Stryker launches its Tullagreen Training Centre of Excellence

Stryker, a global leader in medical technologies, has announced the launch of its Training Centre of Excellence, a new initiative that will help upskill employees, enhance leadership capabilities and foster manufacturing excellence at the company’s facility in Tullagreen, Co. Cork.

The three-year training initiative, developed with the support of IDA Ireland, will equip employees at Stryker’s Tullagreen facility with the agility and skills for the future of work, promote innovative thinking, embed a culture of continuous improvement, and advance sustainability. This comes as the World Economic Forum estimates that six in 10 workers globally will require training before 2027 due to the changing nature of work and pace of technological change.

Stryker’s new Training Centre of Excellence in Tullagreen will feature a workforce transformation programme focused on upskilling and reskilling employees in every function of the business. This includes a focus on lean management and continuous improvement. Leaders at the facility will be provided with bespoke training to further enhance their agility and ability to develop high-performing teams.  In addition, digital and automation engineers will train employees across the site on advanced technologies such as AI and how they can be harnessed to advance innovation and product development.

The Training Centre of Excellence will also allow employees to pursue a range of courses and bespoke courses in Environmental Sustainability Awareness. The training programme will promote awareness and drive sustainability initiatives for Tullagreen.

Speaking on the launch, Ian Corkey, Site Lead Tullagreen Stryker in Ireland said: “The launch of Stryker’s Training Centre of Excellence in Tullagreen represents a significant step in our journey toward operational excellence and propelling innovation forward. By investing in our people and their skills, we can ensure that they thrive in a rapidly changing world and foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement.

“This new initiative will help future-proof our investment in our Tullagreen facility and strengthen our team’s ability to develop cutting-edge products that help improve patient and healthcare outcomes long into the future. The Tullagreen Training Centre of Excellence will also serve as a lighthouse for other Stryker sites across Ireland. We are grateful to IDA Ireland for their invaluable support in bringing this initiative to life.”

Rachel Shelly, Global Head of Life Sciences at IDA Ireland added: “IDA Ireland welcomes the launch of Stryker’s Training Centre of Excellence and is delighted to be partnering with Stryker on this important investment in its workforce. Stryker’s mission is to make healthcare better. This is driven by the company’s focus on innovation and performance, delivered through its world class

team here in Ireland. The centre exemplifies the company’s commitment to talent as an enabler for excellence in healthcare technology; and reinforces Ireland’s role as a key partner for global MedTech companies.

The launch of Stryker’s Tullagreen Training Centre of Excellence builds on the company’s annual apprenticeship programme as it reinforces its leadership in advanced manufacturing.

Stryker first established a presence in Tullagreen in 1998 with an initial team of 20 employees. Over the past 26 years, the facility has expanded and evolved with employees now focused on manufacturing medical implants for joint replacement, spine and trauma and extremities which are positively impacting patients across the world.

ZHIYUN Christmas 2024 Sale photo and video gear

There are major price reductions on popular ZHIYUN equipment such as CRANE 4E and WEEBILL 3S camera gimbals, SMOOTH 5S AI smartphone gimbals, MOLUS B-series and G300 lights. In fact, there are Xmas discounts for most ZHIYUN products.

These seasonal price reductions are available from ZHIYUN’s official Amazon page, and the ZHIYUN online store until December 31, 2024. There are also flash sales offering even larger temporary price reductions, plus a chance to win lucky draw prizes of ZHIYUN photo and video gear.

