After several years of experimentation and pilot projects, AI in the telecoms industry is now beginning to show measurable improvements. Industry data from providers, such as Subex, indicates that billing queries can be reduced by up to 60% through better automation and error reduction. However, research conducted by MIT highlights a wider shift across the sector from early-stage innovation in labs to embedding AI solutions directly into operational IT systems.
These findings underscore a maturing landscape, where both vendors and communications service providers (CSPs) are focusing on practical deployment and demonstrating clear returns on investment.
Within this evolving context, Cerillion is providing a true product approach with AI built into the core of its BSS/OSS product suite, so CSPs can immediately benefit from the technology without needing any specific AI expertise or complex integration. This follows a “Bring Your Own” AI model, which supports all the major public large language models (LLMs), but can equally be used with private models.
In recognition of this progress, Cerillion has recently been positioned in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant™ for AI in CSP Customer and Business Operations. This new report reflects how AI capabilities are now becoming integral to core telecom operations, moving beyond pilot projects into large-scale deployments. With many CSPs looking to Gartner research when shaping their technology strategies, this acknowledgement underscores the growing importance of embedding AI within BSS/OSS platforms to deliver measurable business outcomes.
A key area of Cerillion’s solution involves GenAI-powered image recognition to support rapid product configuration. This approach allows CSP teams to sketch new product ideas on a whiteboard, upload a picture into Cerillion’s Enterprise Product Catalogue, and the configuration is built automatically. This is already proving to significantly shorten product development lifecycles, with time savings of up to 95%.
Additionally, the company’s AI-driven promotions engine is used to support faster and more precise marketing campaigns, enabling offers tailored to customer behaviour and preferences.
AI adoption in telecoms is now focused towards delivering outcomes that matter, including:
As technologies continue to advance, CSPs face increasing pressure to move beyond AI pilot projects and demonstrate tangible business value. Successful deployments are expected to integrate AI capabilities within core business support systems (BSS) and operations support systems (OSS), ensuring scalability, compliance, and smooth operation alongside existing infrastructure.
CSPs who effectively embed AI into their business processes, treating it as a foundational operational capability rather than a standalone feature, are likely to achieve faster and more sustainable benefits.
For CSPs aiming to modernise, the industry is at a turning point. Third-party benchmarks, such as those from Subex and academic studies from MIT, show a sector-wide transformation is underway. Cerillion’s ongoing innovation efforts, including AI-powered image recognition for product setup and AI-driven promotions, exemplify how emerging technologies can contribute to operational improvements and greater responsiveness to market needs.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is not long just a buzzword, but a pivotal force driving unprecedented business transformation and growth. The technology is fundamentally reshaping how businesses in Ireland operate, innovate, and compete. According to the Dell Innovation Catalyst Study, 76% of organisations based in Ireland are already considering AI and GenAI a key part of their business strategy, with 84% reporting substantial ROI and productivity gains from adopting these technologies. Moreover, 66% of Irish organisations are at early to mid-stage in their AI and GenAI adoption journey, while 90% see strong opportunities to leverage Agentic AI within their business operations. Ivor Buckley, Field CTO at Dell Technologies Ireland and Northern Ireland tells us more.
However, there are complexities involved with fully harnessing the power of GenAI. To build and train GenAI models, organisations need vast amounts of information. In turn, these same models also generate vast quantities of data to go back into the business. So, the question each business leader must ask before embracing AI and GenAI is: are our storage solutions up to the task?
The solution is scalable, secure, and economically sound data architecture that will set apart the organisations simply running in the AI race, and those leading it.
Storage solutions for the GenAI age
For GenAI to be successfully deployed, organisations must rethink, rearchitect and optimise their storage to effectively manage GenAI’s hefty data management requirements. By doing so, organisations will avoid a potential slowdown in processes due to inadequate or improperly designed storage.
The reality is that traditional storage systems are already struggling to keep pace with the explosion of data, and as GenAI systems advance and tackle new, more complex tasks the requirements will only increase. In other words, storage platforms must be aligned with the more complex realities of unstructured data, also known as qualitative data, and the emerging needs of GenAI.
