Tag: #innovation

James Dyson Award 2025 seeks groundbreaking inventions from young engineers and scientists

The James Dyson Award, an international student design and engineering competition, opens for submissions today to its 2025 programme in 28 countries and regions. From everyday challenges to the world’s most pressing issues, the Award calls for current or recent students to submit problem-solving ideas that could make a real difference to people’s lives.

Since it was established in 2005, the James Dyson Award has supported more than 400 student inventions with €1m in prize money and a global platform. Those who progress to the final stages and are selected by James Dyson as the global winners will claim a prize of €36,000 and a chance to gain international media exposure, providing a springboard to commercialise their inventions.

Previous winners include mOm incubators, a low-cost, inflatable incubator to provide flexibility to caring for newborns in less developed areas. Invented by James Roberts, Product Design & Technology graduate from Loughborough University in the UK, mOm has gone on to support over 10,000 patients, and continues to expand its operations worldwide, including in conflict areas such as Ukraine. This year, James received an MBE for his services to engineering and entrepreneurship with mOm.

SoaPen, a previous runner-up in the US, continues to transform hand hygiene education. Invented by Parsons School of Design graduates Shubham Issar and Amanat Anand, SoaPen is a colourful pen made from soap, to teach young children handwashing in a fun way. After receiving recognition from the James Dyson Award, the team launched SoaPen in the US in 2018, and continues to pursue its mission to make hand hygiene fun and accessible, worldwide.

Sir James Dyson, Founder of Dyson, said: “I started the James Dyson Award 20 years ago with the mission to inspire and support the next generation of design engineers. The brilliant ideas we’ve seen since then prove that young people are passionate about providing solutions to the world’s most pressing problems, using design, engineering and technology – in medicine, the environment and much more. I look forward to discovering what inventions will be put forward this year – good luck!”

The deadline to apply is midnight on 16th July 2025. Shortlisted entries in each participating country or region will then be evaluated by national judging panels with expertise across design and engineering, based on functionality, design process, differentiation, and commercial viability.

The National Winners, selected by these judging panels and each winning a €6,000 prize, will be announced on 10th September, the Global Top 20 Shortlist, selected by Dyson Engineers, on 15th October, and the Global Winners, selected by James Dyson, on 5th November.

DigiBio Healthtech Innovation Programme Offers €38,000, Mentorship

The DigiBio Healthtech Innovation Programme, designed to cultivate the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs in the rapidly evolving health and wellbeing sectors, is now accepting applications for the second year of its ground-breaking innovation programme. Only 12 exceptional individuals from diverse backgrounds will be selected. Those who are passionate about innovation and delivering real impact are encouraged to apply.

Hosted and managed by Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) in partnership with core partners RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin City University, Trinity College Dublin and Tyndall National Institute, this transformative 10-month full-time postgraduate programme, commences in September 2025.

Programme Highlights:

  • €38,000 Scholarship: participants will receive €38,000 tax-free to participate in the programme
  • Expert Mentorship: participants will get invaluable guidance from experienced clinical, industry, investment and technology professionals
  • Comprehensive Training: hands-on training in needs-led innovation, design thinking and entrepreneurship will be provided
  • Direct Access to Healthcare Environments: participants will spend up to 8 weeks in a healthcare environment identifying real healthcare problems to address
  • Exploration of Commercial Opportunities: participants will be supported in developing and validating viable business propositions.

The current participants come from varied backgrounds and include a GP, nurse, physiotherapist, digital health designer, medical device designer, financial manager, digital transformation manager, and solicitor.

Carl Power, DigiBio Healthtech Innovation Programme Director, said:

“By providing aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs with the training, resources and support they need to succeed, this programme will play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare with impactful solutions.

We are looking for 12 quality candidates, with five or more years of professional experience, who are looking to get into a start-up or perhaps a career change as an innovation leader. It’s a very hands-on programme where you also get direct access to healthcare environments. At its core, the programme is about learning and applying a specific approach to finding a problem worth solving and building a commercial case to bring it to market.”

DigiBio is supported under the Innovators’ Initiative Programme co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027.

Applications are open until 2nd May. You can apply here – https://www.digibio.ie/apply#apply-now .

