Tag: excellence

PMI National Project Awards, in association with PwC, celebrate Lidl for first net zero energy supermarket

The Ireland Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI) announces the winners of this year’s PMI National Project Awards, in association with PwC. Among the winners was Lidl for its first net zero energy supermarket in Ireland.

The annual awards recognise the contribution and excellence of project management in Ireland, showcasing the best innovation and talent in the profession. This year, 10 awards were presented at the black-tie event hosted at PwC’s Dublin office on Thursday 6 November.

From a workforce management transformation project in the retail sector to a telehealth programme, the event celebrated a variety of projects across numerous industries and demonstrates the growing influence and success of project management in Ireland.

Lidl was celebrated in the special “Future of Work Excellence” category for Ireland’s first net zero energy supermarket. Based in Maynooth, the store is net zero in both operational and embodied carbon. Furthermore, the supermarket’s design promotes wellbeing and productivity among employees by incorporating natural light, landscaped surroundings and low noise systems. Electric vehicle chargers, bike racks, and e-bike stations have also been installed to promote sustainable commuting.

Other organisations that were successful on the night included Primark, ESB and the HSE. Individuals were also celebrated, including three under-35 changemakers. These were Rachel Bothwell of GP Practice Ally, Sainath Vasantha of Deloitte, and David Garry of KSN Project Management.

The full list of winners for 2025, chosen by an independent judging panel*, can be found below.

  • PMO of the Year – National Broadband Ireland.
  • Project Professional of the Year – Niamh McAuliffe, NMA Consulting Ltd.
  • Private Sector Project of the Year – Primark: Workforce management transformation “myTime”.
  • Public Sector Project of the Year – ESB: PI Vision: Unlocking data, empowering decisions, transforming ESB.
  • Project Management for Social Good – AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Ltd: Nanobubble technology lifecycle project.
  • Under-35 Changemakers of the Year – Rachel Bothwell (GP Practice Ally), David Garry (KSN Project Management), and Sainath Vasantha (Deloitte).
  • eHealth Project of the Year – HSE: Community and primary care telehealth programme.
  • Special category: “Future of Work Excellence” – Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland: Lidl Zero Maynooth Store.
  • Special category: “2025 awards submission most compliant with the 17 x UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” – AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Ltd: Nanobubble technology lifecycle project.
  • Ireland Chapter of the PMI Volunteer of the Year – Mariana Zanivan.

Speaking about the awards, Peter Glynne, President of the Ireland Chapter of the PMI, said: “The project profession in Ireland seems to go from strength to strength every year. This year was no different, with the quality and creativity of projects pushing the boundaries in terms of ambition and innovation. Not only that but these initiatives and individuals are driving real impact both within organisations and for society as a whole.”

John Dwyer, Partner in PwC Ireland, added: “As the landscape of business and work continues to evolve, project professionals are at the forefront, driving innovation and technology-led transformation across Irish and international organisations to prepare for the future. Both the Ireland Chapter of the PMI and PwC are deeply committed to the transformation agenda, and we at PwC are delighted to again be the headline sponsor of the Awards this year and support two specific awards – the Future of Work Excellence Award and the eHealth Project of the Year. This sponsorship highlights our dedication to advancing project management through a complex and fast-changing environment with resilience and optimism, to ensure that we are fit for the future. We commend each and every one of the finalists and a huge congratulations to the winners.”

The Strategic Importance of Centres of Excellence in the IT Industry and at Noesis

At the start of another exhilarating Formula 1 season, it’s fascinating to draw parallels between the high-speed world of racing and Ireland’s rapidly accelerating IT sector. While Ireland may not have an extensive Formula 1 history, it is making significant strides in a different kind of global competition, innovation and digital transformation within the IT industry.

Ireland’s IT sector has long been recognized as a hub for innovation. The country’s strategic location, pro-business policies, and access to the European market have attracted major global players. However, the true differentiator lies in the local talent, highly skilled, creative professionals who bring a unique perspective to the challenges of modern IT. Its tech-savvy workforce continues to make tech innovation thriving and at Noesis Ireland, we are proud to contribute to this dynamic ecosystem. 

