Tag: #hub

EY launches Global Sustainable Finance Innovation Hub in Dublin to accelerate ESG progress for financial firms

EY today announces the launch of a new Sustainable Finance Innovation Hub in Dublin to help financial institutions around the world accelerate their efforts to meet their environmental, social and governance (ESG) regulatory and reporting requirements.

EY Ireland’s existing financial services sustainable finance team will more than triple in size over the coming months with an additional 40 specialist hires planned to span the three pillars of ESG. The new hub, which will be led by EY Ireland Financial Services partner Sean MacHale, is projecting double digit growth over the next twelve months as it ramps up to meet growing client demand around the world.

The Dublin hub will be augmented by a network of individuals with deep sustainability expertise across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the US, who will come together to deliver the latest thinking and advice to clients on ESG reporting, with a particular focus on the areas of biodiversity & nature, EU regulation, international goals, among others.

Colin Ryan, EY Ireland Financial Services Country Lead, comments: “The financial services sector plays a central role in the transition to a more sustainable future and we are now significantly expanding our capacity to deliver end-to-end sustainable finance transformation services to clients in the sector. The addition of 40 specialist hires across the three pillars of ESG will see our Dublin hub become a globally significant centre for innovation in the area of sustainable financial services. The sector must comply with an increasing volume of regulatory requirements over the coming years, and many firms already face multiple deadlines this year alone. Our new hub will support firms to more effectively report on their activity and will help clients ensure that they remain compliant with the evolving regulatory environment.”

Sean MacHale, EY Ireland Partner and Financial Services Sustainable Finance Leader, says: “The requirement for tangible progress on ESG matters in the financial sector has intensified of late. Firms face pressing regulatory reporting and disclosure demands and must demonstrate transparency and accountability when it comes to the progress they are making towards Net Zero goals and positive environmental impacts in a socially inclusive manner”.

“Managing the global flow of capital means the financial sector has a unique ability to drive material positive change, and we are really proud to support firms on their continuing ESG journey.”

Fidelma Clarke, Financial Services Risk Consulting Partner, comments: “With so much activity in the area of sustainability reporting right now, it’s important that our clients have the resources they need to keep pace. We are delighted to be strengthening our long-standing commitment of delivering positive change”.

Shaun Carazzo, EY EMEIA Financial Services Climate Change and Sustainability Leader, adds: “Sustainability is a top agenda item for all financial services firms worldwide, and covers individual Net Zero transition plans all the way to the development of greener services and products. Our innovation hub demonstrates EY’s commitment to the ESG agenda and will build on our already market-leading sustainable finance advisory business. By bringing the EY network of sustainable finance talent together, we can offer a one-stop-shop to clients, and I look forward to building out the hub as we respond to demand.” 

The RDI Hub Goes Virtual for Future Members Nationwide

The RDI Hub (‘the Hub’), the world-class innovation centre located in Killorglin, Co Kerry, has announced the launch of a new RDI Virtual Hub RDI hub digital community which will see it expand its offerings to corporates, SMEs, and Start-Up entrepreneurs nationwide.

This innovative new virtual membership offering will build on the significant success of the RDI Hub to date, expanding its sector-agnostic offering to businesses across the country, and giving them access to mentorship, training and events, and advice on available funding supports.

The RDI Virtual Hub offers a curated resource library and one-to-one coaching sessions with a diverse panel of seasoned mentors. Notable mentors include:

  • Hugh Reynolds – Havok and Swrve Founder & ex-Apple’s Special Projects and Uber’s Advanced Technology Group.
  • Jamie Heaslip – Entrepreneur, Angel Investor & Ireland Strategic Growth Lead at Stripe
  • Rose O Sullivan – Strategic Finance Manager at Fexco specialising in commercial modelling, developing pricing strategies and helping startups navigate the complexities of financial management as they scale

Members will also unlock access to a range of exclusive events and growth sessions and find out more about key initiatives such as STEM Passport for inclusion (a programme to help young women from underserved communities find potential career paths in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)  DIBEST (Digital Innovation for Blue Enterprises & Social Tourism), the annual John McCarthy AI Summer School,  and NDRC startup programmes to further their growth ambitions.

