Category: Irish Tech News

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.”

Infineon Technologies announces over 100 new jobs in Ireland

Infineon Technologies AG has announced plans to significantly expand its Research and Development (R&D) presence in Ireland within the next four years by over 100 new jobs in the Cork and Dublin sites. The jobs, all highly skilled engineering positions, will be split evenly between the Dublin and Cork R&D sites of the company and will bring the total workforce of Infineon in Ireland to over 300.

Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin said: “I’m very pleased to welcome Infineon Technologies’ significant expansion of its Research and Development presence in Ireland. This announcement underscores Ireland’s reputation as a global hub for innovation and technology and will have a positive impact on the communities of Dublin and Cork. The creation of over 100 highly skilled engineering positions across both locations reflects the confidence Infineon has in our talented workforce and supportive business environment.”

“IDA Ireland welcomes Infineon Technologies’ decision to create 100 skilled jobs across Dublin and Cork, reinforcing Ireland’s reputation as a technology hub” said Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland “Infineon’s choice of Ireland to further expand its presence showcases the business-friendly environment, skilled workforce, and strategic location on offer to multinationals in Ireland. While boosting the technological landscape in Ireland, this investment also fosters continuous growth and innovation in the semiconductor industry in Dublin and Cork.”

“Ireland is an important research hub for Infineon and we are committed to expanding our presence even further,” said Martin O’Keeffe, Managing Director of Infineon Ireland. “The vibrant Irish engineering ecosystem enables us to be a centre of excellence for innovation and R&D for the company.”

“At Infineon, we are committed to actively driving decarbonization and digitalization. As a global semiconductor leader for the automotive industry, we are shaping the future of mobility with products and solutions to make cars clean, safe and smart,” said Thomas Boehm, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Microcontroller Automotive at Infineon. “The strategic development of our research and development sector in Ireland is central to this mission with semiconductor-based system integration and artificial intelligence for highly connected and increasingly autonomous vehicles being among major trends. We’re looking forward to strengthening our team with the high-calibre talent that Ireland has to offer.”

The investment will also see the expansion of R&D facilities in both Cork and Dublin. The Infineon research teams in Ireland are focused on IP development for the automotive and consumer markets. The new hires will help development of new technologies and products that will help drive digitalization and decarbonization on a global scale.

The first positions have already been opened online and include roles in Analog Design, Digital Design, Architecture and Verification.

IT.ie to double headcount with 30 new jobs and €2.5M investment

IT.ie, the Irish-owned Managed IT Services company, today announces plans to double its headcount in the next three years with the creation of 30 new jobs. The company will invest €2.5M in its team expansion as it hires for roles in its offices in Dublin, Cork and Galway.

IT.ie was founded in 2004 by Eamon Gallagher and has experienced rapid growth in the last number of years. Revenues have increased by an average of 42% year-on-year since 2021, reaching €5M at the end of last year. The company forecasts that revenues will reach €8M by the end of 2025.

IT.ie credits its growth to a high number of referrals from satisfied customers as well as a strong focus on sales and digital marketing strategies, which together have resulted in a steady increase in new client acquisitions. Referrals account for 75% of new business for IT.ie and recent years have seen the company acquire more than 45 new clients per annum. Additionally, the company’s growth corresponds with increasing investments across all industries in long-term digital transformation strategies. This has led to greater awareness of the importance of managed services companies, such as IT.ie, in ensuring the fluidity and consistency of business operations, as well as effective cloud migration, compliance and risk management.

A number of the new roles in IT.ie will be in the company’s recently established Service Delivery Team, working from IT.ie’s offices in Dublin, Galway, and Cork. The team will be central to the company’s continued growth, providing a streamlined and specialist service to customers as IT.ie looks to build on its reputation for exceptional customer service. Additional roles will be in the areas of field engineers, cybersecurity, business development, helpdesk support, and sales and finance.

With its continued growth, the Finglas-headquartered company has counted an increasing number of international businesses as customers. From its offices in Ireland, IT.ie services clients in the UK, France, Germany, Cyprus, Canada, USA, Africa and Australia.

