Tag: #AI

Phononic Announces Exclusive Cold Chain Licensing Agreement with Peltier, Inc

Phononic, the global leader in solid state cooling  technology, has entered into a strategic exclusive cold chain licensing agreement with Peltier Technology, Inc. Phononic’s Active Cooling Solutions (ACSTM) platform has become mission critical  through the cold chain from fulfillment centers to grocery shelves to last mile delivery.

Peltier Technology, Inc is founded by Hanson Li – an experienced entrepreneur and technology investor  – with the mission to reimagine the world’s approach to using cold. Peltier has built an  experienced team of industry executives, global supply chain and 3PL partners, and a world class  engineering team to strengthen the cold chain with smart modular solutions.  

Customers can expect refrigeration and IoT software solutions from Peltier that patch up leaks in  the cold chain; an astounding 20% of food and drugs, and up to 50% of vaccines, are wasted  despite the tens of billions of dollars the world invests each year in the cold chain. Peltier solutions  bring refrigeration flexibility that can be easily integrated in operations that demand temperature  integrity. From unlocking new shelves for chilled or frozen goods in the grocery aisle to enabling  multi-temp automated warehouse solutions, Peltier delivers sustainable and purposeful  refrigeration to an industry frozen in time. 

“Peltier is excited to license and commercialize Phononic’s next generation of solid state cooling  technology,” said Hanson Li, Peltier CEO and Founder. “I’m excited to combine Peltier’s focus on  solving temperature challenges with Phononic’s disruptive cooling platform. With an established  ACSTM platform, supply chain, and customers, Peltier will continue to deliver timely solutions for our  customers’ cooling challenges.”  

“We’re excited to partner with Hanson and his team at Peltier” said Tony Atti, Co-Founder and  CEO of Phononic. “We developed the ACSTM platform as a solution to the needs of e-commerce,  cold chain, retail/grocery and consumer demand for innovating cooling. Licensing provides us  the flexibility to leverage Peltier’s cold chain focus to support the market while we enable the  future of AI through our datacenter platform.” 

Phononic’s ACSTM platform includes a unique combination of merchandising refrigerators and  freezers, portable totes, integrated docking stations and IoT connectivity, last mile, and shipping  and logistics design concepts. This platform has already realized value ensuring protection of  temperature-sensitive drugs and vaccines; delivering frozen/refrigerated perishable items at the  point-of-sale; and enabled retailers to scale e-commerce online purchasing.  

Google Pixel 10 Pro Review

The Google Pixel 10 Pro is one of their latest slew of devices on the market today and probably the best choice out of the lot though I yet to try the fold which some see as overpriced.

Regardless of that I have a Pixel phone as one of my daily drivers all year round coupled with the watch the earbuds and many other items at home and works a great ecosystem. AI though I think is where the Pixel 10 Pro shines this year with lots of extras on board alongside good cameras a UI experience and overall a smooth phone to use even for heavy multitaskers like me.

AI is a word we cant get away from these days however this is good and bad depending on how you use it and for photos it is excellent and with fixing images and giving you the best result and as they say the best camera you have is the one in your pocket.

Walkthrough of the Google Pixel 10 Pro

Magic Cue. The right info, right when you need it.

Magic Cue brings a new level of personalised intelligence and helpfulness to Pixel. It can help connect the dots across your digital life by anticipating your needs and proactively suggesting relevant information and helpful actions, based on the context on your phone.2 Calling your airline?

Magic Cue finds your flight details as soon as you dial. Friend asking for your Airbnb address? It automatically retrieves the info for quick sharing. Magic Cue is powered by our custom-built Google Tensor G5 chip, featuring cutting-edge, on-device AI that gives features the ability to process and understand relevant information and deliver helpful, proactive assistance.

Transform photos in the blink of AI.