In fact, unstructured data accounts for over 90% of the data created each year – largely due to a rise in human generated data, meaning the sphere is made up of cluttered and muddled columns of analysis. Enterprises need new ways to cost-effectively store data of this scale and complexity, while still providing easy and quick access to it and protecting it against cyber criminals. Unstructured data specifically is of interest to hackers, due to its value and sheer volume.
Organizations are seeking to enhance how they manage data—whether it’s moving, accessing, scaling, or safeguarding it. In the pursuit of rapid improvement, many have adopted solutions that store data across several public cloud platforms. While these public cloud environments can deliver immediate benefits, such as increased flexibility and availability, they often introduce longer-term complications.
Over time, organizations may face rising costs associated with moving data into and out of different clouds, heightened security risks, and challenges when attempting to optimize their data across these disparate environments. For generative AI to reach its full potential, it requires straightforward, reliable access to quality data; unfortunately, strategies that prioritize public cloud only adoption above all else frequently struggle to meet these requirements.
Organisations should instead look to adopt a multicloud by design approach. This will help them unlock the full potential of multicloud in the short and long-term, without being constrained by siloed ecosystems of proprietary tools and services. Multicloud by design brings management consistency to storing, protecting and securing data in multicloud environments.
Investing in new storage technologies
Businesses need new, novel approaches that cater to GenAI’s specific requirements and vast, diverse data sets. Some of these cutting-edge technologies include distributed storage, data compression and data indexing.
Distributed storage enhances the scalability and reliability of GenAI systems by housing data across multiple locations. For example, organisations can rapidly scale their storage needs across several nodes, should demand increase, as well as replicate their most critical data, allowing it to be vaulted in a separate location and easily retrieved in the event of a cyber-attack.
Another key concern facing many organisations is cost. However, this can be addressed in part through data compression. By removing unwanted data through data compression methods, organisations can reduce their storage needs. This is achieved by more effectively analysing data and removing unnecessary information to achieve a more summarised version. This in turn reduces the amount of storage required by the organisation and consequently, saves on costs.
Data Indexing on the other hand improves retrieval capabilities, and search capabilities, speeding up training and operational efficiency. Together, these technologies enhance performance, efficiency, and cost-savings.
To fully capitalise on GenAI’s potential, Irish organisations must prioritise a solid storage foundation and effective data management strategy. This will be a key focus at the upcoming Dell Technologies Forum 2025 in Dublin, where business leaders will explore the infrastructure needed to seamlessly integrate AI and GenAI into their operations. Attendees will gain practical insights from Dell experts and hear first-hand about the latest developments in AI, multi-cloud, and other innovative technologies.
It’s clear that there are vast opportunities ahead for organisations to enhance productivity and drive transformation in the AI era. To ensure your business is ready to lead, register today for the Dell Technologies Forum 2025 and discover how to turn GenAI and data into a true competitive advantage.
The Dell Technologies Forum 2025 is run in collaboration with Intel, Microsoft and NVIDIA. For more information and to register for this event, click here.
Sales has always been a numbers game, but the rules of the game are changing fast. Traditional outreach methods—cold calls, mass email blasts, and scripted pitches—are giving way to intelligent, data-driven strategies. At the center of this revolution is theAI BDR (Artificial Intelligence Business Development Representative), a solution designed to automate lead qualification, personalize communication, and scale outreach efforts like never before.
What Exactly Is an AI BDR?
In simple terms, an AI BDR is a digital agent that uses artificial intelligence to handle the repetitive but essential tasks of a human sales development representative. Instead of spending hours prospecting, qualifying leads, and following up manually, sales teams can let AI handle the heavy lifting.
The key difference is intelligence. Unlike old automated dialers or email systems, modern AI BDRs use natural language processing (NLP), machine learning, and conversational AI to adapt to real human interactions. They don’t just deliver a message; they respond, learn, and guide prospects toward meaningful conversations with live sales reps.
Core Benefits of AI BDRs
Scalability – An AI BDR can reach hundreds of leads at once, without fatigue or time limitations.
Consistency – Every prospect receives the same level of attention and follow-up, eliminating human inconsistency.
Personalization – By analyzing CRM data, past interactions, and buyer behavior, AI BDRs can craft messages that feel tailored, not generic.
Faster Qualification – Unqualified leads are filtered out automatically, so sales reps spend time only on prospects with real potential.