CRANE 4E – Lightweight stabilizer that holds mainstream full-frame cameras

The CRANE 4E redefines camera videography with its enhanced stabilization and powerful performance. It is perfect for filmmakers, videographers, and content creators who need a lightweight, versatile, and user-friendly stabilizer. The CRANE 4E can carry mainstream full-frame cameras and their lenses securely like the Nikon Z 6II with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f2.8S lens, and improves weight distribution to reduce wrist strain and provide longer, more stable precision video. CRANE 4E’s price is cut by 15% from $499 to just $424. For details: https://geni.us/pr-CRANE4E

WEEBILL 3S – Powerful stabilizer for effortless pro-level video

This featherweight, compact, feature-packed gimbal empowers creators of all levels with unparalleled mobility and creative control. The gimbal is not only ergonomic – with intuitive control and Sling Grip Mode 2.5 – but offers advanced stabilization technology from its powerful motors. WEEBILL 3S provides uninterrupted creativity, thanks to fast charging and runtime up to 11.5 hours. This gimbal is compatible with most current DSLR and mirrorless cameras, as well as popular mainstream lenses. WEEBILL 3S’s price is reduced from $319 to $279. Find out more at: https://geni.us/pr-WB3S

SMOOTH 5S AI – The smart assistant for single-person smartphone filming

The SMOOTH 5S AI gimbal’s advanced AI tracking technology offers unparalleled stabilization and effortless operation for capturing smooth, professional-quality smartphone video. The AI-controlled precision tracking’s intelligent algorithms help create seamless tracking shots. The intuitive tactile interface allows seamless fingertip control. SMOOTH 5S AI delivers incredibly stable footage, in both fast-paced action and calmer cinematic scenes. SMOOTH 5S AI’s price is cut from $169 to just $143 at ZHIYUN online store. It is also available at Best Buy. Find out more at ZHIYUN store: https://geni.us/pr-SM5SAI; Best Buy: https://geni.us/pr-SM5SAI

MOLUS B-series and G300 studio lights

Engineered for discerning filmmakers and photographers, the MOLUS B-Series elevates the art of illumination, through innovative features and exceptional performance at up to 500W. These lights provide smoothly-adjustable CCT range from 2700K to 6500K, intuitive fingertip control, integrated power supplies, and ZHIYUN’s DynaVort™ Cooling System to ensure reliable operation. The B-series lights (B100, B200, B300, B500), and the G300 light are all reduced by 17%, with the B-series starting from only $189. Purchase the B-series at https://geni.us/pr-BSERIES and find the G300 at https://geni.us/pr-G300

Where to buy

Keep checking for special flash sales with extra price reductions, and earn a chance to win lucky draw prizes, while you explore the great savings in ZHIYUN’s Christmas 2024 Sale, at the sites below.

Promotion period: Until December 31, 2024

Amazon Store Link: https://geni.us/AMZ-Store-PR-Sales

ZHIYUN Official Store Link: https://geni.us/ZHIYUN-Store-PR

See our ZHIYUN reviews 

eir ‘2024 Year in Data’ Report Highlights Ireland’s Digital Connectivity and Evolving Habits

eir, Ireland’s largest telecommunications provider, today published its annual ‘2024 Year in Data’ report, showcasing key digital trends across the country. The report offers a detailed view of Ireland’s evolving digital habits, spotlighting notable shifts in home broadband, mobile, and TV usage over the year.

In 2024, Fibre to the Home (FTTH) traffic saw an increase of 38.4%, reflecting the growing demand for high-speed internet across the country. On average, each household used 5,494 Gigabytes (GB) of broadband data in 2024, whereas households with fibre broadband used on average 6,888 GB over the same period.

2024 was also a year of major concerts and events. While Taylor Swift may have dominated headlines, the NFL outperformed her in data usage at the Aviva Stadium. Meanwhile, fans of Pink made more phone calls than Taylor Swift’s audience during their respective summer performances. When it came to sport, football proved to be the nation’s preferred choice, with soccer fans driving higher data usage and phone call activity compared to rugby supporters.

In terms of TV, the Euros 2024 final surpassed The Late Late Toy Show as the most streamed event of the yearOn the fixed broadband side, gaming events and chapter releases were the biggest traffic drivers, with the Fortnite update in November claiming the title for the busiest night of the year.

