Tag: #Irish

CeADAR and Google Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement to Help Irish Businesses Unlock AI’s Potential

CeADAR and Google Ireland have announced a new strategic partnership to help Irish businesses capitalise on the economic potential of AI. CeADAR, Ireland’s European Digital Hub for AI, and Google signed the agreement at a meeting with the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD at Government Buildings today.

Recent research from Google and Implement Consulting Group shows that widespread adoption of AI has the potential to boost Ireland’s GDP by €40-45 billion. The new partnership between CeADAR and Google aims to support Irish businesses to adopt AI to boost competitiveness and productivity.

CeADAR and Google will focus on building an AI-ready workforce and driving the adoption of AI-powered solutions  through a three-pillar approach:

 

  • Addressing the AI skills gap – this includes tailored learning paths that provide on-demand training for varying proficiency levels, enhancing technical skills in cloud and product mastery while transforming leaders into AI-driven strategists.

 

  • Scaling AI capabilities –  empower Irish businesses to rapidly and responsibly test and implement AI solutions by leveraging Google’s expertise and resources. CeADAR will provide access to Google Cloud resources, including €3M in Google Cloud credits  and advanced AI tools like Vertex AI and Gemini 2.0.

 

  • Investing in the future – preparing Ireland for the next phase of AI through training and mentorship initiatives, for CeADAR staff and interns, building key cloud related skills.

 

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD:

“This partnership between CeADAR and Google is the type of public and private sector collaboration that is needed to ensure we are equipping Irish businesses to benefit from the economic opportunities AI presents. AI has the potential to have a transformative, positive impact on Ireland’s competitiveness and the government is committed to creating an ecosystem where businesses can fully utilise the power of AI to innovate, expand, and compete on a global scale.”

Lorraine Twohill, Chief Marketing Officer at Google said:

“AI presents a tremendous opportunity for Ireland, with the potential to significantly boost the economy. Ireland has built a strong foundation for a safe and reliable AI environment, supported by the Government’s clear ambition to capitalise on this transformative technology. This partnership with CeADAR is designed to help businesses navigate the challenges and opportunities AI brings—transforming how jobs are performed, creating new AI-focused roles, and enabling businesses to thrive in an AI-powered economy. By combining Google’s expertise with CeADAR’s capabilities, we are confident that we can unlock AI’s full economic potential and drive sustainable growth across Irish businesses.”

Dr. John Lonsdale, CEO, CeADAR:

“Unlocking AI’s economic potential won’t happen automatically and requires a proactive approach to workforce adaptation. We have been working with Irish businesses in recent years to help them leverage AI and machine learning but with the dynamic evolution of the technology more can be done to upskill Irish businesses, grow and nurture AI talent and facilitate faster adoption of AI. Ireland has a unique opportunity to harness the wider expertise that exists in our bustling tech sector – bringing our expertise together with Google is one key that can begin to unlock the economic opportunity AI will bring.”

Professor Kate Robson Brown, UCD Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact said,

“Our researchers and innovators at University College Dublin (UCD) draw on the breadth and depth of their expertise to deliver knowledge and solutions that matter. They are leading the way in fields, such as AI, that are transforming the world around us. Advancing research and innovation is one of UCD’s central pillars guiding the University to break boundaries and to deliver lasting and meaningful impact.

To do so we draw on our strengths and our partnerships, such as this new partnership with Google, to create knowledge and cultivate talent in the areas where that impact can be greatest.  The new partnership announced today will bring together the diverse expertise, strengths and resources of CeADAR and Google to build an AI-ready workforce and drive the adoption of AI-powered solutions boosting the competitiveness and productivity of Irish businesses.”

Microsoft receives IDA Ireland Special Recognition Award

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin joined IDA Ireland today to recognise Microsoft’s significant contribution to the Irish economy by awarding the company its Special Recognition Award (SRA). This acknowledgement coincides with Microsoft celebrating its 50th anniversary globally, and its 40th year in Ireland.

The Special Recognition Award is presented to companies who have made a significant contribution to both the Irish economy and to Irish society in general. It also highlights Ireland’s strong proposition and attraction for foreign direct investment which includes its talent, innovation, and stable enterprise policies. Previous recipients of the award include Pfizer, Apple, and Google.

The award was presented by Taoiseach Micheál Martin to Brad Smith, Microsoft’s Vice Chair and President, at a special event entitled, “Our Shared Digital Future”, held this morning at Dublin’s Mansion House. The event was attended by over 400 guests from IDA client companies, policymakers, business leaders and Microsoft employees, customers and partners.

Microsoft first established a presence in Dublin in 1985 with a small manufacturing operation with less than 100 people. Through successive investments, transformation and the diversification of its operations, Ireland has become a significant international hub for Microsoft with more than 4,000 people providing software development, engineering, data centres, finance, operations, and sales and marketing services for the EMEA region.

Building on its 40-year history of investment in Ireland, last November Microsoft announced a new strategic investment in its operations with the creation of 550 new Irish-based engineering and R&D roles that will be involved in pioneering the development of new AI technologies.

