Tag: AG

Infineon Technologies opens new R&D Centre in Cork

Infineon Technologies AG: a global leader in power systems and IoT, has officially opened its new Cork office at City Gate Park, Mahon. The new office has capacity for growth as the Cork team expands. This is  part of a €60 million investment plan announced in 2024, by Infineon for its Irish operations.

This R&D hub will focus Infineon’s innovations in the Automotive and Consumer microelectronics space such as Battery Management, Motor Control and Touchscreens. Supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, the continued growth will include senior and junior positions as well as a strong contingent of local university graduates through the Infineon Ireland Graduate Program.

Minister for Enterprise Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD said: “I welcome Infineon Technologies’ continued commitment to Ireland, as well as today’s opening of their new Design Centre in Cork. This investment strengthens our position as a hub for cutting‑edge research and development in microelectronics and supports additional high‑quality jobs for both experienced engineers and new graduates. The expansion reflects Ireland’s strong talent base and our growing role in advancing innovation across the automotive and consumer technology sectors. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this centre will deliver for Cork, for Ireland’s technology ecosystem, and for the global transition toward digitalisation and decarbonisation.”

Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and at the Department of Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD said: “This new centre reflects the increasingly international nature of research and development, where teams collaborate across borders to solve shared technological challenges. Infineon’s investment in Cork underlines Ireland’s role as a trusted partner in global innovation networks.”

The Infineon research teams in Ireland are focused on IP development for the automotive and consumer markets. The new hires will support the development of new technologies and products that help driving digitalisation and decarbonisation on a global scale.

“At Infineon, we are committed to actively driving decarbonisation and digitalisation. As a global semiconductor leader for the automotive industry, we are shaping the future of mobility with products and solutions to make cars clean, safe and smart,” said Thomas Mende, Senior Vice President of Development, Microcontroller Automotive at Infineon. “The strategic development of our research and development sector in Ireland is central to this mission with semiconductor-based system integration and artificial intelligence for highly connected and increasingly autonomous vehicles being among major trends. This new office enables us to strengthen our team even further with the high-calibre talent that Ireland has to offer.”

Positions in the new office have already been opened online and include roles in Analog Design, Digital Design, Architecture and Verification.

“Just over two years ago, Infineon announced a multimillion-euro investment in its Irish R&D activities, which will result in the addition of approximately 100 jobs across its sites in Dublin and Cork“ said Executive Director of IDA Ireland, Dónal Travers. “I am honoured to join the team here today in Cork to celebrate the progress that has been made since then. This investment not only enhances Ireland’s deep-tech landscape, Infineon is also a critical part of the South West’s recognised semiconductor cluster. I wish the company, and the teams here in Ireland, continued success“.

 