This news comes fresh on the heels of the recent announcement that the RDI hub has partnered with Microsoft to deliver a series of AI masterclasses, which will teach members how to best leverage AI to optimise their business’s productivity.

The launch of the virtual hub is the latest in a series of enterprising initiatives offered by the RDI Hub – last June the Hub hosted a mortgage innovation challenge which offered €1 million in grants to stimulate innovation in the provision of mortgages in Ireland. In November last year, the Hub opened its in-house podcast facility which has since been expanded to include a full video recording studio and green screen facilities.

The RDI Hub’s 4th anniversary celebrates 70 new companies and 300 jobs created in the South West

RDI Hub membership has gone from strength to strength and is now home to over 70 companies, ranging from start-ups and SMEs to global companies such as Glencar Construction, Axiota, Interflow Logistics and Vertex. Since 2020, over 50 new products and services have originated from the Hub, enabling the creation of more than 300 jobs.

Success stories to date include Xavatar, which has just launched a first-of-its-kind metaverse-based TV show that will air to over 60 million homes in the US, and Graphite Note, an AI platform that simplifies the use of Machine Learning in analytics by helping business users to generate machine learning models without coding.

Commenting on the success of the RDI Hub to date, Liam Cronin, CEO said:

“Over the past four years, the RDI Hub has created a thriving ecosystem for entrepreneurship and business growth in the Southwest. Our new RDI Virtual Hub will enable us to expand this innovative spirit worldwide, by bringing together a virtual community of mentors, entrepreneurs, and innovators to share their insights and experience on a much larger scale.”

“We have a diverse range of members, operating across a broad range of sectors including Fintech Smart Manufacturing, Aquatech, Greentech, Sustainability AI, Robotics, and the Metaverse, creating a rich pool of expertise that will benefit businesses hugely when it comes to optimising their operations,” Liam added.

A monthly subscription is available for 35 euro (ex VAT)  per month, with an annual subscription available for €350 (ex VAT).  We are currently in phase one whereby we are onboarding our members onto the portal and plan on making it available to the public in April.

“This marks a significant milestone for RDI Hub as it expands its footprint, providing invaluable support to upcoming companies and entrepreneurs,” said Neil Hosty, CEO, Fexco. By fostering an ecosystem that facilitates growth and scalability, we aim not only to transform Kerry but also to offer new members the chance to connect with like-minded individuals. Through shared experiences and knowledge, we empower innovation—whether in their current roles or as aspiring entrepreneurs.”

The RDI Hub is a not-for-profit Public Private Partnership with Fexco, Kerry County Council, and Munster Technological University and is a €21 million investment, transforming Kerry into a globally connected technology innovation hotspot. It’s one of the regional hubs for the National Digital Research Centre and receives support from the Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund.

Tech Review – QDOS PowerLink COMBI 8-in-1 USB-C Hub

The QDOS PowerLink COMBI 8-in-1 USB-C Hub is a handy gadget to have if your PC or Laptop lacks ports which of late I find they do even with a recent purchase of an expensive laptop myself, this will give you the opportunity to enhance your overall experience with minimal space taken up and giving you maximum ports at your disposal if you are the one who needs to do more.

You get a well built product that looks neat and is clean with a nice blue light around the product when in use and of course uses USB-C to connect to your chosen working laptop or PC in use. This gives you passthrough charging up to 100W so you can charge whilst working and has 3 X USB 10GB 3.1  high speed ports ideal for using thumb drives and more. You will also find a USB-C port which offers which you PD 3.1 charging, You also get a headphone jack as many laptops like phones have omitted these now and there is a HDMI port also something that lacks theses days, finally you get 1 x SD card reader (480Mbps) and 1 x Micro SD (TF) card reader (480Mbps) so if you have SD cards for you work and so on like I would for example it makes and ideal kit to transfer data between connected devices seamless.