IDA Ireland launches new five year strategy Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation, 2025-29

IDA Ireland today unveiled its new five-year strategy, Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation, 2025-29, building on its previous success in helping to transform the Irish economy. The strategy has been developed from a position of strength evidenced by the significant economic impact delivered to Ireland and the global economy through the investments from IDA Ireland’s client base.

The FDI sector, established and embedded in Ireland, is a national asset which has been transformative for the economy and the people of Ireland, accounting for 11% of total national employment and expenditure of over €38bn in the Irish economy annually. Ireland is viewed internationally as a centre for value and knowledge creation, exporting over €420bn in goods and services globally on an annual basis.

The new strategy, which is aligned with the Programme for Government and the White Paper on Enterprise, sets out IDA Ireland’s ambition for continued growth through four key strategic objectives;

  • Strengthen long term investment
  • Scale cutting-edge innovation
  • Drive sustainable change
  • Maximise regional opportunities

While recognising the challenges ahead for FDI investment including increased competition, geopolitical uncertainty, and rapid technological change, IDA Ireland has identified  four key growth drivers – digitalisation and AI; semiconductors; health; and sustainability –  which will lead to a range of intersecting and connected opportunities across IDA Ireland’s core sectors of focus – Life Sciences, International Financial Services (IFS), High Value Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technology and Content & Consumer Services.

 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

 Strengthen long term investment

IDA Ireland will prioritise retaining and renewing the 1,800 client companies based in Ireland, acknowledging their vital role in the Irish economy. We will partner with them as they aim to enhance their competitiveness and productivity through transformative talent development initiatives and assist them in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in a changing global economy.

Scale cutting-edge innovation

Ireland’s FDI base has helped position the country as a central hub for global technological innovation. The new strategy aims to build on the existing innovation ecosystem, enhance pan-European and global innovation linkages, and increase the scale and impact of innovation by supporting next-generation and collaborative research, development, and innovation (RD&I).

Drive sustainable change

IDA Ireland client companies are instrumental in shaping a green and digital global economy. Ireland has the potential to be a prime location for green-powered and digitally enabled enterprises. IDA Ireland will collaborate with clients to enhance their digital maturity and sustainability, while attracting a new wave of green and digitally enabled investments.

Maximise regional opportunities

Maintaining the strength of Dublin as a key global hub remains a strategic priority. The significance of our capital city enables the attractiveness of Ireland and supports our ambition for balanced regional development. IDA Ireland client companies employ over 165,000 people in regional locations across Ireland, benefiting from the local ecosystem, infrastructure, and talent to drive investments. The regional strategy has proven to be successful, and IDA Ireland is committed to further enhancing regional opportunities for clients by providing next-generation sites and building solutions.

 

TARGETS

In pursuit of these objectives, IDA Ireland will win 1,000 investments to:

  • Secure €7bn in new RD&I investment
  • Deliver 550 regional investments
  • Reduce IDA Ireland client carbon emissions by 35%
  • Create 75,000 jobs
  • Upskill 40,000 people

In turn, this will support IDA Ireland client spending in Ireland of €250bn over the lifetime of the strategy on wages, Irish goods and services, and capital investment, providing further opportunity and economic impact across local supply chains. By 2030, the strategy aims for a more competitive, innovative and sustainable FDI environment in Ireland. The ambitious plan underscores Ireland’s commitment to fostering a resilient economy, adapting intelligently, and seizing new growth opportunities in an era of change and evolvement.

Minister Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise Tourism & Employment said: “I very much welcome the publication of IDA Ireland’s new strategy today and recognise the importance of ensuring we work together to protect FDI’s position as a cornerstone of Irish economic success.  Ireland remains committed to foreign direct investment (FDI) as one of the key components of the Irish economy. We have proven adept in the past at anticipating and responding to shifts in the global landscape, realising growth opportunities as sectors evolved and new technologies emerged. In a period of marked global change and uncertainty, this strategy will direct the focus of IDA Ireland as it partners with client companies to enhance the resilience, productivity, and innovation of Ireland’s FDI base.

In a world of uncertainty, companies can be certain that Ireland remains determined to remain a leading location in which to grow, innovate and succeed. Through decades-long partnership across the public and private sector, Ireland has won investment and built up an FDI base in high value, cutting edge services and manufacturing sectors. Protecting this existing base, positioning it for further success and securing the next generation of investment is of critical importance. This strategy will ensure IDA adapts to a changed global landscape to achieve these ambitious objectives.”