At Noesis, we deeply appreciate the parallels between precision, performance, and continuous improvement, principles equally vital in technology and motorsport. Our Dundalk Centre of Excellence (CoE) represents the personification of these values, harnessing Ireland’s outstanding local talent to drive cutting-edge innovation in artificial intelligence, software development, quality assurance, low-code development, and data analytics.

Much like an F1 team’s pit crew, which fine-tunes every element for maximum efficiency, our Centre of Excellence is structured to ensure seamless integration of expertise, best practices, and emerging technologies. It serves as a hub where the latest advancements in IT are developed, tested, and deployed at speed, allowing our clients to stay ahead of the competition.

Strategically positioned between Dublin and Belfast, Dundalk offers a unique advantage. It allows us to tap into the talent and innovation potential of both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Its proximity to prominent universities, dynamic tech startups, and leading enterprises creates a thriving collaborative ecosystem, which helps us produce agile, scalable solutions designed for global impact.

Nelson Pereira CTO Noesis and Ricardo Batista MD UK&I Noesis

Our Dundalk CoE is more than just an operational hub; it is a powerhouse of collaboration and expertise. It specialises in key technology domains, including artificial intelligence, software development, quality assurance, low-code development, and data analytics. By consolidating knowledge and fostering continuous improvement in these areas, we ensure that our solutions remain innovative, adaptable, and impactful across industries.

Just like in Formula 1, where teams rely on real-time data, strategic decision-making, and continuous iteration, Noesis leverages the CoE model to enhance efficiency and deliver cutting-edge solutions. Whether it’s optimising software performance, ensuring seamless automation, or delivering scalable AI-driven insights, our CoE provides the agility and expertise needed to meet the evolving demands of the digital world.

Additionally, the CoE is pivotal in adapting to today’s hybrid work environment. It balances remote flexibility with essential physical collaboration, creating a space for meaningful innovation and team cohesion. This approach mirrors a well-coordinated pit crew, each member contributing precisely to the overall performance and success.

Ireland has long been a hub for technological advancement, and the Dundalk CoE further cements its position on the global stage. As Noesis continues to push the boundaries of IT excellence, we remain committed to fostering innovation, delivering cutting-edge solutions, and driving success—both for our clients and for Ireland’s growing reputation in the digital economy.

Just as an F1 team never stops refining its approach to gain an edge, we at Noesis embrace that same relentless pursuit of progress. Through our Centre of Excellence in Dundalk, we are accelerating Ireland’s digital transformation, ensuring that the country remains a leading force in global IT innovation.

Our vision is clear, to harness the power of Irish expertise to solve the world’s most pressing IT challenges, meeting and exceeding our clients’ needs and making their businesses better. Whether it’s enhancing operational efficiencies, driving digital transformation, or championing sustainability, our Centre of Excellence, here in Ireland and across the Noesis network, stands as a testament to what can be achieved when local innovation meets global ambition.

By Ricardo Batista, MD Noesis UK and Ireland

PRCA Spotlight Awards for Excellence in Communications 2025

The Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA) launches the PRCA Spotlight Awards for Excellence in Communications 2025, a fresh new rebrand of the PRCA Awards, which have been running for over 30 years. Setting the benchmark for excellence in Ireland’s PR and communications industry, the PRCA Spotlight Awards will celebrate the outstanding value and impact PR agencies and professionals have on clients, society and the Irish economy through strategic insight, creativity, and measurable results. Entries close on Tuesday 15th of April and cost €200 per entry.

The PRCA Spotlight Awards also announces new and improved categories that will demonstrate the tangible value PR agencies create for their clients, from shaping reputations and influencing behaviour to driving business growth and societal change. There are 24 categories in the PRCA Spotlight Awards 2025 including new awards for Best Contribution to a Client’s Goals through a Social-First Campaign, Best Technology Campaign and Best Lifestyle Campaign, Best Agency Innovation along with awards to celebrate the industry’s Rising Star and those who demonstrate an Outstanding Contribution to the Industry.

