Category: Irish Tech News

First of its kind Machine Vision Accelerator to be established by Digital Manufacturing Ireland

Digital Manufacturing Ireland (DMI) is excited to announce the launch of the Vision Accelerator at its headquarters in Limerick, Ireland. This initiative builds on DMI’s commitment to Cognitive Manufacturing and the work of the Visual Cognitive Manufacturing Group (VCMG).

This leading-edge vision technology facility, to be called the Vision Accelerator, will be instrumental in supporting manufacturers in developing, understanding, and deploying machine vision technologies in the manufacturing sector. Work on the new facility has begun and is scheduled to be completed in Summer 2025.

The Vision Accelerator will be equipped with the latest advancements in machine vision from innovators and global technology leaders and will be staffed by a dedicated team of experts. It will offer companies the tools and resources to overcome the challenges of adopting these transformative technologies in an open, collaborative environment. For proprietary projects, restricted areas will be available for companies to work in a private environment while maintaining access to expertise and equipment.

A highlight of the Vision Accelerator is its comprehensive technology exemplar area, featuring a wide range of machine vision solutions, including digital microscopes, smart vision sensors, traditional and AI-driven vision systems, advanced optics, lighting, and vision-guided robotics for assembly.

This new facility will be a valuable resource for companies seeking to adopt or expand their use of machine vision in manufacturing. Open to manufacturers and machine builders worldwide, the Vision Accelerator will serve as a testing and incubation hub, enabling businesses to explore and implement machine vision solutions in their automation processes.

Combined with DMI’s Workforce of the Future (WF) Centre of Excellence and its advanced digital factory, the Vision Accelerator allows DMI to collaborate with clients and witness the tangible benefits of cognitive manufacturing and digital transformation in real-world production environments, while keeping people at the centre of the process.

The Vision Accelerator, a significant investment supported by the Government of Ireland, through IDA Ireland, underscores the critical role of machine vision in shaping the future of Irish manufacturing.

Tommy Brennan, Cognitive Manufacturing Manager at DMI, said “This initiative marks a significant step forward in Ireland’s digital manufacturing journey. The Vision Accelerator will also focus on training and upskilling talent, ensuring that Ireland remains a leader in the integration of machine vision technology across sectors, including food and beverage, life sciences, and technology. We eagerly anticipate the innovation and advancements that will emerge from this world-class facility for Irish-based manufacturing.”

Rachel Shelly, Global Head of Life Sciences and Food at IDA Ireland said, “IDA Ireland is delighted that Digital Manufacturing Ireland (DMI) are launching their new Vision Accelerator. By supporting organizations to develop, understand, and deploy machine vision technologies, this initiative from DMI will significantly impact manufacturing in Ireland and beyond. DMI is fulfilling its mission of enabling manufacturers to access, adopt, and accelerate new digital technologies that drive future competitiveness.”

The Vision Accelerator is scheduled to be open for business in Summer 2025. To be part of this development and gain access to many of the other opportunities DMI offer in the Cognitive Manufacturing space, connect with the VCMG (Visual Cognitive Manufacturing Group) at vcmg@dmireland.org or connect with us at: https://www.dmireland.org/collaboration-group/visual-cognitive-manufacturing-group

Virgin Media, Eir: The best fixed-line Internet performances in 2024

Barometer of fixed internet connections in Ireland, The analysis period is from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.

The nPerf barometer is based on 15,886 tests performed by users in real conditions via the nPerf website or using the nPerf application available on Android and iOS.

Sky achieved a notable performance with a nPerf score of 112,942, offering a balanced Internet experience with a Download bitrate of 104 Mbps and an Upload bitrate of 33 Mbps. Despite a Latency of 21 ms, Sky excelled in Browsing at 83%.

Three, with a score of 90,522, focused on providing solid Internet basics, displaying a Download bitrate of 65 Mbps and an Upload bitrate of 30 Mbps, while maintaining a Latency of 32 ms.

