The highly anticipated Women in STEM Awards 2023 celebrate and recognise the incredible achievements and innovations of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in Ireland, with the Midlands region celebrating as four women from the Ericsson Athlone team have been named as finalists in the upcoming awards.
These awards shine a light on the women who are breaking barriers, pushing boundaries, and making a significant impact in their fields. Among the esteemed finalists, Ericsson Athlone has emerged as a stand-out contender, with an impressive four finalists from their Athlone team, confirming their dedication to diversity, innovation, and leadership in STEM.
Ericsson’s nominations span diverse categories, reflecting their continued work to promote gender balance, and highlight the opportunities of careers in STEM to women and girls across the Midlands region.
Role Model of the Year: Sinéad Pillion
Women in STEM Award for Engineering: Noreen Muldoon
STEM Graduate of the Year: Andrea Tesarova
Rising Star of the Year: Natallia Patsykalnik
The Women in STEM Awards have become a leading event in the STEM community, showcasing some of Ireland’s leading companies and organisations that are creating diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces that allow every employee to thrive, regardless of their background.
The awards are driven by the belief that when companies and organisations embrace diversity and inclusivity, they foster a culture of innovation and creativity, and provide the necessary support for women in STEM to reach their full potential.
Commenting on the nominations, Sinéad Pillion, Head of Programs & Operations for Network Management Engineering at Ericsson, and Chair of the Midlands ICT Cluster said, “It is an honour to be named as one of this year’s finalists, along with my three colleagues, in the Women in STEM Awards, and it’s a testament to Ericsson’s ongoing commitment to advancing gender diversity, technological innovation, and leadership within our industry.
“Through our INFUSE (Investing in Future Software Engineers) program at Ericsson Athlone, we are committed to investing in STEM through a range of initiatives that focus on creating enthusiasm around software engineering, with the aim of motivating more female students to consider a career in technology and software engineering. Across the Midlands region, there are so many inspiring programmes offered by members of the Midlands ICT Cluster and aimed at increasing female STEM participation, and we are delighted to support the ongoing work that is ensuring a bright future for women in STEM across the region.”
The Women in STEM Awards 2023 will be hosted on October 26th 2023, at a prestigious event in the Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin. The event promises to be an inspiring evening, celebrating achievements, fostering networking, and encouraging future leaders in STEM. For more information about the event, please visit https://womeninstemawards.ie/
Three cutting edge Irish aquatech companies using technology to drive sustainable seafood farming have been announced as finalists in the inaugural BIM Aquatech Business of the Year.
The winning company will be announced at a conference titled “Aquatech – Ireland’s Global Opportunity” in Killarney, Co. Kerry, on Thursday, 19 October. Some of the world’s leading experts in aquaculture will be speaking at the conference.
The three finalists in the BIM Aquatech Company of the Year are:
Aquamonitrix, led by CEO Mark Bowkett and based in Co. Carlow. It provides a revolutionary new analyser for measuring nitrate and nitrite in fresh, saline and waste-water.
Aqualicence, founded by Kate Dempsey and based in Co. Wicklow. This is a marine and offshore windfarm consultancy firm supporting on all aspects of licensing applications and support services required for successful submissions.
Konree Innovation, founded by Margaret Rae and based in Co. Galway. The company uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to outsmart infestation by sea lice, a parasite that affects salmon and other fish, and impacts on production.
According to Richard Donnelly, Development and Innovation Director at BIM, there are currently 62 aquatech companies operating in Ireland, all using technology to enable sustainable seafood farming at a time when the sector is facing many challenges. Between them the companies turned over €212 million last year.
“Ireland has the potential to be a world leader in aquatech and BIM is driving the sector’s development. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Food Vision 2030 strategy is to “promote Ireland as a knowledge base for aquaculture technology and research and attract external investment into the sector”. The scale of the opportunity is enormous.” said Mr. Donnelly.
He added that the three finalists in the first BIM Aquatech Company of the Year are examples of the energy, innovation and talent in the sector in Ireland. “We believe that with proper supports Ireland has the potential to be the “Silicon Valley” of the aquatech world.”
Technicians testing a nitrate sensor in the Aquamontrix lab in Tullow, Co. Carlow
Currently 8 emerging aquatech companies are taking part in the Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) Aquatech Innovation Studio Programme in Kilorglin. The programme, being delivered by aquaculture accelerator Hatch Blue, and supported by the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, is now in its fifth year.