Commenting on the report, Fergal McCann, eir’s Chief Technology Officer said: “In 2024, Irish people have fully embraced technology, both in their home and at major events like Taylor Swift’s Era’s tour. Our ‘2024 Year in Data’ report highlights a clear shift towards more connected, data-driven lifestyles, with a remarkable 38% rise in Fibre to the Home traffic.  This growth reflects the increasing demand for faster, more reliable internet as households, businesses, and communities rely on high-speed connectivity for everything from smart devices in their home to gaming.

At eir, we’re proud to be leading this transformation, continuously investing in next-generation infrastructure to support the changing needs of Ireland’s digital future. As technologies like AI, fibre broadband, and 5G continue to shape our connected world, we remain committed to ensuring our network helps Ireland stay connected and thrive in the digital age.”

2024 key highlights

 Fixed Broadband 

  • Total broadband data usage in 2024 increased by 7.3% versus 2023, with 5,202 Petabytes (PB)  in 2024 v 4,847 PB  in2023
  • Fibre-to-the-Home broadband data increased by 38.4% in 2024 at 2,971 PB, up from 2,146 PB in 2023
  • The most traffic over a single day was 21.8 PB on Saturday 02 November 2024
  • On average, each household used 5,494 Gigabytes (GB) of broadband data in 2024, whereas households with fibre broadband used on average 6,888 GB over the period.
  • The lowest data usage for fixed broadband in 2024 was on Friday 10 May 2024 at 11.6 PB
  • On average, Sunday was the highest data usage day of the week across 2024
  • The total broadband usage across eir’s network (5,202 PB) is the equivalent of 260 billion hours gaming, 15.3 billion hours video chat, 2.6 billion hours film streaming or 800 billion songs streamed

Mobile Network Data

  • The busiest mobile data day in 2024 was July 14th during the Euro Final Spain v England, while June 29th for the Dublin Pride event and July 13th with both Down & Armagh supporters flocking to Croke Park were the busiest days for Roaming customers in Ireland,
  • July and August recorded the highest overall data usage, while May and January saw peaks in voice call activity.
  • The busiest day for outbound roaming was the August Bank Holiday, with many people out of the country.

eir TV 

  • The Euro Final Spain v England on 14th July was the most watched event on eir TV in 2024
  • RTÉ’s Late Late Toy Show on 6th December came in as second most watched. At its peak, the Toy Show accounted for 64% of eir TV viewers down from last year when it accounted for 82% of eir TV viewers
  • Sport accounted for 8 out of the top 10 most viewed listings on eir TV in 2024
  • The Paris Olympics took two of the top 10 most viewed listings in 2024

Key Trends from 2024

  • The Rise of In-Home Devices
    Irish households are rapidly adopting smart technology, with smart security solutions nearly doubling to 30% since 2022 and smart appliances growing to 14% (CSO figures). Over 75% now use internet-connected TVs, while smart wearables and health monitoring tools continue to rise, driving demand for robust broadband to power connected homes.
  • Changing Lifestyles: How AI is Transforming Telco Services
    AI-driven technologies are enabling telcos like eir to deliver smarter, faster, and more responsive services. From optimizing network performance to enhancing customer support, AI is helping providers meet evolving digital habits and user expectations.
  • Future-Proof Technologies Shaping the Way We Live
    The adoption of fibre broadband and 5G is transforming digital lifestyles, with fibre usage up 38% in 2024. These technologies support data-intensive activities like UHD streaming, gaming, and smart home ecosystems, laying the foundation for next-generation connectivity.

New Viltrox AF 35mm F1.7 Air Series Lens.

Viltrox introduces the AF 35mm F1.7 Air Series, an affordable and compact lens designed to help beginner photographers elevate their skills beyond the limitations of kit lenses. With its portable design, versatile 35mm focal length (52mm full-frame equivalent), and F1.7 large aperture, this lens is the perfect companion for photographers seeking their first upgrade.

Weighing only 170g (about 6oz) and measuring just 64mm by 54.7mm (2.5 inches), the AF 35mm F1.7 Air is small enough to fit in your palm or pocket. It’s lighter than most smartphones yet delivers professional-grade performance. Available in X, E, and Z mounts, it’s tailored for APS-C cameras, offering a natural perspective that’s perfect for portraits, landscapes, street photography, and everyday moments.

