Tag: elevate

SETU launches ‘Elevate’ digital resource to support micro-enterprises in the region

South East Technological University (SETU) has launched a new digital resource to support micro-enterprises in the region. ‘Elevate’ is an online platform that provides entrepreneurs with easy access to practical business assessments that help identify strengths and areas for development across a range of enterprise competencies.

The platform offers free online tools to evaluate digital readiness, sustainability practices, and innovation capacity, and to support succession planning. These tools enable businesses to identify growth opportunities and take clear steps towards development.

A key feature of Elevate is a set of interactive diagnostic tools that help business owners assess and challenge their operations. After completing a short series of questions, users receive a tailored report with recommendations to support future planning and sustainable growth. Each assessment takes only a few minutes to complete and focuses on strategic themes that can be further supported by SETU’s business support team.

The initiative is part of SETU – TU RISE (Technological University Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise), which is strengthening research capacity and deepening engagement with enterprises across the south east. Elevate complements the activities of SETU’s recently launched Rural Innovation Hubs in Hacketstown, Urlingford, Rosslare Harbour and Dungarvan, giving business owners the opportunity to engage with the university in their locality or online.

Commenting on the new initiative, Brian Ogilvie, Head of Entrepreneurship and Rural Engagement, said, “As part of SETU’s wider activities to foster entrepreneurship and business engagement, Elevate reinforces our commitment to the business community, particularly those in rural locations.”

Ian Campbell, Business Development Manager at SETU, added, “Alongside our four new rural innovation hubs across the region, Elevate provides an accessible pathway for business owners to engage with the university’s supports, including our Technology Gateways. It offers valuable insights to inform decision-making and future planning.”

Visit elevate.setu.ie to begin your business’s journey with SETU.

Tech Innovations to Elevate Fan Experience at Amgen Irish Open

The Amgen Irish Open 2025 returns to The K Club’s Palmer North Course from September 3rd to 7th, bringing with it not only world-class golf but also a cutting-edge line-up of technology and innovation experiences designed to engage fans of all ages.

Leading the way is The Academy, where visitors can step into an interactive coaching environment led by PGA professionals. Fans will be able to receive expert tips, analyse their swing, and learn from some of the game’s most respected coaches, making it the perfect stop for those looking to sharpen their skills or pick up a club for the first time.

Fans can also get into the swing of things at The Arcade which turns golf into an immersive digital experience. Visitors are offered a mix of virtual reality and golf gaming, delivering a next level experience ideal for young adults and anyone who wants to combine golf with cutting-edge entertainment.

Celebrity Pro Am

The technology attractions are just part of a wider programme at The K Club. The week begins with the Celebrity Pro-Am on Wednesday, September 3rd, featuring a line-up that includes rugby star Josh van der Flier, former Irish rugby internationals Johnny Sexton and Tommy Bowe, All-Ireland winners, Tipperary’s Ronan Maher and Kerry’s David and Paudie Clifford and lifestyle influencer Dearbhla Silke.

World-Class Golfers

Fans can watch Rory McIlroy fresh from his Grand Slam season and Masters victory, alongside Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington, Séamus Power, Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald, defending champion Rasmus Højgaard, 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett, 2018 Open winner Francesco Molinari, Venezuelan Jhonattan Vegas and American Ryan Gerard, will compete for the title, as they battle for one of European golf’s most prestigious titles.

Paul Gillmon, Tournament Director of the Amgen Irish Open, said:

“Fans can expect a lot more at this year’s Amgen Irish Open. We’re embracing innovation in a big way. From interactive coaching at The Academy to immersive experiences in The Arcade, we’re creating spaces where fans of all ages can engage with the game in exciting new ways. It’s all about enhancing the fan experience and making golf more accessible, interactive, and fun, whether you’re a lifelong player or just discovering the sport.”

Music

Off the course, the Village will keep the festival vibe going with live music headlined by The Stunning on Saturday night and Simple Things on Sunday evening, plus premium food and drink, family fun, and activations from top brands.

A limited number of General Admission and select Premium Experience options are available. To purchase tickets see tickets.europeantour.com.

Irish startup Protostars AI selected for AG Elevate Programme

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

The Sky’s the Limit: 4 Ways To Elevate Your Photography Game with Cutting-Edge Technology

With cutting-edge technology constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, photographers now have an array of tools and techniques at their disposal to take their craft to new heights. From high-resolution sensors to drone photography, here are four ways in which you can harness the power of cutting-edge technology to transform your photography and capture stunning images that will leave viewers in awe.

Drone Photography

Drones have revolutionized aerial photography, providing photographers with a bird’s-eye view of the world. These unmanned aircraft allow you to capture breathtaking images from angles and perspectives that were once only possible from helicopters or airplanes. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, Horizon Imagings drone photography can capture stunning vistas, sweeping landscapes, and architectural marvels from above. The ability to maneuver these small flying machines with precision gives you unparalleled creative control, enabling you to experiment with composition, lighting, and framing. Whether you’re shooting nature, cityscapes, or events, incorporating drone photography into your repertoire can take your work to new heights, quite literally.

High-Resolution Sensors and Cameras

One of the most significant advancements in photography technology is the development of high-resolution sensors and cameras. These devices allow photographers to capture an astonishing level of detail and clarity in their images. With resolutions reaching 40 or even 50 megapixels, every nuance and texture can be faithfully reproduced. This level of detail opens up new creative possibilities, whether you’re photographing landscapes, portraits, or still life. The sharpness and depth offered by high-resolution sensors enable you to zoom in, crop, and explore your images in ways previously unimaginable, allowing you to uncover hidden gems within your shots.

Advanced Editing Software

Post-processing has always been an essential part of photography, but with the advent of advanced editing software, the possibilities for enhancing your images are endless. Modern editing tools like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop offer a wide range of features that can transform your photographs. From adjusting exposure and colors to removing unwanted elements and enhancing details, these software programs give you unprecedented control over the final look of your images. Additionally, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have led to the development of automated editing tools that can intelligently enhance your photos with just a few clicks. With the right skills and a keen eye for aesthetics, these editing software tools can elevate your photography game and help you achieve your creative vision.

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

As technology continues to evolve, the lines between the physical and digital worlds become increasingly blurred. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are now being used to enhance the photography experience in ways never before imagined. AR apps allow you to overlay digital elements in the real world, creating captivating and immersive visual experiences. With VR, you can transport viewers into a completely different reality, where they can explore your photographs in a three-dimensional space. By embracing these emerging technologies, photographers can push the boundaries of storytelling and create truly unique and engaging visual narratives that captivate audiences.

In a world where technology is constantly advancing, photographers have an incredible opportunity to elevate their craft and create images that leave a lasting impression. By harnessing the power of high-resolution sensors, drones, advanced editing software, and emerging technologies like AR and VR, the possibilities for capturing breathtaking photographs are limitless. Embrace the cutting-edge tools available to you, experiment with new techniques, and let your creativity soar.