The Innovation Studio will culminate with Thursday’s conference. Leading experts in aquaculture taking part include Kristen Virega, SVP Global Shrimp efishery, Neil Sims, Founder and CEO, Ocean Era and Jennifer Bushman, Sustainable Aquaculture Strategist and Communicator. BIM CEO, Caroline Bocquel, is also among the key speakers.
The panel discussion will focus on what’s required for Ireland to take advantage of the global opportunity in aquaculture, and how the ecosystem can be nurtured. Panellists include:
Antonios Chalaris, Aqua Business Manager of Devenish Nutrition, an agri-technology company based in Belfast.
Róisín O Shea, a Senior Investment Manager in the Food and Agri team at Ireland’s Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF).
Fearghal O Donncha, a research scientist at IBM Research Europe. Research includes high-resolution modelling of coastal systems and data driven management of fish farms and
Jennifer O Brien, CEO of food tech company Sea & Believe.
Bitcoin’s remarkable ascent in 2023 can be traced to various intertwined factors. From economic shifts and technological advancements to societal and cultural changes, the cryptocurrency’s journey reflects our evolving global landscape. While various factors have contributed to Bitcoin’s peak in 2023, platforms like Bitcoin Bot App offer traders advanced tools for online trading.
Economic Factors Driving Bitcoin’s Surge
Bitcoin’s ascendancy in 2023 has been largely attributed to a myriad of economic factors that have converged to bolster its appeal. One of the most pressing concerns driving individuals towards cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin has been the global financial instabilities observed in various parts of the world. As countries grapple with economic downturns, many are searching for alternative assets that offer a refuge from traditional financial systems.
Another crucial factor that can’t be understated is the role of central banks and their policies. With rampant quantitative easing seen in multiple economies, there’s a growing apprehension about potential inflation and the devaluation of fiat currencies. Bitcoin, with its capped supply, presents itself as a deflationary asset, a quality that’s particularly appealing for those concerned about the erosion of their wealth due to inflation.
Moreover, the year 2023 has marked a significant shift in the stance of traditional institutional investors towards Bitcoin. These institutions, which once viewed cryptocurrencies with skepticism, have begun to see Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class. The narrative of Bitcoin as a “digital gold” has gained traction, not just among individual investors but also among hedge funds, asset managers, and other financial institutions.
The surge in Bitcoin’s popularity and value in 2023 can be traced back to a combination of global financial uncertainties, central banking policies, and a paradigm shift in how institutional investors perceive the leading cryptocurrency. As these economic factors intertwine, they form a potent catalyst propelling Bitcoin to its remarkable peaks.
Technological Catalysts
The early days of Bitcoin were fraught with concerns about its scalability. Transactions were slow, and as adoption grew, the network often became congested, leading to higher transaction fees. The introduction and adoption of the Lightning Network emerged as a game-changer in this scenario. This off-chain solution allowed for faster and more efficient Bitcoin transactions, facilitating micro-transactions and significantly reducing fees. By ensuring that Bitcoin could scale to meet increasing demand without compromising on its decentralized ethos, the Lightning Network played an instrumental role in making the cryptocurrency more usable for daily transactions and small-scale transfers.
Parallel to scalability solutions, there have been significant strides in ensuring the cryptographic security of the Bitcoin network. Bitcoin’s security rests on the robustness of SHA-256, a cryptographic hash function that has so far proven resilient. However, with the looming advent of quantum computing and its potential to disrupt traditional cryptographic methods, there’s been a push to fortify Bitcoin against these future threats. Innovations and research in this area have bolstered confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term security profile, assuaging fears of potential vulnerabilities.
In essence, the technological catalysts underpinning Bitcoin’s 2023 ascent can be seen as a blend of innovative solutions to its inherent challenges and proactive measures to secure its future. By addressing both current and anticipated issues, the Bitcoin community and developers have showcased a commitment to evolution and adaptability, vital attributes for any technology aiming for longevity and widespread adoption.
Societal and Cultural Shifts
As Bitcoin’s trajectory soared in 2023, it wasn’t just the economic or technological drivers at play. An equally significant force was the evolving societal and cultural perception surrounding cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin. Over the past few years, mainstream acceptance of Bitcoin has grown exponentially. It is no longer confined to the niches of the tech-savvy or financial speculators.