From my experience, one of the greatest advantages is simply time. Sales teams that adopt AI BDRs often find they can shorten the sales cycle and close deals faster because their pipeline is better managed from the very start.
Real-World Applications
Voice AI Agents: AI BDRs powered by voice AI can hold natural conversations with prospects, answer basic questions, and set up meetings.
Email Outreach: Instead of static drip campaigns, AI systems analyze open rates, response tone, and engagement to send dynamic follow-ups.
CRM Integration: AI BDRs can plug into Salesforce, HubSpot, or custom CRMs to enrich profiles and provide reps with updated insights before calls.
Some companies even use AI BDRs as the first line of contact for inbound leads—qualifying interest, asking screening questions, and scheduling demos automatically.
Challenges to Consider
AI BDRs are not perfect. There are still hurdles that organizations must keep in mind:
Human Touch: Prospects dealing with high-value or complex solutions still want to speak with a real person at some stage.
Bias and Accuracy: AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on. Poor data leads to poor outcomes.
Adoption Resistance: Sales reps may initially see AI as a threat rather than an ally, making training and change management critical.
The best implementations combine the speed and scalability of AI with the creativity and empathy of human sales teams.
The Future of Sales Outreach with AI
The trend is clear: sales organizations that embrace AI BDRs will have a competitive edge. Future developments will likely include:
Emotion Recognition: AI agents detecting frustration, excitement, or hesitation in a prospect’s tone.
Deeper Personalization: Outreach customized at an individual level, powered by richer behavioral data.
24/7 Global Outreach: AI BDRs engaging with leads across time zones, ensuring no opportunity slips through.
Sales is evolving into a hybrid model where AI handles repetitive engagement while humans focus on closing and building relationships. That synergy, rather than competition, is what will define the next generation of sales success.
Final Thoughts
AI BDRs are more than a trend—they represent a fundamental shift in how sales teams operate. By combining automation, intelligence, and personalization, they transform outreach from a numbers-driven grind into a smart, scalable process that maximizes results.
And while sales teams explore AI to improve lead generation and qualification, other industries are finding creative applications too. For example, digital entertainment platforms show how AI-powered interactive experiences can redefine how people engage with content—a direction explored by projects on Yanina Games. It’s another reminder that AI isn’t just reshaping business—it’s reshaping how humans connect, learn, and play.
Equifax has announced the opening of its state-of-the-art AI Innovation Lab at its operation in Wexford, Ireland, a new facility dedicated to advancing the company’s global artificial intelligence research and development. The new Lab builds on the company’s more than 10-year history of AI innovation and expands its global team of over 1,200 data and analytics professionals.
This investment, supported by the Irish Government, through IDA Ireland, will serve as a global hub for innovation, bringing together highly skilled data and technology specialists to create next-generation AI solutions that enhance decision-making, improve customer and consumer experiences, and help global organisations reduce risk.
The AI Innovation Lab will focus on developing advanced AI models, machine learning algorithms, Research and Development, and data analytics tools to address complex challenges faced by businesses and consumers. For its initial phase, the lab will concentrate on AI-driven solutions for credit risk assessment that can augment decision-making for fintechs and financial institutions. These innovations will leverage advanced AI to provide affordability and creditworthiness insights, helping more people access mainstream financial opportunities and driving greater financial inclusion. This includes enhancing fraud detection, improving credit risk assessment, optimising marketing strategies, and strengthening cybersecurity measures.
The lab will play an important role in advancing the Equifax global EFX.AI strategy, furthering the company’s ongoing innovation and the development of data-driven solutions that can help open up new financial opportunities for consumers.
Ceann Comhairle, Verona Murphy TD, said:“The Equifax decision to establish its AI Innovation Lab in Wexford is a powerful vote of confidence in Wexford and the South East Region, this investment highlights the highly skilled workforce and culture of innovation on offer in Wexford for companies that wish to expand their offering globally.”
Paul Heywood, Chief Data & Analytics Officer for Equifax Europe, commented:“Our new AI Innovation Lab is designed to empower financial institutions with the tools needed to make smarter, faster, and more confident credit decisions, helping more consumers live their financial best. Through the AI Innovation Lab, and by harnessing our unique data and insights within the Equifax Cloud, we are committed to delivering secure, reliable, and innovative best-in-class solutions for businesses and consumers alike.