Get Great Shots in Seconds with Precision

This lens series does everything possible to help users of every experience level achieve excellent results. The built-in Stepping Motor (STM) provides fast, silent, and accurate autofocus, while intuitive eye and face detection support make photography effortless.

F1.7 Large Aperture for Dreamy Bokeh

A standout feature of the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.7 Air is its impressively wide F1.7 aperture in a small package. It can be used for portraits, landscapes, street scenes, or still life shots. The lens has an equivalent full-frame focal length of approximately 52mm, enabling it to present a natural, realistic perspective. This makes the lens even more versatile, excelling even in low-light photography, portrait sessions, and the use of creative background blur. For example, photographers can easily achieve stunning artistic bokeh effects that effortlessly bring creative vision to life, highlighting subjects with remarkable clarity and depth.

Advanced Lightweight Optics

Get ready to carry less but capture more. Despite its compact size and surprisingly light weight, the lens boasts an advanced optical structure with 11 elements in 9 groups, including extra-low dispersion (ED) glass and aspheric elements to minimize distortion and chromatic aberration. A multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting, ensuring vivid, sharp, and natural colors in every shot. The nine-blade aperture produces smooth and artistic bokeh, making it an excellent choice for photographers experimenting with creative compositions.

Why Beginners Will Love It

The AF 35mm F1.7 Air Series is more than just an affordable upgrade; it’s the ultimate learning tool for photographers transitioning from kit lenses. Its lightweight build ensures portability, while its versatile focal length and advanced features provide endless opportunities for creativity. Whether capturing close-ups, landscapes, or portraits, this lens empowers beginners to take their photography to the next level.

Find out more

MSRP: US$179, or 199 EUR

(15% Off from Dec 18th-30th during Christmas Boxing Day)

For more information, visit: https://geni.us/35airpr

New Research Alliance Award set to drive future Irish-Welsh collaborations

Aiming to support collaborative programmes of research between Irish and Welsh universities, the Research Alliance Award was launched today by the Wales Innovation Network (WIN) and Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland.

This new initiative is designed to strengthen collaboration between institutions in Ireland and Wales, enhancing their ability to secure Horizon Europe funding. The award provides financial support to academic partners, enabling them to collaborate on innovative projects addressing global challenges and advancing scientific progress.

The programme offers grants of up to €60,000 to eligible research teams, with 50% funding provided by Research Ireland and 50% by WIN from a Welsh Government innovation grant. Joint applications must be led by researchers from both Ireland and Wales. By encouraging Wales-Ireland collaboration, the fund aims to leverage the strengths of both Irish and Welsh universities, creating a foundation for impactful research and development.

Dr Lewis Dean, head of the Wales Innovation Network, said:

“The UK’s re-association to Horizon Europe in 2024 is a great opportunity for Welsh researchers to be part of the world’s largest research collaboration programme. This joint programme between the Wales Innovation Network and Research Ireland provides support for Welsh researchers to build new ties and strengthen existing partnerships with their Irish counterparts. I am delighted WIN can facilitate this initiative to showcase the excellence of Welsh research on an international stage and build collaborations to address global challenges.”

Celine Fitzgerald, Interim CEO at Research Ireland, said:

“Ireland and Wales have a strong history of collaborating on research and innovation projects, and this has been supported through political commitment between our two governments. Today, Research Ireland has active partnerships with a range of higher education institutions including Cardiff University, Swansea University, Aberystwyth University and Bangor University. I welcome the launch of the Research Alliance Award, which will further solidify our research bonds and, in particular, strengthen our joint grant applications to Horizon Europe.”

Applications must be sent as a single PDF to raa@researchireland.ie by 31 January 2025.

Download the call document and expenditure form.

Live Casino Technology: Safety, Reality of Play and Confidence in Dealers

With the introduction of live casino services, which give players an opportunity to enjoy casino games run by real dealers via real-time streaming, online casinos now provide an environment similar to that of a traditional casino.