Another manifestation of Bitcoin’s growing cultural imprint is its increasing visibility in the realm of pop culture. Celebrities, influencers, and renowned personalities have openly endorsed or shown interest in Bitcoin, further elevating its status in the public eye. Their influence, combined with an increasing number of TV shows, movies, and music referencing Bitcoin, has contributed to a more significant societal acknowledgment and intrigue.
However, beyond the confines of the western world and developed nations, Bitcoin has been making waves in a different manner. In emerging markets, Bitcoin has become a beacon of financial inclusion. In countries like Venezuela and Nigeria, where local currencies have faced severe devaluation or where access to traditional banking is limited, Bitcoin has provided an alternative financial avenue. For many in these regions, Bitcoin isn’t just an investment; it’s a means to navigate economic hardships, send remittances, and preserve wealth.
Conclusion
Bitcoin’s 2023 peak is a culmination of economic, technological, and cultural synergies. As the world grapples with these multifaceted influences, Bitcoin’s prominence underscores a transformative phase in our financial narrative.
The HAYLOU X1 2023 are the latest earbuds on offer from the brand and are a clean simple o but familiar looking pair of earbuds with a gloss finish but with a nice metal case that is like a pebble and easy to fit into any pocket. Branding is kept to a minimum here with just the brand marking on the case which has an LED light around the charging port which is really nice looking and of course USB-C.
These earbuds have most of the features expected, Sound overall here is decent though, nice crisp and clear with an EQ to change things up you can also change the controls and we are down with some features like auto play and pause and voice assistant which is not really a huge gripe with me, however with the functions on the App you are limited to two controls per side however all the other features are present but you can of course set these up to what suits your needs best as everyone is different when it comes to situations like this.
The App
As you can see there is less of a feature set here compared to their latest headphones which are quite remarkable for their price and the same applies here when it comes to the sound given we have less to play with, volume is decently loud we have a latency mode, no lag latency in general noted and also decent highs lows and mids with a nice bass to them, the pop EQ is very bright but the bass and rock EQs are good and my personal choice here to my own taste.
Overall a decent pair of earbuds with responsive touch controls and in general work well, they are comfortable and discreet enough and look well and their charging case is pretty cool too.
The iGaming industry is buzzing with excellence as Betiton shines with distinction, earning four prestigious nominations at the highly anticipated SBC Awards 2023. Recognition that reflects the brand’s commitment to delivering a great gaming experience to punters and proves its ability to excel and innovate in a highly competitive environment.
Des nominations éblouissantes pour Betiton
The list of nominations for operator Betiton at the SBC Awards is a true demonstration of the scope of the young operator’s performance. The brand is proudly in the running for 4 of the 12 awards in the “Operators” category at the Awards ceremony. These include:
🏆 Rising Star – Casino
🏆 Rising star – Sports betting
🏆 Best marketing campaign of the year
🏆 Best affiliate program.
These various nominations highlight the Betiton platform’s expertise in the sports betting and online casino segments. They also underline the young establishment’s creative efforts in its marketing campaigns and affiliate program.
Expressing his pride, Arnaud Serour, co-founder and CEO of Betiton, praised the dedication of all the company’s teams, without whom this quadruple nomination would not have been possible: “Betiton has just blown out its third candle, and some incredible goals have already been achieved. I’m thinking in particular of the partnership with Djibril Cissé, but also of the two Sigma Awards obtained. All this would never have been possible without the dedication of all our staff.”
The SBC Awards, a showcase for excellence in the iGaming sector
The SBC Awards celebrate their tenth year as a showcase for excellence and innovation in the gaming and sports betting industry. This annual event brings together experts, visionaries and innovators to honor the outstanding achievements that are shaping the sector.
From September 19 to 21, the SBC Summit 2023 will be held in the bustling city of Barcelona, Spain, culminating on September 21 with the 10th edition of the SBC Awards! The well-attended ceremony will take place in the magnificent Caves Codorniu.
About Betiton, leading bookmaker and casino operator
Launched in 2020, Betiton has rapidly become a reference among gambling and sports betting platforms. Both a casino and a bookmaker, the site is operated by Sharp Connection Ltd under license from the Malta Gaming Authority.