Eamon Gallagher, founder and managing director, IT.ie, said: “A significant proportion of our growth is thanks to our clients, who are referring us on to other businesses. We are therefore committed to retaining the exceptional customer experience we provide so that regardless of how much we scale in size, every single customer will continue to receive the same level of responsiveness and support, that is consistent and unique to their needs.

“As a Managed IT Services provider, we are constantly evolving to meet new trends, threats, and innovations. That is why we are investing in our people and expanding our world-class team to support the remarkable talent that we already have in-house. We want to ensure that we consistently deliver that exceptional customer experience, and we are very excited to continue to do that over the coming years as we add to our team and client base.”

United Drug and Locus Robotics Honored at Robotics & Automation Awards for Best Use of Cobotics

United Drug, Ireland’s largest pharmaceutical distribution company, and Locus Robotics, the market leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for fulfilment warehouses, have been named winners of the “Best Use of Cobotics” award at the prestigious Robotics & Automation Awards in London.  The award recognises the innovation and significant added value of the Locus AMR solution to improving efficiency and productivity at United Drug’s Baldonnel distribution centre, while also improving the overall workplace ergonomics for workers. The LocusBots’ seamless integration with the warehouse team has enabled United Drug to efficiently meet growing e-commerce demand and double productivity.

Paul Malone, Head of Operations for UDD & UDC at United Drug Ireland, added: “Locus has been an invaluable partner in scaling our operations to help meet our customers’ growing demands. The LocusBots truly partner with our warehouse team to drive optimal efficiency and create better jobs and allow our employees to thrive in an optimised and safe environment. We’re thrilled to see this work recognised.”

“Locus is honoured to receive this prestigious industry recognition alongside our customer, United Drug. Our commitment to innovation, proven usability and fast time to value has helped them to optimise their fulfilment productivity and efficiency to meet ever-increasing order volumes,” said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics. “This award further validates our mission to provide cost-effective and highly productive robotics automation solutions for the e-commerce and fulfilment industry around the world.”

The Robotics & Automation Awards highlight innovation demonstrated by both British and international organisations in the application of robotic or automated systems throughout the supply chain, across logistics, manufacturing, retail, food and beverage, aerospace, cleaning and sanitation, construction, agriculture industries. Locus and United Drug continue to make great strides in optimising and improving efficiency across all areas of their partnership. By maintaining a dedicated focus on customer needs and closely managing margins, they have achieved significant gains in supply chain optimisation, inventory management, and order fulfilment.

Radio Amateurs Ham It Up At Loop Head Lighthouse

A group of (ham) radio amateurs from across the Mid-West will gather at Loop Head Lighthouse Experience in County Clare this weekend to use Morse Code and SSB (Single Sideband) Radio to contact lighthouses and lightships throughout the world.

The Limerick Clare Radio Amateur Club will broadcast non-stop for 48 hours from the West Clare lighthouse this Saturday and Sunday as part of 26th annual International Lighthouse / Lightship Weekend (ILLW)

In previous years, the Club has successfully contacted other radio amateurs in Brazil, Australia, Tonga, French Guiana, Asiatic Russia, Ecuador, The Azores and The US Virgin Islands. The group has also attempted to communicate with its twin club in South Jersey using Earth-Moon-Earth communication, also known as “moon bounce”. First developed by the US military after World War Two, the radio communications technique involves radio waves travelling from one transmitter to another using the Moon as a reflector.

During this weekend’s broadcast, visitors to the lighthouse will be able to listen into communications with some of the 500 lighthouses and lightships in over 40 countries that will be activated by amateur radio enthusiasts.

Leonard Cleary, Director of Tourism Development and West Clare Municipal District, Clare County Council, said, “We are very much looking forward to hosting the Limerick Clare Amateur Radio Club whose members will wind back the clock at Loop Head Lighthouse Experience when they attempt to communicate via radio with hundreds of other radio clubs across the globe.”