In presenting the award Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “I am delighted to present this Special Recognition Award to Microsoft, one of the world’s most successful technology companies. The fact that it has had a presence here for 40 of its 50 years is testament to the value proposition that Ireland offers companies looking to internationalise their business. Microsoft’s decision to choose Ireland as a location from which to expand its operations has contributed immensely to the vibrant and innovative tech ecosystem that has evolved here over the past four decades, not to mention its economic and social impact. I want to both congratulate and thank Brad Smith and all the team for Microsoft’s presence and its continued investments in Ireland, and to assure them of the ongoing support of the Irish Government, through IDA Ireland, as Microsoft continues to innovate, transform, and shape the future of AI.”

CEO of IDA Ireland, Michael Lohan said, “Our Special Recognition Award celebrates the substantial contributions our client companies make to the Irish economy and to the people of Ireland. Foreign Direct Investment continues to be a substantive driver of the Irish economy. Many of our client companies have demonstrated longevity, resilience, and continued commitment, by creating jobs and delivering real economic impact, both nationally and regionally.  Microsoft is one such company and is a very deserving winner of our Special Recognition Award 2025. IDA Ireland and Microsoft have built a longstanding, trusted partnership over four decades of expansion and growth in Ireland and I look forward to our continued partnership throughout the next decades as the company continues to develop the next wave of AI-powered software and technology.”

Accepting the IDA Special Recognition Award Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft said: “For four decades, Microsoft has shared a special relationship with the people and government of Ireland. From our first European Operations centre that shipped software in boxes to customers, to one of our most advanced cloud datacentre campuses delivering AI solutions, Microsoft Ireland continues to play a pivotal role in driving innovation and transformation across the EU.”

70 Irish Girl Guides to compete in FIRST LEGO League Challenge Regional at DCU

Excitement is growing as 14 teams from across Ireland get ready to compete in the Irish Girl Guides FIRST LEGO League Challenge Regional, taking place on Saturday 1st March at Dublin City University (DCU). This event is an important step in the season as teams compete for a chance to make it to the Ireland Final in April.

This year, a talented group of girls from 11 Guide and Senior Branch Units will showcase their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), while testing their creativity and teamwork. The competition will include a robot game, a research project, and demonstrations of FIRST® LEGO® League Core Values.

 

The teams competing in the Regional Tournament are:

  • Deep Blue Divas – Mosney Guides (8 team members)
  • Mako Mermaids – Boherbue Guides (7 team members)
  • Merlin Dolphins – St. Nicholas & Merlin Wood Guides (4 team members)
  • The Squashed Squids – Macalla Guides (4 team members)
  • Pretty Pearls – St. Brendan’s Guides (4 team members)
  • The Gills – St. Brendan’s Guides (4 team members)
  • The Guiding I’s – St. Brendan’s Guides (3 team members)
  • The Winnie Fish – St. Brendan’s Guides (4 team members)
  • Awesome Octonauts – Dilse Senior Branch (6 team members)
  • Athlone Senior Branch – (5 team members)
  • The Octonauts – Lucan Guides (4 team members)
  • Coral Creators – North Longford Senior Branch (5 team members)
  • Super SB Sealions – Villierstown Senior Branch (5 team members)
  • Tiddles the Turtle – Lily Guides (7 team members)

 

The FIRST LEGO League Challenge encourages participants to tackle real-world problems through innovation, creativity, and critical thinking. The theme for this year’s SUBMERGED℠ Season is focused on exploring the depths of the ocean and learning how to protect our seas. Teams have been working on building robotic models, coding their designs, and preparing their research projects all about life under the water.

“Through the FIRST LEGO League Challenge, Irish Girl Guides is helping to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders,” said Katie Keogh, Irish Girl Guides LEGO Representative and the Mosney Unit Brownies and Guides Leader, “We are so proud of the hard work, creativity, and dedication these girls have shown. This event is a great chance for them to learn new skills, show off their achievements, and follow their passions in a fun, supportive environment.”

The Regional Tournament is an important part of the journey, as it determines which teams will move on to the Ireland Final. The day will be full of energy, learning, and friendly competition, with parents, Leaders, and volunteers cheering on the teams. The competition will end with a showcase where teams will present their projects and celebrate their hard work.

Supported by the Research Ireland Discover Programme, FIRST® LEGO® League is organised by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in partnership with Irish delivery partner, CreativeHUT. 

Irish software research centre Lero to open doors for women to esports competitions

Research to determine if women have cognitive advantages that could help them become stars in the male-dominated esport sector, where players compete for more than €500 million in prize money annually, has been launched by Lero, Ireland’s Research Centre for Software, and University of Limerick.

Lero researchers at the bespoke Esports Science Research Lab—the first of its kind in Europe—have teamed up with Logitech, a designer of software-enabled hardware solutions. This collaboration aims to leverage Logitech’s expertise in hardware design and Lero’s research capabilities to establish elite women gamers’ cognitive and gaming abilities.

 Director of the Esport Science Research Lab and Co-Principal Investigator on the project, Professor Mark Campbell, said gaming is now a multi-billion-euro industry with professional gamers, coaches, and competitions viewed by audiences that compare in size with well-established major sporting events like the Superbowl, the golf majors, Wimbledon, and the Six Nations.

“Even though esports don’t require as much physical effort as traditional sports, there is a dichotomy whereby men feature much more prominently than women at the highest levels of play. Yet most of the video gaming and esports research to date predominantly tests male participants, which means we know little to nothing about elite women gamers’ cognitive and gaming performance.”

