI and to maintaining Ireland's competitiveness in the era of AI. Developing these skills in the workforce will enable businesses in Ireland to apply generative AI to generate new levels of insight, drive efficiencies, increase productivity and improve how people experience work. Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Dara Calleary TD commented: "AI skills are vital for maintaining and enhancing Ireland's competitiveness globally. As AI continues to transform the nature of work and revolutionise every sector of our economy, businesses will increasingly rely upon those with the skillsets to harness the potential of generative AI. "I welcome this latest Labour Market Pulse published by IDA Ireland, Microsoft and LinkedIn, which spotlights the huge opportunities for both workers and businesses who develop and invest in AI upskilling and reskilling. By taking a collaborative approach across Government and industry in preparing our workforce for the AI transformation, we can ensure our businesses have the skills they need for the future and, in turn, better sup...

Watch Carol and Tim LIVE every day on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3vTiACF. Bloomberg Tech reporter Alex Barinka joins to discuss TikTok's fight on Capitol Hill as it hopes to avoid sweeping US legislation that would force the app's parent company to sell it or face a ban. Bloomberg News markets reporter Abigail Doolittle, Bloomberg Intelligence Chief Rates Strategist Ira Jersey and Bloomberg News International Economics and Policy Correspondent Michael McKee take part in a roundtable to break down today's CPI report and what it means for the US economy and the Fed's inflation battle. Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Aerospace Analyst George Ferguson and Sheila Kahyaoglu, Aerospace, Defense and Airlines analyst at Jeffries discuss Boeing's latest woes. And, Michael Lohan, chief executive officer at IDA Ireland joins to talk about the prospect for US corporate growth and foreign direct investment.  Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. Producer: Paul Brennan, with assistance from Justin Milliner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A project that examines the bus routes at a local school to see whether they are operating in the most efficient way has been announced as the winner of the BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp 2024. Now in its 15th year, the Bootcamp was set up by BT Ireland to support BTYSTE finalists with developing their project ideas into commercial enterprises under the guidance of BTYSTE alumni, BT Ireland mentors, and expert judges. The winning project developed by Ava Gaffney, a 4th year student from Ballinamore Community School, Leitrim, was originally developed as an entry in BTYSTE 2024 and examines the local bus routes to school to see whether or not they are operating in the most efficient way. Members of the winning group also included: Alec Hannan, a 5th year student from Gonzaga College, Dublin, Caragh Killeen, a 6th year student from St Joseph's Community College, Clare, and Séan Murphy, a 4th year student from Colaiste Mhuire, Westmeath. Harry O'Leary, a 5th year student from Gonzaga College, Dublin has been named as 'Best Individual' at the BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp 2024. The BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp delivered in partnership with Nova UCD, took place from March 4 - 7, and involved 26 students representing 10 counties, from across the island of Ireland. The participants were shortlisted from the prize winners at BTYSTE 2024, with six projects selected from the exhibition for the students to work on and develop at Bootcamp. The students engaged in a four-day intensive programme that included workshops on business development, marketing and commercialisation. They also had the opportunity to hear from BTYSTE alumni who have launched successful enterprises. On the final day the students pitched their project to expert panel of judges who volunteered their time. Judges this year included Shay Walsh, Managing Director of BT Ireland, Dr Tony Scott, co-founder of the BTYSTE, Catherine Howard, Vice President, Technology, at IDA Ireland, and Brian O'Donovan, Work and Technology Correspondent at RTÉ. Shay Walsh, Managing Director of BT Ireland, which organises the bootcamp, said, "Now in its 15th year, the BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp provides finalists at the exhibition with the skills and insights to encourage them to turn their projects into commercial enterprises. "As the demand for STEM skills continue to grow each year, we know that the skills and advice that the students receive here will be instrumental in the development of Ireland's future workforce, ensuring that Ireland continues to drive innovation as a market leader." Pat Guiry, UCD Professor and Chair of the Young Scientist Charitable Trust said, "We were absolutely thrilled to host the students from the BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp here at Nova UCD this week. Nova UCD is a hub for new ventures and entrepreneurs, making it a very fitting location for the next generation of future entrepreneurs to develop their project ideas into commercial enterprises. "I would like to extend my congratulations to the winners, and all those who took part, and wish them well as they continue throughout their education, and with their future careers." Since the Bootcamp began, several participants have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs, including Protex AI, betterexaminations.ie, and Evervault. For more information on the BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp, please visit BTYS Business Bootcamp - BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition or follow @BTYSTE on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, or Snapchat (username BTYSTE). 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...