There is a new judging panel for the PRCA Spotlight Awards, chaired by Crispin Manners, CEO and founder of Onva Consulting, a Fellow and past Chairman of the PRCA in the UK. Crispin will be joined by a panel of experts including Chloe Brennan, Matchstick Talent Agency,  Andy Green, Story Starts Here, Geraldine Herbert, journalist and broadcaster, Thomas Kelly from DCU, Eoin Kennedy, Consultant, Geoff Lyons, PML Group, Padraig McKeon, consultant advisor, Allison Morris, Belfast Telegraph, Andras Sztaniszlav, CEO of ICCO, Florence White from Úisce Eireann, Nikki Gallagher, Head of Public Affairs, IBEC  Gillian Nelis, the Business Post.

Commenting on the PRCA Spotlight Awards, newly appointed chair of the PRCA board, Brian Harrison of MKC, said: “As the advocate for the industry’s impact and a catalyst for agency success, PRCA has designed these awards to reinforce the essential role of PR in business and society. Under the leadership of Crispin Manners, PRCA 2025 award chair, and judged by a panel of experts across 24 categories, the awards include new areas such as innovation and the best use of new technologies like AI. This year’s awards will showcase how agencies are shaping the future of communications. “When I was invited to chair the judging panel, I grabbed the opportunity with open arms because my previous experience of Irish PRCA members is that they deliver amazing contributions to client success every day. I’m looking forward to being able to reward those contributions with the recognition they deserve.” explained Crispin Manners.

The PRCA Spotlight Awards are open to PR agencies, sole traders and in-house PR teams, who have worked with a PR agency or sole trader to deliver impactful campaigns. Entries opened on Friday, 7th March and cost €200 per entry. The deadline for entries is 12pm on Tuesday, 15th April and the shortlist will be announced on Tuesday, 20th May. The awards ceremony will take place in The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin, on Friday, 20th June.

For further information, please visit www.prca.ie and https://prca.ie/about-the-awards-for-excellence/

Stryker launches its Tullagreen Training Centre of Excellence

Stryker, a global leader in medical technologies, has announced the launch of its Training Centre of Excellence, a new initiative that will help upskill employees, enhance leadership capabilities and foster manufacturing excellence at the company’s facility in Tullagreen, Co. Cork.

The three-year training initiative, developed with the support of IDA Ireland, will equip employees at Stryker’s Tullagreen facility with the agility and skills for the future of work, promote innovative thinking, embed a culture of continuous improvement, and advance sustainability. This comes as the World Economic Forum estimates that six in 10 workers globally will require training before 2027 due to the changing nature of work and pace of technological change.

Stryker’s new Training Centre of Excellence in Tullagreen will feature a workforce transformation programme focused on upskilling and reskilling employees in every function of the business. This includes a focus on lean management and continuous improvement. Leaders at the facility will be provided with bespoke training to further enhance their agility and ability to develop high-performing teams.  In addition, digital and automation engineers will train employees across the site on advanced technologies such as AI and how they can be harnessed to advance innovation and product development.

The Training Centre of Excellence will also allow employees to pursue a range of courses and bespoke courses in Environmental Sustainability Awareness. The training programme will promote awareness and drive sustainability initiatives for Tullagreen.

Speaking on the launch, Ian Corkey, Site Lead Tullagreen Stryker in Ireland said: “The launch of Stryker’s Training Centre of Excellence in Tullagreen represents a significant step in our journey toward operational excellence and propelling innovation forward. By investing in our people and their skills, we can ensure that they thrive in a rapidly changing world and foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement.

“This new initiative will help future-proof our investment in our Tullagreen facility and strengthen our team’s ability to develop cutting-edge products that help improve patient and healthcare outcomes long into the future. The Tullagreen Training Centre of Excellence will also serve as a lighthouse for other Stryker sites across Ireland. We are grateful to IDA Ireland for their invaluable support in bringing this initiative to life.”

