Category: Tech News

Deloitte opens the 2025 Fast 50 awards

Deloitte Ireland is inviting the country’s fastest-growing and most innovative technology companies to apply to be part of the prestigious Deloitte Fast 50 awards. The programme, which celebrates home-grown entrepreneurship, ranks the 50 fastest growing indigenous technology companies based on revenue growth over the last four years.

The list features both private and public listed technology companies that have demonstrated creative strategies, sound management practices and marketplace vision, driving them to achieve the status of high-growth leaders.

“The dynamic shifts in the macroeconomic landscape since the 2024 awards have intensified businesses focus on resilience and upholding the highest standards of quality across their organisations,” explains Jams Toomey, partner and Fast 50 programme lead at Deloitte.

“The changes in our current trading environment have shifted our focus here at home in Ireland. More than ever, we realise we need to invest and support indigenous businesses to insulate Ireland and keep us an innovative and exciting place to work and live. It’s why I’m passionate about the Deloitte Fast 50 awards, because every year, for 26 years, we celebrate the 50 fastest growing tech companies on the island of Ireland. Each business is a real-life example of the incredible indigenous companies that are being talked about so much.

“For any company considering applying, previous ranking companies have included unicorns Wayflyer and Tines,” continues Toomey. “That shows the calibre of our winners. The rankings are trusted, respected and purely quantitative based, solely looking at growth, so it’s an objective ranking. We hear from previous participants how this has helped them when looking for external investment. In this environment, when investors are being sharper and smarter with their money, this is invaluable. I look forward to seeing which companies apply and seeing many of them at our awards ceremony in November.”

This year’s awards programme will include several award categories that companies can enter in addition to the overall ranking. 2024 winners of these awards include Catagen for the Impact Award in association with Meta.

  • Growing New Technology Award in association with Google: This award recognises a company that has created or introduced a new or innovative product or service to international markets, which helped grow their business over the last four years.
  • Impact Award in association with Meta: This award recognises a company that has made a significant impact within the current year.
  • Women in Technology Advocate Award in association with NetSuite: This award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated through their actions that they are an advocate for increasing participation by, and promotion of, women in the technology sector.
  • Scale Up Award in association with Scale Ireland: This award recognises a company that has demonstrated an impressive ability to scale up/expand overseas over the last four years.
  • Financial Services Innovation Award in association with Financial Services Ireland: This award recognises a company with an innovative product or service that is having a disruptive impact within the financial services industry.
  • The Rising Star award in association with Enterprise Ireland: This award will recognise a company that has demonstrated a promising growth trajectory and the potential for inclusion in the Fast 50 rankings in years to come. Companies being considered for this award must have operating revenues accounting for a minimum of 2 years and less than 4 years.

Application details and further information about the programme can be found here: https://www.deloitte.com/ie/en/Industries/tmt/technology-fast-50-awards.html

The closing date for entries is 19 September 2025 and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in Dublin on 27 November 2025.

IFA Exclusive mobility partnerships for 2025 #IFA2025

IFA Berlin, the world’s largest event for home and consumer tech, announces its official mobility partners for 2025: Bolt, Lime, Voi, Free2move and BVG Club. Visitors and exhibitors at IFA will benefit from exclusive discounts and flexible offers for a smooth and sustainable stay.

Mobility as part of the IFA experience

From 3 to 9 September 2025, Berlin will become a global stage for technology and culture – and mobility is a central part of the experience. By collaborating with leading providers, IFA enables its visitors to explore the city without detours and with a reduced carbon footprint.

From Bolt’s ride-hailing service to e-scooters and e-bikes from Lime and Voi to car-sharing solutions from Free2move and exclusive BVG Club tickets: the offers from IFA’s mobility partners are as individual as the IFA visitors themselves – and take them directly to their destination.

‘Mobility is a key topic of our time, that’s why we are very pleased about the partnership with leading mobility providers. Together, we are focusing on smart, sustainable solutions that take our guests flexibly through Berlin and ensure an all-round successful trade fair experience,’ says Leif Lindner, Managing Director of IFA Management GmbH.