The Pixel 10 series makes it effortless to capture an amazing photo every time, offering AI-powered features and magical editing tools in the Pixel Camera. The all-new Camera Coach, powered by Gemini models built right into the camera, can read the scene, offer you suggestions and help you find the best angle and lighting. It can even suggest the best modes to use, helping unleash the creative photographer in you. Asides photos in general AI in embedded in to the Pixel 10 pro and more or less system wide and Gemini is one feature I use quite often now and can be helpful in many ways which I use on my chromebook and Pixel devices

Design and Display

The Pixel 10 Pro has a similar design language to its predecessor, featuring the distinctive visor camera bar on the back. It’s polisheded finish with  spacecraft-grade aluminum frame and a silky matte glass back, all protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Buttons are tactile it does not rock on the table when flat like most phones today with big humps. 

The Pixel 10 Pro has a  6.3-inch LTPO OLED screen with a dynamic refresh rate that can go from 1Hz all the way up to 120Hz. The peak brightness is said to reach an impressive 3300 nits, which would make it one of the brightest displays on the market, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight.

Performance and AI

The biggest change under the hood is the new Tensor G5 chip which is major upgrade over the Tensor G4, promising faster CPU and GPU performance, which runs a bit more smoother, more responsive user experience for everything from everyday tasks to mobile gaming and as a poweruser of phones I seen no issues to date with what I do.

The Tensor G5 powers the  next-level AI features on which this phone is more or less selling point is enabling new features like “Magic Cue,” which proactively offers relevant information based on your apps and usage and also allows you to edit photos by telling the phone to do so.

Camera System

The Pixel 10 Pro camera array consists a 50MP wide lens, a 48MP ultrawide with Macro Focus, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The combination of hardware and the Tensor G5’s new Image Signal Processor (ISP) the suite of tools also on the Pixel 10 Prio is plenty for editing but check out the image and video gallery below for more and you deciide I found it much better this time round especially with night photography and video.

Photos and Videos taken with the Pixel 10 Pro

 

Final Thoughts

Overall the new Pixel 10 is a powerful tool for those wanting to engage in AI more and for me not a huge fan of the AI buzzword but it has me trying new things using the AI the cameras are great and overall I am impressed with what I have here and it will be staying put as my daily driver until the next model drops which I look forward too.

BUY

Cases for your Pixel 10/10Pro

Plain Concepts and Ardanis Unite to Expand Global Delivery Capabilities

Plain Concepts, a leading technology services company specialising in solving complex problems for businesses worldwide, has completed its second acquisition with the integration of Ardanis into its portfolio. Ardanis is an Ireland and UK based firm renowned for its expertise in AI, bespoke software development and digital solutions.

With this move, Plain Concepts strengthens its focus on cutting‑edge innovation and artificial intelligence as key drivers of business growth. The acquisition also brings Ardanis’ deep expertise in the regulated services sector, particularly in fintech and insurtech, propelling Plain Concepts to consolidate and expand its vertical capabilities in this space.

With its strategic plan to double in size year-on-year, Plain Concepts continues to pursue inorganic growth. By integrating an innovative business such as Ardanis, who share their values and technological DNA, Plain Concepts reinforces its market positioning and broadens its capacity to deliver innovative, high-value solutions on a global scale.

Quique Martínez, CEO of Plain Concepts, said:  

“The acquisition of Ardanis represents a key strategic step for Plain Concepts. We share their technological vision and their commitment to bespoke digital solutions. Beyond this, there is a strong cultural alignment between our companies – a shared passion for customer success, rigour in delivery, and caring for people as the foundation of our business. This cultural fit is, ultimately, the true engine behind this integration.”

The addition adds over 50 talented professionals to the Plain Concepts team and strengthens its footprint in the Irish, UK, Portugese, and other European markets. Supported by new offices and local teams in Dublin, London and Porto complementing its established presence in Spain, the company consolidates its multinational profile and strengthens its delivery capabilities across Southern Europe.

While Spain remains the company’s main market, Europe and the United States continue to grow as strategic regions for expansion.