Live casinos differ significantly from conventional online casinos that rely on random number generators to produce game outcomes. These platforms offer real-time games managed by live dealers, which increases the sense of authenticity and fosters player engagement beyond the typical interactions found in standard online casinos.

Overview Of Live Casino Features

The incorporation of live dealer services has enhanced online casinos, making it possible to merge aspects of digital and conventional physical gaming establishments. At these live casinos, players have the opportunity to engage with dealers in real time. These online casinos feature incredible popularity since only in Canada, 32% of wagers are placed in a live casino, so they may soon beat the popularity of slots!

The advent of sophisticated streaming technologies has made it possible for players to engage with live dealers and other gamblers, bringing the excitement of a physical casino to the convenience of their own homes. Several technologies lie behind this.

Central to this evolution is high-definition (HD) video streaming, which delivers live dealer interactions directly to players, establishing a real-time connection between the digital and physical realms. Additionally, Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology is essential, as it translates croupiers’ actions and the game results into digital information that players can access on their devices.

What Technology Makes Live Casino Experience Close to Real

Live casinos employ advanced technology known as Optical Character Recognition (OCR), which converts the dealer’s physical transactions into data that is communicated to the players. The outcomes of the game are determined not by an automated system, but by human interaction. There are several major characteristics that contribute to the quality of gaming experience.

The Game Control Unit 

Every table game has an attached to the table game control unit. The video broadcasting from the live casino studio is processed by the game control unit. This unit is a crucial element of live casino games, as it enables dealers to oversee each game separately.

Multiple Cameras

Cameras play a crucial role in ensuring the effective transmission of live sporting events. Recent advancements in technology have led to the development of smaller yet more powerful cameras capable of delivering live broadcasts. In live casino settings, a roulette table typically utilizes several cameras: one for a general overview, another for capturing images of the table, the third for photographing the wheel, and an additional camera dedicated to image display.

Dealers And Croupiers

The dealers run games, ensuring that there is no noticeable distinction between traditional and online casino formats. All live casinos employ dealers who are well-versed in the rules and regulations of each game, having undergone comprehensive training. Advances in technology enable a smart card to monitor all actions performed by the dealer.

Monitor With Players

The monitor provides a view of online gamers as they appear on their screens. Players have the option to adjust their seating position if they prefer not to be visible on camera, as most cameras possess certain “blind spots.”

A tracking system assists the dealer in responding promptly and monitoring the bets placed by players. Dealers get a recommendation to use this technology in most cases.

Additionally, the monitor allows the dealer to verify the identities of online game participants. As mentioned earlier, live communication between players and dealers facilitates the swift resolution of any issues that may arise within the casino environment.

Technology Hidden Behind Live Casino Safety

 

Live casinos utilize a wide range of tools and approaches to guarantee gamblers a secure environment to wager money in real time. Sophisticated encryption techniques protect personal and financial data of players, maintaining the security and integrity of the gaming experience. Furthermore, Random Number Generators (RNGs) guarantee that each spin, card draw, or dice roll is completely random and equitable in games. These are some of the technologies used by live casinos to guarantee players the highest level of security. 

  • Improved Security. Advanced encryption methods and secure server infrastructures safeguard personal and financial data of players, enhancing the safety of online gambling. Additionally, the incorporation of biometric security measures, including facial recognition and fingerprint, is being adopted within casino operations to imporve security even more.
  • Transparency and fairness. RNGs guarantee a fair gameplay by generating unpredictable results. Furthermore, the exploration of blockchain technology is underway to potentially improve transparency and fairness in live casino operations through the secure documentation of transactions and game results.
  • AI-powered surveillance. AI-driven systems are capable of continuously monitoring gameplay, identifying unusual patterns, and observing any deviations from established protocols. These advanced systems facilitate the immediate identification of potential fraudulent activities, thereby enabling swift action to safeguard both the casino and its patrons.
  • Multi-layered security frameworks. The integration of encryption, biometric systems, artificial intelligence surveillance, and blockchain technology forms a robust security framework for live casinos. These components function collaboratively to tackle different facets of cybersecurity, offering extensive protection against a range of threats. This layered strategy enhances overall security, facilitating ongoing advancements within the casino sector.