Partner offers overview

Bolt

  • 30% discount on ride hailing. Valid for the first 6,500 users who book a ride to or from Messe Berlin (code: BOLTIFA25, up to 30€ per ride)
  • 50% discount on the first three rides with an e-scooter or e-bike. Valid for the first 1,000 users who book a ride in Berlin (code: IFA2025MOVE, up to 2€ per ride)
  • 30% discount on the first car-sharing ride. (Valid for the first 1,000 users who book a ride in Berlin, code: IFA2025DRIVE)

Lime

  • 20% discount on your first ride. Valid from 5 to 9 September 2025 for the first 5,000 users (code IFA2025)
  • Free2move
  • 10€ starting credit for new users. Credit valid for 30 days when redeeming the code by 10 September (code PSM-IFA-2025)

Voi

  • 50% discount on three rides for new customers. Valid from 5 to 9 September 2025 (code IFAVOI2025)

BVG Club

  • 20% discount for BVG Club members on tickets for the IFA Summer Garden Opening Night Festival (4 September), including free IFA admission on a day of your choice.

With these partnerships, IFA 2025 ensures that visitors and exhibitors can travel comfortably, affordably and sustainably – while experiencing the IFA in all its facets.

Further information on IFA Berlin 2025: www.ifa-berlin.com

CCPC clears Equinix’s acquisition of BT Datacentres Ireland

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has cleared the proposed acquisition of BT Datacentres Ireland by Equinix (Ireland).

Equinix operates six data centres in Dublin, which provide digital infrastructure for cloud, IT, finance, content and media service providers. BT Datacentres Ireland also operates data centres in Dublin, one in Citywest and one in Ballycoolin.

The proposed acquisition was originally notified to the CCPC on January 10, 2025. Following an extended preliminary investigation, the CCPC determined in May 2025 that a full investigation was required to establish if the proposed acquisition would lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the State. This type of detailed further review is commonly referred to as a Phase 2 investigation.

Significant additional information was provided by both parties during the course of the investigation, such that the CCPC is satisfied that the deal can proceed.

The CCPC will publish the full decision on its website within 60 working days, following redaction of confidential information

Information about the merger notification can be found at M/25/003.

Team GB Announce Partnership with TCL

TCL, a global leader in consumer electronics and the world’s No.1 Ultra-large, Mini LED TV brand, will bring its newly-announced partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to the UK in collaboration with Team GB ahead of the upcoming Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
As a  Worldwide Olympic Partner, TCL will support Team GB to bring British athlete stories to life, using technology to amplify the human stories of resilience that define Olympic greatness and drive meaningful engagement with fans and communities alike.
TCL offers the leading Mini-LED technology on the market which represent the ultimate way to experience the Olympic Games from home. Featuring industry-leading Mini LED technology and Dolby Vision support, TCL’s ultra-large screen Mini LED TVs deliver exceptional picture quality, rich colours and immersive sound. Whether enjoying the games alone or with family and friends, TCL’s award-winning TVs provide a front-row seat to the action, making every moment feel larger than life and accessible to more households across the UK.
TCL’s 8-year partnership with the IOC is rooted in a shared ambition to inspire greatness through sport and technology. By getting behind Team GB, TCL is committed to supporting athletes on their journey to the world’s biggest sporting stage while enriching the Olympic experience for millions of fans across the UK. This marks the beginning of a sustained, long-term commitment to sport, innovation and community in the UK which will stretch across the entirety of the 8-year partnership.
Adam Aldred-Lane, Marketing Director, TCL UK, commented: “TCL, as a Worldwide Olympic Partner, is honoured to be working with Team GB, a symbol of sporting excellence and national pride. Our mission to ‘Inspire Greatness’ aligns perfectly with the values of Team GB. Through our industry-leading technology and a shared vision for innovation and well-being, we aim to empower British athletes and connect fans with unforgettable moments of Olympic glory.”
Tim Ellerton, Chief Commercial Officer at the British Olympic Association, said:
“We’re delighted that TCL are getting behind Team GB athletes, particularly at such a crucial stage along the road to Milano Cortina 2026. We’re proud of the work we have done to date to bring sports fans across the nation into the heart of the Olympic Games, and we look forward to working with TCL to take this another step further.”
The partnership further cements TCL’s position as a global supporter of sport, following its Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partnership with the IOC in the Home Audiovisual Equipment and Home Appliances category. TCL continues to drive global sport engagement through its intelligent products, delivering exceptional experiences that connect people, sport and technology.

Tech Innovations to Elevate Fan Experience at Amgen Irish Open

The Amgen Irish Open 2025 returns to The K Club’s Palmer North Course from September 3rd to 7th, bringing with it not only world-class golf but also a cutting-edge line-up of technology and innovation experiences designed to engage fans of all ages.

Leading the way is The Academy, where visitors can step into an interactive coaching environment led by PGA professionals. Fans will be able to receive expert tips, analyse their swing, and learn from some of the game’s most respected coaches, making it the perfect stop for those looking to sharpen their skills or pick up a club for the first time.