Ivan Goor CEO at Ardanis, commented:

“I am thrilled that Ardanis has joined forces with Plain Concepts. This represents a significant milestone for Ardanis and for our growth ambitions.

With Plain Concepts, we are expanding and leveraging our combined technical expertise and strength in AI and technology delivery, amplifying our ability to meet the needs of our ever‑growing customer base across Ireland, the UK, and Europe.

Importantly, this partnership is a positive step forward not only for our clients, who will now benefit from an even broader range of skills, solutions, and expertise, but also for our people. It opens up exciting new opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and innovation within our teams.

We have always succeeded – and will continue to succeed – where others have failed and by uniting with Plain Concepts we are building a technology leader positioned to deliver superlative AI and digital solutions across Europe and beyond.”  

From a technical perspective, this integration broadens Plain Concepts’ expertise in programming languages such as .Net, Angular, React, TypeScript, Python and Node JS, amongst others, significantly strengthening Plain Concepts’ ability to tackle increasingly complex international projects with a deep technical focus and marks an important milestone in Plain Concepts’ journey towards becoming a fully European organisation.

Understanding Agentic AI: The New Autonomous Frontier

Agentic AI represents the next frontier in artificial intelligence innovation where autonomous agents work together as a team. Although agentic AI is in its early stages, it has the potential to help enterprises achieve remarkable gains in productivity, efficiency, and scalability by eliminating inefficiencies and seamlessly scaling an organization’s collective skills. With AI agents, enterprises can gain a competitive advantage by delivering insights faster and making strategic decisions more effectively.

Neil Bowden, Director of Data Analytics & AI, Dell Technologies Ireland tells us more below

AI lessens the burden of using complex tools and dissolves siloes by augmenting human capabilities. Now, employees can contribute more meaningfully to specialized tasks with the assistance of AI. Teams working with AI are three times more likely to be in the top decile of performance than individuals working with AI or teams working without AI.

Defining Agentic AI

An AI agent is a software system that uses artificial intelligence to autonomously make decisions and take actions to achieve a set of objectives. AI agents have the power to reason, learn and adapt based on their perception of the work environment. As a result, they can be given a goal and carry out complex tasks to reach that goal, with minimal or potentially no human interaction.

AI agents surpass automation by adapting and learning within complex workflows. To tap into the potential of agentic AI, it’s important to understand the difference between automation and autonomy. Automation is a predefined set of actions that are performed by a piece of technology, whereas autonomy is an intent that is given to technology and the technology then determines and performs the task. Autonomy happens when the human ceases to be the “doer” of the work or ceases to define the workflow.

Take supply chain management as an example. An automated robot can be designed to pick, pack and ship goods in a productive manner that reduces errors, achieving faster order completion and customer satisfaction. An autonomous agent, or AI agent, can optimize supply chain management by predicting demand, managing inventory levels, and coordinating with suppliers to ensure timely restocking. It could identify potential disruptions and suggest solutions to maintain the smooth flow of goods.

Generative AI vs. Agentic AI – Understanding Their Unique Roles

AI agents are different from GenAI chatbots and assistants. GenAI chatbots and assistants help us unlock the power of data, so we can more effectively interact with and act on it. In contrast, AI agents interact with the data and act on our behalf based on our desired goals and without our intervention.

An AI agent is typically composed of a core (i.e., a persona, goals, and a list of available tools); a memory; tools to perceive and interact with its environment; and some form of reasoning function that is likely based on an AI model (e.g., LLM). The capabilities of these building blocks determine the AI agent’s reasoning ability and influence its degree of autonomy.

Balancing Autonomy and Oversight for Effective AI Integration

Humans are critical to agentic AI because they provide intentionality for AI agents. Despite the autonomous nature of AI agents, there is still a human involved in defining what success looks like to the AI agents. The biggest shift from GenAI chatbots and assistants to AI agents is that humans are in the loop with GenAI tools. This means humans are deeply involved in defining how work is going to be done.