Dynamism, experience and innovation characterize this player, who is not a newcomer to the industry. Betiton has twice won the prestigious Sigma Awards for “Rising Star – Operators” in 2021 and “Best Marketing Campaign” in 2022.
Technology has played a significant role in the development and popularity of ePortfolio (electronic portfolios). E-Portfolios can be accessed anytime, anywhere, as long as there’s an internet connection. This accessibility allows individuals to share their portfolios with a global audience, including potential employers, educators, and peers.
Types of E-Portfolios
There are several types of e-portfolios that students can consider creating, each with its own purpose and focus.
Assessment E-Portfolio
This ePortfolio is often required by educational institutions as part of a formal assessment process. Students compile their best work and achievements to demonstrate mastery of specific learning outcomes or competencies. Assessment ePortfolio are typically more structured and focused on meeting specific academic or program requirements.
Developmental E-Portfolio
Its primary purpose is for reflection and growth. Students utilize these portfolios to document their learning journey, track their advancements, and reflect on their experiences. These records typically maintain a more relaxed style and can encompass various elements such as diary entries, self-assessments, and reflections on academic coursework.
Showcase E-Portfolio
This ePortfolio aims to showcase a student’s accomplishments and abilities to prospective employers, internship providers, or graduate schools. They emphasize strengths, accomplishments, and relevant experiences. It can also include well-curated work samples, such as projects, papers, presentations, and other artifacts that showcase abilities.
Course-Based E-Portfolios
Certain instructors necessitate the creation of ePortfolio as a component of particular courses. They document and showcase the tasks completed during the course, encompassing assignments, projects, and reflections. These course-related ePortfolios encourage learners to connect their learning across various assignments and demonstrate their progress throughout the course.
Here are ten things about ePortfolios that students should know about in 2023.
Displays Educational Progression
E-Portfolios serve as an interactive display illustrating educational journeys. They can encompass a variety of materials, including essays, projects, artwork, videos, and other forms of content.
They also offer a tangible record of growth, helping learners reflect on their progress. Additionally, they help students present their abilities to potential employers or academic institutions and elevate their online visibility.
Customize Options
EPortfolios makes it easier to customize content according to individual objectives. There is also the freedom to select the format, arrangement, and structure most accurately showcases accomplishments and endeavors. This personalization helps creates a unique online identity that aligns with a student’s aspirations.
It Needs Ample Time
Creating and curating an ePortfolio can be time-intensive, especially if students must regularly update and maintain it. Balancing this effort with other academic commitments can be challenging. If you have several pending assignments and need more free time to create an ePortfolio, outsource the work to a writer at an essay writing service. The experts in a reputable writing service will ensure you submit quality papers on time.
Not Limited to a Single Use
Digital portfolios are not limited to a single academic course or project. Students can continue to add to their portfolios throughout their educational journey and beyond. This long-term approach provides students with a comprehensive overview of their skills and accomplishments over time.
Demands a Certain Degree of Digital Competence
Creating an ePortfolio requires knowing your way around digital tools. Being careful about how you come across online and protecting your privacy is important. As a result, you should use a safe platform, control who can see your stuff, and make sure what you share looks good.
Digital proficiency is imperative as it equips individuals with the capabilities and understanding needed to adeptly navigate and excel in the digital realm. In the contemporary tech-oriented society, digital literacy surpasses basic computer competencies. It encompasses an array of proficiencies that empower individuals to interact critically with digital data and make well-informed judgments.
Learning to create and maintain ePortfolio is a way to develop digital literacy and proficiency, a valuable skill in today’s technology-driven world.
Use the Right Website Builder
When deciding on the ePortfolio type, you should consider your goals, target audience, and purpose. Additionally, the platform used to create and host your ePortfolio should align with the chosen type and have the necessary features to showcase your work effectively. A good portfolio should be discoverable online. So, look for a builder that provides options for optimizing your portfolio for search engines.
The editing process should also be easy because the content and presentation may need to be adjusted accordingly. So, choose a platform that can grow with you and accommodate additional content as your portfolio expands.
You can read reviews before choosing a specific site to create your ePortfolio. This concept also works when choosing a writing service; students should read a reputable handmadewriting review to make an informed decision.
The About Me Section Is a Must-Have
This section briefly introduces the student, including background, interests, and career aspirations. It sets the tone for the rest of the document and helps viewers understand the context. To make this section longer, provide an overview of the content, especially if you don’t have extensive work experience. This could include a summary of the sections or categories you’ve included in the document and why you’ve chosen to highlight those areas.