Fans can also get into the swing of things at The Arcade which turns golf into an immersive digital experience. Visitors are offered a mix of virtual reality and golf gaming, delivering a next level experience ideal for young adults and anyone who wants to combine golf with cutting-edge entertainment.

Celebrity Pro Am

The technology attractions are just part of a wider programme at The K Club. The week begins with the Celebrity Pro-Am on Wednesday, September 3rd, featuring a line-up that includes rugby star Josh van der Flier, former Irish rugby internationals Johnny Sexton and Tommy Bowe, All-Ireland winners, Tipperary’s Ronan Maher and Kerry’s David and Paudie Clifford and lifestyle influencer Dearbhla Silke.

World-Class Golfers

Fans can watch Rory McIlroy fresh from his Grand Slam season and Masters victory, alongside Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington, Séamus Power, Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald, defending champion Rasmus Højgaard, 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett, 2018 Open winner Francesco Molinari, Venezuelan Jhonattan Vegas and American Ryan Gerard, will compete for the title, as they battle for one of European golf’s most prestigious titles.

Paul Gillmon, Tournament Director of the Amgen Irish Open, said:

“Fans can expect a lot more at this year’s Amgen Irish Open. We’re embracing innovation in a big way. From interactive coaching at The Academy to immersive experiences in The Arcade, we’re creating spaces where fans of all ages can engage with the game in exciting new ways. It’s all about enhancing the fan experience and making golf more accessible, interactive, and fun, whether you’re a lifelong player or just discovering the sport.”

Music

Off the course, the Village will keep the festival vibe going with live music headlined by The Stunning on Saturday night and Simple Things on Sunday evening, plus premium food and drink, family fun, and activations from top brands.

A limited number of General Admission and select Premium Experience options are available. To purchase tickets see tickets.europeantour.com.

Power Up Your College Year With Tech from eBay Ireland

As the back-to-school season rapidly approaches, college students across Ireland are gearing up for another academic year. eBay Ireland offers a smart solution for savvy students looking to upgrade their tech setup without breaking the bank, while also providing a simple way to earn extra cash. The secret? Selling old tech and buying refurbished.
eBay Ireland is the ultimate destination for students seeking high-quality, affordable, and sustainable tech. More than just a marketplace, eBay connects millions of buyers and sellers, extending the lifespan of products and significantly reducing waste. From top-of-the-range laptops and versatile tablets to reliable smartphones and essential tech accessories, eBay Ireland offers a vast selection of both new and quality refurbished tech, all delivered directly to your door.
Study Smarter, Save More with eBay Refurbished
For students looking to make the most of their budget and make sustainable choices, shoppers can lean on eBay Refurbished as the perfect secret weapon to source the best pre-loved products.
Featuring thousands of amazing Irish sellers offering an incredible variety and value that’s hard to find elsewhere, students can discover deals like Refurbished Apple AirPod Pros for just €50.00 – over 50% less than the RRP (eBay seller: rymcna_47).
Turn Old Tech into New Opportunities
Beyond buying, eBay connects millions of buyers and sellers to extend the lifespan of products and reduce waste through selling on the platform. This summer, eBay is empowering students to generate funds for their new academic year. Got tech you no longer need? Listing it on eBay is a simple way to declutter and put those funds towards your next essential upgrade, and with eBay’s innovative product development and investments in AI, selling on the platform has never been easier, making the back-to-college transition even smoother.

30% of office workers have tried to gain unauthorised access to a colleague’s device

IT.ie, a leading Irish IT managed services company, today announces new survey results which reveal the prevalence of insider-threats within Irish businesses with 30% of office workers admitting that they have tried to gain access to a colleague’s device without their permission in the last 12 months.

The research also found that 35% of employees have actively sought out private information about a colleague, client, or customer such as their age, salary, CV or home address, from a work computer system.

The research of 1,000 office workers based in Ireland was carried out by Censuswide on behalf of IT.ie and SonicWall, a global leader in cybersecurity innovation. It forms part of IT.ie and SonicWall’s ‘Cyberpulse Ireland 2025’ report, which explores the cyberthreat landscape in Ireland, according to the sentiment and behaviours of employees.

Alongside the above high-risk behaviours, the survey also showed that a cohort of office workers may see themselves as internet sleuths, possibly influenced by viral online videos featuring content creators who try to outsmart online scammers. Almost two-in-five (38%) have engaged with a scammer – intentionally or unintentionally at work in the last 12 months, while one in four have sent an angry response to someone who they presumed to be a scammer. Furthermore, 17% say they have either duped, or attempted to dupe, an online scammer.