With the current slate of AI agents, humans are on the loop. This means that you define the outcome and the intent, but you have delegated the AI agent to figure out how to perform the task. AI agents will become one of the most impactful tools that accelerate enterprise efficiency by taking on complex tasks while continuously improving themselves through learning and adaptation.

These questions of oversight, governance, and the evolving relationship between humans and AI are not just theoretical, they are at the heart of the conversations we’ll be having at the Dell Technologies Forum in Dublin on September 23rd. From exploring how Irish businesses can build trustworthy, autonomous AI systems to examining next-generation AI infrastructure, to understanding how GenAI and Agentic AI work in tandem. This year’s Forum will bring these concepts to life with real-world examples and the insights of Dell experts.

Practical Applications of Agentic AI

AI agents are autonomous and function-serving, which means they are capable of interfacing with other systems and taking actions in those systems. However, the first generation of AI agents are captive within a particular product, system, or vendor. As the technology advances and interoperability standards are defined, it can be leveraged across software programs and across business units from sales to finance, marketing to HR, and in the supply chain.

To prepare for agentic AI, enterprises should look at their technology infrastructure foundation and ensure it is equipped to power and scale AI agents. Identify priority use cases to plug AI agents and start thinking about how to integrate them into your workflows across enterprise software systems and other IT operations.

At this year’s Forum, speakers will provide practical advice for decision makers that can help their organisation overcome infrastructure challenges, unlock productivity, and prepare their workforce for new roles in an AI-driven environment. Sessions will dive into how IT leaders can balance innovation with security, compliance, and ethical considerations while scaling AI initiatives.

The Potential Impact of Agentic AI

Before we know it, AI agents will become the new Application Programming Interface (API) of business, enhancing the way enterprises operate regardless of industry. The real value of AI agents is not when they are in isolation, but rather when they start to work together. This could be an ensemble of agents working inside your company (e.g., different AI agents with different frameworks), or the next evolution: when your AI agents can interact with someone else’s AI agents. With interoperability standards soon to be defined, it won’t be hard to imagine your AI agents interworking with the AI agents of vendors, partners, and customers. The possibilities are endless.

I’m excited for what the future holds for agentic AI and how it will propel enterprises into the future. Dell Technologies Forum will be an important forum for these discussions, bringing together Ireland’s business community to explore agentic AI and its impact on business transformation, leadership, and competitiveness in the AI era.

Join them at the Royal Dublin Society in Dublin on September 23rd for the 2025 Dell Technologies Forum, run in collaboration with NVIDIA, Intel, and Microsoft. For more information and to register for this event, click here

 

SAJ HS3: The Most Compact Yet Powerful Home Battery

In today’s residential energy market, homeowners demand solutions that are efficient, smart, and space-conscious. SAJ’s HS3 answers that call as the thinnest 6-in-One home battery on the market, measuring just 17 cm slim. Compact in size but remarkable in capability, HS3 is designed to fit seamlessly into any home environment—indoor or outdoorwithout compromising performance.

Ultra-Compact Design for Every Home
Why size matters: Many energy storage systems are bulky, limiting installation options. HS3 changes the game with its slim, adaptable design.

1. Flexible Installation in Any Environment
Whether it’s a small garage, tight indoor area, or outdoor wall, HS3 can be installed effortlessly, maximizing space while maintaining full functionality.

2. Classic, Elegant Design
With a sleek and timeless appearance, HS3 blends naturally into home interiors or outdoor spaces, enhancing the home’s aesthetic while delivering cutting-edge energy storage.

Powerful Performance in a Compact Package
HS3 isn’t just compact—it’s packed with features that set it apart from other home energy storage solutions:


1 – 6-in-One Integration
Unlike other brands that offer only 3- or 5-in-One solutions, HS3 integrates solar inverter, EV charger, battery PCS, battery pack, backup, and Energy Management System into a single, cohesive unit.