Can Be Appropriate For Job and College Applications
E-portfolios can serve as a powerful supplement to job applications and college admissions. They provide evidence of skills, accomplishments, and experiences that can set students apart from their peers. However, it’s best to check the application guidelines of each college to see if they accept ePortfolios as supplementary materials. If they do, make sure to follow their instructions regarding format and submission.
Can Raise Privacy Concerns
Displaying personal achievements and experiences online can raise privacy concerns. Thus carefully consider what content to include, who can access it, and how to protect your private data. Students can protect their privacy by opting for a reputable and secure platform to host an ePortfolio. Look for websites that offer strong data encryption, regular security updates, and allow you to control who can view your content. Then set your site to private or limit access to specific individuals, such as potential employers or college admissions officers.
Entries are now open for the 24th annual Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Awards. As one of Ireland’s foremost technology award programmes, the awards rank Ireland’s 50 fastest growing indigenous technology companies based on revenue growth over the last four years, celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship.
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.
Speaking at the launch of this year’s programme, James Toomey, partner and Fast 50 programme lead at Deloitte, who is leading the programme for the first time this year, said:
“I’m very excited to be leading the Fast 50 programme this year which showcases the growth of technology businesses in Ireland. This year, tech companies have faced numerous challenges from increased costs to a slowdown in the global economy. Despite this, sentiment in the indigenous sector remains strong. There have been significant market developments propelling the industry forward including the more mainstream use of AI, advancements in cloud computing and Internet of Things.
“Working with technology companies every day on complex transactions, I see first-hand the hard work that goes into building and growing a business. Our annual Fast 50 awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise some of Ireland’s fastest growing technology companies and establish a benchmark for how the indigenous tech industry is performing.”
David Shanahan, partner, who, since becoming Head of Deloitte Private, has handed over the Fast 50 reins to James, said: “Over my past five years leading Fast 50, it has been exciting to see such an incredible range of successful and innovative Irish technology businesses raising unprecedented levels of funding, scaling overseas and having such a positive impact on the Irish economy and wider society.”
This year’s awards programme will include several award categories that companies can enter in addition to the overall ranking as well as introducing a new “Rising Star” award. The Rising Star award in association with Enterprise Ireland will be awarded to a company who demonstrates a promising growth trajectory and the potential for inclusion in the Fast 50 rankings in years to come. Companies being considered for this award have operating revenues accounting for a minimum of two years and less than four years.
Growing New Technology Awardin 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 Awardin 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 Awardin 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 will recognise a company with an innovative product or services that is having a disruptive impact within the financial services industry.
Last year’s top ten featured seven new entrants to the awards. Fintech company Swoop placed fourth and CEO and Founder Andrea Reynolds was awarded the Advocate for Women in Technology Award. Swoop is a global platform supporting SMEs by bringing their business data into one place to garner insights and be instantly matched to eligible finance, as well as assess their spend on cost categories such as energy, banking and FX.
As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, businesses are exploring new avenues to leverage its potential and drive innovation. In this era of transformative technological advancements, platform engineering plays a crucial role. This discipline enables organizations to build robust and scalable platforms that serve as the foundation for emerging tech trends in 2023. In this article, we will explore the significance of platform engineering in shaping these trends and how it acts as a guide to navigating the complex tech landscape.
Cloud-Native Architecture
Cloud-native architecture has gained immense popularity in recent years, and it continues to shape the tech industry in 2023. By leveraging platform engineering principles, organizations can design and build cloud-native applications that are highly scalable, resilient, and efficient. Platform engineering enables businesses to seamlessly adopt cloud services, automate infrastructure provisioning, and implement containerization technologies like Kubernetes. This approach allows companies to develop and deploy applications faster, adapt to fluctuating demands, and reduce operational costs.
Internet of Things (IoT) Integration
The Internet of Things has emerged as a transformative force across industries, connecting devices and enabling data-driven decision-making. Platform engineering plays a crucial role in integrating IoT devices into a cohesive ecosystem. It provides the foundation for secure device communication, data aggregation, and real-time analytics. By following the platform engineering guide, organizations can establish a scalable and reliable IoT infrastructure, ensuring seamless connectivity, efficient data processing, and enhanced user experiences.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
AI and ML technologies are rapidly evolving and shaping various industries in 2023. Platform engineering offers the framework to develop AI and ML-driven solutions efficiently. It provides the necessary infrastructure, data pipelines, and processing capabilities to train and deploy machine learning models at scale. By adhering to platform engineering’s principles, businesses can leverage AI and ML to extract insights, automate processes, and deliver personalized experiences to customers.