Virgin Media led the market with a top nPerf score of 124,559, showcasing a superior Download bitrate of 216 Mbps and an Upload bitrate of 44 Mbps, coupled with a Streaming performance of 89%.

Vodafone showed a strong presence with a score of 114,795, highlighted by an exceptional Upload bitrate of 46 Mbps and outstanding Browsing performance at 85%.

Eir delivered robust results with a nPerf score of 121,760, accompanied by a Download bitrate of 187 Mbps and an Upload bitrate of 45 Mbps, excelling in Streaming at 89%.

“This year, we have seen remarkable improvements in overall performance, particularly in upload speeds and browsing experiences, indicating a positive trend towards enhancing user experience,” said Sébastien de Rosbo, Managing Director nPerf.

Focus WiFi:

Virgin Media is the operator that offers the best WiFi experience in Ireland.

WiFi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to the Internet without physical cables. It provides flexibility and mobility, enabling users to access the Internet from various locations within the coverage area. The main advantages of WiFi are its convenience and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously.

RIP.ie charging €100 for death notices is a big deal for many

As we all now know that RIP.ie is now set to charge a 100 lids to get an ad on their site which gets millions of hits a month, we also know the Irish Times bought the family owned business and it was a matter of time they would introduce this and I seen it coming and now they are going to bastardise the site that most people loved, in fact it is a kind of social media for the elderly site keeping up with those who they once known especially those who left the country could look in and keep up to date with things back at home.

It is a simply made website and people will argue it costs to run which in fairness it will but unlike other platforms used today and like my own which costs to run an maintain each year with a few thousand views a day we do not have a paywall never will have one nor do we charge to review the tech products you see. It is not that much to maintain cost wise and not so much to charge the price they are now suggesting.

Not only this is you will notice we have no pop up banners or ads all over the shop interrupting the clean feed we provide and making the site look like the red tops online offerings but we have embedded ads which are part of the platforms deal and there is nothing we can do about that but again non intrusive or repetitive. We are not here to cash in full stop.

Death and funerals is a good business to be in so they say, the church and the priest even gets to cash in and we are fine with that  we are all going to die like it or not but with how things are now with the cost of living and so on this is just a kick in the bollix especially for the older generation who would more inclined to use the website.

OK it costs to place an ad on the radio or in the paper this is down to you though the service is there and only you decide if you want to cough up the money to use them but the freemium model always wins right?.

Yes it does and there is ways to get money from websites other than charge and that is via advertising which the new owners of RIP.ie could easily do and not be scabby or intrusive about it.

I have already seen the usual suspects cash in on this for clicks supporting the move which is no surprise at all and these people simply have no morals and from what I hear and have interest in myself now is others setting up a new free model which I would fully support and if I had the time I would do it on my own.

We all get old but we can’t bring everything with us when we die life is not just about money. Ultimately here I think this is kite flying and the cost will be less if they had any morals after all it is a business and not a charity however the fee they ask for now stinks and many see it as another cash grab like when they bought MyHome back in 2006. RIP was making a profit now the Irish Times just want to cash in.

 

 

 

Teen-Turn Student Awarded Trane Technologies Thermoking Scholarship to Pursue Engineering at ATU Galway

Orlaith Heaney, from County Mayo, and a former student at Mount Saint Michael Secondary School, has been awarded a prestigious €24,000 scholarship from Trane Technologies Thermoking. This scholarship, designated for students in Teen Turn, will provide Orlaith with €6,000 annually over the course of her four-year engineering degree at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Galway City.