2. Energy That Expands, Effortlessly
Start with a 5 kWh battery pack and easily expand to 40 kWh as customers’ needs grow. While mixing batteries typically risks damaging energy storage systems, the HS3 is designed to overcome this challenge. With a DC-DC optimizer in each pack of HS3, SAJ enables seamless integration of old and new batteries. Its flexible expansion design allows you to add new batteries to the existing system with ease.

3. Fast & Easy Installation and Enhanced User Experience
Designed for ease-of-use, HS3 features: Modular construction and Blind Plug Design Built-in diagnostic tools for real-time feedback and troubleshooting

4. Extreme Climate Resistance and High Safety
The HS3 Series is engineered for reliable performance under harsh conditions: Integrated thermal boosting function operates at temperatures as low as -30°C Built-in fire suppression system activates within 3 seconds at 185°C Stable energy supply and maximum safety for homeowners

5. Smart Energy, Save Energy Bills
SAJ elekeeper AI Saving 2.0 The intelligent EMS app optimizes energy use across appliances, real-time tariffs, and weather conditions—helping homeowners save up to 20% on electricity bills effortlessly.

6. Proven Stability and Local Support
With over 15 years of experience in residential energy solutions, SAJ are proud to present its third-generation home energy storage system, developed on the proven foundation of the H1, B1, and HS2. Engineered for durability and
reliability, this latest system embodies their ongoing commitment to innovation and quality. To ensure every customer receives timely and dependable service.

SAJ has established dedicated technical support teams across Ireland, the UK, and Europe.SAJ HS3: The Most Compact Yet Powerful Home Battery

eBay Celebrates 30 Years of Creating Economic Opportunity

eBay, Inc. a global commerce leader that connects millions of buyers and sellers around the world, today celebrates three decades of ecommerce success. Since its founding in 1995, eBay has shaped the way enthusiasts participate in the circular economy, empowering entrepreneurs and creating economic opportunity for millions.

“eBay’s 30th anniversary is an important milestone we share with our global community of buyers and sellers, who’ve been with us every step of the way,” said Jamie Iannone, Chief Executive Officer at eBay. “Looking ahead, we’ll continue to leverage innovation and AI to make eBay simpler and more trusted, while building a stronger marketplace for the decades to come.”

To mark its 30th anniversary milestone, eBay is hosting a series of special events in New York City to honour the buyers and sellers who have shaped its journey since 1995.

 

  • Celebration at Nasdaq: Today, eBay CEO Jamie Iannone and company executives will ring the opening bell at the Nasdaq MarketSite. The moment reflects eBay’s impact on global commerce and its continued innovation designed to better serve small businesses, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts around the world.
  • Immersive ‘95 Shop: Complementing the ceremony, eBay is launching an immersive retail experience – the ‘95 Shop – a tribute to the iconic trends and items from its founding year. The activation is where 90s nostalgia meets three decades of recommerce innovation. It features a “Greatest Hits” auction across Fashion, Collectibles, and Motors, a series of eBay Lives from leading sellers, and more immersive experiences. Located at 45 Grand St. in New York City, the shop will open on Sept. 4 for one day only.

AI-Powered Innovation At Scale

eBay’s global scale, category expertise, and unparalleled breadth of inventory enable the company to deliver personalized, scalable, and magical experiences for its customers worldwide.

By combining sought-after inventory in focus categories, such as Collectibles, Fashion, and Motors, with innovative tools and strategies, eBay continues to expand its role as a trusted marketplace for sellers and buyers. AI helps in this mission by enhancing discovery, trust, and engagement: to date, eBay has enabled more than 10 million sellers to generate well over 200 million listings with AI tools. Internally, AI-powered services help streamline workflows, unlock deeper insights, and foster creativity, ultimately allowing employees to focus on higher-value activities.