 

Features

  • Space Grey, multi-port USB-C Hub with tuck in cable design
  • Charge your USB-C enabled MacBook/laptop with pass through PD charging at Max 100W
  • 3 x USB 3.1 (10Gb/s high speed transfer)
  • 1 x USB-C (PD 3.1, Max 100W)
  • 1 x HDMI (4K display)
  • 1 x Audio Jack (3.5m)
  • 1 x SD card reader (480Mbps)
  • 1 x Micro SD (TF) card reader (480Mbps)
  • 10cm built in cable
  • Slim and light 8 in 1 hub, easy to transport

BUY

Video Review

Red Bull launches state-of-the-art gaming hub at SETU Waterford

Red Bull has this week launched a state-of-the-art gaming hub at SETU Waterford to support the development of third-level gamers in Ireland. The Red Bull Gaming Hub will help SETU students of all abilities to develop their skill sets while also connecting them with leading partners in the global gaming industry.

The hub, the first of its kind at a third-level institute in Ireland, is located in SETU Waterford, the first third-level institute in Ireland to launch an esports scholarship. Synonymous with esports and gaming throughout the world, Red Bull has long since been a pioneer in the industry, supporting esport athletes and student gaming tournaments across the world.

This latest initiative represents Red Bull’s most significant esports venture in Ireland as the brand expands its footprint on the Irish gaming scene. The Hub will also host national gaming tournaments, interactive workshops and live stream events, while Irish gamers will also have the opportunity to qualify for global esports tournaments via events hosted in the Red Bull Gaming Hub.

This November for example, the Irish National Finals of the global VALORANT tournament, Red Bull Campus Clutch, will take place in the Hub. A team-based tournament open only to those in third-level education, Red Bull Campus Clutch sees over 200 national and regional tournaments take place across the globe this autumn. The best of the best advance to the World Finals, this year hosted in Istanbul, with a cash prize of €20,000 on offer.

Commenting as the hub was officially unveiled today, Katie Redmond SETU Sports Manager, Waterford Campus, said: “In 2020, SETU became the first third-level institute in Ireland to launch an esports scholarship and since then, the Esports Club has swiftly risen to prominence as one of the most active clubs at SETU. We are now delighted to further set the standard in the Irish third-level sector by opening our new Esports Gaming Hub. Our goal with this is to create a sports community where all students, current and future, who participate in Esports can receive the same support and facilities as all our sports teams. We would like to recognise that without the guidance and support of everyone at SETU, Esports Ireland, Collegiate Esports, and Red Bull, this vision would not have been possible.”

The hub is kitted out with a casual gaming area equipped with Xbox consoles, an immersive sound system and comfortable gaming bean bags. The facility also includes a chill-out area where students can bring their own laptops, connect to the high-speed network and work on their own creative projects with a cold can of Red Bull in hand. A unique custom-made 10-sided gaming table sits at the centre of the hub and allows for 5v5 gaming sessions on top-of-the-range gaming PCs.

Four outstanding partners have come on board, helping to bring the latest and greatest hardware to gamers. Intel NUC, SteelSeries, AGON by AOC and Backforce have worked with Red Bull to bring this unique gaming facility to life.

As PC Partner, Intel NUC, renowned for packing high-powered gaming rigs in small form factors, will support with their top-notch GamingPCs. SteelSeries, the worldwide leader in gaming and esports peripherals, is the official Peripheral brand of the Red Bull Gaming Hub and will equip students with award-winning gaming headsets, keyboards, and mice.

Backforce, the Gaming Chair partner, have provided ergonomic chairs that can boost performance and help maintain high-level gaming over long, competitive sessions, while the official Monitor Partner, AGON by AOC, provide high-performance gaming monitors within the space.

For more information about the Red Bull and Gaming, and the new Hub at SETU Waterford, visit www.RedBull.com/ie-en/gaming. To find out more about Red Bull Campus Clutch, and how to register, please visit Red Bull Ireland on Instagram & Tiktok @RedBullIre

 

What is in the mystery box

 

Dell Introduces New Touch Monitor – Connectivity, Convenience, and Interactivity at your Fingertips

Dell has announced the introduction of the new Dell 24 Touch USB-C Hub Monitor (P2424HT) the world’s first 23.8-inch touch monitor with ethernet connectivity so that users never have to worry about unstable network connections again.