Feargal O’Rourke, Chairman IDA Ireland said: “Our new strategy is designed to keep the FDI pipeline strong but also to recognise the importance of holding on to what we have. FDI companies in Ireland tell us of their need to constantly show relevance back at corporate HQ whether it is upskilling their employees with digital and AI skills, having a sustainable operation, or maximising their effectiveness and efficiency. Our role is to help our client companies in these areas and our strategy will underpin this. If we can lead, and play our part in delivering on our strategy, it will have a positive societal and economic impact for Ireland. While today marks the launch of our strategy, it also represents an opportunity for Ireland to recommit to a strong FDI strategy and to, in a sense, “renew our vows” to make Ireland the best, most sustainable and most welcoming country in the world for FDI.”

Michael Lohan, CEO IDA Ireland said, “Innovation, competitiveness, resilience and ambition are at the core of our new strategy that is designed to further propel FDI in Ireland. I am extremely proud of the performance by the IDA team who, in partnership with our 1,800 clients and stakeholders, have achieved exceptional results against the objectives set out in our previous strategy. The impact of FDI is reflected in every facet of the Irish economy from our employment numbers to our enterprise base, integrated supply chains and the development of critical infrastructure.

We are now ready to rise to the challenges of today.  Our new strategy recognises the scope and scale of our clients’ activities, their transformational journeys, as well as the complexities of the global landscape in which IDA Ireland and our clients now operate. It identifies Ireland’s areas of strength and the opportunities for continued FDI growth. It is now absolutely crucial that we build on the solid foundation we have laid and focus on continued partnerships with the strong FDI base in every region in Ireland, to drive sustainable growth through capital investment, innovation and talent development that will strengthen, maintain and deepen our position as a location of choice for continued foreign direct investment.

Download Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation here

OBSBOT Meet SE: AI-Powered Full HD Webcam Review

Having extensively tested numerous OBSBOT products, we’re eager to share our insights on the OBSBOT Meet SE webcam. This compact and lightweight device upholds OBSBOT’s reputation for innovation, offering a feature-rich experience at a competitive price point. The Meet SE exemplifies the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries in webcam technology, delivering advanced capabilities in a sleek, user-friendly package at competitive price points.

Design and Build Quality:

The OBSBOT Meet SE impresses with its slim, compact design, making it ideal for mounting on laptop monitors or tripod stands. Available in three vibrant colors, it’s a stylish departure from traditional black webcams.

Accessories

OBSBOT Meet SE*1, USB-C to USB-A Adapter*1, USB-C Cable*1, Privacy Cover*1, Magnetic Mount*1, User Manual*1, Warranty Card*1

Note this does not come with a carry case which may be required if a hybrid model of work . 

Key Features:

High Frame Rates: Supports 1080P@100FPS, 1080P@60FPS, and 720P@150FPS

Intelligent AI Framing: Recognizes individuals or groups, optimizing composition in real-time

Low Light Performance: 1/2.8″ Stacked CMOS, Dual Native ISO, 2.9 μm Pixels Size, DOL HDR

Gesture Control: Intuitive hand gestures for AI framing and zoom control

Beauty Mode: Natural enhancement with adjustable parameters

Plug and Play: Simple USB-C connection with additional SDK, OSC, and Stream Deck support

Setup and Software:

The Meet SE offers seamless plug-and-play functionality. For advanced features, I recommend downloading the OBSBOT Center software using the QR code on the box. This unlocks the full potential of the webcam, including firmware updates and access to advanced AI features.

Performance:

In my testing, the Meet SE delivered smooth, high-quality video across various scenarios. The AI Auto Framing worked impressively, adapting to different modes like Group, Close-Up, Single Body, and Upper Body. The Auto Focus feature maintained clarity regardless of movement, ensuring consistently sharp visuals.

Warranty:

The 1-year warranty, while standard, feels somewhat limited given the advanced features of this camera. A longer warranty period would better reflect the quality and innovation packed into this device.

Conclusion:

The OBSBOT Meet SE is a versatile, feature-rich webcam suitable for hybrid work environments, game streaming, content creation, and online education. Its advanced AI capabilities, high frame rates, and excellent low-light performance make it stand out in its price range.