Rachel Shelly, Global Head of Life Sciences at IDA Ireland added: “IDA Ireland welcomes the launch of Stryker’s Training Centre of Excellence and is delighted to be partnering with Stryker on this important investment in its workforce. Stryker’s mission is to make healthcare better. This is driven by the company’s focus on innovation and performance, delivered through its world class

team here in Ireland. The centre exemplifies the company’s commitment to talent as an enabler for excellence in healthcare technology; and reinforces Ireland’s role as a key partner for global MedTech companies.

The launch of Stryker’s Tullagreen Training Centre of Excellence builds on the company’s annual apprenticeship programme as it reinforces its leadership in advanced manufacturing.

Stryker first established a presence in Tullagreen in 1998 with an initial team of 20 employees. Over the past 26 years, the facility has expanded and evolved with employees now focused on manufacturing medical implants for joint replacement, spine and trauma and extremities which are positively impacting patients across the world.

Evolve IP (EMEA) Builds On ‘Pursuit of Excellence’ In ISO Certification Triumph

Global collaboration provider, Evolve IP has achieved a major information security management milestone, securing ISO certification within the EMEA region.

The company has just attained ISO 27001, described as an ‘apex of data security’ – and is promising even more to come.

Evolve IP works in partnership with many of the world’s biggest tech companies to provide highly scalable carrier-grade voice solutions. It boasts an international platform and specialises in securely integrating unified communications, collaboration tools, voice and omnichannel contact centre solutions into the cloud. The company’s EMEA Group headquarters are in Cardiff with operations also in Rotterdam, Holland. 

Alex van Rijs, Global Head of Security, Compliance, and Privacy for Evolve IP, commented on the certification as a ‘significant hallmark of trust and reliability’ which adds to the company’s already robust security framework. 

Evolve IP ISO Alex

“We are proud to announce our EMEA Group business has successfully navigated the stringent audit process for ISO 27001, laying the foundation for a future where official certification acts as a beacon of our dedication to securing customer data.

“Achieving ISO 27001 certification is a testament to our unwavering commitment to information security. It’s a rigorous standard that mandates precise controls and measures, fostering an Information Security Management System that operates at the zenith of industry excellence. It is both an assurance and a promise that data security is not merely a feature of our services – it is required.”

New vision

Evolve IP’s UCaaS platform and wider operations are planning to go even further according to van Rijs in its pursuit of industry excellence.

“We are also expanding our vision on adherence to compliance and best practices with the addition of SOC2. Known for its focus on security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy, SOC 2 compliance is not just another credential, it’s an operational mantra that permeates every layer of our service delivery.”

He added: “While ISO 27001 establishes our practices today, SOC 2 shapes our vision for tomorrow. This dual commitment to compliance is our way of reinforcing the trust our partners and clients, invest in us. We understand the criticality of their data and the services that empower their communications, which is why we are diligently enhancing our frameworks to align with SOC 2’s high standards.”

He concluded: “With the securing of ISO 27001 certification and the progressive stride towards SOC 2 compliance, we pledge to keep our customers ahead of the curve, securely supported by the highest benchmarks of service and reliability.

“We extend our gratitude for the trust of partners, as we journey through this evolving landscape of compliance and security. The conversations about what lies ahead are as exciting as they are pivotal, and we look forward to delivering on our continued commitment to excellence.”

Excellence In Technology Recognised At Leaders Awards 2023

Frank Madden, Founder & CEO, Crest Solution has been named Tech Person of the Year at the 2023 Tech Industry Alliance Awards. The prestigious awards ceremony recognises individuals and organisations which are striving to drive innovative leadership, excellence and overall positive impact in our business ecosystem in the South-West. The event attracted over 120 nominations and entrants this year. 

Speaking about the Tech Industry Person of the Year Award, Gerry Murphy, Chairperson Tech Industry Alliance said: “For over 25 years, Frank Madden has been building an enormous success story with Crest Solutions, now known as Catalyx. His outstanding contributions to the field of manufacturing operations and technology innovation has transformed the landscape of the Life Sciences and high-end manufacturing industries. With an unwavering commitment to advancing technology in manufacturing, exceptional leadership, an ability to forge successful collaborations as well as being dedicated to helping the next generation of entrepreneurs in our region, Frank is a most deserving recipient of the Tech Person of the Year award” 

Other award winners at the black-tie gala Awards Ceremony Cloudera, CergenX, Everseen, Solarwinds and Skillbase. Cork ETB and Kerry ETB received the Chairperson’s award for their exceptional contribution to skills and talent development in the region. McEgan College which received the Excellence in Education Award were presented with a cheque for €5,000 to further promote STEM activities within their school.