CeADAR, Ireland's Centre for Applied AI funded by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, has developed and released two new tools designed to help companies and researchers in the financial services sector to incorporate generative artificial intelligence into their businesses. The first of these tools, called FinTalk, is a domain-specific dataset designed for the fine-tuning of Large Language Models (LLMs) with a focus on financial conversations. LLMs are the technology behind generative AI solutions like ChatGPT. Extracted from public conversations on Reddit, the dataset is tagged with categories like Personal Finance, Financial Information and Public Sentiment. FinTalk can improve AI's understanding of financial topics and aid in the development of more informed and contextually aware financial chatbots or assistants. The second tool, called FinanceConnect, is a state-of-the-art, open-source chat model tailored for finance and economic discussions. FinanceConnect enables the generation of finance-related content to professional standards. FinTalk and FinanceConnect are freely available on CeADAR's HuggingFace. CeADAR's aim is to build trust in AI and drive its adoption by Irish businesses while helping them to address ethical, security and regulatory concerns before they deploy generative AI. Late last year, CeADAR released an initial set of four free tools to help businesses develop their AI capacity, and it is now in the process of developing tools to assist the AI research and developer community in evaluating and experimenting with LLMs. FinTalk and FinanceConnect were developed in CeADAR by Dr Arsalan Shahid and his team of data scientists. Technology Solutions Lead and Head of CeADAR Connect Group, Dr Arsalan Shahid said: "CeADAR is committed to providing Irish businesses with state-of-the-art resources to take full advantage of emerging technologies in AI as they become increasingly essential. These tools will help financial services companies to trial generative AI and ultimately improve their business offerings. "FinanceConnect has already got huge traction in the developer community, with over 5,000 downloads within the first month of its release. It has outperformed competing proprietary models like BloombergGPT in a number of benchmarks. These tools will empower financial services companies to embrace AI in a manner that aligns with the highest standards of trust and ethics that are essential when deploying the technology." See more stories here.

The Quantum Computing industry has been making waves in recent years, transitioning from theory to reality, and Ireland has emerged as a formidable player in this quantum revolution. This episode explores the quantum landscape, its opportunities, challenges, and Ireland's pivotal role. John Durcan, Chief Technologist at IDA Ireland, joins us to shed light on the quantum computing phenomenon. Quantum computers, driven by qubits, offer parallel computation capabilities that classical computers can only dream of. They've entered the era of "quantum advantage," where they outperform classical counterparts in specific tasks, particularly in fields like finance, life sciences, cybersecurity, and material science. The potential for breakthroughs in quantum simulation and optimization is staggering. But, as we delve into the quantum realm, we confront significant challenges. How do we make business leaders understand the value of quantum computing and incorporate it into their R&D roadmaps? John Durcan offers insights into the importance of addressing the quantum software skills gap and fostering education initiatives to equip developers for the quantum future. Dr. Juan Bernabe Moreno from IBM Research Europe/UK & Ireland joins the conversation to discuss Ireland's quantum journey. With its strong tech talent pool, investments in research infrastructure, and partnerships with industry giants like IBM, Ireland is poised to become a global quantum leader. We explore the outlook for the next five years, foreseeing an explosion of use cases, the increasing importance of qubit modularity and quality, and the thrilling race between quantum and classical algorithms driving major innovations.

International events are heightening uncertainty about the economic outlook; whether it's the US elections, conflict in the Middle East, high interest rates or even AI, where does our ability to to keep attracting foreign direct investment sit in all of this? We're joined by the CEO of IDA Ireland, Michael Lohan

Michael Lohan, CEO IDA Ireland discuss their annual report, says 300,000 jobs here are a direct result of foreign investment.