Driving AI innovation is a key EFX2027 Strategic Priority. We are incredibly excited to expand our Wexford team through this investment and have immense confidence in the calibre and expertise of the marketplace in Ireland and specifically in the South East, as evidenced by our thirty-year presence in Wexford town.”
Deirdre O’Connor, Head of Regional Development, IDA Ireland said: ‘I wish to congratulate Equifax on the opening of this AI Innovation lab. Artificial Intelligence is a key growth driver in IDA Ireland’s new strategy ‘Adapt Intelligently.’ The Equifax decision to expand its presence in Wexford is a testament to Ireland’s position as a hub for global innovation and AI. I am delighted that this will bring Equifax employment in Wexford to 100 employees and would like to wish them every success with this AI Innovation Lab.’’
The official opening on 10 September 2025 brought together senior Equifax leaders, Raghu Kulkarni, Chief AI Officer; Ritu Sharma, SVP, Global AI Governance and Model Risk Management; Elizabeth Chapman, VP Operations, Transformation and Change; and Paul Heywood, Chief Data and Analytics Officer for Equifax UK; as well as government representatives, and industry stakeholders including IDA Ireland.
Agentic AI represents the next frontier in artificial intelligence innovation where autonomous agents work together as a team. Although agentic AI is in its early stages, it has the potential to help enterprises achieve remarkable gains in productivity, efficiency, and scalability by eliminating inefficiencies and seamlessly scaling an organization’s collective skills. With AI agents, enterprises can gain a competitive advantage by delivering insights faster and making strategic decisions more effectively.
Neil Bowden, Director of Data Analytics & AI, Dell Technologies Ireland tells us more below
AI lessens the burden of using complex tools and dissolves siloes by augmenting human capabilities. Now, employees can contribute more meaningfully to specialized tasks with the assistance of AI. Teams working with AI are three times more likely to be in the top decile of performance than individuals working with AI or teams working without AI.
Defining Agentic AI
An AI agent is a software system that uses artificial intelligence to autonomously make decisions and take actions to achieve a set of objectives. AI agents have the power to reason, learn and adapt based on their perception of the work environment. As a result, they can be given a goal and carry out complex tasks to reach that goal, with minimal or potentially no human interaction.
AI agents surpass automation by adapting and learning within complex workflows. To tap into the potential of agentic AI, it’s important to understand the difference between automation and autonomy. Automation is a predefined set of actions that are performed by a piece of technology, whereas autonomy is an intent that is given to technology and the technology then determines and performs the task. Autonomy happens when the human ceases to be the “doer” of the work or ceases to define the workflow.
Take supply chain management as an example. An automated robot can be designed to pick, pack and ship goods in a productive manner that reduces errors, achieving faster order completion and customer satisfaction. An autonomous agent, or AI agent, can optimize supply chain management by predicting demand, managing inventory levels, and coordinating with suppliers to ensure timely restocking. It could identify potential disruptions and suggest solutions to maintain the smooth flow of goods.
Generative AI vs. Agentic AI – Understanding Their Unique Roles
AI agents are different from GenAI chatbots and assistants. GenAI chatbots and assistants help us unlock the power of data, so we can more effectively interact with and act on it. In contrast, AI agents interact with the data and act on our behalf based on our desired goals and without our intervention.
An AI agent is typically composed of a core (i.e., a persona, goals, and a list of available tools); a memory; tools to perceive and interact with its environment; and some form of reasoning function that is likely based on an AI model (e.g., LLM). The capabilities of these building blocks determine the AI agent’s reasoning ability and influence its degree of autonomy.
Balancing Autonomy and Oversight for Effective AI Integration
Humans are critical to agentic AI because they provide intentionality for AI agents. Despite the autonomous nature of AI agents, there is still a human involved in defining what success looks like to the AI agents. The biggest shift from GenAI chatbots and assistants to AI agents is that humans are in the loop with GenAI tools. This means humans are deeply involved in defining how work is going to be done.
With the current slate of AI agents, humans are on the loop. This means that you define the outcome and the intent, but you have delegated the AI agent to figure out how to perform the task. AI agents will become one of the most impactful tools that accelerate enterprise efficiency by taking on complex tasks while continuously improving themselves through learning and adaptation.