Commenting at the event, Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath TD said:  “The Tech Industry Awards are a tribute to exceptional organisations and individuals within the South-West’s business and tech ecosystem. The extraordinary quality of finalists reflects the enormous capabilities, innovation and talent flourishing Cork and Kerry . I want to congratulate tonight’s winners but also all the finalists and nominated organisations who are dedicated to excelling and driving positive impact in the diverse markets and communities they operate. I also commend the Tech Industry Alliance for its invaluable role in fostering connections and nurturing a supportive environment, empowering companies to thrive, prosper and succeed both here and on a global stage” 

KerrySciTech Chairperson, Manjit Gill, also commented: “Since joining forces to become Tech Industry Alliance, our membership has gone from strength to strength and the businesses and organisations we serve are benefitting hugely from the knowledge sharing, connections and immense support that our combined network provides. The winners and finalists tonight are testament to this as they demonstrate the exceptionally high standard of excellence within the technology sector across Cork and Kerry which together are elevating the region’s status as a location of choice for companies, talent and investment”.

Full list of winners:

  • Tech Person of the Year Award -:  Frank Madden, Founder & CEO, Crest Solutions
  • Tech Start Up of the Year Award – CergenX 
  • Scale Up of the Year Award – Everseen
  • Multinational of the Year Award –Cloudera
  • Tech Industry Alliance  Skillnet Best Learning Workplace Winner – Solarwinds  
  • Smart Technology Innovation Award – Skillsbase  
  • Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact Award – Cloudera
  • Chairperson’s Award – Kerry ETB & Cork ETB
  • Excellence in Education Award – McEgan College  

Sponsors for this year’s Leaders Awards include:  Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet, Trend Micro, KPMG, Enterprise Ireland,  Grant Thornton,  Barden, Deloitte, Cork Smart Gateway, Cork County Council, Cork City Council, MTU, REEdI, Fuzion Communications and Kinsale Spirit Company. 

For over 16 years, the Leaders Awards have recognised those who have excelled in the technology sector in the South-West region of Ireland, from notable multinationals and disruptive start-ups to ground-breaking individuals and emerging companies. Find out more on www.techindustryalliance.ie  

Information on Winners

Winner Smart Technology Innovation Award: Skillsbase  

Skillsbase is a solutions provider for companies with high-complexity problems, specialising in Mobile-first solutions using AI and AR. Skillsbase gave the judges a very compelling presentation about the company, the technologies they are using and have developed covering Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, Cloud and mobile app, electronics, etc. And all done with a small team in Cork. 

Winner of the Start Up of the Year Award:  CergenX  CergenX leverages recent advances in AI to help identify newborns at risk of brain injury. The judges agreed that Cergenx is a truly world class startup with all the ingredients to deliver on their mission. A UCC Spin out after years of research in the INFANT Center led by Dr Geraldine Boylan, CergenX aims to use artificial intelligence to identify newborn infants that are most at risk of brain injury, a purpose that the 14 strong team in Cergenx are very passionate about. The panel were impressed with the strength and depth of the executive team who have founded, scaled and exited from previous startups, and will bring that experience into Cergenx.

Winner of the Excellence in Education Award:   McEgan College  

McEgan College is a co-educational school providing a broad curriculum to both girls and boys. The judges were truly impressed by McEgan’s whole school approach to the design, development and rollout of their ICT and digital strategy. Their student centric focus pivots their ICT Strategy, adapting to student needs and maximising resources. Their ambitious yet practical longer term ICT vision is tightly connected into and across the curriculum fostering a school culture of learning, development and innovation. 