Edge Computing
With the exponential growth of data and the need for real-time processing, edge computing has gained prominence in 2023. Platform engineering allows organizations to design edge computing architectures that bring computation closer to the data source. This approach ensures low latency, improved privacy, and reduced bandwidth usage. By adopting platform engineering principles, businesses can build distributed systems capable of processing data at the edge, empowering applications such as autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and real-time monitoring systems.
Data Governance and Security
In an era of increased data privacy concerns, platform engineering serves as a guide for implementing robust data governance and security practices. By adhering to best practices and leveraging advanced security mechanisms, organizations can ensure data protection, regulatory compliance, and privacy. Platform engineering enables businesses to build secure platforms with features like encryption, access controls, and monitoring tools. This approach fosters trust among customers, stakeholders, and partners, essential for sustained growth and success.
Platform engineering continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the tech trends of 2023. By following platform engineering’s best practices, organizations can build scalable, secure, and efficient platforms that power innovations such as cloud-native architecture, IoT integration, AI and ML, edge computing, and robust data governance. Embracing platform engineering principles empowers businesses to adapt to the ever-changing tech landscape, deliver cutting-edge solutions, and stay ahead of the competition. In this age of transformative tech trends, platform engineering is the guiding light that leads organizations toward success in the digital era.
The European Patent Office (EPO) announced that Irish inventors Rhona Togher and Eimear O’Carroll are the winners in the ‘SMEs’ category of the European Inventor Award 2023. Selected from over 600 candidates, these inventors created an advanced acoustic material that reduces noise to address chronic sleep issues.
“We are honoured to win the European Inventor Award in the ‘SMEs’ category and would like to express our sincere gratitude to the European Patent Office. This award recognises many years of hard work and commitment to making the world a quieter place. It is a genuine privilege to be acknowledged alongside so many noteworthy inventors who have made such significant contributions to their fields,” say Togher and O’Carroll.
According to the European Environment Agency (EEA) approximately 20% of the EU population lives in areas with unacceptable noise and vibration levels.High noise levels have been linked to poor sleep and higher instances of heart problems. Due to noise pollution, the EEA estimates that 22 million people across Europe currently suffer from chronic high annoyance, whilst 6.5 million suffer chronic high sleep disturbance. Exposure to loud noise can also cause high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep disturbances, and stress.
A sound solution for millions of people
Togher and O’Carroll’s invention, SoundBounce™, is a composite technology that reduces the negative effects of loud noise. It consists of a responsive material housed within a cellular structure that responds to agitation by becoming liquid and absorbing energy. One of its innovative features is the invention’s cellular structure; the second is a thixotropic gel (capable of liquefying when agitated and resolidifying when allowed to stand) placed inside the cells. Once sealed, they work together to dampen sound, reducing noise transmission from one space to another.This new material can also be integrated into machinery and vehicles to reduce noise output. It can be used in the automotive, construction, aerospace and home appliance industries.
This material is particularly effective at low frequencies, which present a significant challenge connected to products with engines, vibrations, and airflow. SoundBounce’s thinner material means that aeroplanes or vehicles using it could be lighter, thus reducing fuel consumption and leaving more space. In addition to the environmental advantages related to noise reduction, the materials used to make SoundBounce have a low environmental impact as they are non-toxic, and recyclable at end of life. Since SoundBounce was created, Togher and O’Carroll’s company has developed partnerships with renowned organisations such as the European Space Agency.
“Receiving this award serves as a reminder of the importance of innovation and the impact it can have on our society. We hope that this recognition will inspire others, especially young girls, to pursue their own inventions and to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible,” say Togher and O’Carroll.
The Irish duo behind the innovation have been named winners in the ‘SMEs’ category for this year’s European Inventor Award, which recognises outstanding inventors with inventions patented in Europe.All the winners of the 2023 edition of the European Inventor Award were announced at a hybrid ceremony in Valencia (Spain)