Joe Ryan, Secretary of the Limerick Clare Amateur Radio Club, commented, “Loop Head Lighthouse is particularly suitable for long distance radio communication attempts due to its isolated location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and the lack of radio interference in the general area. A special QSL Card (confirmation of communication) has been designed to mark the event. The club will operate two stations, one of which will be at the entrance to the Lighthouse so members of the public can listen to some of the transmissions.”

He added, “We are very grateful to all of the staff of Clare County Council and the Commissioners of Irish Lights for their help in planning this event and for allowing us to use the grounds as part of the International Lighthouse and Lightships Weekend.”

Loop Head Lighthouse Experience is one of 17 Great Lighthouses of Ireland, an all-island tourism initiative of Irish Lights. Located at the mouth of the Shannon Estuary with its origins dating back to the 1670s, the lighthouse was first opened to visitors in 2011 and has since become one of West Clare’s most popular attractions.  The lighthouse also is one of two Signature Discovery Points in County Clare along the route of the Wild Atlantic Way.

See www.illw.net for more information on the International Lighthouse and Lightships Weekend. For more information about the Limerick Clare Amateur Radio Club visit  www.limerickclareamateurradioclub.ie

Ireland’s ‘RoboÉireann’ Robot Soccer Team wins international RoboCup Challenge Shield

Ireland’s Robot Soccer team, RoboÉireann from Maynooth University, are Challenge Shield winners in the RoboCup 2023 Standard Platform League, an international robotics competition held in Bordeaux, France.

Scoring 67-2 across nine matches, RoboÉireann overcame teams from Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, USA, Australia, and Brazil to secure victory.  (35 second clip of RoboCup Semi-Final RoboÉireann V Dutch Nao below. 

RoboCup is an international research initiative to advance intelligent autonomous robotics into the middle of the 21st century.

Robot soccer is played by teams of five or seven robots each comprising a goalie and outfield players. There are human referees and just like real soccer there is a kick-off, goals, fouls, a sin-bin and eventual send-offs for persistent fouls, and penalty kicks.

The winning team comprises staff and students from the Departments of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science at Maynooth University and competes in an innovative game where all competitors use identical humanoid robot hardware but develop software so that the robots play soccer autonomously. RoboÉireann have competed in European and International RoboCup events since 2009.

To achieve this level of autonomy, teams must develop software, create advanced machine learning and AI and efficient real-time systems, so that the robots can understand their surroundings, make decisions, and collaborate in dynamic environments without human intervention or remote control.

Students gain industry-ready skills in robotics, AI, software, and teamwork with applications in autonomous robotics, assistive technologies for independent living, manufacturing, agriculture, and emergency/disaster area operations, amongst others.

Commenting on the team’s success, Dr Rudi Villing, team coach and lecturer in the Department of Electronic Engineering, said: “RoboCup is an invaluable practical environment for students to learn about the challenges of creating intelligent humanoid robots, to research and develop solutions, and to develop industrially relevant skills. The competitive element is a key motivator for them and is unlike anything else. Our great result in this competition builds on our Open Challenge win in the RoboCup 2011 world championship and third place finish in the RoboCup German Open Replacement Event 2022.”

Team RoboÉireann are Aidan Colgan, Shauna Recto, James Petri, Heather Bruen, Andy Lee Mitchell, Dr Ralf Bierig and Dr Rudi Villing.

Airfield Estate Launches Sustainable Community Garden With €50,000 Donation From Toast.org

Toast, the digital technology platform built for restaurants, today announced the Toast.org Community Garden in partnership with Airfield Estate in Dundrum, South Dublin. Toast recently launched in Ireland, and its philanthropic branch, Toast.org, will donate €50,000 to fund the creation of the garden.

Known as Dublin’s only working farm, Airfield Estate is creating the community garden to produce sustainable fruit and vegetables while also offering opportunities for people to learn about environmentally-friendly food production, empowering them to make more informed food choices.

The Toast.org Community Garden at Airfield Estate will be a resource centre for education on nutrition, food sovereignty, seed saving, biodiversity, conservation, and resource management, supporting Toast.org’s mission to enrich the food experience for all.