Winner – Chairperson Award: Kerry ETB and Cork ETB

With the rapid pace at which skills needs for the tech sector evolves, the learning models that allow our tech companies to access skills and develop our people are essential for the sustainable growth of our industry. Our region’s Education and Training Boards, Kerry ETB and Cork ETB are not only committed to delivering innovative and high quality education and training programmes but they have also been hugely flexible and progressive in their engagement with our industry and our upskilling and reskilling needs. Their positive influence and impact on the region’s skills landscape is nothing short of remarkable. A warm congratulations to the entire ETB community across Cork and Kerry on being this year’s receipients of the Tech Industry Chairperson’s Award” 

Winner of the Tech Scale Up Award: Everseen 

Everseen is  a computer vision AI technology company trusted by over half of the world’s top 15 retailers. Everseen has already demonstrated its ability to scale, with consistent year-on-year revenue growth, expansive international client-base, highly scalable platform and roadmap, strong proven leadership team and the vision and, with a recent €65M funding round, have the resources to build an Irish HQed multinational.

Winner of the Diversity, Inclusion & Social Impact Award:  Cloudera  

Cloudera delivers an enterprise data cloud for any data, from the Edge to AI and advance digital transformation. Cloudera provided the judges with an impressive all round presentation, touching on all areas of diversity, inclusion and social impact.  The judges agreed that they live and breathe this category. 

Winner of the Best Learning Work Place Award: Solarwinds  Solarwinds is a leading provider of simple, powerful, secure observability and IT management software. This accolade is a testament to Solarwinds’ dedication to fostering a positive and innovative learning environment, setting an inspiring example for others in the industry. Solarwinds’ holistic learning initiatives, tailored training programs, and cutting-edge resources such as their mentoring platform and competency role mapping empower employees at every level to expand their skills and knowledge. Through a strategic combination of learning technologies and a supportive environment, they have not only enhanced individual career trajectories but also cultivated a collaborative workforce that encourages continuous growth and development aligned with inclusion, belonging and wellbeing.

Winner of the Environmental Sustainability Award: Logitech  

Logitech designs products that bring people together through gaming, video, digital content, work and learning. Logitech stood out for a few reasons but mainly for its consistent and mature approach to sustainability throughout the organisation and its supply chain. The efforts to reduce carbon and use of virgin materials in its production process is not new and have been underway for many years. The standards and accreditations they have pursued and achieved are remarkable, and the global impact of their efforts is also notable. 

Winner of the Multinational of the Year Award:   Cloudera  

Cloudera – a company that empowers people to transform complex data into clear and actionable insights. Cloudera has demonstrated strong commitment to the South West, growing by 205% in just 3 years, with solid plans to expand even further in the future. They demonstrate incredible investment into their people through mentorship, internship, internal promotion programs and Unplug days. Cloudera are leading the way in diversity with a 48:52 Female:Male ratio and 20 countries represented. Finally, their contribution to the local community is very impressive. Cloudera ESAT scores are very strong, and it is clear to see why.

Winner Tech Person of the Year Award : Frank Madden

Frank Madden unquestionably deserves the Tech Person of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the field of Manufacturing Operations and technology innovation. With a rich background in electronic engineering, as well as a Post Graduate in Innovation and Design Thinking, he honed his skills and knowledge. Before founding Crest Solutions, Frank played a pivotal role in Apple Inc’s manufacturing operations in Ireland, showcasing his expertise on an international scale.

As the founder and CEO of Crest Solutions, Frank has consistently delivered multi-national and multi-site compliant projects that leverage cutting-edge technologies such as Machine Vision, Serialization, Industry 4.0, and Resourcing Solutions. His dedication to innovation has transformed the landscape of Life Sciences and high-end manufacturing. In 2020, Frank’s visionary leadership led to the formation of CXV Global Ltd, a groundbreaking collaboration with long-term partner companies, further expanding their global reach.  Growing strongly through the years NOW Catalyx, merging Crest Solutions with Xyntek, Vistalink, and Panacea Technologies, is on the road to a global Irish HQed multinational tech company.