Orlaith, a former student at Mount Saint Michael Secondary School, has been engaged with Teen-Turn since she was in first year. She was introduced to Teen-Turn’s afterschool program by a friend. Orlaith had many successful projects during her years of attendance at the afterschool programs participating in Technovation, Scifest and BT Young scientist. Most recently she was honoured with a National Garda Community Safety Award. Orlaith progressed to attending Teen-Turn PLUS Saturday clubs, which deliver advanced learning in subjects that are not universally offered in all-girls’ secondary schools in Ireland, providing participants with foundational skills critical for engineering and technology courses at the university level. It was through Orlaith’s participation in  Teen-Turn’s PLUS program that she discovered a strong passion for engineering, with a particular interest in robotics, automation and manufacturing engineering. Securing a ‘Teen-Turnship’, a 2 week summer work placement in Trane Technologies in Galway in the summer of 5th year further cemented Orlaith’s desire to study Engineering.

Orlaith applied to the common engineering programme at ATU Galway City, which will allow her to experience various branches of engineering in her first year before deciding on her specialisation. Orlaith says “Teen-Turn gave me opportunities I never would have had, from coding to building robots and learning from real engineers. These experiences showed me that engineering is where I want to be and I am excited to bring what I have learned into my studies at ATU. Teen-Turn’s programs helped me discover my love for robotics and automation and I am  eager to explore all branches of engineering in my first year at ATU. I cannot wait to dive into a career where I can make a real impact.”

The Trane Technologies scholarship is designed to provide financial support to young women like Orlaith and also to offer them access to invaluable professional resources. Scholarship recipients will benefit from mentorship and guidance from engineering experts throughout their studies and will have the opportunity to complete co-op rotations at the state-of-the-art Thermo King facility in Galway. This unique combination of financial assistance and professional exposure is intended to reduce financial and academic barriers, empowering scholarship recipients to excel in their STEM careers. This initiative aligns closely with Trane Technologies’ “Sustainable Futures” Global Corporate Strategy, which aims to increase access to STEM education and careers for underrepresented groups. By empowering talented young women like Orlaith, Trane Technologies hopes to inspire future leaders who will drive innovation in engineering and make a positive impact on our world.

Tech Industry Alliance Leaders Awards 2024

Tech Industry Alliance (TIA) is delighted to announce the 2024 Leaders’ Awards, taking place at the prestigious Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, on 29th November.

This year’s ceremony marks a pivotal moment as the awards debut in County Kerry, a region that is swiftly becoming a powerhouse of technological innovation. The decision to host the event in Kerry highlights TIA’s commitment to recognising the achievements of the entire South-West’s tech and STEM communities and the vital role that collaboration plays in driving this regional success.

The Tech Industry Alliance Leaders’ Awards, now in their 17th year, have become the benchmark for celebrating those who are shaping the future of technology in the South-West. From emerging startups to established multinational companies, these awards honour the leaders whose contributions are making a significant impact on the region’s growth. Former winners of Tech Person of the Year include Frank Madden, Founder & CEO, Crest Solutions, and Andrew O’Shaughnessy, Founder of Poppulo.

Building on a Legacy of Leadership and Collaboration

The Leaders’ Awards represent nearly two decades of unwavering dedication to fostering innovation, collaboration, and excellence within the tech sector. Since their inception, the awards have shone a spotlight on the extraordinary achievements of a wide range of organisations, from pioneering startups to leading educational institutions across the entire STEM spectrum.

Sean Ryan, TIA Board Member and Chairperson of Aspen Grove, shared his excitement about this year’s event: “Bringing our flagship event to Kerry isn’t just a milestone; it’s a statement. It underscores our commitment to driving tech innovation and collaboration across every corner of the South-West. County Kerry and Cork’s tech scene is thriving, and it’s only right that we celebrate these achievements in a region that plays such a crucial role in Ireland’s economy”.

The Power of Partnership

This year marks the third Leaders’ Awards under the Tech Industry Alliance, a collaboration formed in 2022 through the merger of it@cork and KerrySciTech. This partnership has been instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of the South-West tech sector. Partnerships like these are the bedrock of our success, fuelling innovation and fostering growth across the region.