Dr Adam Toth, Principal Investigator on the project, added: “This project will continue to grow the capabilities and expertise within the Lero Esports Science Research Lab, utilising bespoke experimental techniques, expert investigators, and high-level processing and analysis tools to identify the attributes of elite women gamers and how we can enhance women’s performance and experience in gaming.”

Dr Toth said the goal of this project is to extend collaborative work between Lero and Logitech in esports and break new ground by investigating the cognitive and gaming performance of elite women gamers.

“We will do this by using bespoke hardware and software to capture behavioural, physiological and performance data during professional and amateur gamers’ training and play sessions to highlight any significant cognitive differences between male and female gamers. This data primarily will come from the differing instrumentation of games/gaming devices, and processing and analysis techniques will be employed to assess the cognitive and in-game similarities and differences of elite women gamers compared to their male counterparts,” he added.

The two-year project at the University of Limerick, which will cost close to €120,000, builds on a successful eight-year collaboration between UL and Logitech and will enhance the capabilities and status of the Esports Science Research Lab at the University of Limerick.

Days of across-the-board pay rises are over as Irish firms prioritise critical skills

The Morgan McKinley 2025 Irish Salary Guide – Ireland’s most comprehensive analysis of pay across a range of professions and sectors – has been published.

Morgan McKinley, the Irish-owned global talent services company, anticipates that Irish employers will take a measured approach to salary increases in 2025, with pay rises expected to remain modest at 2-3%. Despite a tight labour market and rising costs, businesses are prioritising targeted salary hikes for high-demand roles over broad pay adjustments.

Against a backdrop of moderate inflation and planned minimum wage hikes, companies are focusing on retaining talent in strategic areas. The days of across-the-board salary increases appear to be over, as firms adopt a more calculated approach, offering raises where they are most needed to address skill shortages.

The guide is accompanied by insights from an in-depth survey of both employers and employees in Ireland, offering a dual perspective on key trends in pay, benefits, hiring practices, and workplace flexibility in Ireland.

Detailed commentary follows below including key sectoral considerations and currently most in-demand skills/ roles:

Trayc Keevans, Global FDI Director at Morgan McKinley, commented on the findings: “Ireland’s employment market remains competitive, with organisations becoming more selective about salary increases. While overall pay growth is modest, demand for skilled talent in technology, finance, compliance, life sciences, projects and change and construction give professionals in these fields strong negotiating power. Employers must take a strategic approach to pay and benefits to retain top talent.”

The guide reveals that only 22% of organisations disclose salary ranges, while 60% opt for confidentiality, citing concerns over employee dissatisfaction and complex pay adjustments. “Salary transparency remains a contentious issue for many companies. Employers are wary of the impact open salary structures may have on existing teams, but there is growing pressure from employees and job seekers for greater clarity,” Keevans noted. “Companies that can implement structured and transparent salary frameworks will strengthen their ability to attract and retain talent.”

The demand for flexible working arrangements remains high, with 67% of employees valuing remote work options and 56% prioritising flexible hours. While dissatisfaction with benefits has eased slightly, more than half (54%) of employees believe their packages need improvement, highlighting pensions, health insurance, and bonuses as critical employee offerings.

Despite 44% of companies increasing salaries in the past six months, businesses remain cautious about wage inflation. Rather than large-scale pay hikes, firms are adopting structured salary transparency and career progression plans to attract and retain skilled professionals in key sectors such as technology, life sciences, and financial services.

“We are seeing a shift from reactive salary increases towards more strategic talent retention initiatives. Employers who focus on structured career progression, meaningful benefits, and flexibility will be in the strongest position to compete for talent,” Keevans added.

While more than half (56%) of employees expect a salary increase in 2025, more than 10% remain uncertain. Economic factors, company performance, and shifting hiring trends are fuelling this uncertainty, making job security a top concern. Professionals in highly competitive industries are increasingly looking beyond salary, valuing long-term career prospects and work-life balance.

“The regional recruitment market in Ireland is thriving, with growing investment in remote work and regional job hubs creating exciting new opportunities outside Dublin. While Dublin remains a major employment hub with a strong multinational presence, the regions are becoming increasingly attractive, offering growing career prospects, a more affordable cost of living, and an enhanced work-life balance. Together, these developments are strengthening Ireland’s position as a diverse and dynamic place to build a career.

“The Irish job market has settled into a measured pace after the rapid post-pandemic shifts. While economic and regulatory challenges persist, companies that invest in salary transparency, structured career progression, and flexible working policies will be best positioned to attract and retain top talent in 2025,” concluded Keevans.

Sectoral highlights:

Technology

Most in demand positions for 2025: Automation Engineer, DevOps experience, Cybersecurity specialists, Infosec specialists, and DORA/ NSIT related hires.

Ireland’s technology sector stabilised in 2024 following restructuring in 2023, with hiring resuming cautiously amid budget constraints. While recruitment was slow in the first half of the year, demand picked up from July, with 70% of roles being newly created rather than replacements. Cybersecurity, compliance, and UX remain key hiring areas, driven by regulatory changes such as NIS2, DORA, and the upcoming EEA implementation. Increased candidate availability, particularly in cybersecurity, has created a more competitive job market, leading to slight declines in contract daily rates. Salaries have largely plateaued, with job movers securing modest increases of around 10%, a stark contrast to the rapid salary growth seen in previous years. Hiring in 2025 is expected to remain measured, with continued demand for specialised technology roles.