While the lack of an included carry case is a minor drawback for hybrid workers, the overall package offers exceptional value. The Meet SE provides a quality solution for most small-area video conferencing needs at an affordable price point.

The OBSBOT Center software further enhances the experience, allowing users to tailor settings to their specific requirements. For those seeking a webcam that combines style, performance, and advanced AI features, the OBSBOT Meet SE is an excellent choice.

BUY

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Workhuman Opens New Innovation Hub in Ireland to Drive Global AI-Product Innovation

Workhuman, the most successful Irish-born technology company and the world’s employee recognition provider, today announces the opening of its new Dublin Innovation Hub at WeWork One Central Plaza, on Dame Street. The expansion adds a central Dublin space to Workhuman’s already strong presence at Park West, Dublin 12, reinforcing the company’s commitment to Ireland as the key driver of its continuous product innovation and advancements of its AI-powered employee recognition solutions.

The new Innovation Hub will serve as a dynamic space for Workhuman’s technology and product teams, facilitating enhanced collaboration and enabling the continued evolution of the company’s product offerings. Designed to facilitate the development and deployment of the company’s new AI product features, the new space will complement the strategic work already being carried out across Workhuman’s team at Park West. Together, these teams will continue to support key AI-product launches scheduled for 2025 and beyond.

Workhuman currently employs over 600 people in Ireland, having hired more than 150 employees over the past 12 months. The company is continuously hiring for roles in product, technology, engineering, and operations.

Speaking of the announcement, Jonathan Hyland, Chief Technology Officer said: “Our new Innovation Hub is a testament to our commitment to creating innovative environments where teams can collaborate, thrive, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. This additional space will support the continuous development of the next-generation of our AI-powered employee recognition product. Ireland is the heart of Workhuman’s product innovation, and we are excited to expand our footprint here, enabling us to further drive our solutions from Dublin to the world.”

Luke Armstrong, Regional President, UKI, EMEA and APAC, WeWorksaid:“Dublin has become a global hub for innovative, fast-growing AI led companies, and Workhuman is leading the way with its AI-powered employee recognition solutions. We’re excited to welcome such a transformative company to the WeWork community and look forward to seeing the continued impact they will drive from our space.” 

Creative Pebble Nova Speakers Review

The Creative Pebble Nova Speakers have been sitting on my desk the last few weeks and have gotten the attention of all visitors to the house with their looks and when turned on for a demo if not on at the time the sound impressed everyone and not only that they impressed me.

With my house having other creative products around like headphones and earbuds and of course soundbars in some rooms it makes a pretty nice ecosystem which I tend to try build in one room or another or my outside office  and Creative always deliver on their audio and this time around it is also aesthetics and how these look no matter where they are as I have moved them around to test them out of course.

With a superb build quality to begin with the stands are weighty therefore will not budge no matter where placed and the speakers themselves just grab your attention wanting a closer look from everyone makes a statement.

Mobile App

Desktop/PC/Laptop App

How do these speakers sound

OK as folk know I test many brands and have been for many years and Creative is one of them and I am not biased in my reviews as my social profiles tell you I say it as I see it and these are simply fantastic not only by looks but with sound, these can connect to basically anything you have at home and enhance the audio experience even on your TV.

With your PC you have more to play with however the apps on Android and iOS deliver enough to give you some control on the audio experience and you will enjoy it trust me on this.

I am no audiophile however after years of testing speakers headphones and earbuds I can tell rubbish from something great and these are certainly great, no tinny sound when  maxed out as I always do not lag latency and superb bass and treble and this is what people like, highs lows and mids all good and overall anyone who uses these will be pleased with the sound be it on your work desk or wherever you may place them like besides your TV for example.

Transform your space with stunning customizable RGB lighting spanning across the entire color spectrum, blending sophisticated sound with stunning illumination. Choose from a range of presets to set the right mood when gaming watching movies or listening to music. Angled at 45 degrees these dish out the tunes perfectly with their powerful 100 watt max output.

 

These will enhance your audio experience overall no matter what you are connected too even if it is just your phone or tablet and give you an immersive experience you will want to keep listening too, checkout the audio samples below for more.

