Tag: agriculture

Minister Lawless announces €23.6 million Research Ireland Frontiers for the Future funding

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD has today announced €23.6 million to support 23 research projects focused on tackling challenges in AI, healthcare, agriculture, energy, and transport.

The Research Ireland Frontiers for the Future Programme funds high-risk, high-reward research programmes and innovative, collaborative research with the potential to deliver economic and societal impact.

Announcing the awards, Minister Lawless said: “The Research Ireland Frontiers for the Future programme supports the development of world-class research across a range of disciplines. The awardees – spanning 9 research institutions nationwide – have brought forward novel and innovative ideas with strong potential to deliver impactful solutions for major challenges facing society today. The programme itself promotes gender balance and provides opportunities for emerging investigators returning to research. I look forward to seeing the awardees’ progress over the coming years.”

Welcoming the announcement, Celine Fitzgerald, Interim Chief Executive of Research Ireland, commented: “Our Frontiers for the Future Programme is driven by feedback from the research community and represents a strong commitment to developing future talent in key areas. These 23 awards will fund a total of 86 research positions, comprising Postdocs, PhDs, Research Assistants and support staff. I’m very pleased with the opportunities that this targeted investment is creating, and greatly encouraged that crucial research on pressing issues will be facilitated as a result.”
Examples of the initiatives being funded include:

 

  • AI for diagnostic imaging, with a focus on cardiac MRI (Dublin City University);
  • Investigating long-term effects of COVID-19 on children’s gut bacteria, social skills, and language development (RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences);
  • Mining micro-organisms living in seaweed to identify novel compounds with strong potential for crop improvement (Technological University of the Shannon);
  • Machine Learning to tackle complex issues using varied and sensitive data whilst ensuring data privacy and clear communication (University of Limerick).

The Frontiers for the Future awardees are from the following research bodies: RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin City University, Trinity College Dublin, Teagasc, Technological University of the Shannon, University College Dublin, University College Cork, University of Galway, and University of Limerick.

How Technology is Transforming Traditional Industries

From online shopping and personal assistants that know you by name, to self-driving cars, technology is revolutionizing industries and the lives of consumers at breathtaking speeds. While startups often steal the spotlight, traditional industries around the world are also riding the technology wave to stay relevant, efficient, and competitive. This blog takes a deep dive into how technology is reshaping these sectors and introduces you to noteworthy examples.

The Digital Overhaul of Traditional Industries

Technology isn’t just enhancing old practices—it’s redefining them. Here’s how traditional industries are welcoming innovation and using it to their advantage.

1. Modernizing Manufacturing with Smart Technology 

Manufacturing is at the heart of our economy, and recent advancements, such as the Internet of Things (IoT – think of a web of all connected devices and Big Data), robotics, and AI, have elevated its efficiency and supercharged productivity. Smart factories equipped with IoT sensors now offer real-time data on equipment health, production rates, and supply chain dynamics. This allows manufacturers to enhance productivity while minimizing delays and costs. 

Consider how AI-powered robots are streamlining assembly lines, reducing chances of human error, and accelerating production timelines—all critical in today’s demand-driven business landscape.

2. Retail Joins the e-Commerce Revolution 

Retail has been one of the most visibly impacted sectors. Once synonymous with physical stores, modern retail has evolved into a digital-first industry. Online platforms like Amazon and Shopify have democratized access, allowing small businesses to thrive globally. 

Technology like augmented reality (AR – think overlaying digital content on the brick and mortar world a la Pokemon Go) is also breaking new ground in an ever-more engaging consumer experience. Imagine buying furniture online and “placing” a virtual couch in your living room through your phone camera. Retailers are using AR to ensure customers make confident purchasing decisions – and improve the effectiveness of their marketing. 

3. Energizing Agriculture with Precision Tech 

The traditional agriculture industry has undergone major technological upgrades. Precision agriculture uses GPS, drones, and AI to monitor crops, optimize irrigation, and predict harvest yields. Farmers can now ensure efficient resource use and achieve higher profitability. 

For example, drones are being deployed to survey acres of farmland in minutes, providing farmers with actionable data on pest infestations and weather impacts. This minimizes waste while boosting yields significantly.