Beyond AI, eBay is reimagining ecommerce through innovations like eBay Live, a dynamic shopping experience that continues to scale with strong seller adoption and growing buyer engagement. Together, these initiatives drive eBay’s ability to build on its category strengths, technological capabilities, and community of sellers to shape the future of ecommerce.

From vintage collectibles and pre-loved fashion to one-of-a-kind treasures, eBay has built one of the most dynamic and trusted marketplaces in the world, enabling customers all over the world to buy and sell with ease. As the company looks to the future, it remains committed to building communities, harnessing new technologies and reinventing the future of ecommerce. For a timeline of eBay’s historical moments, visit Our History.

Samsung Unveils “AI Home: Future Living, Now” #IFA2025

At Innovation For All (IFA) 2025, Samsung Electronics showcased its  vision for “AI Home: Future Living, Now”. Samsung’s AI Home aims to be a reality people can experience today  — not just in the future — and one designed for everyone, not just a select few. 

“At Samsung, we’re not just imagining the future of AI; we’re building it into everyday life. Samsung’s AI Home  moves beyond smart devices to homes that truly understand you, adapt to your needs, and care for what  matters most,” said Cheolgi Kim (CK), Executive Vice President and Head of Digital Appliances (DA)  Business. “This is the beginning of a new era – where technology supports your life in the background so that  you can live it more fully.” 

Samsung’s AI Home experience is designed to make everyday living more convenient, efficient, healthy, and  safe. 

Samsung research1reveals that 66% of consumers find the idea of an AI-enabled home appealing, with many  envisioning streamlined daily tasks (44%) and greater control via phone or voice commands (45%). AI Home, with SmartThings automated routines, delivers on this vision – automating lighting, temperature, and even  syncing blinds with the weather for effortless living. 

The home is a sanctuary for 93% of people and a social hub for 80%. As families spend more time together,  AI Home enhances shared moments with wellness checks, personalised sleep settings, and nutrition planning. 

Energy efficiency is one of the main benefits consumers look for from AI. 66% believe an AI enabled home can  help track costs and save money. With SmartThings Energy, AI Home can reduce washing machine energy  use by up to 70%34. 

Security remains critical, with 40% expecting AI to improve home protection through timely alerts. Samsung  Knox Vault safeguards sensitive data at the hardware level, while Knox Matrix extends protection across  connected devices with ecosystem-wide security5. 

Bespoke AI Enhances AI Capabilities 

Samsung’s latest Bespoke AI appliances have taken AI features to a new level, offering a better living  experience in both the kitchen and other spaces: 

 1 All consumer statistics referenced in this release are sourced from EO CMI Quantitative Survey, UK/DE/FR, consumers owning 1+ smart  home appliances or devices, sample 1200. 

2 Requires a wireless network, a Samsung account and the Samsung SmartThings App. AI Home routines must be manually set up by  the user before AI Home can assist with their automation.  

3 Savings amount estimated based on tests performed by Samsung. Estimated savings may differ from users actual savings.  https://www.samsung.com/uk/home-appliances/smartthings/energy/#energy 

4 Wi-Fi connection, Samsung account and SmartThings required. Can be applied when the selected washing temperature is 20~40°C.  Max saving results from washing a 40 degree cycle as a cold wash. Savings based on internal testing on the WW11BB944AGB model in  normal usage conditions. Results: Power consumption without AI Energy Mode = 0.539 KWh. Power consumption with AI Energy Mode  = 0.145 KWh. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions. 

5 For further information see: Knox Vault | Fundamentals | Samsung Knox Documentation

∙ Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra: Upgraded with improved AI Object Recognition6, it can now  detect liquids7, even transparent ones. 

∙ Bespoke AI Washer: AI Wash+ enables a laundry experience that better fits your clothes. It clears  the minimum threshold for a Grade A in energy efficiency testing by 65%8. 

∙ Bespoke AI Dishwasher: AI Wash optimises the cleaning cycle based on how dirty the dishes are9, and Auto Open Door allows steam to escape, accelerating the drying process. 

