Tag: driven

How Smart Home Technology Can Prevent Serious Slip and Fall Injuries

Home safety has taken on a different dimension in recent years with the rise of smart home technology. Devices that once seemed futuristic are now widely accessible, offering homeowners the ability to monitor and control their environment in ways that directly influence health and safety. For those concerned about the risk of slip and fall injuries, these tools provide both proactive and reactive solutions, helping to create a safer living space for people of all ages.

The integration of smart sensors, automated lighting, and connected devices can transform how we approach everyday hazards. Motion-activated lights illuminate hallways and staircases, while smart flooring or grip-enhancing devices can reduce the chances of unexpected slips. With more households adopting these technologies, what used to be a reactive measure after accidents is now evolving into a preventative framework that can significantly reduce personal injuries.

Smart home systems also offer peace of mind by alerting users to potential risks before accidents occur. Water sensors, for example, detect leaks and spills in real time, which can prevent slippery surfaces from becoming dangerous. For families with elderly members, smart fall detectors provide immediate notifications to caregivers, allowing for swift assistance. The combination of early warning systems and automated safety measures creates an environment that reduces both anxiety and actual risk.

Slip and Fall in the Modern Household

According to www.accidentlawyerelite.com, slip and fall accidents remain one of the most common causes of injury in residential settings. Wet floors, loose rugs, cluttered hallways, and poorly lit staircases all contribute to these incidents. In many cases, these accidents can result in serious injuries such as fractures, head trauma, or long-term mobility issues, especially for older adults. Recognizing the frequency of these events is essential for designing safer homes.

Technology is increasingly being used to mitigate these risks. Smart flooring, anti-slip coatings, and integrated monitoring systems allow homeowners to address hazards before they result in injury. By combining environmental modifications with real-time alerts, the likelihood of a slip or fall decreases. In addition, devices that track movement patterns can provide data to identify problem areas, ensuring that interventions are targeted and effective. These advancements make a measurable difference in the safety and comfort of everyday life.

Modern households often struggle to balance aesthetics with safety. While traditional safety measures like handrails and non-slip mats are helpful, they may not integrate seamlessly into contemporary design. Smart home technology bridges this gap by offering solutions that are both functional and discreet. For instance, ambient lighting that responds to movement can enhance visibility without altering the home’s decor. Such innovations make it easier for homeowners to maintain a visually pleasing environment without compromising on safety.

How Technology Supports Injury Prevention

Preventing injuries before they occur is the central promise of smart home technology. Devices such as motion sensors, automated lighting, and intelligent flooring work in tandem to create a safer living environment. For those concerned about personal injury risks, the technology provides tools that constantly monitor, adapt, and alert residents to potential hazards. This continuous vigilance is something that traditional safety measures cannot match.

Beyond physical safeguards, data-driven insights from smart systems help homeowners make informed decisions. Tracking patterns of movement, floor usage, and environmental changes allows residents to identify areas prone to slips or other hazards. This information can guide modifications in layout or prompt the installation of additional protective measures. With technology providing constant feedback, the likelihood of unexpected injuries diminishes, making homes more responsive to the needs of their occupants.

Smart devices also assist in emergency situations, ensuring that accidents receive prompt attention. Fall detection systems notify family members or emergency services instantly if an individual experiences a sudden loss of balance. These alerts not only facilitate rapid response but also provide peace of mind to those living alone or caring for vulnerable family members. The combination of proactive prevention and reactive support represents a comprehensive approach to home safety in the digital age.

Integration with Everyday Life

One of the key advantages of smart home technology is its seamless integration into daily routines. Unlike traditional safety devices that may require deliberate action, smart systems operate passively, responding automatically to changes in the environment. This ensures that protection is continuous and does not rely solely on human intervention, which is particularly important in preventing slip and fall accidents.

Automation extends beyond simple sensors, encompassing interconnected devices that communicate with one another. For example, a water leak detected by a sensor can trigger floor drying systems or lights to guide residents safely away from the area. Similarly, motion sensors can adjust lighting in dim corridors or stairways, reducing tripping hazards during nighttime movement. This interconnected ecosystem of devices transforms the home into a responsive, adaptive environment that continuously enhances safety without imposing additional effort on residents.

Moreover, technology encourages habits that support injury prevention. Regular notifications and environmental cues can prompt residents to address potential hazards such as clutter, spills, or loose flooring. Over time, these reminders help cultivate a culture of vigilance that extends beyond the technology itself. Residents become more attuned to potential risks, further reducing the likelihood of accidents while fostering a sense of confidence in their living space.

The Role of Smart Assistive Devices

Assistive devices integrated into smart homes extend protection to those who are most vulnerable. Elderly residents, individuals recovering from injuries, and people with mobility challenges benefit from systems that combine monitoring, alerts, and environmental adjustments. These devices reduce dependence on constant supervision while offering immediate responses in the event of a slip or fall.

Wearable technology complements environmental solutions by providing continuous monitoring of physical activity and potential hazards. Smart watches or fall detection bands can detect sudden changes in movement and trigger alerts, even if the individual is away from home. When integrated with home systems, these devices ensure that accidents are noticed immediately and help reduce recovery time by facilitating quick intervention. The combination of wearable and environmental technology represents a holistic approach to injury prevention that is both practical and effective.

As technology advances, these devices are becoming more intelligent and adaptable. Machine learning algorithms analyze movement patterns and environmental conditions, optimizing alerts and interventions over time. The result is a home that not only reacts to incidents but also anticipates them, reducing the likelihood of injuries before they occur. Residents gain both protection and confidence, knowing that their environment is continuously monitoring for potential risks and adapting to their needs.

The Future of Safe Living

Smart home technology is reshaping how we think about personal safety and injury prevention. By combining sensors, automation, and real-time monitoring, these systems provide an unprecedented level of protection against common accidents like slip and fall injuries. Residents benefit from both immediate alerts and long-term preventive measures, creating a safer, more secure home environment for all members of the household.