This new monitor is designed to deliver a clutter-free, interactive experience that doubles as a productivity hub—regardless of whether it is being used in bustling retail environments to efficient warehousing setups, and from the comfort of home or at the heart of the office.

Intuitive Experience

Users will enjoy interactivity with up to 10-point touch, meaning you can easily annotate, zoom, flick, swipe, drag, pinch and tap with up to ten fingers on the screen at the same time.  And do all this while enjoying consistent, vibrant colors with 99% sRGB across a wide viewing angle enabled by IPS technology.

Furthermore, the ComfortView Plus feature helps reduce potentially harmful blue light emissions without compromising true-to-life colors.

Purposeful Design:

The touch screen monitor isn’t much without an ergonomic form.  This new monitor features an articulating stand design that allows users to seamlessly transition it from a standard desktop monitor to a downward 60-degree angle touch orientation for a more comfortable touch position. It also offers height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and slant functionality so users can tailor the position of the screen to their liking for the task at hand, while the protective cushions on the bottom edge protect against bumps when the stand is fully compressed.

Easy & Comprehensive Connectivity:

Single cable USB-C connectivity offers up to 90W power delivery, while RJ45 provides stable wired Ethernet connectivity. Two quick-access USB ports have been moved to the side of the display so users have quick and easy connections to accessories, and this can also be covered to maintain a sleek look when not in use. Rounding out this excellent productivity hub, the display also includes built-in HDMI and DisplayPort.

This monitor is designed with the environment in mind, it comes in 85% PCR (Post consumer Recyclable) plastic and is ENERGY STAR®, TCO Certified Edge and EPEAT® Gold certifie, reinforcing Dell’s commitment to sustainability.

Key Features:

– Up to 10-point touch capability for seamless interaction.

– Vibrant colours with 99% sRGB and IPS technology.

– Comfort View Plus for reduced blue light emissions.

– Articulating stand design for ergonomic comfort.

– Single cable USB-C connectivity with up to 90W power delivery.

– RJ45 for stable wired Ethernet connectivity.

– Quick-access USB ports for easy accessory connections.

– Environmentally conscious design with PCR plastic and certifications.

ConnectingUs is a new place where we all connect and grow.

Social Media is the thing these days and getting off the ground aint easy starting afresh but it all begins somewhere and of late people are leaving social media in their droves or changing platforms with Musk at the helm of Twitter and Zucks competing with his new take Threads which is limited for most but had a base to begin with being Instagram it will be interesting to see how this works out over time and what changes Musk and Zuckerberg will apply as they compete.

A new idea has been born by where you can have a social network plus more and more is in the works by web designer Adam O Gleason who wants to bring people together in a different way but not only by being a social media outlet it offers more than just what you typically find on your current social media outlets and here is where it got its name from, being a hub for more things than one this is how he hopes to build a nice community overall and take things in a different direction.

Adam tells us

“At ConnectingUs, we believe in the power of connections. We are a dynamic online network that empowers individuals to monetize their content, forge new relationships, and promote their businesses like never before. Our platform is designed to bring together a diverse community of creators, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are eager to share their passions, expand their networks, and unlock new opportunities.

Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a seasoned influencer, a startup founder, or a small business owner, ConnectingUs is your go-to destination for fostering meaningful connections. We provide you with the tools and resources to showcase your unique talents, engage with like-minded individuals, and take your endeavors to new heights.

https://familypets.ie/ one of Adams websites

What sets us apart is our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. We believe that collaboration is the key to success, and by connecting people from different backgrounds and industries, we aim to inspire innovation, creativity, and mutual growth. Our platform encourages constructive interactions, knowledge sharing, and mentorship, allowing you to learn from others and develop your skills along the way.

Monetizing your content has never been easier. With our integrated monetization features, you can turn your passion into a sustainable source of income. Whether it’s through advertising partnerships, sponsored collaborations, or direct sales of your products and services, we provide the tools and guidance to help you monetize your efforts and build a thriving online business.