AI Ireland has announced the outstanding finalists for the fifth annual AI Awards, a prestigious event dedicated to recognising excellence and innovation in the fields of Data Science, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence in Ireland. The awards ceremony took place at the Gibson Hotel in Dublin's vibrant Docklands. As an integral part of the not-for-profit organisation AI Ireland, the AI Awards have played a pivotal role in supporting the growth and development of the AI ecosystem in Ireland. This year's event featured the presentation of 12 awards, including the introduction of a brand-new category: "Best Application of AI in Sustainability." Anne Sheehan, General Manager at Microsoft Ireland said the awards are a great way to celebrate Irish innovation and highlight AI's transformative potential in society. "Since its inception five years ago, Microsoft has sponsored the AI Awards to celebrate and shine a light on innovation happening in every sector across Ireland - from early-stage research projects to fully scaled-up AI implementations," she said. "Right now, we are entering "the era of AI", where we can explore limitless possibilities to transform the fabric of our economy and society. Mark Kelly, CEO of AI Ireland and founder of the AI Awards, praised this year's finalists for showcasing AI's transformative potential across various sectors, "Their innovations span child online safety, ethical AI in education, enterprise process optimisation, explainable AI, transparency, trust-building, child safety software, and the emergence of young AI role models." He added, "Additionally, AI is making strides in addressing environmental challenges, revolutionising early disease detection and healthcare treatment, enhancing medical diagnostics, urban sustainability, and breaking language barriers in content creation. These finalists embody the essence of AI Ireland and the AI Awards, celebrating talent and solutions that positively reshape our world." Microsoft Ireland proudly serves as the headline sponsor for the 2023 AI Awards. Additional sponsors include Alldus International, Mazars, GlobalLogic, Mason Hayes & Curran, Dublin City Council, IDA Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, and Tangent, Trinity's Ideas Workspace. The 2023 AI Awards Finalists: Best Application of AI to Achieve Social Good Cilter Technologies: For the development of embedded software aimed at protecting children from cyberbullying and online grooming. Their unique system operates at a deep level, blocking harmful messages and notifying parents to make smartphones safer for children. Best Use of Responsible AI and Ethics Soapbox Labs: For the development of unbiased voice AI for educational tools addressing the literacy crisis, with a focus on equity in data handling and modelling, and a commitment to mitigating AI bias to empower teachers and students worldwide. Best Application of AI in a Large Enterprise Dell Technologies: Recognised for their collaboration between the Managed Services (DTMS) team and Service Operations Applied Science and Engineering (SOAS) to implement an ML-powered Multi-Layered Framework that enhances incident management and reduces ticket handling times. AI Person of the Year Luca Longo: Acknowledged for innovative research in explainable AI (xAI), with a focus on making AI models more interpretable and transparent, impacting human-AI interaction, responsible AI development, human capacity, international engagement, and the economy. Women in AI Person of the Year Rena Maycock, CEO of Cilter: Leading a startup developing child protection software for smartphones, addressing cyberbullying and grooming. Rena is a respected columnist advocating for women in tech, advocating for funding equality, and mentoring aspiring female founders. Young AI Role Model of the Year Chenyang Lyu: A final year PhD student at DCU with an impressive track record of research, particularly in the application of pre-trained Large Language Models to Question and a...

Leo Clancy is Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government agency that helps innovative Irish businesses go global Enterprise Ireland's mission is to accelerate the development of world-class Irish companies to achieve leading positions in global markets. Its network of 39 international  offices encourage international companies to source Irish innovation, and support Irish companies to scale internationally.  Before being appointed as CEO of Enterprise Ireland, Leo was part of the Executive team at IDA Ireland, responsible for a number of areas including Technology and Business Services markets, IT and Marketing. In that role, Leo worked extensively with global technology and services companies invested in Ireland. Prior to his public sector career, Leo spent 17 years in the telecommunications industry, including in a number of management, technical and engineering roles. He was part of the senior leadership team at e|net, a high-growth Irish wholesale broadband provider. He spent the early part of his career at Ericsson, working as an engineer and manager in Ireland and across Europe, the Middle East and Africa within global services on deployment of telecommunications networks. Leo is a graduate of Electronic and Electrical Engineering from Dublin Institute of Technology. He grew up on a farm in County Tipperary and retains a strong fundamental understanding of the agricultural and food sector. This episode is hosted by Dave Byrne

Bloomberg Opinion Columnist Matt Levine discusses his piece Startup Bank Had a Startup Bank Run. Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Analyst for US Regional Banks Herman Chan and Anna Kooi, National Financial Services Leader at Wipfli, talk about the Silicon Valley Bank collapse and contagion concerns. Mary Buckley, Interim CEO of IDA Ireland, shares her thoughts on the global business health for Ireland. Bloomberg Businessweek Editor Joel Weber and Bloomberg News Technology Reporter Austin Carr provide the details of Austin's Businessweek Magazine story Uber for Trucks? Why Freight's Future Is More Than Just Apps. And we Drive to the Close with Liz Young, Head of Investment Strategy at SoFi. Hosts: Carol Massar and Katie Greifeld. Producer: Paul Brennan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.