The evolution of technology promises even more advanced solutions in the near future. Homes will increasingly feature predictive systems that anticipate hazards before they occur, while AI-driven devices will provide personalized safety recommendations based on residents’ habits. As these innovations become more widespread, the potential to significantly reduce injuries and improve quality of life becomes increasingly achievable, offering a compelling vision of safer, smarter living.

In addition to technological advancements, education and awareness remain critical. Homeowners who understand how to utilize their devices effectively can maximize the benefits of their investment in smart safety. Combining proactive maintenance, thoughtful placement of sensors, and continuous monitoring ensures that homes remain protective spaces. The collaboration between technology and responsible household management marks a new era in personal safety, transforming homes into environments that actively support well-being and prevent accidents.

 

One-Third of HGV Drivers Now Over 55

With almost one-third (31%) of Ireland’s HGV drivers now aged 55 or over, the logistics workforce is facing a deepening labour crisis as the sector moves into 2026. Large operators are fast-tracking investment in robotics, Autonomous Mobile Robots and data-driven Warehouse Management Systems. The continued expansion of Ireland’s robotics market in 2025 has shifted the skillset inside the warehouse, driving demand for mechatronics, maintenance, controls and data roles.

Despite Government-backed efforts in 2025, including an expanded Logistics & Supply Chain Skills Week[1] and additional HGV and logistics apprenticeships, the replacement pipeline remains under strain, leaving demand for qualified drivers at critical levels.

This shortage forms part of a wider pattern highlighted in Excel Recruitment’s newly published 2026 Industrial & Warehousing Salary Guide, which shows a sector under mounting pressure from rising employment costs, automation-driven skills demand, and persistent talent shortages. With Ireland’s unemployment rate at 5.3%[2], competition for qualified candidates remains intense – particularly for HGV drivers, warehouse operatives, and technical maintenance roles.

John Kearns, Industrial Division Manager at Excel Recruitment, commented:
“The industrial and warehousing sector is resilient, but the cost of employment is rising faster than ever. SMEs in particular are feeling the squeeze as they try to balance competitive pay while absorbing escalating statutory costs.

Automation is not replacing people, but it is changing what employers value. Rather than reducing headcount, automation is reshaping it, with employers now seeking adaptable workers who can combine hands-on experience with basic technical or digital skills.

Adaptability, technical skills, and digital literacy are now critical for long-term success. At the same time, the ageing workforce, especially among drivers, adds another layer of complexity to an already tight labour market”.

The Excel Recruitment Industrial & Warehousing Salary Guide 2026 reveals a dual challenge facing employers: rising payroll costs[3] and the urgent need to upskill staff as automation reshapes traditional roles.

Key Findings from the report include:

  • Cost Pressures: The minimum wage increase to €14.15/hour, PRSI hikes, and pension auto-enrolment are tightening employer budgets.
  • Skills Shortages: 65% of employers report moderate to severe skills shortages, particularly in HGV driving, maintenance, and digital operations.
  • Automation Impact: Investment in robotics and smart manufacturing surged by 50% in 2025, driving demand for mechatronics engineers, PLC technicians, and WMS superusers.
  • In-Demand Roles:
    • Drivers: HGV (C/CE), last-mile van drivers remain critical amid an ageing workforce.
    • Warehouse Operatives (with tech fluency): RF scanners, voice/vision pick, and basic WMS reporting skills have become increasingly essential.
    • Technical Specialists: Electro-mechanical maintenance technicians, PLC/controls techs, mechatronics engineers, WMS/OMS superusers and data analytics roles are commanding premium salaries.
    • Leadership & Compliance: Operations/warehouse managers, EHS/ESG coordinators, and customs/trade compliance specialists remain vital.

(Full salary guide available at www.excelrecruitment.com)

Notable Salary Changes

  1. Voice Picker
    • 2025: €13.50 – €16 per hour
    • 2026: €14.15 – €17 per hour
      (Increase driven by minimum wage rise and demand for tech fluency)
  2. Rigid Truck Driver
  • 2025: €17 – €22 per hour
  • 2026: €18 – €24 per hour

(Salary growth reflects ongoing skills shortages amid employer competition for experienced drivers)

  1. Van Driver
    • 2025: €14 – €16 per hour
    • 2026: €15 – €17 per hour
      (Reflects continued pressure on driver supply and ageing workforce)
  2. Warehouse Manager
    • 2025: €35k – €60k
    • 2026: €40k – €70k
      (Higher ceiling for experienced managers as automation projects expand)
  3. Assistant Warehouse Manager
    • 2025: €30k – €45k
    • 2026: €31k – €60k
      (Highlights the growing importance of operational leadership as warehouses adopt automation and advanced systems)

 

Looking Ahead

Excel Recruitment reports that despite challenges in the sector, demand for workers remains strong, driven by e-commerce growth, nearshoring, and green logistics. Employers who invest in training pathways, predictable shift patterns, and enhanced benefits will have a competitive edge in attracting and retaining talent.

Mr. Kearns noted,

“What really stands out from this year’s guide is how automation and workforce pressures are reshaping the industrial sector. For employers, it’s not just about filling roles – they need to rethink how teams are structured, what skills to invest in, and how to retain their people. Companies that embrace innovation and offer flexible working conditions will have a real advantage in attracting and keeping talent.

For SMEs, this is particularly challenging. They are being asked to compete in a market where technical skills and leadership capability are increasingly what set successful companies apart. On top of this, the ageing workforce and rising employment costs add further pressure. The employers that succeed will be those who combine upskilling, employee engagement, and clear training pathways to create a workplace people genuinely want to stay in”.

 

[1] Gov.ie – Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Week

2 CSO –  Labour Force Survey Quarter 3 2025

3 From January 2026, the National Minimum Wage will rise to €14.15 per hour, while employer PRSI will increase again in October. Pension auto-enrolment also launches in January, adding further cost layers for businesses already operating on tight margins.