∙ Extractor Induction Hob: Integrating the extractor into the hob maximises kitchen space. Vision AI Expands to Larger Displays 

Samsung’s Vision AI Companion is designed to feel more like a trusted companion – someone you can engage  with naturally, and that responds in a human-like way – redefining home entertainment. Pursuing an open  platform approach, Samsung is strengthening its partnerships with global AI technology leaders, including  Google, Microsoft and Perplexity. 

Other highlights included: 

∙ Micro RGB: A 115” display delivering cinema-quality visuals at home with perfect colour, bringing  every scene to life with stunning depth and vibrancy. 

∙ The Movingstyle: A portable touchscreen TV with built-in battery and adaptive AI – perfect for any  room or on the go. 

∙ Samsung Sound Tower: Powerful, portable sound with an 18-hour battery10. You can strengthen  the party mood with customisable lighting and sound effects via the dedicated app. 

Galaxy AI Expands with New Devices 

Starting with the Galaxy S24 series and a commitment to democratise Galaxy AI to over 200 million devices  in 2024, Samsung Galaxy has defined a new era of mobile AI innovation.  

Now, the latest Galaxy AI experience comes to new products, designed to ensure a seamless mobile  experience on a wider range of devices with multimodal capabilities. 

By the end of 2025, Samsung aims to bring the Galaxy AI experience to over 400 million devices worldwide. Experience Future Living, Now at IFA 2025 

The Samsung exhibition at IFA will be open from September 5 – 9 at the CityCube, Berlin. 

Samsung Electronics is also showcasing a large-scale media art installation created in collaboration with  world-renowned digital artist Maotik on a massive 50-meter-wide digital façade at the entrance of the  exhibition hall. 

The video, themed around “wind,” features dynamic waves formed by the organic movement of data,  symbolizing how Samsung’s AI technology contributes to enhancing everyday life for its customers. 

See our Samsung Reviews

ITU report details USD 2.6-2.8 trillion cost to connect everyone meaningfully by 2030

Achieving universal, meaningful Internet connectivity by 2030 could require an investment of USD 2.6 trillion to USD 2.8 trillion at current prices, according to the Connecting Humanity Action Blueprint released today by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – the UN agency for digital technologies – and the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The report outlines the challenges, projected costs, and collaborative strategies needed to make sure everyone, everywhere, can use the Internet, including the estimated one-third of humanity currently offline.

The largest investment component — USD 1.5 trillion to USD 1.7 trillion — is required for hard infrastructure, alongside substantial funding for human and institutional capacity, mainly in developing countries.

“Digital connectivity means creating opportunities for education, jobs, and access to essential services that can transform lives and communities,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “While significant resources are needed to meaningfully connect everyone, these are investments that will contribute to a prosperous digital future for all.”

The challenge of connecting billions

ITU estimates that 2.6 billion people are still excluded from the digital world, with connectivity closely linked to levels of socio-economic development. In 2024, an estimated 93 per cent of the population in high-income countries was using the Internet, compared to just 27 per cent in low-income countries.

The new report on achieving universal meaningful connectivity builds on ITU’s original 2020 Connecting Humanity study, published under the direction of the G20 during the presidency of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, by identifying critical gaps with the anticipated costs for addressing them.

“The world needs between USD 2.6 trillion and USD 2.8 trillion to connect humanity by 2030. This figure is nearly five times higher than the last assessment conducted in 2020 in partnership with ITU during the Saudi chairmanship of the G20,” said H.E. Eng. Haytham AlOhali, Acting Governor of CST. “Such a dramatic increase underscores the urgency for international cooperation, collective investment, and the sharing of expertise if we are to achieve the vision of universal, meaningful connectivity for all.”