4. Healthcare in the Age of Artificial Intelligence 

Telemedicine, robotic surgeries, and AI-based diagnostics are revolutionizing healthcare. For instance, wearable health devices can now track vitals such as heart rate, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns, empowering individuals to better manage chronic diseases while directing actionable data to healthcare providers. 

AI’s role in diagnostics is another game-changer. Advanced AI-powered tools are being used to detect conditions such as cancer far earlier than traditional methods, significantly improving patient outcomes.

5. Reimagining Entertainment and Gambling 

Technology has transformed how we consume entertainment, including the casino and gambling industry, particularly in places like New Jersey. The state has embraced technology to offer a thriving online casino market, allowing residents and visitors to experience the thrill of gambling from their own devices. 

With features like live dealer games and virtual slot machines now accessible digitally, online casinos offer the same excitement as brick-and-mortar setups—with the added convenience of playing anytime, anywhere. Take FanDuel Casino, for example, which offers a range of traditional casino games like blackjack and roulette along with sports betting options, all on one platform.

6. Optimizing Supply Chain Management 

Finding efficiencies in supply chain operations has always been crucial for industries like logistics, retail, and manufacturing. Technology is making it possible to achieve unprecedented levels of optimization. 

For example, blockchain is helping supply chain managers improve transparency by offering a digital ledger for tracking goods across the supply network. Meanwhile, AI enhances real-time tracking, ensuring that deliveries are on time and that companies avoid bottlenecks.

Out With the Old and in With the New 

Traditional industries are no longer confined to outdated tools and processes. Instead, they’re proving that adaptation is the key to resilience and success. Technology has become not just a tool but a driving force behind this transformation. 

Industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and even regulated markets like gambling in New Jersey are demonstrating how innovation can unlock new opportunities and efficiencies. Whether investing in IoT, leveraging AI, or redefining customer experiences with virtual tools, these sectors remind us that there is no limit to what technology can achieve.

 

Space Technology: The New Frontier

With the next boom in the space race on the horizon, many may be thinking that the technological innovations are unhelpful to the everyday man. So, let’s take a look at some of the space designed or derived technologies can impact our daily lives. 

Random Number Generation 

You know what they say – in space, no one can hear you scream. Well, space is actually full of noises. And, this unpredictable noise can be used as a source of entropy for RNGs, which can be used in a wide range of applications to ensure results are completely random.

Just take iGaming, for example – online slots must use a digital alternative to in person gaming techniques which still have the same element of luck and chance as the traditional gameplay for authenticity and immersion: RNGs. And, some of the most popular online slot games are even themed around space and the stars, as well as using this kind of technology – enthusiasts could check out the Starburst slot for universe-inspired online gaming. Here, gems and stars fall onto the reels in a seemingly random order, putting a unique spin on the origins of the technology that is the backbone behind the game. Whilst traditional slot games rely on gravity, these games are powered by RNGs to ensure the fairness of gameplay.

As we’ve said, many random number generators require a physical input – and, for some, this is the atmospheric noise or behaviour of our atmosphere or the space beyond it. For example, Dr Mads Haahr from Trinity College, Dublin relies on the unpredictable phenomena of lightning for his random number generators. Elsewhere, white noise from the universe can be used as an entropy source due to its indeterminable nature. 

Agricultural Analysis 

Travels to space have allowed scientists to place satellites in key locations. These satellites can be accessed remotely, and can be used to monitor the earth from afar. Due to this, these satellite systems can be utilised for monitoring agricultural processes in real time. The NASA Harvest platform for example, leverages satellite data to provide real-time analytics to agricultural workers. 

The data that can be provided can impact everything from agribusiness to food security, as well as the resilience and preservation of the physical environment. In turn, the data can be leveraged to improve productivity, the practices employed, and adapting policies in line with the changing environment. Ultimately, this can help to ensure that regions have access to food, monitor the productivity of agriculture, and reduce the volatility of the market. 