Live casinos provide an exceptional opportunity to experience the thrill of gaming from the comfort of home. The technology supporting these platforms is not only more accessible but also significantly safer than traditional physical establishments. For example, platforms like Drake Casino leverage these cutting-edge security measures to ensure fair play, data protection, and an immersive gaming experience.

The harmonious incorporation of these cutting-edge technologies signifies a remarkable advancement within the live casino sector. This unwavering dedication to operational excellence and enhanced security serves as a clear indication of the industry’s pledge to protect player interests while maintaining the utmost standards of fairness and transparency.

How Technology is Transforming the Vacation Rental Experience for Guests and Hosts

The short term vacation rental industry is undergoing a tremendous transformation driven by digital technologies. It’s essential for vacation rental businesses to keep up with modern trends to enhance guests’ experiences. Technology can streamline several vacation rental processes, from booking to check-out. Hosts can maintain a competitive edge by leveraging the best vacation rental solutions. Embracing new technologies can help improve client satisfaction, operational efficiency, and financial performance. The shift toward technology is also influenced by evolving consumer expectations, personalization, and convenience. Succeeding in the competitive vacation rental industry requires hosts to invest in innovative technologies to revolutionize their property management.

4 Ways Technology is Transforming the Vacation Rental Industry

Vacation rental business owners must strive to create unforgettable experiences, enhance comfort, and add a touch of elegance to make their properties stand out. Here are some key ways technology is transforming the vacation rental experience for guests and hosts:

1. Smart Locks

Smart locks are among the top technologies impacting the vacation rental industry today. Their primary benefit is that they improve guest security and safeguard your rental property. Globally, the smart lock industry is worth over $2.7 billion, and it’s expected to grow even further. Implementing smart locks will make it easier to transform guests’ check-in and check-out. They eliminate the inconvenience of conventional key exchanges and overcome the nightmare of missing keys. With smart locks, you can provide each guest with a unique digital key and remotely manage property access, offering both convenience and security.

2. Virtual Assistants

Virtual assistants, such as Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa, can help guests find assistance at any point in time during their stay. These technologies can recommend exciting destinations near your vacation rental and provide useful information about your property. Overall, setting up virtual assistants for your Airbnb home can add a layer of convenience and transform the guest experience by offering quick and seamless access to information and services. Providing your guests with digital assistants can also help elevate their experience from good to excellent.

3. Vacation Rental Software

Another smart way to modernize your short term rental business with technology is to use iGMS’s powerful vacation rental software to optimize your revenue generation. This award-winning application can provide technology and market-specific data for your Airbnb property, enabling you to earn more lucrative bookings and enhance occupancy rates. Running your vacation rental business on the go with a mobile app can reduce your stress, as you can minimize your workload through automation. Automated messaging is a key advantage of using the best vacation rental software to transform your Airbnb property management.

4. Contactless Solutions

The global Coronavirus pandemic played a crucial role in fast-tracking the adoption of contactless solutions in the vacation rental industry. Hosts can minimize physical interactions and boost guest safety by utilizing contactless payment technology and digital check-ins. You can revolutionize your property management if you use QR codes and mobile apps to reduce paper printouts.

Adopting new technologies is vital for staying competitive in this rapidly-evolving rental property industry. The shift towards smart homes demonstrates the importance of using technology to improve guests’ and hosts’ experiences. Many guests cherish luxury, convenience, security, and personalized experiences. Therefore consider integrating the right innovations to ensure that your vacation rental home stays appealing.

 

Dublin to Host First-Ever Tech Week 23 – 30 May 2025

Dublin City Council is delighted to support ‘Dublin Tech Week’, which will take place from May 23-30, 2025.