How Irish Tech Startups Are Scaling Globally in 2026

Ireland’s startup ecosystem is experiencing its most explosive growth period yet. With over 2,200 tech startups employing approximately 55,000 people and the government committing €1.5 billion from the National Training Fund for digital skills development, 2026 is shaping up to be a breakout year for Irish innovation. From AI-driven fintech to medtech exports, Irish companies are making their mark on the global stage, but success in international markets comes with one persistent challenge: multilingual content localization.

For Irish tech founders preparing to pitch in Paris, launch e-commerce platforms across Europe, or scale SaaS products to Asia, the localization bottleneck remains real. Pitch decks, product pages, investor emails, and technical documentation all need fast, high-quality translations that won’t delay go-to-market timelines or compromise message clarity. And when no one on the team speaks the target language fluently, trust in AI translation output becomes a critical concern.

Ireland’s Tech Boom: The Numbers Behind the Growth

The Irish tech sector’s momentum in 2026 is nothing short of remarkable. The industry now contributes over €48 billion to Ireland’s economy, with AI alone projected to add €250 billion by 2035. Dublin’s “Silicon Docks” hosts tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook, but it’s the indigenous startups that are making headlines.

In 2024, Irish tech companies raised €400 million across various sectors, with cybersecurity leading at €101 million, fintech at €75 million, and travel-tech at €61 million. Tines became Ireland’s second unicorn of 2025 after raising $125 million in a Series C round, while companies like Wayflyer achieved unicorn status with a valuation of $1.6 billion.

According to Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 list, 20 Irish companies featured among Europe, the Middle East, and Africa’s fastest-growing tech firms, with companies like Wayflyer and Fibrus achieving growth rates exceeding 3,000% over four years. This explosive growth reflects not just local success but global ambition, and that ambition increasingly means navigating multilingual markets.

Why Do Irish Startups Need Multilingual Content Localization?

As Irish companies expand beyond English-speaking markets into France, Germany, Spain, and beyond, they face a fundamental truth: 76% of consumers prefer to buy products with information in their native language. More striking still, nearly 60% of consumers rarely or never purchase from websites available only in English, a trend noted in a Tomedes blog article.

The localization challenge isn’t just about translation, it’s about trust, compliance, and speed to market. A poorly localized pitch deck can cost a Dublin fintech its Paris funding round. A mistranslated product description can damage a Cork e-commerce brand’s reputation in Munich. And for startups racing against well-funded competitors, every day spent on translation delays is a day lost.

The Traditional Translation Bottleneck

Historically, Irish startups expanding to Europe faced several localization pain points:

  • Time constraints: Traditional translation agencies often require weeks for turnaround, delaying product launches and investor meetings
  • Cost barriers: Professional human translation for multiple languages can drain early-stage budgets, with costs reaching thousands of euros per project
  • Quality concerns: While machine translation has improved dramatically, founders worry about accuracy in critical documents like legal contracts, investor materials, and technical specifications
  • Internal expertise gaps: Most Irish startup teams lack native speakers for target languages, making quality assessment difficult

According to research on startup localization challenges, companies that delay localization often face steeper barriers later, it can take nearly two years to retrofit systems built with single-language assumptions.

How Are Irish Startups Overcoming Localization Barriers?

The translation technology landscape has evolved dramatically. The global machine translation market was valued at USD 1.12 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 2 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.30%. Neural machine translation now holds nearly 49% market share, thanks to a transformer-based architecture that delivers contextually accurate results.

But raw AI translation alone isn’t enough. Startups need confidence that their translated content is accurate, especially when dealing with high-stakes materials like investor decks, regulatory documents, and product specifications.

This is where consensus-based translation platforms like MachineTranslation.com are changing the game. Their SMART feature represents a breakthrough in translation confidence for non-linguist teams.

What Makes SMART Different?

Unlike traditional approaches that force users to choose between multiple AI translation engines, SMART automatically aggregates outputs from leading translation engines and selects the most agreed-upon translation for each sentence. Think of it as a “wisdom of the crowds” approach to AI translation, when multiple advanced AI systems agree on a translation, confidence in accuracy increases dramatically.

For Irish startups, this means:

  • Faster decision-making: No more manually comparing outputs from Google Translate, DeepL, and Microsoft Translator
  • Higher confidence: When multiple AI engines agree, teams can trust the output without extensive post-editing
  • Reduced review cycles: Non-linguist team members can approve translations faster, accelerating time-to-market
  • Cost efficiency: Less time spent on review means lower localization costs overall

Real-World Use Case: Localizing a Fintech Pitch for French Investors

Consider a Cork-based fintech startup preparing to pitch to venture capital firms in Paris. The founders have built an impressive product, secured early traction in Ireland and the UK, and identified French VCs as their next funding target. But they’re facing a tight timeline, their Series A pitch meeting is in two weeks.

They need to translate:

  • A 20-slide pitch deck with financial projections and market analysis
  • A 10-page executive summary
  • Product demonstration scripts
  • Email correspondence with potential investors

The Old Approach: 

Hire a translation agency, wait 5-7 business days, pay €2,000-3,000 for professional translation, then hope the French investors don’t notice any cultural nuances that feel “off.”

The 2026 Approach with SMART: 

Upload documents to MachineTranslation.com, select English → French AI translation, and let SMART aggregate translations from multiple neural engines. Within hours, the team has high-confidence translations for review. Because SMART surfaces consensus translations, the founders can identify which sections multiple AI engines agree on (high confidence) and which might need human review (lower consensus).

Result: 

The pitch deck is ready in 24 hours, the team saves €2,500, and they have time to rehearse their presentation instead of waiting on translations. More importantly, the SMART-powered translations capture financial terminology accurately because multiple specialized AI engines have validated the output.