BUY

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Rain Technology Embeds Visual Security and Delivers Display Innovation From Enterprise to Healthcare

CEO Robert Ramsey, Ph.D. and Chief Scientist Michael Robinson, Ph.D. of Rain Technology, creator of the world’s most advanced directional display technologies, today shared expert commentary and select video explainers about:

  • The market outlook for emerging display technologies.
  • The big leap in visual privacy to combat shoulder surfers.
  • Key advances and early adoption across enterprise and personal computing, smartphones, automotive, hospitality, healthcare, banking and retail.
  • Opportunities to capitalize on display innovations today.

The Market Outlook for Emerging Display Technologies

Whether for business or personal use, displays of all types are central to our everyday experience. However, the amount and type of information displayed, the types of devices themselves, the hardware technologies used to provide higher quality and more efficient images, and the situations in which these devices are used all continue to expand at an incredible rate. As such, significant market opportunity exists for companies developing innovative solutions.

Experts in optics and photonics with a legacy in 3D cinema, Rain Technology scientists are radically changing the playing field for visual privacy and superior optical performance in emerging display technologies, which will transform the market by enabling the type of experiences that drive mass adoption through quality and comfort.

One of Rain Technology’s innovations that has been broadly adopted is Switchable Privacy™, a thin liquid crystal layer in the display that switches privacy on and off, preventing peripheral viewers from seeing sensitive content. See the details of how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/y05VX8Pundg. This has applicability across fraud prevention, securing confidential information, and ensuring personal privacy.

It has already shipped millions of units through industry-leading partners. In addition, the company’s innovations in privacy have been successfully leveraged and deployed in the automotive sector. Specifically, No-Driver-Distraction™ helps create safer driving experiences by preventing driver distraction caused by light emitted from passenger screens, and Display Screen Branding™ provides off-axis brand promotion by manufacturers and retailers.

Rain Technology will subsequently be adapted to further define the future of AR and VR in gaming, business, medical, and military defense. Its patented approach, Anamorphic-XR™, which relies on common, easy to manufacture materials, delivers fundamentally superior capabilities to existing AR and VR optics to improve user experience, performance and comfort. It has the potential to significantly increase consumer adoption as well as time spent engaged with devices, opening new opportunities for consumer, enterprise, military and industrial uses.

A Big Leap in Visual Privacy for Every Device

Identity theft and data breaches are on the rise, compounded by mobile work, whether remote or simply in transit. Shoulder surfers, visual hackers, and snoopers are omnipresent. Although the market for adhesive-based privacy screens for smartphones, laptops and monitors is valued at over a billion dollars and set to double in five years, it is a stopgap, lacking the ability to be controlled by enterprise IT and security policy and compromising device performance and usability.

Consumers will begin to see device and display manufacturers as well as enterprise IT departments and application developers placing a higher priority on integrating software solutions with new embedded display technologies to deliver increased privacy and control at the source. This newfound level of security will put mobile privacy in everyone’s pocket and across laptops, point of sale, automotive, tablets, and other devices.

Rain Technology is powering this change. Its patented Switchable Privacy controls the viewing angle to protect enterprises and individuals from visual hacking, data fraud, and identity theft. Switchable Privacy is applicable across the displays for smartphones, laptops, POS and ATM terminals, automotive dashboards and in-cabin displays, and medical kiosks. See more about Switchable Privacy here: https://youtu.be/4IzHUionehY.

Key Advances in AR and VR Performance to Spur Mass Adoption

AR and VR devices have been hyped for decades but have yet to realize their potential. To achieve mass adoption, the device hardware must significantly improve in weight, power efficiency, brightness, image quality, and eye comfort. Rain Technology’s Anamorphic-XR represents a crucial advancement in the evolution of AR and VR features, functionality and performance.

Rising consumer interest and commercial long-term strategies from the major players in AR and VR will be complemented by substantial government investment in these innovations, particularly in headsets and navigation and targeting systems. This dual trajectory of technological enhancement, spurred by Anamorphic-XR, and strategic funding will propel the industry forward.

This will effectively pave the way for broader integration by the leading AR and VR manufacturers into various sectors, ultimately transforming how people interact with their digital and physical environments. As these improvements are integrated, a surge in user engagement can be expected in terms of session time and application diversity, from entertainment to surgery to day-to-day interaction with the environment.