Concerningly, 17% have engaged with a scammer to try to convince them not to target the business – an approach that still carries significant risk.

Eamon Gallagher, Founder and Managing Director, IT.ie, said: “The report highlights some troubling behaviours among office workers that has the potential to expose businesses to considerable risk. While some employees, particularly from the younger cohort, attempt to challenge, outsmart, or reason with scammers, cybercriminals will often capitalise on their efforts, using manipulation tactics that leave the organisation more vulnerable to compromise.

“This behaviour is similar to that of those who attempt to gain access to their colleague’s device or are seeking out their personal information. While their actions may not always stem from malicious intent, it does represent a breakdown in boundaries and data responsibility.

“While these findings may raise concerns, they ultimately represent a valuable opportunity for businesses. By investing in employee training and onboarding, strengthening internal policies, implementing more robust access controls, and creating better cybersecurity awareness, organisations can address these vulnerabilities head-on. At the end of the day, a company’s cybersecurity is only as strong as its least prepared employee.”

Stuart Taylor, Senior Director of Regional Sales for Northern Europe, SonicWall said: “These findings are a stark reminder that the greatest risks often come from within the organisation, not intentionally, but through curiosity, complacency, or even misplaced confidence.

“Every click and every login matters. That’s why businesses need layered security that combines zero-trust principles, strong access controls, and continuous user education. Technology alone isn’t enough; it has to work hand-in-hand with clear policies and a culture of accountability. When employees understand the ‘why’ behind security and organisations enforce the ‘how’ through smart solutions, you close the gaps that attackers are so quick to exploit.”

Summer in the Office: Inside a Teen-Turn Placement at Hostelworld

“If you had told me a few weeks ago that I’d be seriously considering a future in tech, I probably would have laughed, flipped my short hair, and gone back to minding my own creative business. But here we are,” says Fortunate, one of five teenage girls who recently completed a two-week placement at Hostelworld through the Teen-Turn programme.

Teen-Turn, an Irish charity, works to increase female participation in STEM by giving teenage girls from underserved communities practical, hands-on industry experience. Known as “Teenturnships,” these short placements pair participants directly with professionals in the field.

“The Teen-Turn and Hostelworld collaboration is seeing young women from underserved communities gaining the confidence, career insights, and skills needed to participate in the knowledge economy. The experience for the girls is particularly impactful because, as an Irish-founded company changing its industry through technology, they learn first-hand the potential of homegrown innovation in global business,” explains Joanne Dolan, Co-Founder of Teen-Turn.

While many of their peers were binge-watching the new Wednesday season or planning summer festivals, Fortunate, Lanyan, Sabah, Sania, and Janice spent their days in Hostelworld’s sunlit Dublin office. Their schedule was packed: machine-learning workshops, analytics sessions, meetings with just about every department — from finance to the data science team — and even a company-wide meeting with 200 employees joining from around the world.

“Standing in front of the entire company, even virtually, was definitely nerve-wracking,” says Sania. “My heart was racing, but as soon as I started speaking, I realised it was an incredible opportunity to put myself out there. This moment reminded me how important it is to project confidence even when you’re feeling nervous.”

Between training, there were also glimpses of office life — coffee runs, the unspoken competition for the best desk, and lunches by the Grand Canal. By the final afternoon, the five teenagers were presenting their projects, reflecting on the skills they had learned and the confidence they had gained.

“Hostelworld wasn’t just a workplace these past two weeks — it was a place where I laughed, learned, drank far too many lattes, and met people who genuinely cared about what I had to say,” says Fortunate.

Barry McCabe, Hostelworld’s Chief People Officer, says the benefits flow both ways:
“This is our third year partnering with Teen-Turn, and the benefits to both Hostelworld and the students continue to grow. Over two weeks, they explored roles across the business, building confidence and discovering new career paths. Their questions encouraged us to reflect on how we work and communicate. The programme is a great reminder of the value in opening up our workplaces and learning from the diverse perspectives of those just starting out.”

For Ireland, still grappling with a shortage of women in STEM despite tech’s explosive growth, Teenturnships offer more than skills. They chip away at systemic barriers, giving participants the confidence and experience to pursue careers that will shape the country’s future workforce.