Projects & Change

Most in demand positions for 2025: IT Project Manager, Business Analyst and Change Manager.

Ireland’s Projects & Change talent market in 2024 favoured contract roles, particularly in tech and finance, as companies sought flexibility for short-term projects. Demand remained high for digital transformation, ERP implementation, and agile expertise, though shortages intensified competition. Hiring in GDPR, ESG, and DORA compliance was cautious as firms assessed long-term needs. Permanent roles were still key in healthcare, utilities, and finance. Salaries rose modestly, especially in transformation and compliance roles, though increases lagged behind living costs. In 2025, demand will remain strong, with firms balancing talent needs against budget constraints while streamlining hiring to secure top candidates.

Accounting and Finance

Most in demand positions for 2025: Finance Director, Financial Accountant: 0-3 years PQE, FP&A / Finance Business Partner, Financial Controller and Accounts Payable.

Accounting and finance roles continue to attract steady interest, particularly at the senior level, but newly qualified accountants are in short supply due to emigration trends. Dublin remains a hub for permanent roles, with employers increasingly favouring in-office work over remote arrangements. Salary growth in this sector has been limited, except for highly sought-after professionals transitioning from top accounting firms.

ESG

Most in demand positions for 2025: ESG Reporting Manager, Head of Sustainability, ESG Reporting Analyst, Sustainability Advisor.

Regulatory changes and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) requirements are driving demand for skilled professionals in banking and financial services. Firms are balancing increased hiring needs with budget constraints, making contract roles an attractive option. While salaries remain competitive, businesses are enhancing benefits and hybrid working models to retain top talent.

Banking & Financial Services

Most in demand positions for 2025: Risk and Compliance Analyst, Financial Planner/ Wealth Manager, Pension Administrator, Credit Analyst, Investment Banking Analyst and Financial Crime Analyst.

The banking and financial services sector has seen a notable increase in contract roles, particularly in regulatory compliance, risk management, and project management, as firms navigate economic and regulatory pressures. Permanent hiring remains strong in wealth management and senior leadership positions, reflecting long-term business confidence. Demand for compliance, risk, and ESG specialists has intensified, driving salaries higher for niche roles, while broader salary growth is expected to align with inflation. Brexit has reinforced Ireland’s status as a financial hub, sustaining demand for skilled talent. Retention strategies, including enhanced benefits, career development, and hybrid work models, will be critical as firms compete for top professionals in an evolving market.

Life sciences & engineering

Most in demand positions for 2025: Project Engineers, Automation (Siemens, Delta V, Rockwell), Tech Transfer/NPI, QC Microbiology (Across all levels) and Regulatory Affairs Specialists.

Life sciences and engineering remain high-growth sectors, with strong demand for contract roles in validation, automation, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing driven by new product introductions, transfers, and cost-saving strategies. Contract rates remain high, particularly for onsite and relocation-heavy roles, while permanent salary increases have been more modest, generally aligning with inflation. Employers are focusing on flexible work arrangements and enhanced benefits to attract and retain talent, as accommodation shortages in Cork, Limerick, and Dublin continue to pose challenges for relocation. Candidates are prioritising career progression, work-life balance, and total compensation over base salary alone, making non-monetary benefits a key differentiator in hiring and retention strategies.

Supply chain & procurement

Most in demand positions for 2025: Procurement/Purchasing Specialist, Procurement Manager.

Ireland’s Supply Chain & Procurement talent market remained steady in 2024, with a strong preference for permanent roles over contracts, particularly in the summer when 90% of available positions were permanent. This shift reflects companies’ focus on long-term stability in supply chain operations. Demand for procurement, supply chain, and logistics professionals remained consistent, though senior-level movement was limited. Salaries saw modest increases at mid-junior levels, while senior professionals experienced more substantial rises, largely in line with inflation.

Construction

Most in demand positions for 2025: Quantity Surveyors, Electrical Project Managers, Mechanical, Project Managers, Site Engineers and Project Managers.

The construction sector continues to grapple with labour shortages, particularly in engineering, project management, and quantity surveying. Government-backed infrastructure investments and housing targets – 500,000 new homes over the next decade – are driving strong hiring demand, keeping salaries competitive. Irish construction firms are also delivering major projects across Europe, adding to the need for skilled professionals.

Labour shortages persist in both trades and professional roles, exacerbated by gaps in the education system and housing challenges that limit overseas recruitment. At the same time, demand for specialist skills is rising, particularly in renewable energy and infrastructure, as Ireland accelerates retrofitting, EV charging projects, and upgrades to essential services. These trends continue to shape hiring needs and salary growth across the sector.

Legal, risk & compliance

Most in demand positions for 2025: Construction Lawyers, Energy Lawyers and Employment Lawyers.

Ireland’s Legal & Compliance market remained stable in 2024, with rising demand for contract roles in data protection, DORA compliance, AI, and corporate governance, while most hires remained permanent. Private practice hiring was strong early in the year, while in-house legal roles grew later. Competition remains intense in fintech, intellectual property, energy, and employment law, though demand for corporate and banking lawyers has dipped.