Opportunities to Capitalize on Display Innovations Today

  • Smartphones – Rain Technology is working with smartphone manufacturers to integrate its embedded Switchable Privacy display technology, ensuring peak performance in optical clarity, color and luminance, while providing Privacy Mode for optimal protection and Share Mode for collaboration. Available now for smartphone brands, display manufacturers, and component suppliers from Rain Technology.
  • Laptops, Tablets and Monitors – Rain Technology’s Switchable Privacy enables viewing in Share Mode and Privacy Mode as well as delivering best-in-class performance for image clarity, color and luminance. Available now to laptop brands and manufacturers from Rain Technology.
  • Retail POS – Customer and staff-operated POS terminal numbers are expanding rapidly, and customers are increasingly sensitive to their data being “visually hacked” or even their privacy compromised during cart review, transaction or tipping at point of sale. Optimizing POS devices for both retailers and consumers, Rain Technology’s Switchable Privacy enables manufacturers to deliver a Privacy Mode for consumer transaction security as well as a Share Mode for brand promotion. Now available to retailers from POS manufacturer Datecs and direct from Rain Technology.
  • Bank ATMs – With more than 3 million ATMs around the world, shopping, dining and withdrawing cash puts consumers as well as merchants, retailers and bankers at risk. Rain Technology’s Switchable Privacy enables ATM manufacturers to ensure financial service providers can mitigate the risk of data breaches, meet regulatory compliance, and foster consumer loyalty and trust. Available today to ATM manufacturers and supply chain providers direct from Rain Technology.
  • Medical Kiosks – Private patient information, governed by HIPAA regulations, is often displayed on screens across the medical environment, from check-in kiosks to registration desks to hospital nurses stations, pharmacies and more. Rain Technology’s Switchable Privacy enables manufacturers of monitors and tablets to deliver a Privacy Mode for patient privacy and Share Mode for collaboration. Now available to manufacturers and display providers across the healthcare industry through Rain Technology.
  • Automotive Displays – Bridging the gap between passenger infotainment and safe driving while meeting evolving legislative safety standards, Rain Technology’s No-Driver-Distraction controls the viewing angle and luminous levels so the display screens within the cabin can only be viewed by the intended audience (driver or passenger). Rain Technology’s Display Screen Branding delivers a unique in-cabin design and branding opportunity for marketers. Available today to automotive suppliers, tier one integrators, and brands both directly from Rain Technology and via display manufacturer Tianma.
  • AR and VR – The future of AR and VR relies at least partly on hardware device advances. Rain Technology is the first to introduce a patented optical design approach — Anamorphic-XR — that holds significant advantages over existing systems in the areas of image quality, color, field of view, brightness (up to 10x improvement), weight, and comfort. Currently available as a proof-of-concept demonstrator, Rain Technology is actively engaging with partners to integrate this technology into future device and wearable offerings.

To learn more, please visit www.raintechnology.com.

Second AI Accelerator Programme for Start-Ups Opens for Applications at University College Dublin

NovaUCD has announced that it is seeking applications from Irish-based start-ups to participate in its 2025 AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme.

The focus of this accelerator programme, which is now in its second year, is to support entrepreneurs who are developing disruptive AI solutions in sectors including, healthcare, cybersecurity, education, sustainability, finance, content creation, supply chain and customer service, for a global market.

The 6-month AI Ecosystem Accelerator, which begins in April, will be delivered by NovaUCD, the hub of innovation and start-up activities at University College Dublin (UCD), in partnership with CeADAR, Ireland’s Centre for AI.

Targeted supports for programme participants include guidance from CeADAR’s AI experts, and experienced commercial mentors, along with workshops on value proposition, scaling and investor readiness. Participants will also have access to collaborative co-working space at NovaUCD with the opportunity to connect with successful AI entrepreneurs, start-ups, corporates, investors and access to skilled interns.

Applications are open for the programme via https://www.ucd.ie/innovation/aiecosystem/.

Among the eleven (11) start-ups which completed the inaugural programme were, Customs Window Technologies, a RegTech start-up co-founded by Brian Murphy and Johnny Dunne, and Wrksense, an AI-driven HR tech start-up transforming high-volume recruitment co-founded by Andrew Connolly and Ruaidhrí McDonnell.