Ogie Sheehy, TIA Board Member and CEO of ViClarity, urged the community to get involved: “There’s a real buzz around this year’s awards. I encourage everyone in the tech community of the South-West to join us — nominate those who are making waves and helping to build the vibrant ecosystem that collaboration has brought to life in our region.”

Recognising Leaders and Innovators

The 2024 Leaders’ Awards categories include Tech Start Up of the Year, Tech Scale Up of the Year, and Tech Person of the Year, among others. These awards not only recognise innovative use of technology but also highlight the resilience, creativity, and social impact of businesses and individuals who are driving progress in the region.

Gerry Murphy, TIA Chairperson, emphasised the significance of collaboration: “These awards are about more than just celebrating success—they’re about showcasing the innovation and determination that push our region forward. Thanks to the partnerships that underpin our work, we’re able to shine a light on the cutting-edge technologies and resilient businesses that make the South-West a leader in tech. We owe a great deal to our sponsors and partners, including Kerry County Council, Cork County Council, and Cork City Council, whose support is essential to our ongoing success.”

Mayor of Kerry, Breandán Fitzgerald, commented that he is “very pleased to welcome the TIA awards to Kerry for the first time, and Kerry County Council is delighted to be associated with the event, as well as collaborating with our counterparts in Cork”.

Join Us in Celebrating Excellence

Nominations for the Tech Industry Alliance Leaders Awards 2024 are now open, with submissions accepted until 11th October 2024. The awards night promises to be an inspiring celebration of the best and brightest in South-West tech. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this event—reserve your tickets by contacting info@techindustryalliance.ie. For more information, visit www.techindustryalliance.ie.

Mobile data usage surges during weekend events in Ireland

eir, Ireland’s leading telecommunications company, announced a milestone that they carried over 50 terabytes (TB) of data across its event mobile sites last weekend as a series of high-profile events took place across Ireland.

From the excitement of the Longitude Festival to the spectacular Taylor Swift at the Aviva and Shania Twain concerts at Malahide, the vibrant Dublin Pride Parade, the family-friendly Kaleidoscope Festival, and the iconic matches at Croke Park, eir’s network delivered seamless connectivity to thousands of customers.

To put this achievement in perspective, 50 TB of data is the equivalent of streaming 50,000 hours of video, which translates to non-stop watching for over five years.

On Sunday night, during Taylor Swift’s concert, twice as much data was carried over the eir mobile network compared to the Six Nations decider at the Aviva Stadium on March 16th, both of which were sold-out events. This highlights the significant difference in mobile data usage between Swifties and rugby fans.

Additionally, the data usage during the Taylor Swift concert was double that of the FAI Cup final in November and triple that of the Leinster versus Munster game in the same month. The surge in data usage was primarily driven by extensive video recording, sharing, and live streaming activities.

Fergal McCann, Chief Technology Officer at eir, commented on this achievement, stating, “The deployment of 5G technology and the addition of new mobile sites across the country have been crucial in handling the surge in data usage during these events. The Taylor Swift concerts alone showcased significant usage patterns, with fans live streaming and sharing their experiences. Compared to other major events like Six Nations games, the data usage was exceptionally high, demonstrating the growing demand for robust and reliable mobile connectivity.”

Viatel Technology Group announces the acquisition of MJ Flood Technology

Viatel Technology Group, the leading digital services provider, today announced the acquisition of MJ Flood Technology, the tech division of the MJ Flood Group. This strategic move strengthens Viatel’s market position, bolstering its existing expertise with MJ Flood’s capabilities in cybersecurity, cloud, and managed services.

As two established Microsoft Solution Partners, the combination of these companies signals a major market shift, creating a new powerhouse in this space. MJ Flood’s credentials include being named Microsoft’s Modern Work Partner of the Year and Partner of the Year for Calling, Meetings & Devices for Microsoft Teams. MJ Flood’s strong customer base, particularly in the financial services, healthcare, and education sectors, further expands Viatel’s reach.