A shortage of niche expertise has extended hiring timelines as firms prioritise both technical skills and cultural fit. Salaries have largely remained flat, with new legal graduates increasing competition and budget constraints limiting pay growth. While regulatory workloads have risen, this has not consistently led to higher salaries. In 2025, demand for specialised legal skills may drive salary growth in key areas, while firms focus on upskilling, flexible work, and employer branding to attract top talent.

Executive

Most in demand positions for 2025: CFO, CISO, CTO and COO.

The Executive Search market in Ireland remained strong in 2024, with high demand for senior roles, particularly in retail and specialised technology positions such as CTOs and CISOs. The demand for strong CFOs remains high, given the need for strategic financial leadership amid economic uncertainties, including global trade tensions, to ensure financial resilience. Additionally, the role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) has gained prominence.

With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, companies are prioritising cybersecurity at the executive level to protect sensitive data and maintain stakeholder trust. However, hiring remains slow, often taking 3–6 months, prompting companies to expand their search internationally to address skill shortages. This trend is expected to continue in 2025 as firms compete for top-tier talent. Executive salaries remain competitive, with candidates prioritising total compensation packages, including bonuses and long-term incentives. Customised remuneration structures are set to remain key in attracting senior leaders.

Human Resources

Most in demand positions for 2025: HR Manager, HR Generalist, TA/HR coordinator at contract level.

The HR talent market slowed significantly in 2024, particularly within multinationals, with Talent Acquisition roles hit hardest due to over-hiring in 2022. Most opportunities have been contract-based at the TA coordinator level, and candidates are cautious in considering new roles. Hiring is expected to gradually recover in 2025 as the market stabilises. HR salaries, which rose in 2022–2023, have now levelled off, though candidates at mid-senior levels increasingly prioritise benefits such as pensions and healthcare alongside base pay.

Sales & Marketing

Most in demand positions for 2025: Communications Manager, Digital Marketing Specialist and Event Executive.

The Sales & Marketing market in Ireland leaned toward permanent roles in 2024, with mid-senior hiring dominating while executive-level opportunities declined. Competition remained strong, with counteroffers common as candidates prioritised flexibility, pay, and bonuses. Dublin retained a deep talent pool, while Cork faced shortages. Job flow dropped from 2023 as economic caution slowed hiring, leading to lengthier recruitment processes. Salaries remained stable and are expected to hold steady in 2025, with firms focusing on strategic talent retention amid continued market uncertainty.

Multilingual

Most in demand positions for 2025: Customer Service Advisor, Account Manager, AML/Compliance Analyst, Customer Onboarding Specialist.

 The multilingual hiring market in Ireland for 2025 is expected to see continued demand for German, Nordic languages (including Finnish and Danish), Portuguese, Dutch, Turkish, Arabic, and Asian languages such as Mandarin and Thai. While Inside Sales roles within Big Tech have slowed, employers are increasingly seeking language talent for Customer Service, AML, and KYC positions, reflecting a broader diversification of multilingual career opportunities.

This shift highlights the growing importance of language skills beyond sales, as companies prioritise customer experience and regulatory compliance functions.  However, attracting multilingual talent to Ireland – particularly to key hubs like Dublin and Cork – remains a challenge, with housing availability and affordability posing an obstacle for relocation.

Full survey

Irish Girl Guides and Vodafone Foundation tackle digital exclusion for older adults

On the occasion of World Social Justice Day, Irish Girl Guides want to highlight that social inclusion extends to older adults, a group often overlooked in society. In a world where digital connectivity is essential, Irish Girl Guides is tackling this challenge head-on with the Hi Digital Programme in partnership with the Vodafone Foundation.

Since 2023, Irish Girl Guides has trained over 3 500 older adults across Ireland, helping them navigate the digital world with confidence and security. Through the Hi Digital Programme, 50 Irish Girl Guides Units have been trained as Digital Champions. Guides, Senior Branch members, and Leaders dedicate their time to teaching older adults how to access online services, stay connected with loved ones, and protect themselves from scams and fraud.

The programme fosters intergenerational learning, breaking down barriers and strengthening social ties between younger and older generations. This initiative takes on social exclusion by empowering older adults, reducing isolation, and providing a sense of connection in an increasingly digital world.

Jessica Woods, Leader from Cuchulain Guides Unit and Chair of the Irish Girl Guides Communications Committee, said: “Our Unit ran an event, and a Guide was able to teach a Grandmother how to record and send voice notes on WhatsApp. She ‘tested it’ by sending a message to her granddaughter in Australia. A few minutes later she received a reply and she said it was like getting a ‘virtual hug’. Hi Digital can help open the world to an older person.”