These questions of oversight, governance, and the evolving relationship between humans and AI are not just theoretical, they are at the heart of the conversations we’ll be having at the Dell Technologies Forum in Dublin on September 23rd. From exploring how Irish businesses can build trustworthy, autonomous AI systems to examining next-generation AI infrastructure, to understanding how GenAI and Agentic AI work in tandem. This year’s Forum will bring these concepts to life with real-world examples and the insights of Dell experts.
Practical Applications of Agentic AI
AI agents are autonomous and function-serving, which means they are capable of interfacing with other systems and taking actions in those systems. However, the first generation of AI agents are captive within a particular product, system, or vendor. As the technology advances and interoperability standards are defined, it can be leveraged across software programs and across business units from sales to finance, marketing to HR, and in the supply chain.
To prepare for agentic AI, enterprises should look at their technology infrastructure foundation and ensure it is equipped to power and scale AI agents. Identify priority use cases to plug AI agents and start thinking about how to integrate them into your workflows across enterprise software systems and other IT operations.
At this year’s Forum, speakers will provide practical advice for decision makers that can help their organisation overcome infrastructure challenges, unlock productivity, and prepare their workforce for new roles in an AI-driven environment. Sessions will dive into how IT leaders can balance innovation with security, compliance, and ethical considerations while scaling AI initiatives.
The Potential Impact of Agentic AI
Before we know it, AI agents will become the new Application Programming Interface (API) of business, enhancing the way enterprises operate regardless of industry. The real value of AI agents is not when they are in isolation, but rather when they start to work together. This could be an ensemble of agents working inside your company (e.g., different AI agents with different frameworks), or the next evolution: when your AI agents can interact with someone else’s AI agents. With interoperability standards soon to be defined, it won’t be hard to imagine your AI agents interworking with the AI agents of vendors, partners, and customers. The possibilities are endless.
I’m excited for what the future holds for agentic AI and how it will propel enterprises into the future. Dell Technologies Forum will be an important forum for these discussions, bringing together Ireland’s business community to explore agentic AI and its impact on business transformation, leadership, and competitiveness in the AI era.
Join them at the Royal Dublin Society in Dublin on September 23rd for the 2025 Dell Technologies Forum, run in collaboration with NVIDIA, Intel, and Microsoft. For more information and to register for this event, click here
Dell Technologies Ireland has today announced the launch of the Dell Technologies Forum 2025 which will take place in the Royal Dublin Society (RDS), Dublin 4 on September 23rd, 2025.
The Dell Technologies Forum 2025 will help businesses accelerate AI-powered innovation and embrace new possibilities in AI-integrated solutions to boost efficiency, propel future growth, and inspire business transformation.
Across the keynote, solutions expo, curated breakout sessions, insightful panels and more, decision makers will hear from a range of exciting experts and speakers on the innovative solutions that can empower them to transform at speed and accelerate their organisation’s growth potential. From AI-powered transformation and the next generation of AI PCs to modern data centers and multicloud, the event will provide practical and impactful insights for leaders on unlocking the power of AI in their organisation.
Former Ireland Rugby Captain and Grand Slam winner, Peter O’Mahony, will take to the stage and join Lynne Cantwell, the most capped Irish Women’s Rugby Player, and Head of Women’s Strategy at the IRFU, as well as David Humphreys, former Ireland player and Performance Director at the IRFU, to discuss achieving peak performance on and off the track. Sports broadcaster and presenter Jacqui Hurley will join speakers for an insightful session exploring how best to build a high-performance and innovative workplace culture that can foster growth and success.
Jason Ward, EMEA North Vice-President and Managing Director of Dell Technologies Ireland said: “AI’s transformative impact is redefining how we work, innovate and do business. In this AI-enabled era, it’s increasingly clear that business leaders have an important responsibility to advance their organisation’s AI journey in order to fully unlock their growth potential.
“The 2025 edition of Dell Technologies Forum in Dublin, will provide Ireland’s business community with practical and impactful insights on accelerating innovation in AI. By leveraging the expertise of our speakers and industry experts at the event, we aim to continue being a trusted technology vendor to our customers and partners across Ireland as they drive their AI transformation agenda forward.”
The Dell Technologies Forum is run in collaboration with Intel, Microsoft, and NVIDIA. For more information and to register for this event, visit: Dell Technologies Forum Ireland 2025.