The community garden will also support Airfield Estate’s ambition to be Dublin’s sustainable food hub and help bring Dublin on its journey to be known as a world-leading sustainable food city.

As a part of Toast.org’s support, the garden will employ a Community Garden Coordinator and Craft Gardener. The grounds will be accessible to everyone, from the local community and vulnerable groups to corporate employees, and the space will host horticulture talks and workshops on various topics.

Toast established its European presence in 2017 with the opening of its first Dublin office, an R&D Centre of Excellence. Toast has since added functions in Ireland including sales, marketing, and customer support and earlier this year, made its technology available for restaurants across the country.

“The Toast.org Community Garden at Airfield Estate will be a fantastic addition to the estate and will support our ambition to become Dublin’s leading sustainable food hub,” said Claire Mac Evilly, CEO of Airfield Estate. “The team at Toast.org mirrors our commitment to improve access to sustainable food for people in Dublin, while having a positive impact on our environment. We know that there are not enough community gardens in Ireland when compared to our European neighbours. This is a really positive example of social impact where businesses and charities like ourselves can come together and give people the opportunity to grow food.”

“At Toast.org, we’re passionate about supporting organisations that positively impact the communities we serve, and Airfield Estate is leading the way in sustainability and the environment,” added Robert McGarry, SVP of Engineering & Head of Toast’s Dublin Office. “We are impressed by Airfield Estate’s many programmes and initiatives that promote the environment while providing more informed food choices for people in Dublin and the surrounding area. We’re excited to mark the next step in our partnership with Airfield Estate with this donation and look forward to working with the charity to develop the community garden.”

Toast.org brings the strength of Toast’s people, products, and philanthropy to further the company’s purpose to enrich the food experience for all and create a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable world.

The partnership between Toast.org and Airfield Estate began in 2021 when some of Toast’s Dublin-based employees volunteered with the charity. The launch of the community garden is one of several ways Toast.org will support Airfield Estate throughout 2023.

More information on Toast.org is available on its website.

Gamma and AXA enabling homeowners to go green with new sustainability offering

Gamma, the Irish technology company, has recently announced that it has signed a contract with AXA, one of Ireland’s leading insurance companies, to support AXA’s new Go Green web platform.

The platform is designed to help homeowners in the Republic of Ireland to create a more sustainable and comfortable home, reduce their carbon footprint and save on energy bills. It offers a wealth of information for home improvements and helps streamline the research process for homeowners, saving them time and hassle.

Together, AXA and Gamma have enhanced Gamma’s existing BERWOW platform to provide a seamless and visually consistent user experience. The platform generates tailored retrofit suggestions based on an individual property’s energy rating and physical characteristics.

Homeowners can effortlessly access energy retrofit recommendations using their own BER information by entering their Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN), or by selecting their house type from over 50 classifications. The web-based tool aims to educate homeowners about the financial and comfort benefits associated with retrofit investment.

In addition to the collaboration with AXA, Gamma also has successful partnerships with SSE Airtricity and An Post in place. Over the coming years, the company aims to further grow its customer base and expand into international markets.

Feargal O’Neill, CEO, Gamma, said: “We are thrilled to join forces with AXA and bring our BERWOW technology to their customers. This collaboration is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team in developing an innovative solution that is already enabling homeowners across Ireland to identify, plan and carry out retrofit projects.”

“As we continue to expand our reach, we remain committed to helping homeowners make informed decisions on energy efficiency upgrades, ultimately contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.”

Michael Hanratty, BERWOW CEO, said: “Our goal is to create a one-stop retrofitting shop for the Irish homeowner and transform the industry. In order to do this, we have to work with leaders and the fact that companies of AXA’s calibre are associated with our technology is a great endorsement.”

Ben Deans, Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer at AXA in Ireland, added, “Our aim is to provide our customers with protection and peace of mind. That’s where Go Green comes in – it will help future proof customer homes, reduce reliance on electricity and gas and save on energy bills. This new offering supported by Gamma aligns with our strategic focus to ‘protect more of what matters’ and adds to a host of existing initiatives focused on sustainability and climate action.”