 

To have a better idea of the programme, watch these two videos:

More Vodafone news

For more information about Hi Digital, visit: Welcome to Hi Digital

The Spider Awards 2025 Shortlist Announced Ahead of March Gala Event

The Spider Awards, Ireland’s longest-running and most prestigious digital awards ceremony, is delighted to unveil the shortlist for its 28th annual event. Taking place on Friday, 21st March 2025, the ceremony will once again bring together the brightest minds in Ireland’s digital landscape.
Held in the iconic Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin 2, this black-tie gala dinner promises to be an unforgettable evening, with approximately 500 attendees celebrating excellence in the digital industry.
Established in 1996, the Spider Awards are dedicated to recognising companies and individuals who are driving innovation and setting new standards in digital transformation. As the longest-running digital awards programme in Ireland, they remain a cornerstone for showcasing the achievements of the nation’s digital pioneers.
This year’s Spider Awards saw a remarkable surge in entries, reflecting the innovation and creativity thriving within Ireland’s digital sector. Leading agencies Granite and Kooba have secured multiple shortlist spots, with Granite earning an impressive nine nominations and Kooba securing five.
Categories such as Best in Social Media and Best Influencer-Led Campaign attracted record-breaking submissions, reaffirming the growing influence of social and influencer-driven marketing. Meanwhile, Best in E-Commerce experienced a significant increase in entries, highlighting the continued evolution of digital retail. Additionally, the introduction of the AI-Powered Marketing Excellence Award has been met with an outstanding calibre of entries, showcasing how brands and agencies are leveraging artificial intelligence to drive smarter, more effective marketing strategies.
This year introduces an exciting new award: the AI-Powered Marketing Excellence Award, highlighting the innovative use of artificial intelligence in marketing strategies. Additionally, categories such as Best in Social Media and Best Integrated Media Campaign have drawn record-breaking numbers of entries, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity flourishing in Ireland’s digital sector.
Below please find the full shortlist for the Spider Awards 2025
AI-Powered Marketing Excellence Award
  • AI Institute – AI Institute: Redefining Marketing Through Use of AI
  • NolaClan Group – Help to get Dawson Home for Christmas
  • Zesty  – Ashgrove Furnishings
Best App Award
  • Folk VML – Circle K Extra
  • Musgrave – SuperValu – SuperValu Best App
  • Musgrave MarketPlace – Musgrave MarketPlace
  • Sugar Rush – Sugar Rush X Barista Bar
Best Brand Award
  • Barista Bar – Henderson Foodservice Ltd – Coffee As It Should Be: Brewing Community, Loyalty, and Growth
  • GRANITE – NDC – Redefining Dairy for the Younger Generation
  • Guaranteed Irish – The Guarantee of Guaranteed Irish
  • JOE Media Group – Gay Star News
  • JOE Media Group – JOE
  • Platform94 – Platform94
  • RedClick – RedClick Brand Launch – Insurance that just clicks!
Best Collaboration Award
  • BWG Foods – EUROSPAR proud sponsors of Junk Kouture
  • Gibney Communications – ‘Solidarity’ from Dublin Port Company and The Little Museum of Dublin
  • HeadStuff – 26 Minutes
  • JOE Media Group – Square Lovin Locals 2024
  • Kooba – Bord Bia Gather Event Site – Digital Collaboration
  • Londis – Peak Performance: Londis’s Ultimate Team Collaboration
  • The Brill Building – Filter Out Lung Cancer: The AR Lens To Save A Life
  • Virgin Media – Virgin Media X Balls Media – Best for Irish Gamers
Best Consumer Campaign Award
  • Folk VML – Circle K Extra
  • Forsman & Bodenfors Dublin – Keep Discovering Car-Free, Carefree Travel
  • GRANITE – Aodhán – The dragon that can’t breathe fire
  • KASH Beauty – KASH Beauty AURA Skin Campaign
  • Mason Hayes & Curran – Transforming Talent for Enhanced Client Service
  • MXB Agency – Student Fresher’s Event Night at Musgrave MarketPlace Belfast
  • Sweartaker – Applegreen 24/7 Deal or More Deals Birthday Livestream
  • The Very Group – Let’s Make it Sparkle
Best in Storytelling Award
  • GRANITE – Who did this? – The print partner that makes you look good
  • Inspiring Belfast – Inspiring Belfast Campaign
  • Lorg Media – Fleadh Cheoil 2024
  • Ogilvy Ireland – We’re Fibre First
  • RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences – RCSI Student Life
  • StoryLab – Signify Health: Building a strong and diverse workforce
  • TITAN Experience – Flogas ‘The Energy Behind Team Ireland’
  • University of Limerick – Little Gifts, Big Dreams – A University of Limerick Christmas Story
  • Vroom Digital – The Love Story Before ‘Love Story’: EPIC’s Tale of Heritage and Legacy
Best in E-Commerce Award
  • FOXFORD – www.foxford.com
  • Friday Agency – Peter Mark – Transforming an iconic Irish brand
  • Glaze Digital – BLK BOX | Glaze Digital
  • Irish Life Health – Making it easier for first-time health insurance buyers to find the right plan online
  • Musgrave – SuperValu – SuperValu Best in E-Commerce
  • Square1 Software Ltd – Event Registration and Payments for Clubs & Organisations
  • Total  Digital – Digital Transformation in E-commerce
Best in Social Media Award
  • Aer Lingus – Post Industrial Relations Strategy
  • Core Optimisation – The Elephant in the Living Room – Core Optimisation & Elephant Living
  • Forsman & Bodenfors Dublin – Keep Discovering Car-Free, Carefree Travel
  • Genesis – Rewards+ App Launch
  • GRANITE – Supermac’s TikTok – Creating 100% Fresh Content
  • Javelin – Toyota Make a Move Campaign
  • Verve – Best Coke Ever Coca-Cola Zero
  • Wilson Hartnell – L’O.Opportunité
Best in Universal Design Award
  • All human – Waterways Ireland: Ensuring everyone can enjoy all of Ireland