Scaling Product Pages Across Six European Languages

For e-commerce startups, the localization challenge multiplies with every market entry. An Irish direct-to-consumer brand launching across Europe might need product descriptions in French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Polish, and Italian—potentially thousands of SKUs across multiple languages.

The E-Commerce Localization Challenge

Traditional approaches force startups to choose between:

  • Speed: Use raw machine translation and risk awkward phrasing that hurts conversion rates
  • Quality: Pay for professional translation and blow the marketing budget before the campaign launches
  • Scale: Pick only 1-2 languages instead of fully localizing for all target markets

This compromise leaves money on the table. Research shows that localized content can increase engagement by up to 2,500%, making proper localization a competitive advantage, not just a nice-to-have.

The SMART Solution for E-Commerce

With over 100,000 language pair combinations available on advanced translation platforms, Irish e-commerce brands can now automate product localization at scale. But automation without confidence creates risk—a mistranslated size chart or ingredient list can trigger customer complaints or regulatory issues.

SMART addresses this by:

  1. Processing high volumes quickly: Translate 1,000 product descriptions across 6 languages in hours, not weeks
  2. Flagging uncertainty: When AI engines disagree significantly on a translation, SMART alerts the team to review that specific content
  3. Maintaining consistency: Glossary management ensures brand terms and product names stay consistent across all languages
  4. Reducing post-editing: Because SMART surfaces consensus translations, human reviewers focus only on edge cases rather than validating every sentence

For a growing e-commerce startup, this means launching in Madrid, Milan, and Munich simultaneously instead of rolling out markets sequentially—compressing internationalization timelines from 18 months to 6 months.

Why Consensus Translation Matters in 2026

The fundamental shift in 2026 is this: AI translation is no longer about choosing the “best” engine. It’s about leveraging multiple AI systems to build confidence through consensus.

The Trust Gap in AI Translation

Despite massive improvements in neural machine translation, non-linguist teams still face a trust gap. When a Dublin SaaS founder reviews a German translation of their product documentation, they’re asking:

  • Is this technically accurate?
  • Does it sound natural to native speakers?
  • Will it damage our brand if we ship this?

Without native German speakers on the team, answering these questions traditionally meant:

  • Hiring expensive consultants for spot-checks
  • Sending translations to freelance reviewers and waiting days
  • Simply hoping the AI got it right and dealing with problems later

SMART fills this gap by making AI consensus visible. When 4 out of 5 leading translation engines agree on how to translate a complex technical sentence, confidence increases. When engines disagree, the system flags that sentence for human review.

Beyond Translation: The Broader Localization Context

While translation quality is critical, it’s just one piece of the localization puzzle. Irish startups expanding globally must also consider:

Cultural adaptation: 

Colors, imagery, and messaging that work in Dublin might not resonate in Tokyo. German B2B buyers expect different proof points than French consumers.

Regulatory compliance: 

GDPR in Europe, data privacy laws in Asia, and advertising standards vary by country. According to industry research, regulatory missteps can lead to fines that threaten early-stage companies.

Payment localization: 

Irish startups using Stripe or other payment processors need to offer local payment methods, iDEAL in the Netherlands, Bancontact in Belgium, SEPA transfers in Germany.

Customer support: 

75% of consumers prefer products available in their native language, and that extends to support channels. Translated FAQs and email templates become essential.

Tools like SMART handle the linguistic foundation, allowing startups to focus resources on these higher-level localization challenges.

How Do Irish Startups Scale Globally Today?

Beyond translation technology, Irish startups benefit from several structural advantages in 2026:

Government Support Infrastructure

  • Enterprise Ireland continues investing heavily in internationalization, with €27.6 million allocated to 157 startups for global expansion support
  • The High Potential Start-Ups (HPSU) programme provides financial incentives and market access support
  • R&D tax credits at 25% encourage continued innovation investment

Strategic Geographic Positioning

Ireland’s location between the US and Europe, combined with its status as the only English-speaking EU member state post-Brexit, makes it an ideal launchpad for European expansion. According to recent insurtech data, 28% of Irish tech firms already report sales into the UK, 15% into Europe, and 14% into the US.

Access to Talent and Capital

The €1.5 billion National Training Fund investment is producing skilled tech talent, while venture capital investment in Ireland surged to $668 million in Q1 2025, up from just $34 million in Q1 2024.

What Types of Content Benefit Most from SMART Translation?

Not all content requires the same translation approach. SMART delivers maximum value for content types where accuracy is critical but full human translation would be cost-prohibitive:

Investor Materials

Pitch decks, executive summaries, and financial projections require precision. A mistranslated revenue projection or market size estimate can undermine investor confidence. SMART’s consensus approach ensures financial terminology and metrics are translated consistently across documents.

Internal Documentation

As Irish startups hire internationally, internal wiki pages, onboarding materials, and process documentation need translation. SMART allows companies to maintain multilingual documentation without dedicated translation budgets.

Legal and Compliance Documents

While final legal contracts should always involve professional legal translators, early drafts, NDA templates, and compliance checklists benefit from high-confidence AI translation. SMART flags legally complex sentences where terminology consensus is low, directing legal review where it matters most.

Product Copy and Marketing Materials

Product descriptions, feature lists, and marketing emails need to be both accurate and persuasive. SMART helps marketing teams localize content quickly while maintaining brand voice consistency through glossary management.

Technical Documentation

API documentation, user guides, and technical specifications contain domain-specific terminology. When multiple AI engines trained on technical corpora agree on translations, development teams can confidently publish localized documentation.

How Does Machine Translation Quality Compare in 2026?

The quality gap between human and machine translation has narrowed dramatically. Neural machine translation models now achieve BLEU scores (a standard quality metric) that approach human parity for common language pairs like English↔French and English↔German.