TCL Five EISA Wins: TCL Redefines Home Entertainment in 2025

TCL, a global leader in consumer electronics and the world’s No.1 Mini LED and Ultra-large TV brand, has cemented its industry leadership by clinching five prestigious EISA awards—Europe’s top honor for audio-visual innovation. Dominating both the Home Theatre Display & Video and Home Theatre Audio categories, TCL’s triumph highlights its relentless push for groundbreaking advancements in large-screen brilliance and QD-Mini LED precision.
Leading the charge, the TCL 98-inch C8K earned the “EISA STATEMENT TV 2025–2026” award for its revolutionary design and jaw-dropping visuals, while the TCL 85C9K claimed the “EISA HOME THEATER MINI LED TV 2025–2026” title, setting a new gold standard for cinematic immersion. The TCL 75C7K was honored as the “EISA FAMILY TV 2025–2026” for its perfect blend of stunning clarity and smart functionality, and the TCL 55C6K took home “EISA GAMING TV 2025–2026”—a must-have for next-gen gamers. Rounding out the accolades, TCL’s Q65H Soundbar secured the “EISA BEST BUY SOUNDBAR 2025–2026” award, delivering theater-quality audio at an unbeatable value.
TCL 98C8K: EISA “STATEMENT TV 2025-2026”
Chosen as EISA “STATEMENT TV FOR 2025–2026”, the TCL 98C8K redefines large-screen excellence with TCL’s industry-first architecture for large-screen TVs. Thanks to the use of advanced, premium materials, the TV achieves a Virtually ZeroBorder display that maximizes screen space for a more immersive viewing experience.
Beyond its striking design, the 98C8K is also engineered for top performance. Through TCL’s newly upgraded CrystGlow WHVA panel, the TV delivers an exceptional native contrast ratio of up to 7,000:1. A 0.5% low-reflection film further enhances image clarity by reducing glare, while the panel’s 40% ultra-wide color viewing angle ensures vivid, lifelike visuals from any direction. Paired with TCL’s proprietary All-domain Halo Control Technology, the 98C8K delivers precise light and shadow control—bringing advanced picture quality with uncompromising brightness, contrast, and detail to every frame.
TCL 85C9K: EISA “HOME THEATER MINI LED TV 2025-2026”
As TCL’s flagship model, the TCL 85C9K is crafted to deliver an uncompromising cinematic experience at home. Featuring a Virtually ZeroBorder display and CrystGlow WHVA Panel, the 85C9K provides a borderless, immersive visual experience with ultra-wide viewing angles and consistent picture quality from every direction. Supported by TCL’s QD-Mini LED Technology, the Precise Dimming Series TV features up to 5,184 separate brightness zones with a peak brightness of 6,500 nits, allowing it to render detailed light and shadow transitions that elevate contrast and depth across all content types. To complement its visual power, the 85C9K also features immersive Audio by Bang & Olufsen, ensuring that what you hear is as impactful as what you see.
 
TCL 75C7K: EISA “FAMILY TV 2025-2026”
The winner of the EISA “FAMILY TV 2025–2026” award, the TCL 75C7K is the ultimate hub for family entertainment. As a member of TCL’s Precise Dimming Series, the 75C7K uses advanced QD-Mini LED technology to deliver stunning picture quality with exceptional brightness, contrast, and color accuracy, all housed in an ultra-slim, minimalist design that complements any living space.
Powered by the TSR AiPQ Processor, the 75C7K intelligently optimizes picture quality based on content and user preferences, while integrated Google TV enables seamless access to personalized content and smart home controls. Additional family-friendly features such as Kids Profiles, Art Gallery Mode, and TÜV-certified low blue light protection ensure a safe and engaging experience for viewers of all ages.
TCL 55C6K: EISA GAMING TV 2025-2026
The TCL 55C6K is built for gamers who demand top-tier performance. Its QD-Mini LED display and native 4K 144Hz refresh rate ensure ultra-smooth gameplay and crystal-clear motion, eliminating stutter and blur, while an immersive ONKYO 2.1 Hi-Fi sound system brings cinematic audio to every gaming session. With Game Master Mode, AMD FreeSync, and SuperWide GameView, the C6K delivers a full suite of game-optimized features designed for intense, responsive, and truly immersive play.
Beyond display excellence, TCL also continues to push the boundaries of audio innovation. Named EISA “BEST BUY SOUNDBAR 2025–2026”, the Q65H Home Theater Soundbar features RAY·DANZ—TCL’s proprietary acoustic technology designed to precisely direct sound through a custom acoustic structure, creating a wide soundstage for a striking cinematic audio experience.
Currently available in select markets worldwide, these award-winning products represent TCL’s ongoing commitment to Inspire Greatness through premium and immersive entertainment experiences.