Frank’s remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by numerous awards and accolades, including being a finalist in the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in 2015 and Crest Solutions winning both the Cork Chamber Large Company of the Year award and the Deloitte Best Managed Company award in 2020. Frank Madden’s unwavering commitment to advancing technology in manufacturing, his exceptional leadership, and his ability to forge successful collaborations make him a deserving recipient of the Tech Person of the Year award, solidifying his place as a true tech industry visionary.

Global Provider of B2B Distribution, Logistics and Supply Chain Solutions Will Establish Digital Centre of Excellence in Dublin

Wesco International a U.S.-based global provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics and supply chain solutions, announced today that it will expand its operations in Ireland to include a new Digital Centre of Excellence to be located in Dublin. Wesco Digital Solutions (Ireland) Ltd. (WDS Ireland) will serve as a development centre for new cloud-based digital systems and solutions as part of the company’s overall digital transformation strategy. Wesco is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

WDS Ireland began operating this month, initially creating approximately 30 new management, technology, engineering, and administrative positions to be filled primarily by local hires. Wesco expects employment at WDS Ireland to total nearly 80 positions in the coming years. WDS Ireland will occupy approximately 5,000 square feet on the third floor at College Park House, South Frederick Street, in Dublin.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney TD said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Wesco to Ireland as part of their expansion. Wesco is a global provider of distribution, logistics and supply chain solutions, and the new Digital Center of Excellence will focus on advancements in cloud-based digital technology. The facility will also create up to 80 skilled jobs across a number of areas including technology, engineering and administration. This news is very welcome and a great boost for the city. I wish the team at Wesco the very best of luck with this exciting new chapter in Ireland.”

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wesco, John Engel said: “In every industry we serve, we are helping our customers optimize their supply chains, gain efficiencies, and improve safety with our industry-leading portfolio of products, services and solutions. Looking ahead, we expect WDS Ireland will be a catalyst to further leverage technology to transform and enhance the value we deliver to customers globally.  We are excited to hire talented software development, engineering and data analytics professionals in Ireland who will have a unique opportunity to help accelerate the digitalization of our business.”

Mr. Engel continued, “We are grateful for the counsel, support, local expertise and resources IDA Ireland has provided to us to help stand up this new operation. We are impressed with the investments being made here to build a thriving community for advanced technology jobs in the region.”

CEO of IDA Ireland, Michael Lohan said: ”I am delighted that Wesco has chosen Dublin for its Digital Centre of Excellence and will employ up to 80 people here. It is a testament to the talent that Ireland can offer companies in the area of cloud development and helps us to remain at the forefront of digital advancement. I wish Wesco every success here.’’

For more information about job opportunities, visit Careers on Wesco.com.

CWSI named Company of the Year at the Tech Excellence Awards 2023

CWSI, Ireland’s most experienced mobile and cloud security specialist, today announces that it has been named Company of the Year at the 2023 Tech Excellence Awards. The awards, which are the premier awards for the technology industry in Ireland, have been running for more than two decades and recognise excellence in the design, implementation and support of technology solutions and services in Ireland.

CWSI received the award during a black-tie ceremony at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire, in front of over 450 attendees. It was recognised for its impressive growth and expansion across Ireland, the UK and increasingly in mainland Europe. Over the past year, CWSI received significant new investment to fund ambitious growth plans to make strategic acquisitions, launch innovative new services and increase headcount including senior business leaders joining the team.

Having secured the funding, CWSI proceeded to acquire two companies in mainland Europe in quick succession. It acquired BLAUD, a Dutch mobility and security specialist based in Utrecht and mobco, a modern workplace and mobility specialist based in Belgium and Luxembourg. Both companies have been successfully integrated into the CWSI group.

These acquisitions served to further accelerate CWSI’s growth. In 2022, CWSI services reached 500,000 active end-users, and it plans to double this to 1 million by 2025 through its enhanced service proposition, expertise and geographical reach.

In addition to its Company of the Year award, CWSI was also shortlisted alongside eir evo for Public Sector Project of the Year for their work together on securely mobilising An Garda Siochana.