  • Annertech – LocalGov.ie
  • Aviva – Redesign & Improve Customer Online Journeys
  • Kooba – SETU Website
  • Path Strategic Design Ltd. – Culture Date with Dublin 8 website
  • Path  Strategic Design Ltd. – Dublin City Arts Office website
Best Influencer Led Campaign Award
  • BWG Foods – SPAR Range Influencers Are Closer Than You Think!
  • GRANITE – NDC & Garry Ringrose
  • MXB Agency – Student Fresher’s Event Night at Musgrave MarketPlace Belfast
  • Oxfam Ireland – Second Hand September 2024
  • Pluto – Jog In July Challenge
  • Publicis – Electric Ireland Influencer Acquisition
  • Sweartaker – Jameson Ginger + Lime – The Serve Of The Summer
  • The Very Group – Carol Byrne x Very
  • Wilson Hartnell – L’O.Opportunité
Best Integrated Media Campaign Award
  • BWG Foods – SPAR Rome Comforts
  • Core – An Post – The Value of Sending Love Each Christmas
  • Digital+ – CountryLife Bloom Campaign
  • JOE Media Group – Lovin Local X Square
  • Londis – One Voice, Many Channels: Londis Proud Sponsors of Ireland’s Fittest Family
  • MACE – MACE Going the Extra Smile
  • MXB Agency – Good Food, Locally Sourced
  • RedClick – RedClick, Insurance that just clicks!
  • Sweartaker – Applegreen 24/7 Deal or More Deals Birthday Livestream
Best Use of Disruptive Technology Award
  • GRANITE – Supermac’s Jersey Scanner
  • Javelin – Own The Adventure With YUKO
  • Javelin – Toyota – Make the Move
  • Tapybl – SLIIT – The Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
  • The Brill Building – Filter Out Lung Cancer: The AR Lens To Save A Life
  • Virgin  Media IE – Mining Data to Humanise Search
Best UX & Customer Experience Award
  • Arekibo Communications – Mater Private Digital Transformation – Patient First Experience
  • Arekibo Communications – Online Move-out
  • Aviva – Seamless, user-friendly customer online experience
  • Communicraft – Militaryarchives.ie
  • GRANITE – Safe Events Global X GRANITE
  • Musgrave MarketPlace – Musgrave MarketPlace
  • Vodafone Ireland – Redefining Digital Excellence: User-Centric, Inclusive, and Impactful Journeys
  • Zesty – Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
Best Website – Large Company Award
  • Aviva – Aviva.ie
  • Codec – New Website for Codec by Squaredot B2B
  • GRANITE – The Gibson Hotel X GRANITE
  • Ibec – Ibec
  • IMS Marketing – A New Era of Global Talent
  • Kooba – SETU Website Project
  • Musgrave – SuperValu – SuperValu Best Website – Large Company
  • Zesty – The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF)
Best Website – SME Award
  • Communicraft – Militaryarchives.ie
  • Friday Agency – Fire – Trusted Integrated Payments
  • Friday Agency – Helping our customers make their customers happy
  • Kooba – GH Research Branding & Website Project
  • Square1 Software Ltd – Event Registration & Payments for Clubs & Organisations
  • Together Digital – Dillon Eustace Website
  • Together Digital – Digital Learning Institute Website
  • Transpoco – Transpoco
  • Webbiz – Delphi Resorts – Website Refresh
Cultural Driver Award
  • Core Optimisation – Fáilte Ireland’s Digital that Delivers Programme
  • Edelman – SSE Airtricity: Uniting Football and Inclusivity
  • Inspiring Belfast – Inspiring Belfast Campaign
  • Lorg Media – Culture Night
  • TITAN Experience – Her Moves
  • BWG Foods – EUROSPAR Proud Sponsors of Junk Kouture
Digital for Good Award
  • Chime – National Charity For Deaf & Hard of Hearing People – ISL Accessible Website Launch
  • Core Optimisation – Digital that Delivers – Enhancing Digital Accessibility in Tourism
  • DCU Office of Student Life – The Pantry
  • FoodCloud – Foodiverse
  • Lucky Beard (on behalf of ISPCC Childline) – New Childline.ie Website
  • The B!G Idea – The B!G Idea
  • The Brill Building – Filter Out Lung Cancer: The AR Lens To Save A Life
  • TITAN Experience – Her Moves
  • Vodafone – Hi Digital
Digital Team of the Year Award
  • Aviva
  • Chadwicks
  • Core Optimisation
  • EY Ireland
  • Musgrave – SuperValu
  • RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
  • TITAN Experience
  • Virgin  Media Ireland
Large Agency of the Year Award
  • Arekibo Communications Limited
  • Each&Other
  • GRANITE
  • Kooba
  • StudioForty9
  • Strike Digital
  • Zesty
Small Agency of the Year Award
  • Avalanche Designs
  • Big+Bold
  • Communicraft
  • ICON Management
  • Social Media Elite
  • Squint Creative
  • StoryLab
  • Webbiz
Sustainability Impact Award
  • Alphabet Soup – Design and development of new sustainable website for CoisCéim
  • Global Action Plan – Funds Industry Climate Challenge
  • Path Strategic Design Ltd. – Business to Arts Website
  • Stride Design – Green Guardians with Power NI
Tracey Carney, Managing Director of The Spiders, expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s finalists: “Digital is moving faster than ever, pushing boundaries and redefining possibilities. The Spider Awards don’t just recognise excellence—they celebrate those driving innovation, creativity, and impact across the industry. I look forward to celebrating our winners in true retro style at our 1980s-themed awards this March, as we go back to a time before digital media—the 80s.”
Terry Spence, Director of B2B Sales at One4all, headline sponsor for The Spiders 2025, added: “At One4all, we understand the importance of innovation and creativity in the digital space. It’s inspiring to see so many individuals and organisations challenging the status quo and setting new benchmarks for excellence. We’re proud to support The Spider Awards, an event that celebrates these achievements and encourages continued innovation across Ireland’s digital landscape.”
The 28th Spider Awards will culminate in a spectacular black-tie gala dinner at the Round Room, The Mansion House, Dublin 2, on Friday, 21st March 2025. This prestigious event promises an evening of networking, celebration, and recognition of Ireland’s top digital talent.