However, challenges remain for:

  • Low-resource languages: Irish Gaelic, Icelandic, and other smaller languages still benefit from human expertise
  • Creative content: Marketing slogans, brand messaging, and culturally nuanced copy often require transcreation, not just translation
  • Highly regulated content: Pharmaceutical documentation, medical device manuals, and legal contracts still demand human translation and legal review

For the majority of business content, product descriptions, internal communications, investor materials, and technical documentation, AI translation with consensus validation (like SMART) delivers sufficient quality for international operations.

What Challenges Remain for Irish Startups Scaling Globally?

Despite improved translation technology and strong government support, Irish startups still face scaling challenges:

Talent Competition

Dublin’s tech scene faces stiff competition from multinational corporations offering higher salaries. As noted in recent industry analysis, companies like Google, Meta, and Microsoft often poach talent from startups.

Funding Valley

While seed funding is accessible through Enterprise Ireland and local VCs, Series A and B funding remains challenging. Many promising Irish companies stall at the growth stage due to limited growth-focused investment.

Infrastructure Costs

Despite cloud computing reducing hardware expenses, operational costs in Dublin remain high. Startups increasingly establish remote teams or satellite offices in Cork, Galway, and Limerick to manage costs.

Market Understanding

Beyond language, Irish founders must understand local business practices, purchasing behaviors, and competitive dynamics in target markets. A SaaS startup that succeeds in Ireland might need to completely restructure its go-to-market strategy for Germany’s enterprise market.

The Future of Irish Tech Expansion

Looking ahead, several trends will shape how Irish startups scale globally:

AI-First Localization

The AI translation market is projected to reach $4.50 billion by 2033 at a 16.5% CAGR. This growth reflects increasing AI sophistication and startup adoption. Tools like SMART represent the first wave, consensus-based validation. Future iterations will incorporate:

  • Real-time translation for video content and customer support
  • Context-aware translation that understands company-specific terminology
  • Automated cultural adaptation suggestions beyond pure language translation

Hybrid Work and Global Teams

Irish startups increasingly hire globally from day one. A Dublin founder might have developers in Poland, customer success in Spain, and sales in Germany. This necessitates robust multilingual communication infrastructure—not just for customer-facing content but for internal operations.

Regulatory Complexity

As the EU tightens data privacy, AI governance, and digital services regulations, Irish startups must navigate compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Translation of legal documents, privacy policies, and compliance materials will become more critical and more complex.

Vertical-Specific Solutions

Rather than competing as horizontal platforms, successful Irish startups are increasingly focusing on vertical markets, fintech, healthcare, energy management, and cybersecurity. This specialization extends to localization, where domain-specific translation quality matters more than broad language coverage.

Key Takeaways for Irish Founders

As one tech lead at a Dublin-based SaaS startup noted: “Tools like SMART help us scale without a localization team. We don’t just save time—we finally trust what we ship.”

For Irish startups planning international expansion in 2026 and beyond:

Start early: 

Localization isn’t a late-stage problem. Building internationalization into your product architecture from day one prevents costly retrofitting later.

Leverage technology: 

Tools like MachineTranslation.com’s SMART feature deliver professional-grade translation quality without professional-grade costs. Use AI translation for the bulk of content, reserving human expertise for creative and legally critical materials.

Focus on priority markets: 

Don’t try to launch in 10 countries simultaneously. Identify 2-3 key markets, localize thoroughly, learn from initial customers, then expand. Quality localization in fewer markets beats superficial translation in many.

Measure localization ROI: 

Track conversion rates, support ticket volume, and customer acquisition costs by language. Data-driven localization decisions beat gut instinct.

Build partnerships: 

Connect with local advisors, marketing agencies, and customer success managers in target markets. Language translation is necessary but not sufficient, cultural understanding drives success.

The barriers to global expansion for Irish startups have never been lower. With Ireland’s startup ecosystem ranking 9th in Western Europe and 16th globally, strong government support, and AI-powered localization tools, 2026 represents a breakthrough year for Irish tech companies ready to scale beyond English-speaking markets.

As the global machine translation market continues its rapid growth trajectory, and as platforms like MachineTranslation.com evolve their consensus-based approaches, the translation bottleneck that once slowed international expansion is becoming a manageable workflow step rather than a strategic barrier.

For Irish founders, the message is clear: the technology, funding, and market conditions are aligned. The time to scale globally is now, and the localization tools to do it efficiently finally exist.

 

Want to explore how AI is transforming other areas of Irish tech? Check out our coverage of how AI is revolutionizing the financial industry and discover Ireland’s top emerging tech startups in 2025.

Fixify Chooses Cork for EU Hub, Creating 50 High-Tech Jobs

Fixify, a leading provider in AI-driven IT support automation, has selected Cork City as the home of its new EU Centre of Excellence, creating 50 skilled jobs in the region over the next 18 months. The new facility will serve as a regional base for Fixify’s development, support, and customer success for worldwide operations.

This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Attending the event, Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said: “This announcement from Fixify to select Cork as the home of its new EU Centre of Excellence demonstrates a deep commitment to the region and creates 50 high-tech jobs in an exciting and growing sector. I have no doubt that these highly skilled jobs in IT, software engineering and data analysis will be a further boost to the workforce in the region.   I want to acknowledge the role of IDA Ireland in supporting this project and I look forward to seeing the continued growth of Fixify in Cork over the coming years.”

Minister for Enterprise Tourism & Employment Peter Burke TD said: “Fixify’s decision to establish its EU Centre of Excellence in Cork is very welcome news and is a strong endorsement of Ireland’s position as a global leader in technology and innovation. This investment will bring 50 high-quality jobs to the region and further strengthen our thriving digital ecosystem. Cork’s deep talent pool, supported by world-class institutions like UCC and MTU, and its proven track record in attracting and sustaining high-value FDI, make it ideally placed to support Fixify’s growth. I wish the Fixify team in Cork the very best for the future.”

Fixify is now hiring in roles including IT Helpdesk Analysts, Software Engineers, Data Engineers, and Data Scientists. To explore career opportunities with Fixify, please visit Fixify careers.