Paul Rellis, CEO of Viatel Technology Group, said “I am delighted to welcome the MJ Flood Technology customers, and James Finglas and his team into Viatel. MJ Flood has a long history, best in class solutions, and a highly skilled team. We are confident that our mutual dedication to excellence and service will make them feel right at home with us.  I am delighted that James will join our Senior Leadership Team, and together, we’ll build something truly special for all our customers.

“With the addition of MJ Flood Technology, we are delivering on the bold vision we have for this business. We intend to become the leading cybersecurity, connectivity and digital services business on these islands. Once all necessary approvals are in place, this acquisition will boost our capacity to deliver huge value for customers in networking, cybersecurity, cloud, and Microsoft solutions”.

 

James Finglas, Managing Director, MJ Flood Technology, said, “Today is a great day for the customers and staff of MJ Flood Technology as we become part of Viatel Technology Group’s exciting story. Joining Viatel creates new opportunities for our customers and staff. They can expect the same exceptional service and technical expertise they’ve come to rely on, now backed by Viatel’s broader capabilities.”

Today’s announcement sees Viatel acquire the technology division of the MJ Flood Group. MJ Flood Technology was founded in 1998 as part of a group diversification strategy. The MJ Flood Group and its remaining divisions, including MJ Flood Printing & Imaging and MJ Flood Security, will continue to operate successfully under current ownership.

This acquisition is the ninth such deal by Viatel since 2020. It follows strategic investment by Macquarie Capital in Viatel, announced in December 2023. Macquarie’s investment was earmarked to support the continued growth and expansion of the Viatel business in Ireland and overseas.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close by mid-2024, when the combined entity will be well-positioned to deliver unmatched value in cybersecurity, cloud, networking, and Microsoft solutions.

Darran Nangle and Edel Daly of A&L Goodbody, and Gareth Cosgrove, Graceanne O’Brien and Sinead McKeaney of Deloitte acted as advisors to Viatel on the acquisition. David Lyons and Michael Moriarty of IBI and Stephen Fuller of McCann Fitzgerald acted for MJ Flood

Datapac launches Pathways Inclusion initiative to widen tech talent pool

Datapac, Ireland’s leading technology solutions and services provider, is today announcing the launch of Pathways Inclusion, a new initiative which aims to expand access to technology careers through diversity and inclusion.

With the Pathways Inclusion initiative, Datapac plans to widen the talent pool within the technology industry by targeting largely untapped talent groups. These include career-changers with transferrable skills and rich work experiences, and those seeking direct entry into the workforce after secondary education. The initiative will also encourage more women and young girls to consider careers in technology. With a focus on collaboration rather than competition, Datapac aims to create a more inclusive environment within the indigenous IT industry in Ireland. This new initiative builds on Datapac’s successful work and graduate placement programmes, which have taken on over 220 candidates in the last 18 years.

Pathways Inclusion will seek to reach, empower, and support individuals throughout all the stages of their education.

  • Primary school: Much of the inequality in the technology sector, particularly the gender gap which is still prevalent, can be traced back to the very root of education. Datapac recognises the importance of early education in shaping perceptions and aspirations and will collaborate with key organisations to promote a more inclusive narrative about to children from a young age, helping to broaden their horizons for what’s possible during their life trajectory.
  • Secondary school: Mentorship and exposure to lived examples during the formative secondary school years can have a significant impact on career choices. Datapac, in partnership with Maynooth University, will participate in the STEM Passport programme from September 2024 to provide mentorship to Transition Year girls, encouraging their pursuit of STEM careers and culminating in a level 6 STEM qualification. Additionally, Datapac is embarking on roadshows at local secondary schools to inspire students by sharing first-hand experiences
  • Third level: Datapac’s third-level work placement programme offers students diverse, real-world experiences within the tech sector, exposing them to various roles and opportunities for growth
  • Post-graduation: The Graduate Development Programme at Datapac provides tailored career experiences and mentorship to graduates from a broad array of disciplines, equipping them with industry-recognised certifications and skills necessary to excel in the tech sector

Datapac, in close collaboration with its talent acquisition partner Intellect Talent, employs inclusive hiring practices to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds, focusing on transferrable skills and potential for growth over traditional qualifications.