Ardanis Technologies to Create 30 New Jobs as it Continues to Expand and Innovate

Irish software and digital consulting company, Ardanis Technologies is to create 30 new jobs to increase its workforce. The expansion and investment will support the company’s strategy to drive international growth and develop software and AI solutions and services that will deliver next generation digital solutions.

In September 2024, Ardanis announced 20 new jobs as a result of its revolutionary AI enablement solution, Aileen.  These jobs have been fulfilled.  The creation of the additional new positions comes in response in Ardanis’ strong growth and increasing demand for its industry-leading services.  The company’s expertise in AI, software development and digital technologies has positioned Ardanis as a trusted partner for some of the world’s largest companies worldwide.  The new jobs will be distributed in Ireland, Portugal where the company has an office in Porto, other parts of Europe, the US, and Brazil.

The 30 new jobs will be created over the next 18 months to serve international clients and will include opportunities for experienced software engineers, scrum masters and software architects, DevOps engineers, software developers and product owners.

“This growth will accelerate our product development roadmap, facilitate customer base expansion, and support the company’s strategy to drive international growth and develop software products and services that will deliver next generation digital solutions”, explains Ivan Goor, CEO at Ardanis.  “The growth has resulted in a move to larger offices in both Dublin and Porto and include a variety of meeting rooms and open spaces to foster collaboration, innovation and creativity – elements which have been the key to our success as a company, and which will continue to fuel our success.”

Ardanis delivers innovative software solutions to progressive, digital organisations globally.  The company works closely with clients to create software systems that can evolve and adapt as customer needs change.  Industry-leading development expertise is inherent to Ardanis.  With their combined strengths and diverse expertise, the company is committed to making a difference to each client’s unique requirements.

Ardanis’ clients span finance and fintech and other large enterprises such as pharma, technology, e-commerce and healthcare companies.

Qualcom to grow revenues to €18M by end of 2027

Qualcom, a leading Irish provider of IT and cybersecurity services, today announces that it expects to grow its revenues from €13.5 million to €18 million in the next three years. This represents approximately 10% year-on-year growth for the business by the end of 2027.

Within this timeframe, the company will increase its employee numbers by 20% across its information security, professional services, and support desk teams. Qualcom currently has a team of 70 people across its locations in Dublin and Belfast.

As well as organic growth of the business and team, the IT and cybersecurity services provider is open to accelerating this growth through acquisitions. Target companies would be similar to Qualcom in terms of services and culture.

Over the next three years, Qualcom expects to see the biggest growth in cybersecurity services, managed IT services, compliance, and round-the-clock IT support. This demand is being driven by the changing cyber risk landscape, advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), and expanding attack surfaces.

Qualcom is also seeing heightened demand from customers for support around standards such as ISO 20007, as businesses increasingly look to secure their supply chains in response to growing cyber threats. To meet this need, the team is rolling out a number of new cybersecurity and managed services.

As a result of this expanded offering, Qualcom forecasts that it will also grow its customer base by more than 25% by 2027. This will include organisations spanning a broad range of industries and across the island of Ireland, with a particular focus on the retail sector in Northern Ireland.

This expected growth follows on from the company recently achieving a Microsoft designation in Azure Infrastructure. In fact, it was just one of a select number of Microsoft partners in Ireland to receive this designation, which adds to its existing Microsoft Modern Work SME and Enterprise designations.

Ken Ryan, Managing Director, Qualcom: “We live and work in an increasingly connected world, so the demand for comprehensive managed IT and cybersecurity capabilities will only increase in the years to come. That’s not to mention the pressure on organisations to be compliant with changing legislation and regulations.

“To meet these evolving needs, we are scaling our operations. As well as expanding the team and adding to our portfolio, we are keeping an eye out for possible acquisitions. This ambitious growth plan will further strengthen the support we provide – enabling us to deliver ultra-secure services that give customers peace of mind and drive innovation, not just today but for the future.”