But ConnectingUs is about more than just financial gains. It’s about fostering genuine connections and building a supportive community. Our interactive features, such as forums, chat rooms, and virtual events, enable you to engage with fellow members, exchange ideas, and find collaborators for your projects. You can expand your reach, gain valuable insights, and connect with individuals who share your aspirations.

ConnectingUS network – https://connectingus.network/

Join us today and embark on a journey of discovery, growth, and connection. Whether you’re looking to monetize your content, meet inspiring individuals, or promote your business, ConnectingUs is your gateway to a vibrant network of opportunities. Together, let’s unlock the full potential of your passions and create a world where connections thrive”.

Welcome to ConnectingUs, where your dreams meet limitless possibilities.

GreenTechHQ announces AI for business workshops

Wexford based Sustainability Innovation Hub, GreenTechHQ has introduced a series of AI workshops to unlock the power of AI for businesses.

Presented by GreenTechHQ resident AI expert Rory Caldicott it is an opportunity for attendees to equip themselves with the knowledge and tools to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving business landscape.

Almost one tenth of Irish adults have used ChatGPT for work purposes according to research by Digital Business Ireland. The study found that 18 per cent of all Irish adults have used the artificial intelligence platform, split 10 per cent for personal use and 8 per cent for work purposes. Findings were extrapolated from the most recent Digital Insights research commissioned by Digital Business Ireland, a representative body for online businesses, based on a national representative sample, collected from a pool of over 30,000 panellists.

“In a world driven by data, those who master AI will navigate the future with foresight, elevate efficiency, and sculpt success.  GreenTechHQ hopes to shine a light into a relatively new digital world which is rapidly improving.  Our aim at GreenTechHQ is to support start-ups and SMEs through innovation, focusing on sustainability and leading of financially viable solutions.  With AI lies an additional key to shaping future successes now” said GreenTechHQ founder Ed Murphy

The workshops are an ideal opportunity to stay updated with the latest advancements in AI and how businesses are leveraging this technology to their advantage. Attendees can gain insights into the success stories of AI implementations and discover the transformative potential for their own enterprises.

Workshops are perfect for business leaders, entrepreneurs, managers, and professionals from all industries looking to harness the power of AI to drive growth and competitive advantage. No prior technical knowledge is required; the content is designed to be accessible and valuable for all.

Course presenter, Rory Caldicott “The future of AI holds endless possibilities.  This workshop delves into the latest trends and predictions, empowering one to make informed decisions that will future-proof your business”

Register online at greentechhq.com

Dublin set to be home to new international arts and technology festival – Beta

The Digital Hub, in partnership with Aisling Murray and with the support of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), are putting in place plans for a new international arts and technology festival for Ireland. Beta, which will take place across 4 days in November, is seeking to critically engage with technology’s impact on society through a combination of creativity, debate, and experimentation.

Beta will focus on a number of key themes which are dominating the technology discussion at present, including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, data rights and sustainability. The festival has identified a need to bring together Ireland’s research and digital arts communities in order to foster a discussion about how the two disciplines can combine for the benefit of society.

Beta is led by Aisling Murray, a curator and creative producer with 15 years’ experience across exhibitions, festivals, literature, spoken word, theatre and dance. She most recently worked with the Goethe-Institut Irland in developing their Quantum Technology Art residency and curated the inaugural art and science stage at Electric Picnic funded by SFI. Prior to this she worked for Science Gallery Dublin where she produced national and international creative programmes converging art, science, technology and society.

Ultimately, the festival organisers are aiming to position Ireland as a leader in the intersection of art and technology programming in an audience-centred way to engage the public playfully and critically with new technologies. Beta will also include performances, discussion, workshops and a nighttime programme over the 4 days.

Beta has already confirmed a number of acclaimed artists to participate in this year’s festival including Libby Heaney, Leon Butler and Peter Power.

Two unique works have been commissioned to support the launch of Beta. Artist Leon Butler has imagined what the identity of a festival of art and technology could be and has generated a new font seen in the Beta logo. The final logo almost looks hand drawn or screen printed with beautifully imperfect edges – this intersection of cutting-edge technology and human creativity is exactly what Beta will explore with the festival.