Ronan Murphy, CEO and co-founder, CWSI, said: “We are so proud to have been named 2023 Company of the Year at the highly prestigious Tech Excellence Awards. The past year has been hugely successful as we grew from strength to strength with the addition of so many new customers, team members and of course BLAUD and mobco bolstering our European presence. We remain a very ambitious company with continued growth plans and we’re very excited for the future.”

EY Ireland Launches new AI centre of excellence to supercharge AI led growth for Irish businesses

EY has today launched AI Labs – a unique AI centre of excellence – offering clients access to game changing capabilities in big data, AI, smart automation, VR/AR and advanced analytics. EY Ireland’s expanding data analytics and technology consulting team, encompassing 220 people, will run and manage AI Labs to deploy a set of advanced technology client solutions and highly specialised client services. The skills and resources provided through AI Labs will ultimately equip organisations with the resources, tools, and insights they need to drive growth and market leading innovation.

AI Labs, run in collaboration with the EY wavespace innovation centre, will introduce a host of services to clients across maturity assessment, strategy, solution deployment, business training, rapid prototyping/POC, and Solution Development/MVP. The suite of AI capabilities and services on offer will allow organisations across multiple industries and sectors to deploy these advanced technologies to optimise new growth opportunities and to solve their most complex industry challenges. AI Labs will expand EY’s existing technology consulting business across AI, automation, machine learning, and big data over the next three years.

Speaking at an event to launch the AI Labs today, Paul Pierotti, EY Ireland Partner, Data Analytics and Emerging Technology said: “AI and smart automation present endless opportunities for organisations to solve complex issues in their respective industries. By adopting these technologies and embedding them in their operational models, organisations will find themselves at the forefront of positive industry and societal change. By taking the necessary measures to adopt these technologies Irish organisations will be set on a new path of digital optimisation and success. AI Labs at EY epitomises the value we place on innovation as a firm as reflected in the ongoing expansion of our vibrant technology consulting business.”

The unique offering of AI Labs will include capabilities across natural language processing, predictive analytics, optimisation, expert systems, and advanced computer recognition. By leveraging these AI capabilities, organisations will be at the forefront of the digital economy. EY will also be able to build on its rapid prototyping capabilities, using design thinking, agile methodology, discovery sessions, and the latest technology and industry insights to solve critical business issues alongside cutting-edge AI technologies.

Frank O’Keeffe, Managing Partner, EY Ireland, commented: “The launch of AI Labs here in EY Ireland is a natural evolution of our already extensive suite of services to clients in the technology space.  I’m hugely excited about the opportunities it will unlock for our clients right across the island of Ireland. Long term sustainable success in business requires innovative thinking and access to the latest cutting-edge ideas and technologies. Through our new AI labs and our partnership with the ADAPT centre, will be able to bring the incredible potential of AI alive for our clients through bespoke workshops and demonstrations. We can’t wait to bring together the brightest minds in AI across this island to co-create game changing solutions with our clients.”

To ensure AI Labs is supported with the advanced research, skills, and insights it needs to thrive, EY will enter into a 4-year strategic collaboration with the ADAPT Centre – the world-leading Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Centre for AI-driven digital content technology. The collaboration will facilitate the application of advanced technology and research initiatives that address real-world industry challenges. These will consist of a portfolio of collaborative projects, initially co-funding two PhD students in 2022 but scaling to include research fellowships, targeted projects and other collaborations, including but not limited to health, transport, and utilities.

Declan McKibben, Executive Director of the ADAPT Centre added: “The ADAPT Centre brings together the best researchers in Human Centric AI across eight universities in Ireland to drive AI Adoption and Innovation here in Ireland and internationally. By building and valuing strong relationships with academic institutions, the innovation ecosystem, and businesses, we ensure that knowledge transfer can happen much more rapidly in line with the pace of innovation today. This partnership signals a new strategic approach to our engagement with EY which will nurture talent, drive innovation and turn good ideas into great solutions for tomorrow.”

The ADAPT collaboration will allow EY the opportunity to invest in research initiatives that align with its digital strategy, through creating additional research capacity and driving innovation. Research will be focused on initial use cases in data governance, customer content & engagement, intelligent supply chain and manufacturing, and sustainability.