BowelScreen, as part of Ireland’s HSE’s National Screening Service, is contributing to a major EU-funded research initiative exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) and microbiome science could shape the future of colorectal cancer screening.
As part of the five-year Microb-AI-ome project, the national screening programme is supporting research efforts through collaboration with technology partner Viatel Technology Group.
The Microb-AI-ome project, funded by Horizon Europe, brings together institutions from five countries to investigate whether AI-driven analysis of gut microbiome data can improve the accuracy of bowel cancer screening. The research aims to reduce unnecessary colonoscopies, enhance early detection, and improve patient outcomes in the future.
Professor Pádraic Mac Mathúna MD FRCPI, Clinical Director, BowelScreen Ireland said: “This research could pave the way for a more accurate and efficient screening process that supports early detection and prevention of bowel cancer and reduces unnecessary colonoscopies, ultimately improving outcomes for screening participants across Europe.” For the AI to function effectively, it requires access to a broad and diverse dataset from volunteer screening participants. To ensure privacy and compliance, the Microb-AI-ome platform anonymises all sensitive information and retains it within secure cloud databases. To contribute to this international research effort, BowelScreen has facilitated the enrolment of patients by three research hospitals across Ireland, who will provide stool samples for microbiome analysis.
Viatel, leveraging Microsoft Azure technology, has developed the bespoke, cloud-based data-management solution to manage the Irish data repository.
Professor Pádraic Mac Mathúna added: “The platform we have devised with Viatel will allow us to analyse a huge volume of metadata generated from participants’ stool samples to make it interpretable as a signal to say the person is at risk, or is not at risk.”
James Finglas, Managing Director of Viatel Digital Services said: “This is game-changing for the potential use of AI in population-based cancer screening. It analyses millions of data points per patient to identify an individual’s risk of pre-cancer changes or bowel cancer. Consequently, this technology may identify those who need a colonoscopy, creating positive outcomes for patients.” Security and compliance were paramount in the platform’s development. Fully compliant with Irish legislation and GDPR standards, the system ensures the highest levels of patient confidentiality and data protection.
“Viatel has the experience and expertise to develop what we need. It was really beneficial to have that collaboration between Microsoft and Viatel to be able to generate this platform for us,” Professor Pádraic Mac Mathúna said.
This initiative highlights the growing role of the AI sector in healthcare innovation, and underscores the importance of strategic AI roadmaps in shaping the future of healthcare delivery. “This is a tremendous example of how AI can be adopted in a real and meaningful way. A lot of people are talking about AI right now, but we’re immensely proud to be effecting change in our work to get the most out of Microsoft’s AI solutions,” Finglas concluded.
EXL, a global data and AI company, has opened its new headquarters for international business in Dublin’s Docklands. An Tánaiste Simon Harris TD hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony with EXL Chairman and CEO Rohit Kapoor, The Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam, Professor Colin Scott, Deputy President and Vice President of Academic Affairs, University College of Dublin and other distinguished guests.
The announcement underscores EXL’s continued commitment to Ireland as a strategic hub for its global operations. Since establishing a presence in Dublin in 2023, the company has been working toward its goal of hiring up to 200 technology specialists.
The Tánaiste also received a tour of EXL’s new AI Innovation Lab, a dedicated centre for the research and development of cutting-edge, industry-specific AI solutions. The AI Innovation Lab will initially employ 60 highly skilled professionals.
The lab is designed to:
Expand the capabilities of EXL’s EXLerate.AI platform by developing next-generation AI and data solutions.
Provide a collaborative environment for clients and EXL experts to co-create industry-specific AI solutions that drive transformation across sectors including healthcare, insurance, banking, utilities, travel and transportation, and retail.
Shape tailored data and AI strategies that align with client-specific business objectives, accelerating innovation and measurable outcomes.
Integrate clients’ enterprise-wide data and AI using EXLerate.AI to deliver intelligent insights that power smarter decisions and improved business performance.
Rohit Kapoor, Chairman and CEO of EXL, said: “EXL is proud to deepen its roots in Ireland with the launch of our new headquarters for international business and the opening of our AI Innovation Lab. This expansion not only reflects our confidence in Dublin as a leading hub for AI talent and innovation, but also our ambition to deliver AI-powered solutions to clients across the globe. We’re excited to grow our presence in Ireland while advancing the frontiers of AI.”