Beta’s website, which launched today, features a new commission from artist and designer Farouk Alao. Specialising in 3D motion and web design, he has drawn inspiration from nature, his world, and human emotions. His vision explores the intersection of reality and imagination. The motion piece on Beta’s website, called the Beta cube, positions Beta as a centre point in which art, technology and creativity resolve and makes use of the unique font designed by Butler.

Beta is also launching a new international residency in partnership with transmediale in Berlin supported by the Arts Council of Ireland. Transmediale is one of the leading and longest running festivals for art and digital culture in Europe. The Beta x transmediale residency will bring together four artists from Ireland and Germany to explore critical perspectives on artificial intelligence and digital art. Taking place as a hybrid residency with 2 weeks online, 3 weeks in Dublin, Ireland and 3 weeks in Berlin, Germany, the residency programme will provide space, resources and mentorship to four artists to develop new artworks that generate new imaginaries around climate resilience and political polarisation.

Aisling Murray, Director of Beta, said:

“Beta has the potential to really put Ireland on the map in terms of the intersection of research, technology and digital arts. Each of these disciplines continues to grow from strength to strength, which is why it’s very timely that Beta is now coming to fruition. The Digital Hub are the ideal co-founder for this with their experience both creatively and with industry, I’m so grateful for their support and excited to create an anchor point in the year for the communities interested in these themes.. I’m hugely excited for what is going to be 4 days of immersive content, performance and discussion in Dublin 8. The Liberties is a really important aspect of this festival, steeped in history, culture and innovation it is the perfect meeting place for what we want Beta to symbolise.”

The Digital Hub has a strong track record in supporting digital technology industries, creative enterprises, and community learning programmes in Dublin 8 and beyond. Beta is aimed to be both the culmination of various activities within the Liberties campus, as well as a starting point for further discussion on how to make complex technologies more accessible to communities.

The Digital Hub and Aisling Murray are being supported in its preparations for Beta by SFI, The Arts Council, Project Arts Centre, Goethe Institut, Alliance Française, British Council, ADAPT Research Centre, and NCAD Gallery. More information: https://betafestival.ie/

Bank of Ireland launches hybrid working hub in Galway

Bank of Ireland today launched a new hybrid working hub in Galway. The hub, based in Dockgate, Galway City provides hot desks and meeting rooms for Bank of Ireland colleagues throughout the region or visiting from other areas.

Depending on their role, most Bank of Ireland colleagues can work from a combination of home, central office locations, as well as a network of hybrid working hubs. The additional hub in Galway complements 12 other Bank of Ireland hybrid working hubs in Balbriggan, Ballycoolin, Dundalk, Gorey, Limerick, Mullingar, Naas, Newbridge, Newlands Cross, Northern Cross, Santry and Swords.

Speaking at the launch of the new Galway hub, Mayor of Galway City, Councillor Eddie Hoare said: “There are huge benefits to remote and hybrid working, with less commuting, lower costs, stronger communities, and more time for family and leisure. I have said before that the role of Galway City Council is to promote a positive-working environment to ensure maximum benefits for the people of Galway. When it is managed well, hybrid working is a win-win for companies and employees and I’m delighted to see Bank of Ireland Galway taking such a proactive approach. I’m sure this new hub will be a welcome support for Bank of Ireland staff in the area or visiting Galway from other parts of the country.”

Bank of Ireland Group Chief Executive Myles O’ Grady said: “We have transformed what it is like to work at Bank of Ireland and our new hybrid working hub in Galway is a very tangible example of that. This new hub in Galway offers workspace for those who may base themselves in the West of Ireland or other colleagues who may be travelling to Galway for business. For our colleagues, the hybrid model offers enhanced flexibility and choice, blending home and office working for a better work-life balance. For Bank of Ireland, opening flexible hubs in large regional centres means that we can attract the best talent from across the country.” 

A survey with Bank of Ireland colleagues showed that 65% feel the enhanced flexibility is providing more time to spend with family. 54% of Bank of Ireland colleagues have saved money due to the Bank’s hybrid working model, while 26% feel they have more flexibility as to where they can live.