Sustainability 

Today, sustainability is more than a want – it is a need. With this in mind, space technologies can be leveraged to help many industries improve their sustainability. Let’s take a look at the Space4Water platform, which provides training, information, data, and networks which leverage data collected from space for managing water management. Elsewhere, water remediation technology designed for the International Space Station has been used to provide clean water to earth’s driest regions. 

In addition to this, space technology can be utilised to achieve energy efficiency. Satellites can be used to monitor infrastructure to ensure efficiency, support surveying for the implementation and optimisation of this infrastructure, help in synchronising power infrastructure, and even assist in identifying optimal areas for solar and wind energy farms. 

As you can see, technology designed for or derived from space can be used to improve everything from the level of randomness to sustainability, and even help to improve agricultural productivity. With this in mind, space technology is not just for space – it is for earth, too. 

Top 7 Emerging Tech Startups in Ireland to Watch in 2025

Ireland is a tech wonderland, with new startups driven by innovation, investment and talented workers. With 2025 dawning, the Irish tech sector is changing rapidly, led by a new wave of startups. These companies push the envelope in everything from AI to blockchain and fintech to cybersecurity. They’re doing more than transforming old processes, they’re building the foundation for technology. These are the top seven Irish Emerging Tech Startups to watch in 2025.

7 Tech Startups to Keep an Eye on in Ireland 

Fenergo

This RegTech company is disrupting the status quo with its compliance platform for financial institutions. As regulations become more rigorous, Fenergo’s automated solutions are critical for banks and insurers to optimize human capital whilst reducing risk.

GridBeyond

GridBeyond, a leader in AI energy management, is transforming the way businesses source and use energy. Its smart grid tech helps reduce costs while helping Ireland meet its climate goals. The company’s data analytics also assist in forecasting energy patterns.

Axonista

Axonista’s interactive SaaS platform is transforming video streaming. As digital media consumption grows, Axonista helps brands create personalized and engaging content. 

Tines

Tines is an impressive startup that automates security operations. Tine’s platform allows teams to respond quickly to threats in the face of increasing cyber risks. Tines is special in terms of its simple but very useful tools. 

Nuritas

This biotech startup finds health-boosting peptides in foods with AI. Nuritas is accelerating research that would have taken years, using an approach that combines health care and artificial intelligence to create faster-acting products for wellness and pharmaceuticals.

Kiwibot

Kiwibot may not be Irish, but it has recently arrived in Dublin with its robots. They provide contactless deliveries — a service that will not go away following the pandemic. Dublin is Kiwibot’s European base, placing it well for expanding within the delivery industry.

Veracity

Veracity’s cybersecurity services have never been more critical, with cloud computing throughout the industry becoming commonplace. Their emphasis is on real-time monitoring to prevent data breaches before they occur. We can only expect Veracity to make its mark more relevant over the coming years. 

Importance of Irish Tech Companies Across Industries

Innovation in Gaming and Gambling

The gaming and gambling industries are getting redefined with the help of Irish tech companies. The advancement of new technologies that increase current engagement levels with interactive digital platforms and mobile access is transforming gambling, and the growth of the Irish online casino industry is reshaping perceptions and practices associated with it. As traditional casinos tussle against strong online competition, software developers bring gaming firms fun and engaging experiences, resulting in more users. 

Agriculture

Tech firms in Ireland are changing the game in farming with precision agriculture. They use IoT, data analysis, and AI to boost crop production, use resources wisely, and back eco-friendly farming.

Education

EdTech companies in Ireland are reshaping how we learn and teach. With interactive programs, online learning platforms, and digital classrooms, they make education more accessible and tailored for learners of all ages.

Retail

Irish tech businesses are helping retailers by offering cutting-edge cash registers, stock control systems, and CRM software. These tools streamline store operations and enhance the shopping journey. 

Healthcare

In the health sector, Irish tech companies are making a difference with digital health records, remote doctor visits, and diagnostic apps. These innovations support better patient care and more efficient health system management. 

Conclusion

The tech ecosystem in Ireland is booming, with new startups popping up specializing in fintech, energy, AI, and cybersecurity. These companies will feature heavily in the industry’s future as Ireland continues to cement its status as a tech hub.