An Tánaiste Simon Harris TD, Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland, said: “By investing in local talent and fostering strong partnerships with Ireland’s world-class academic institutions, EXL is helping to position Dublin as a global centre of excellence for AI. Ireland is well‑placed to be a hub of innovation in this space, and EXL’s plans to continue to collaborate with local research institutions will be an important contribution to developing the next generation of talent.”
Mary Buckley, Executive Director at IDA Ireland, said: ‘’I am delighted that EXL is officially launching its headquarters for international business and AI Innovation Lab. Artificial intelligence is a key growth driver in IDA Ireland’s new strategy ‘Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation. This milestone underscores EXL’s commitment to innovation and reflects Ireland’s position as a global hub for cutting-edge digital investment and talent.’’
EXL’s AI Innovation Lab builds on EXL’s existing partnerships with Irish academic institutions such as University College Dublin (UCD), CeADAR, and Trinity College Dublin, which were initiated in 2023, including:
EXL and UCD Innovation and AI Lab: an ongoing collaborative initiative with University College Dublin and CeADAR, a leading AI research agency. The objective is to provide select leaders at EXL a unique and dynamic ecosystem to experiment and build innovative solutions towards an AI-driven future.
Sprint by Irish innovators: a dynamic, hands-on session led by top Irish innovators to spark fresh ideas, co-create practical solutions, and inspire a culture of experimentation across EXL.
Sponsor of a student hackathon at UCD: fostering innovation and real-world problem solving among emerging talent in data, AI, and digital transformation.
EXL and Trinity AI Advantage Program with Trinity College Dublin: equipping leaders with AI-powered decision-making and innovation capabilities.
Rowan McGrath, Senior Vice President, International at EXL, said: “Through initiatives such as the EXL-UCD Innovation and AI Lab, the EXL-Trinity AI Advantage Program and student hackathons, EXL is working closely with Irish universities to drive the development of AI talent and promote real-world innovation in AI and digital transformation.”
Storm Technology, a Littlefish company, today announces new findings from its survey* which found that 68% of IT leaders believe the use of AI by staff reduces stress levels.
The research – involving 200 IT decision-makers and leaders across Ireland and the UK (100 respondents per market) – found that 60% think AI will help reduce burnout in their organisation, with almost three quarters (72%) of respondents of the opinion that AI would help employees to achieve a better work life balance.
Meanwhile, some 66% think AI would allow employees to reduce manual repetitive tasks and focus on more meaningful work, with 57% revealing employees are optimistic about the potential impact of AI on their day-to-day routine.
Showing the influence of AI and the current level of uptake across businesses in Ireland, some 69% of IT leaders in this market would prefer to work for a company that is more advanced in terms of AI adoption.
The research found that 70% of respondents in Ireland are in organisations which already permit the use of AI and 68% are using the technology to assist with their own work. In fact, over half (51%) use AI on a daily basis for work purposes and only 2% never use it at all.
However, the research found that barriers remain when it comes to AI adoption, the most cited one being a lack of understanding within the wider organisation about potential applications or benefits – selected by 31% of all respondents.
Backing this up, almost three quarters (73%) of IT leaders agree that user adoption is a concern when it comes to AI implementation. Furthermore, almost a third (30%) do not believe senior management in their organisation understand the potential of AI.
The other top barriers to AI adoption were the management of data, privacy and security (28%), lack of trust in AI (27%), employee resistance (27%), and a lack of AI skills in the organisation (27%).
On the topic of AI skills, 40% of IT leaders do not believe their team currently has the technical skills or knowledge to implement or adopt AI. Perhaps unsurprisingly then, 70% think employees expect to receive AI training and enablement.
John Tallon, M365 Productivity & Adoption, Azure Application Innovation and Azure Data & AI Practice Director, Storm Technology, said: “AI is creating a predicament for people and businesses. On the one hand, it is seen as a means of reducing workload stresses, supporting creativity, and productivity. However, on the other hand, there is reluctance to adopt AI, stemming from a gap in understanding and the necessary skills required. Businesses will need to bridge this knowledge gap to capitalise on the benefits of AI. Empowering people will drive the biggest impact across the whole business.”