Key costs highlighted in the report include:

  1. Digital infrastructure – USD 1.5 trillion to USD 1.7 trillion: Expanding broadband networks to underserved populations represents the single largest cost. The report estimates the costs of deploying fibre networks in and around urban areas, 4G fixed wireless in rural regions, and satellites in the most remote locations.
  2. Affordability – USD 983 billion: Reducing the cost of smartphones and broadband services — both fixed and mobile — is vital so that individuals and households worldwide, particularly in lower-income regions, can afford to connect and stay online.
  3. Digital skills – USD 152 billion: Connectivity alone is not enough — people must have the skills to use the Internet effectively. Investments to fund large-scale digital literacy initiatives can empower individuals to access online education, secure better jobs, and actively participate in a digitally-driven society.
  4. Policy and regulation – USD 600 million: Modernizing regulations and creating predictable policy environments worldwide are essential to unlock efficiencies and promote innovation. While this represents the smallest cost component, it holds back digital transformation and sustains the other gaps. The impact of closing it would be massive.

Public-private collaboration needed

As the Connecting Humanity Action Blueprint highlights, global progress on connectivity has been uneven, with the world’s 46 least-developed countries lagging significantly due to financing barriers, limited technical expertise, and unreliable infrastructure.

To address these challenges, ITU calls for innovative business approaches and renewed collaboration between governments, the tech industry, development finance institutions, and civil society, to close current divides and prevent future ones, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence (AI).

The report concludes with recommendations to accelerate digital inclusion worldwide, including using schools as gateways to Internet access, investing in energy infrastructure in Africa, and enhancing data collection at the sub-national level.

 

  • Read the full report here.
  • Learn more about the report project here and access the Executive Summary here.

 

IMI launches 2025 National Leadership Conference to help Irish leaders drive growth and lead change

The Irish Management Institute (IMI) today announced the launch of the 2025 National Leadership Conference (NLC), taking place on Thursday, October 2nd at IMI’s Sandyford campus, which will bring together Ireland’s top business leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities of leading organisations in an era of heightened volatility and disruption.

This year’s NLC will focus on helping leaders move from insight to impact, develop key capabilities to navigate uncertainty, and position their organisations for long-term success. Former Editor-in-chief of the Economist, Bill Emmott, is to address the 2025 Irish Management Institute (IMI) National Leadership Conference on the critical role of leadership in driving transformation in an era of heightened volatility and disruption.

As the AI transformation accelerates, speakers will offer insights on how decision makers can successfully harness the power of the technology in their business; developing an organisational culture of innovation that embraces change; and cultivating and leading high-performance teams.

Keynote speakers at the event include Dómhnal Slattery, former CEO of Avolon, and Enda O’Coineen, Group CEO of the Business Post Group. Other speakers at the conference include Jennifer Melia, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, Alice Mansergh, CEO at Tourism Ireland, Joe Heneghan, CEO at Revolut Europe, and Emma Redmond, General Counsel & Head of OpenAI Ireland.

Commenting on the event launch, Shane O’Sullivan, CEO of the IMI, said: “Irish business leaders are navigating a highly complex environment, shaped by global volatility, a tightening domestic economy, and the accelerating pace of technological change. In this climate, it’s all too easy to become consumed by immediate pressures and lose sight of the bigger picture. But long-term success depends on leaders keeping their focus on future growth, building the capabilities to adapt, and seizing opportunities even in uncertain times.

“At IMI, we see that many leaders already have the insights— the real challenge lies in turning those insights into tangible impact. The National Leadership Conference is an important forum bringing together Ireland’s leadership community that can help to forge the capabilities for current and future success. IMI research shows that while most leaders are aware of the key challenges facing their organisation, many are finding it difficult to identify and put in place the capabilities and strategies to overcome these obstacles and drive growth.

“With an impressive line-up of national and international industry leaders, this year’s conference will give Ireland’s decision makers the tools to sharpen their capabilities, navigate uncertainty with confidence, and unlock future growth.”

For more information and to register for the National Leadership Conference, visit: https://www.imi.ie/events/national-leadership-conference-nlc-2/