Irish startup Protostars AI selected for AG Elevate Programme

International law firm Addleshaw Goddard has today announced the names of the 13 high-growth technology businesses which have been selected for its 2024 AG Elevate programme.
The businesses, that are headquartered across various European countries, will receive a tailored package of legal advice, regular mentorship meetings with world-class legal teams and access to Addleshaw Goddard’s global roster of seminars and networking events.
The latest cohort includes businesses from a range of different sectors including automotives, commodities, cyber-security, green energy and finance. Four of the businesses use AI as part of their core product offering – including Irish participant, Protostars AI, which leverages AI to assist companies in navigating the complexities of the newly adopted EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA).
The businesses will work with Addleshae Goddard’s legal teams across its global offices and benefit from advice on handling complex legal issues such as intellectual property protection, data privacy compliance, corporate governance, contracts and trade regulations.
Since its launch in 2017, the annual programme has helped around 60 businesses tackle a range of legal and operational challenges. Previous alumni of AG Elevate include a range of high-growth tech businesses from various industries, including fintech innovators, online consumer brands, sustainability, clean-tech pioneers and prop-tech companies. Included in last year’s cohort was SymPhysis Medical, the Galway MedTech company that successfully secured €2.2m funding last month for the development of a device to address the condition of fluid in the chest of cancer patients.
Doreen Mescal, Partner at Addleshaw Goddard Ireland, said: “Navigating the complex landscape of legal and operational challenges can be particularly daunting for new tech businesses. Through our AG Elevate programme, we offer a comprehensive suite of legal guidance, tailored mentorship and access to an extensive network of industry-leading professionals to support these companies on their growth journeys.
“Each year, we aim to partner with innovative, forward-thinking businesses that show exceptional promise across a range of sectors. This year’s cohort reflects the diversity and dynamism of the tech industry, from AI and green energy to cybersecurity and mobility solutions. I think the businesses that have been chosen this year are particularly exciting and I look forward to working with them closely on their growth journey.”
Speaking on being selected for this year’s AG Elevate Programme, Kim McKayed, CEO & Co-founder of Protostars AI, added: “We are thrilled to be part of the AG Elevate program, which provides invaluable support as we strengthen Protostars as a trusted supplier for the national Cyber Grants Scheme. AG Elevate offers a robust support structure, including legal counsel and mentorship, to help us navigate this critical growth phase. It’s reassuring to know that Addleshaw Goddard truly values and uplifts innovative companies, offering meaningful assistance as we work to commercialise cutting-edge AI for cybersecurity compliance.” 
The businesses selected for AG Elevate 2024 are as follows:
  • Protostars AI (Ireland): Protostars AI leverages artificial intelligence for security audit reporting, aligning with EU cybersecurity regulation and earning recognition at the 2023 EY Startup Academy.
  • Aetha Motors (United Kingdom): Pioneering the UK’s first fully electric sports car brand, Aetha Motors introduces capex-lite manufacturing to revolutionize the automotive industry.
  • CataNiTek (United Kingdom): A spin-out from the University of Strathclyde, CataNiTek is innovating in the field of fine chemical synthesis with its development of nickel catalysts, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional precious metal catalysts.
  • Coastr (United Kingdom): Coastr is creating a new shared mobility ecosystem with its end-to-end platform solution designed for car rental, sharing, leasing and subscription businesses, enhancing operational efficiency and user experience.
  • Exabler (United Kingdom): Exabler offers a cutting-edge supply chain technology platform, utilising AI to enhance trade compliance, unlock commercial opportunities and foster client relationship improvement.
  • Frontier Robotics (United Kingdom): Specialising in underwater robotics, Frontier Robotics develops plug-and-play autonomy solutions to enable scalable and efficient inspection of ocean infrastructure.
  • Secretarium (United Kingdom): Secretarium is leading the way in confidential computing, offering encrypted data processing within an “Honest Computing” framework for secure and privacy-focused data handling.
  • SuperFi (United Kingdom): As a social impact FinTech, SuperFi is dedicated to assisting users in managing bills and avoiding problem debt, particularly during the Cost of Living crisis.
  • Delos Intelligence (France): Delos Intelligence specialises in the development of both tailor-made and generic generative AI software solutions for the tertiary sector, enhancing operational efficiencies.
  • Symphonics (France): Symphonics introduces an innovative electrical equipment management platform designed to make energy cheaper, greener, and more accessible for all.
  • Crespect (Estonia): Crespect revolutionizes legal practice management with its AI-powered system featuring built-in CRM capabilities, aimed at boosting law firm efficiency and business growth.
  • Buildlinx (Germany): Buildlinx is transforming technological control in non-residential buildings with its software ecosystem, aimed at significantly reducing energy costs and CO2 emissions.
  • Shakers (Spain): Shakers provides a dynamic platform that enables companies to address tech challenges by accessing flexible talent at scale, fostering innovation and growth.
Addleshaw Goddard is a full-service international law firm that works with many of the world’s leading businesses. Addleshaw Goddard advises on more than 50 areas of business law across over 100 jurisdictions and is considered one of Europe’s leading legal advisors for the technology sector.