Datapac employees benefit from a range of support systems designed to enhance their professional skills and personal growth. These include an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), continuous learning and upskilling opportunities, and a Community Contribution Initiative which encourages employees to engage with and contribute to charitable causes, supported by additional leave for volunteering. They can also avail of flexible working and a range of initiatives aimed at promoting work-life balance.

Karen O’Connor, General Manager, Datapac: “At Datapac, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential for driving innovation and success in the technology sector. The modern technology landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, but a significant portion of the talent pool remains untapped due to outdated barriers to entry. To help address this inequality and evolve the narrative, Datapac is launching the Pathways Inclusion initiative as a movement towards greater industry-wide inclusivity.

Bronagh Murphy, HR Generalist, Datapac: “This goes beyond merely attracting talent at the recruitment stage and looks to how individuals can be supported once they enter the industry, and through an investment in the root of the talent tree. Through our Pathways Inclusion initiative, we are committed to creating opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to thrive in the industry and, in turn, create a vibrant and diverse technology talent pool in Ireland.”

Leading B2B Telecoms Provider, IP Telecom, Acquires Centrecom as Growth Continues

IP Telecom, the leading provider of cloud-based voice over internet protocol (VoIP) and unified communications telephony services to business customers across Ireland, has today announced the successful acquisition of Centrecom Systems Limited. This move comes as IP Telecom continues to solidify its position as a key player in the telecoms landscape, with the Dublin-based company going from strength to strength.

The acquisition of Centrecom, marks a significant milestone in IP Telecom’s growth journey. Centrecom, whose client list boasts Guinness Storehouse, Diageo, Mad Egg and Sherry Fitzgerald, was founded in 2005. The Irish company is a leader in providing managed Wi-Fi, Voice and IT solutions. By integrating the expertise and technology of both entities, IP Telecom looks to offer enhanced services and deliver unparalleled value to its customers. This strategic acquisition comes on the heels of IP Telecom’’s recent injection of €6 million in investment capital from Development Capital, highlighting the company’s commitment to expansion and innovation.

Speaking on today’s announcement, Shena Brien, CEO of IP Telecom, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Centrecom into the IP Telecom family today, and look forward to offering our customers additional services through this acquisition, as we continue to put the customer first. IP Telecom has large ambitions for the year ahead, and our acquisition of Centrecom is a sign of great things to come; growth is most certainly on the agenda for 2024, and this is one of many moves we will be undertaking in an effort to deliver against that goal.”

Brian Hewson, Managing Director at Centrecom added: “Joining forces with IP Telecom is a fantastic move for us at Centrecom; together we embark on a shared mission to elevate our offerings and expand our reach, providing B2B telecoms services across Ireland. We look forward to the future with optimism, fuelled by the combined expertise and resources that this acquisition brings.”

This move is not the sole activity of late that reinforces IP Telecom’s ambitions; earlier this year IP Telecom announced the strengthening of its board, with Edel Creely being appointed as Chair.

Headquartered in Dublin West, IP Telecom was founded in 2010 by co-founders Shena Brien and Brian Chamberlain, both who continue to lead the company as CEO and CTO.  The leading telecoms provider offers a full suite of innovative, leading-edge business telephony services and solutions to over 4,000 business customers across a variety of sectors, with customers including Decathlon, DID Electrical, and Barnardos.

Robin Russell, Chief Commercial Officer at IP Telecom, added: “This acquisition not only strengthens our market position but reinforces our dedication to driving innovation and excellence in the telecoms and connectivity sector. The team at Centrecom are one that aligns with our overriding purpose at IP Telecom of excellent products backed by customer-centricity, and we believe that the combined strengths of our companies will unlock new opportunities for growth and success.”