“We chose Cork for Fixify’s European base — a city that brings together deep technical expertise, quality of life and community spirit — the conditions that make great work last,” said Matt Peters, CEO Fixify. “Establishing our base here enables Fixify to tap into Ireland’s exceptional talent and contribute to its thriving tech ecosystem as we scale automation and support that remains genuinely human worldwide.”

“Our investment in Cork is a strong vote of confidence in Ireland’s technology talent and infrastructure,” added Caroline Coughlan, Director, Employee Experience & People Operations at Fixify “Over the next 18 months, we will be scaling our presence here in parallel with delivering outstanding value to our customers across EMEA.”

IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan said: “I am very pleased that Fixify has chosen Cork as home to its EU Centre of Excellence as it recognises the quality and depth of the South West region’s talent pool, Ireland’s vibrant culture, and our pro-business environment. I wish to congratulate Fixify on this expansion and look forward to supporting them as they enhance Ireland’s reputation as home to a thriving technology sector.”

Cybersecurity Leader Proofpoint Launches AI Innvoation Centre in Cork

Proofpoint, a leading cybersecurity and compliance company, today announced that it is continuing to expand operations out of its international hub in Cork. The ongoing investment will bring new specialist roles to the city centre location, including data scientists and artificial intelligence (AI) and large language model (LLMs) specialists, as the company launches its AI Innovation Centre.  This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Today’s cyberthreats are growing in sophistication and attackers are no longer simply targeting infrastructure; they’re targeting people. Proofpoint research shows that in response to this, 87% of global CISOs are looking to deploy AI-powered capabilities to help protect against human error and advanced human-centred cyber threats. Proofpoint continues to innovate on its AI-powered defences for organisations, with its human-centric solutions designed and deployed with data privacy and security at front of mind.

Proofpoint’s new AI Innovation Centre will create a privacy-attested AI environment, ensuring the safety and anonymity of all data used to train Proofpoint’s models. AI and ML require powerful detection models and a high-fidelity data pipeline to yield accurate detection rates, operational efficiencies, and automated protection. The AI Innovation Centre will allow the acquisition of larger data sets, allowing Proofpoint’s LLMs to be used in industry-leading, high-volume, high-velocity cases, improving overall threat detection for organisations.

“The ongoing expansion of Proofpoint in Cork is a clear reflection of Ireland’s continued success in attracting world-class companies to establish their international hubs here,” said Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. “The creation of up to 100 new roles in the coming years, including in AI and large language models, further strengthens our position as a global technology and innovation hub.”

To drive this initiative, Proofpoint will be bringing 45 new specialist roles to its Ireland location, with a continued growth trajectory of up to 100 additional roles over the coming years. The roles will include data scientists, and AI and LLM specialists.  Looking ahead, Proofpoint will also bring a security operations team to Cork, and increase roles in other functions such as its data security team. As part of this, Proofpoint is also expanding its office space in Cork.

 

“Our ongoing investment in our Ireland-based business is critical to our international growth, and to strengthening our ability to protect European organisations,” said Remi Thomas, Chief Financial Officer at Proofpoint. “Today’s cyber-attacks are growing in sophistication, and AI plays a critical role in an organisation’s defence against these threats. We are excited to tap into Cork’s technical talent base to further strengthen our industry-leading AI-driven solutions, enabling us to detect and prevent emerging threats at an unprecedented scale, while keeping data secure.”

 

“AI is a defining capability that truly sets Proofpoint apart.  We have some of the most extensive human-centric threat intelligence data, which amplifies the power of our AI solutions, and ensures that our models are continuously improving and adapting to new threats,” said Kevin Leusing, Chief Technologist, EMEA at Proofpoint. “The launch of our AI Centre here in Cork will further enhance these capabilities by integrating the latest AI advancements with our unparalleled dataset, staying ahead of even the most sophisticated attackers.”

 

“Cork continues to cement its position as a leading cybersecurity hub, and today’s announcement from Proofpoint underscores the region’s growing significance in this sector,” said Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland. “Ireland’s rich talent pool, particularly in emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity, is a key factor in attracting such high-calibre investments.”

 

To find out more about Proofpoint’s human-centric security solutions, visit: https://www.proofpoint.com/uk

 

To read more on the launch of Proofpoint’s Cork operations, please visit: https://www.proofpoint.com/uk/newsroom/press-releases/cybersecurity-leader-proofpoint-expands-global-presence-international-hub

 

 

iGaming, Like Crypto, Set for Expansion Amid Tighter Regulation

The global iGaming industry is entering a new phase of expansion, powered by clearer regulation and next-generation technology, according to the newly released 2026 iGaming Trends report by SOFTSWISS.

The report finds that common-sense regulation, focused on transparency, player protection, and compliance has become a catalyst for industry growth rather than a constraint. As governments provide clearer frameworks, companies make plans for the longer term, investors gain confidence and players increasingly turn to trusted, licensed operators.

The global iGaming market is projected to reach $169 billion by 2030, up from $103 billion in 2025, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.44%. Regulation is moving beyond voluntary guidelines, with many countries making responsible gaming (RG) standards, advertising limits, and spending checks a legal requirement.

Industry participants are responding by investing in AI-driven compliance tools, real-time player monitoring, and data analytics to detect and prevent risky behaviour. Traditional Responsible gaming measures such as deposit limits and self-exclusion tools are now viewed as a baseline, not a differentiator, says the report, based on a survey of over 350 industry players, investors and regulators. 

The relationship between iGaming and its regulators is also changing. Survey respondents were asked to rate the sector’s current legal and regulatory environment on a scale from 1 to 10 – the higher the score the more positive the view, according to research by SOFTSWISS. Nearly half of the respondents chose ratings of 7 or above, with the average rating increasing to 6.36 in 2025 from 6.06 a year earlier, the survey found. This underscores that regulation is viewed in an increasingly positive light, bringing clarity and being mostly supportive of sustainable industry growth.

 Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS, commented:

“Regulation is not always the enemy of growth. When done right, it becomes the foundation for it. Just as crypto markets are maturing with the introduction of regulations such as the GENIUS Act, lowering risk and encouraging participation, iGaming is now entering its own ‘GENIUS moment’. Transparent rules level the playing field, protect players, and create confidence that drives sustainable expansion.”

The iGaming sector is now entering a new stage of maturity, comparable to the cryptocurrency industry in the United States, which is using new legislation such as the GENIUS Act to bring stablecoins into the mainstream. Similar to the GENIUS Act, which seeks to transform the crypto space, and stablecoins in particular, into safer and more predictable financial assets, iGaming is experiencing similar regulatory trends. New and evolving regulatory frameworks around licensing, player protection, and advertising standards are working towards creating a more transparent, accountable, and sustainable global industry.

The iGaming Trends Report highlights 2025 as a transformative year, with governments worldwide introducing or tightening frameworks that combine market liberalisation with greater accountability. 

Key developments include:

  • Finland: The Gambling Reform Bill ends the Veikkaus monopoly, introducing a competitive licensing model and creating a new Licensing and Supervision Authority alongside a national self-exclusion registry.

  • Austria: The government launched its first competitive tender for online casino licences, ending Casinos Austria’s decades-long monopoly and inviting private operators under stricter compliance and tax rules.

  • Brazil: Implementation of Law No. 14,790/2023 formally regulates sports betting and iGaming, requiring local servers, tax transparency, and responsible gambling programs.

  • United Kingdom: The Gambling Act Review introduces stake limits for online slots, affordability risk checks, and data-sharing mandates between operators to enhance player safety.

  • United States: States such as New York and California move closer to legalising online casinos, adopting frameworks inspired by New Jersey and Michigan, with embedded responsible gaming technology.

  • Philippines: The PAGCOR restructuring bill separates the regulator’s commercial and oversight functions, increasing transparency and improving investor confidence.

Regulatory changes mark the emergence of a global iGaming framework, where regulation and innovation evolve hand in hand. By creating safer, transparent, and competitive environments, governments are reducing the appeal of bad-faith operators and laying the groundwork for sustainable industry expansion.

About SOFTSWISS:

SOFTSWISS is a global tech company, supplying award-winning software solutions for iGaming since 2009. Supported by a team of more than 2,000 experts, SOFTSWISS serves more than 1,000 global brands through its comprehensive product ecosystem. In 2013, it revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. Today, SOFTSWISS continues to leverage the latest technologies and champion responsible gaming across the globe from its offices in Malta, Poland and Georgia.

Maxol announces online delivery service & American style conveyor car wash

The Maxol Group today announced the launch of a new, freshly prepared  meal delivery service, designed to support the growing evening economy.  The latest tech-driven innovation will initially be trialled at three Maxol locations, Donabate, Ardbrae, and Longmile Road. It’s a significant development that will see Maxol evolving its fresh food offering,  meeting changing consumer lifestyle trends through smarter, more connected retail experiences for every time of day.

Using a leading delivery aggregator to fulfil orders, Maxol has signed an exclusive 18-month deal with restaurant platform, Noahs to digitise meal solutions that can be ordered online alongside some of the forecourt convenience retailers’ most popular convenience grocery lines.

Noahs will provide Maxol with leading chefs to advise on new menus,  assist in the design of kitchens and provide comprehensive operating systems to offer a best-in-class solution available from a phone app, online or instore using touch screens.  “We already offer an extensive range of freshly made meal solutions, but this takes our offering to a whole new level and potentially, to a whole new set of customers,” said Brian Donaldson, CEO Maxol. “Our fresh food offering is primarily focused on breakfast through to lunchtime but starting 2026, customers can enjoy cooked-to-order, high quality meals such as pizza, Mexican bowls, burgers and much more, that will be delivered straight to their door.”  This move underscores Maxol’s transformation into a leading convenience food retailer, with non-fuel sales accounting for around 40% the company’s gross profit.

Car Wash – critical to success of the business

With an estimated 784k cars passing through a Maxol car wash in 2025, Maxol is taking steps to redefine what it means to deliver for customers beyond fuel. Car wash has become a critical and growing part of the operation, with Brian Donaldson explaining that it is a core service that strengthens customer loyalty and reputation, while driving repeat visits. Recognising the evolving expectations of motorists, Maxol is rolling out an American-style conveyor car wash technology representing a major leap forward in speed, quality, and customer experience.  This innovative car wash system is already operational at two Maxol stations in Dublin, following the company’s acquisition of sites in Spawell and Coolquay earlier this year.

Planning applications for the conveyor car wash system that combines advanced automation with precision will be lodged shortly for five of Maxol’s existing sites in Limerick, Cork, Dublin, Belfast and Derry.

Looking ahead, 2026 will further mark the next stage of Maxol’s innovation journey with the planned launch of a car wash subscription model, giving customers unlimited access for a simple monthly fee. This approach not only delivers convenience and value for drivers but eliminates individual payments and will offer access to even more loyalty rewards through the Maxol loyalty app. Car wash is one of a number of areas where Maxol is setting new benchmarks for service and innovation within the forecourt sector and Brian Donaldson said: “This expansion underscores our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction and I believe this will help position Maxol at the forefront of the next generation of forecourt retailing.”

Future of Work: Top 3 Employee Concerns in a Tech-Driven Workplace

As many workers return to the office this week after the Christmas break, new research has found that the top three employee concerns for the future are the unethical use of AI (such as discrimination or privacy breaches), AI replacing human jobs, and increased workplace surveillance and monitoring.

This is according to the seventh triennial Ethics at Work: 2024 International Survey of Employees, which was carried out by the Institute of IBE in conjunction with the Compliance Institute in Ireland and polled 12,000 employees in 16 countries over four continents. A total of 750 of those surveyed were in Ireland.