Customs Window Technologies and Wrksense announced funding of €800k and €825k respectively during the 2024 programme.

Andrew Connolly, CEO and co-founder, Wrksense, said, “Following the completion of the inaugural AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme, and the insights learnt, we now target a more niche market, targeting companies that align with our overall strategy and product vision. I’d strongly recommend the AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme to entrepreneurs who wish to advance their AI start-ups through the programme’s excellent dedicated technical and commercial supports.”

The AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme is funded through the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) framework, a Europe-wide initiative with funding of €700 million from both the European Commission and the Governments of member states.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, through Enterprise Ireland, is leading on the EDIH programme for Ireland and CeADAR is the European Digital Innovation Hub in AI for Ireland.

Michelle Doyle, Senior Manager, Strategic Innovation Partnerships, NovaUCD, said, “Following the successful completion of our inaugural AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme, delivered in collaboration with our colleagues at CeADAR, we are delighted to launch our second programme. We are now seeking applications from Irish-based start-ups with novel AI-based products or services, with a validated minimum viable product or proof of concept, and seeking investment this year, to join our next programme and be part of our ecosystem of successful entrepreneurs.”

Dr Ricardo Simon Carbajo, Director of Innovation and Development, CeADAR, said, “The AI Ecosystem Accelerator is one of the key services of CeADAR’s European Digital Innovation Hub programme. Run in partnership with NovaUCD the programme will provide entrepreneurs who are leveraging the power of AI with the required support, knowledge and network to accelerate their start-ups from ideation to investment stage.

We encourage entrepreneurs to find out the benefits of accelerating their venture with us and the range of other funded services for companies as part of CeADAR’s EDIH in AI programme.”

Applications are now open until 21 February 2025 for the second AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme via https://www.ucd.ie/innovation/aiecosystem/.

The 2025 AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme will commence in April and will end with a showcase event in October.

Paleblue the rechargeable battery company here to end single-use batteries for good

When Tom Bishop, founder and CEO, created Paleblue, he did so with one goal in mind – to end single use battery waste for good. With over 10 million single-use batteries disposed of daily in the US, and over 15 billion single-use batteries per year globally, batteries have become a huge contributor to waste and yet a rechargeable solution, though often proposed, has never become a permanent alternative in most people’s shopping habits. 

Enter Paleblue. Paleblue batteries have been created to inspire real change – a better battery with fast-charging, superior performance, and a clear reason to leave disposables behind. Combining the world’s best battery chemistry and USB-C, Paleblue’s products save customers thousands compared to buying alkaline batteries. Focused on improving the utilization of energy and resources through innovation, by identifying areas of waste and creating better solutions,  the Paleblue team have aimed to reduce waste and improve people’s lives. Bishop, the CEO and founder of Paleblue, wants to challenge the way that we speak about and understand batteries – taking the focus purely from capacity to the consistency of performance. 

Paleblue batteries are built for adventure, designed and tested in the field to have the performance and safety needed for outdoor excursion, with the convenience of being quick charging in the field, in a tent, in a truck or back at home – saving time, money and waste. In addition, Paleblue batteries are perfect for the home and over time save families huge amounts of money on single-use batteries. The batteries themselves have a useful chargeable port that uses a USBC port. 

The team behind the brand have an impressive collective resume, with experience at large brands including Skullcandy, Traeger, Goal Zero, Burton, Oculus, and Zero Motorcycles. Since the company’s conception in 2019, Paleblue has sold several million batteries. With each battery having the potential of saving 1000 single use batteries. Sales so far could save the world several billion alkaline batteries and over 100 million pounds of single use battery waste.

“When you need a battery, you need it soon. Like all modern electronics, our batteries charge anywhere, any time by USBC. Beyond just that convenience, it’s really a validating realisation every time I charge our products that I didn’t need to go anywhere, buy anything or throw anything away.” – Tom Bishop, Founder and CEO. 

RRP: 

AA USB-C Rechargeable Batteries £19.99

AAA USB-C Rechargeable Batteries £19.99

9V USB-C Rechargeable Batteries £19.99

C USB-C Rechargeable Batteries £24.99

CR123A USB-C Rechargeable Batteries £29.99

 

Link to Buy: https://paleblueearth.co.uk/