Tech Industry Alliance’s flagship annual conference, TechFest 2025, brought over 400 delegates to the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork on Thursday, 15 May, for a powerful day of insight, innovation, and inspiration. With the theme “Tech & Humanity – Shaping Our Future,” the event challenged attendees to re-imagine our relationship with technology—from the rise of AI to the future of work and the next frontier: space.
Hosted by Tech Industry Alliance, the conference brought together tech and business leaders, educators, startups, and policymakers from across the South West of Ireland to explore how technology is impacting every aspect of society—and how we can ensure that progress is human-centred, ethical, and inclusive.
Tech & Humanity – Shaping Our Future
The conference opened with a captivating keynote by neuroscientist and broadcaster Dr. Hannah Critchlow, who explored “Consciousness and Our Evolving Relationship with AI”. The morning continued with a powerful panel on AI and Humanity, moderated by Jonathan McCrea, that delved into the ethical, philosophical, and societal impacts of artificial intelligence.
Later in the day, Cormac O’Sullivan of MBRYONICS delivered a visionary talk on “Building the Internet in Space”, which led into a thought-provoking discussion on Space and the Future of Humanity, highlighting the South West’s growing role in space-tech innovation.
Other key sessions examined the future of tech talent, exploring the skills and strategies needed to future-proof the workforce, and featured a showcase of evolving tech companies, with early-stage startups from the region pitching their products and sharing their journeys.
Exhibition stands, networking lounges, and interactive sessions throughout the day gave attendees opportunities to connect, learn, and collaborate.
A Region Leading the Way
Gerry Murphy, Chairperson of Tech Industry Alliance, commented on the event with a strong call to action: “TechFest 2025 has shown what happens when bright minds and bold ideas come together. The South West is not just keeping pace—we’re helping to shape the future of technology on a national and international stage. Today’s conversations will echo in tomorrow’s innovations.”
“Our deep thanks go to our sponsors and partners, whose commitment helps drive the growth and cohesion of the region’s tech ecosystem. This is about more than technology—it’s about people, purpose, and progress.”