The Compliance Institute Ethics at Work survey found that almost half (47pc) of workers are concerned about the potential misuse of AI for unethical behaviour, with a similar number (45pc) concerned that AI could replace humans in the workplace (see Table 1 below).

Commenting on the survey findings, Michael Kavanagh, CEO of the Compliance Institute said:

“The rise of AI brings opportunities and challenges, and it’s clear that employees are acutely aware of its potential for misuse. With half of employees expressing concerns about AI being used unethically – such as privacy breaches or discrimination—there is a clear need for organisations to establish and implement robust ethical guidelines and governance around AI technologies. This is essential not only for protecting employee rights but also for making sure that technological advancements reflect the values and expectations of the workforce.

Another top concern among employees is the fear of AI replacing their jobs. This anxiety is understandable, as it is likely that AI will automate certain tasks and change job roles in many sectors—leading to uncertainty about job security for some workers. Employers can tackle these concerns by investing in upskilling and retraining programs that help staff adapt to new technologies and feel confident in their roles.”

Other highlights to emerge from the research include:

  • Almost one in every two employees (46pc) in Ireland continues to hold a positive view of improved workplace ethics since the COVID-19 pandemic, matching levels from 2021 and above the global average of 45pc. Among these, men (49pc) and young people (53pc) are more likely to report favourable ethical experiences within their organisations.

  • In exploring current and future factors shaping employees’ perceptions of workplace ethics, it found that women are more likely to perceive a decline in ethical behaviour within their organisations since the pandemic, with one in ten (9pc) expressing this concern.

Mr Kavanagh added:

“Almost one in every two employees in Ireland believe ethical behaviour in their organisation has improved in the post-Covid period.

Less than one in ten workers (8pc) feel that ethical behaviour has worsened – and, while in an ideal world this figure would be nil, such a small percentage must still be regarded as positive overall.

The findings do pose some questions as to why some groups are more likely than others to have experienced a decline in ethical behaviour – namely 9pc of female employees and 11pc of workers in the younger age 18 – 34 category”.

Respondents to the survey were asked to rate their level of concern on the following workplace issues:

Table 2

Highlight findings from this research reveal that:

  • The least concerning issue for employees is the reduction of interpersonal interactions due to the rise of hybrid working (36pc).
  • Between 30pc and 40pc of employees are not worried about any of these potential issues.
  • More men (47pc) than women (38pc) express concerns about heightened surveillance and monitoring of staff.
  • Among those worried about the misuse of AI for unethical purposes, one-quarter (24pc) report being ‘extremely concerned’ about its potential for malevolent behaviour, such as discrimination and privacy violations.

Mr Kavanagh said:

“The findings show that open communication is crucial. Organisations should engage employees in discussions about the future of work and actively listen to their concerns. When employees feel heard, it builds trust and transparency in the workplace. Additionally, companies might consider setting up ethics committees or advisory boards that include employee representatives. This approach brings diverse perspectives into the decision-making process and shows a commitment to ethical practices. Ultimately, it’s about creating a future where technology enhances the employee experience instead of undermining it”.

Ookla partners with Dublin City Council to tackle telecoms deficits in the city

Today, Ookla, a global leader in connectivity intelligence, announces its partnership with Dublin City Council and the City Telecoms Association to identify and tackle telecoms deficits in Dublin. This first-of-its-kind initiative, fueled by Ookla’s Speedtest Insights®, offers a practical blueprint for l cities across Europe to drive digital inclusion and optimise network outcomes through actionable, data-driven insights.
The partnership demonstrates how a data-driven approach can enhance connectivity outcomes in a tangible way, empowering cities to better serve citizens. For the first time, the city is addressing connectivity gaps through targeted policy interventions, and fostering collaborative efforts with operators to attract investments that were previously hindered by site acquisition challenges.
You can find the full partnership case study here with more information about the five high-impact use cases created by Dublin City Council using Ookla’s network intelligence data.
Key points from the study:
  • Telecoms strategy and digital inclusion:  A proactive data-driven telecom strategy aimed at bridging digital divides, with significant analysis of how socio-economic factors affect connectivity outcomes, especially in areas with high social deprivation.
  • Identification of connectivity gaps: Ookla’s real-world data has enabled DCC to pinpoint key areas in Dublin with significant connectivity issues, influencing policy and planning to prioritise interventions where they are most needed.
  • Innovative use of city assets: Dublin’s approach to leveraging city-owned assets for telecom infrastructure, including facilitating multi-operator site access, represents a strategic move to optimise asset use and reduce urban clutter, aligned with EU regulatory goals​.
  • Transparency and public engagement: The Council has launched a public educational initiative on telecom infrastructure, including visualisations of before-and-after network improvements from new site deployments, to engage citizens and increase acceptance of new infrastructure.
  • Comparative benchmarking in Europe: Through Ookla’s data, Dublin has gained insights into its telecom performance relative to other European cities, highlighting areas of competitive strength in 5G availability and identifying room for improvement in 4G speeds​.
Key data and methodology:
  • The collaboration saw Ookla collect Speedtest® network data across the city over two 12-month periods (June 2022-June 2023 and June 2023-June 2024) with a sample size in the tens of millions; creating the most comprehensive analysis of mobile network performance ever conducted at the city level in Ireland.
  • Leveraging Ookla’s Speedtest® Insights platform, DCC were able to integrate other data sources, such as internal city asset registries, mobile site location maps from Ireland’s telecoms regulator ComReg, and social deprivation data from Pobal.
  • Geospatial analysis created a localised tile-based grid across the entire city to categorise mobile network performance at different times of the day. Performance was evaluated against two metrics; signal strength and download speed. Each location tile was categorised as unacceptable if it had less than 11 dBm signal strength and 5 Mbps download speed. Anything above 11 dBM and 5 Mbps was categorised as ‘acceptable’.