This first of its kind event will bring together Dublin’s tech community, educators, creatives, and the public, offering a vibrant programme of events designed to inspire collaboration and showcase Dublin as a global tech hub. Dublin Tech Week 2025 aims to leave a lasting legacy by building connections across the tech sector, encouraging STEM engagement within the wider community, and positioning Dublin as a compelling destination for the international tech community.

By encouraging innovation and cultivating a thriving ecosystem, Dublin Tech Week seeks to become a cornerstone event on both the city’s and the global tech calendar.

It will spotlight where tech intersects with daily life, be it work, culture, entertainment, or city living. This initiative supports Dublin’s ongoing development as a dynamic hub for technology and entrepreneurship, promotes sustainable growth, attracts global talent, and strengthens the sector’s long-term resilience and economic impact.

“Dublin is one of Europe’s most important tech hubs and a leading smart city and the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024. Dublin City Council and the Dublin Brand are proud to support the City’s first ever Tech Week showcasing our world-class talent, cutting-edge innovation, and collaborative spirit. Initiatives like this not only highlight our position as a leader in the tech industry but also inspire future innovation, and strengthen our city’s reputation as a forward-thinking, welcoming and thriving destination for local and global business.” — Ross Curley, Head of Economic Development, Dublin City Council & Dublin Regional Place Brand.

Dublin Tech Week Highlights 

Dublin Tech Week will feature a diverse line-up of activities for tech professionals and the public, including:

 

● Tech Conferences/Summits/Seminars

● Tech Company Open Houses/Community activities

● Innovation Showcases

● Collaborative Hackathons

● Networking/Meet ups

● Tech meets Art/Culture Experiences

Partners and Support 

Dublin Tech Week is backed by leading organisations in the Irish tech community, including Dublin City Council, Smart Dublin, LEO, Dublin Tech Summit (DTS), Tech Ireland, ADAPT Centre, Nova UCD, Blockchain Ireland, Eth Dublin, Guinness Enterprise Centre, Furthr, and Endeavor. With the support of these key players, Dublin Tech Week will deliver transformative experiences that further establish Dublin as a global leader in technology and innovation. Further support from both within the tech community and wider community of Dublin is being encouraged and you can email info@dublintechweek.com

Just over half (54%) of companies have formal sustainability policy in place

Techies Go Green has revealed the findings of a recent survey which found that just over half (54%) of companies have a formal sustainability policy or strategy in place.

The research – which involved 41 business and technology professionals – found that a further 39% are developing a formal sustainability policy or strategy.

Almost three quarters of respondents (73%) said sustainability is very important in their company’s overall strategy. Furthermore, some 63% include sustainability criteria when selecting partners or suppliers.

Despite this, 29% of technology or business leaders do not currently track their carbon emissions and 32% track them but have not set specific targets. Meanwhile, less than a third (32%) of organisations publicly report on their sustainability efforts. Of those who do not, 35% are planning to start.

The research was conducted to mark Techies Go Green Live, the first live event hosted by the community which saw more than 100 Techies Go Green members discuss strategies that enhance sustainability practices and reduce carbon footprints.

The event comes as Techies Go Green reaches new heights, having surpassed 600 members across Ireland and abroad. Over the next 18 months, it is aiming to grow to 1,000 members.

The community has also developed a Climate Action Roadmap – a strategic guide offering 100 actionable options to help organisations reduce their carbon footprint and advance towards net zero.

Speaking about its latest survey findings, Michael O’Hara, Co-Founder of Techies Go Green, said: “It’s understandable that businesses are at different stages of their green journeys and while our research indicates that more progress is needed, the outlook is promising. Not only are organisations placing more of a focus on sustainability, but they are also implementing formal policies and joining communities like Techies Go Green.

“Our reach, as demonstrated by our rapidly increasing membership base, will only continue to grow. Furthermore, the ways in which we are supporting companies in achieving their climate goals will only continue to expand – for instance, through our Climate Action Roadmap. In turn, this will help to drive real impact for businesses and their customers, as well as the planet.”