Tag: #Jobs

Canada vs. Ireland: How the Tech Space Looks Either Side of the Atlantic

While the technological boom of the 21st century is a global phenomenon, it’s not evenly distributed across the globe. Some countries have much better developed tech scenes than others, and the situation is changing from decade to decade based on multiple factors. It’s not just the large nations that are leading the charge, as there are several medium-sized countries that punch far above their weight in this sector. Canada and Ireland are great examples, as both are home to numerous high-profile tech companies and have lots of native experts to perform crucial jobs.

We will take a closer look at these two countries located on the opposite sides of the Atlantic and compare their achievements in the technology domain. There are some obvious similarities but also many differences to explore, making this pairing very interesting.

Overview of the Canadian Technology Sector

From the earliest days of the IT revolution, Canada was on the forefront of innovation and business development. The population is highly educated and the nation has a well-regulated, business-friendly legal environment that benefits big technology firms. That has translated into a huge financial windfall – today the value of this industry exceeds $100 billion and it provides nearly 1.5 million jobs. Most of this is driven by the big players, including some globally known brands that many people don’t even know are Canadian. The list is headlined by names like Blackberry, Shopify, and Slack, but there are also brands such as Constellation Software Inc., CGI Inc., and many more.

Most of the tech industry is concentrated in large cities, with Ontario in particular being attractive to fast-growing start-ups due to great infrastructure and conscious efforts of the provincial leaders to attract investment. In recent years, the sector was invigorated by robust growth of the iGaming section with numerous Ontario online casino sites achieving international prominence. According to the available data, the growth is likely to continue into the foreseeable future and produce even more benefits for the local communities, although the competition is becoming stiffer. Canada has the foundation in place to remain a leader in the sector, but will have to adjust to new realities and continue supporting innovation and producing top talent to fill the key jobs.

Overview of the Irish Technology Sector

Ireland had a very different trajectory when it comes to the development of the technology sector. Back in the 1980’s when the industry first emerged as a global force, Ireland was still grappling with the complicated legacy of conflict and poverty. Things started changing for the better after the country successfully attracted international companies like Microsoft and Intel with a favourable tax regime, access to the common European market and other benefits. These and other blue chip companies opened their regional offices in Ireland, taking advantage of the tech-friendly legislation and turning the country into a vibrant hub. Smaller companies followed suit, while the influx of tech expertise also lead to development of some local success stories as well.

The industry accelerated in the 2010s, turning Ireland into a real force in the global market. The contributions of the technology sector to the nation’s finances today stand at 13% of the GDP, a much higher figure than in most countries of comparable size. Another incredible fact is that 16 out of 20 biggest tech companies in the world have an operating base in Ireland, with around 100,000 people employed in the sector. Some of the sub-fields with the strongest presence include FinTech and HealthTech, both of which are seen as extremely important in this period. That’s why it’s logical to expect Ireland to retain its unique position despite all the changes in the market.

Key Differences Between Europe and North America

There are certainly many parallels between Canada and Ireland when it comes to technology sector, but it would be naïve to assume that the situation is the same. As a North American country, the fortunes of Canada are closely tied to the United States and its powerful tech sector. It wouldn’t be fair to say that the Canadian tech industry lives in the shadow of the Silicon Valley, but the links are undeniable. Canada’s economy is also more diversified than Ireland’s, so the reliance on revenues from the tech sector is not nearly as dramatic. On the flip side, Canada’s location and climate may deter some of the most talented hardware and software engineers from joining companies based in the country.

Europe has its own set of issues that affect how Ireland conducts its tech business. The European Union consists of many nations, all of which have their local specificities. The regulations regarding fair competition and consumer protection are very strict, forcing tech companies to spend more to ensure compliance. Ireland has built a reputation as one of the most tech-friendly locations in Europe, yet it can’t truly be viewed outside of the broader EU context. It will be very interesting to see how the country navigates the changing political and economic climate and whether it will be able to leverage its experience with foreign corporations into a grassroots tech scene of its own.

Publift announces plans for 50 jobs in Dublin

Publift, an Australian adtech leader, is excited to announce its expansion into Dublin with plans to have 50 employees by December 2025.   This move highlights the company’s rapid growth and strengthens its presence in the European market and boosts its ability to serve clients across Europe and North America. Publift is supported by the Irish government through IDA Ireland.

Founded in Sydney, Australia in 2015, Publift has quickly become a trusted partner for over 700 publishers around the world. The company provides a cutting-edge managed service that helps digital and enterprise publishers maximise their ad revenue. With a range of advanced ad tech solutions, tailored strategies, and expert support, Publift is a Google Certified Publishing Partner (GCPP) and works with industry leaders like Rightmove (Europe) and REA Group (APAC), proving its capacity to support top-tier publishers in the market.

In 2025, Publift aims to expand its product offering to cater to more enterprise publishers, including introducing their new FuseApp to existing clients. Publift is committed to providing efficient, results-driven solutions that allow publishers to focus on creating content while driving sustainable revenue growth.

Minister Peter Burke, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment said: “Congratulations to Publift on their expansion into Ireland. A leader in Advertising Technology, Publift provide essential digital and tech supports to 700 clients throughout the world. This new expansion will create 50 jobs in Dublin in 2025, providing new opportunities for our talented workforce in an exciting and ambitious company. Publift is a welcome addition to our already thriving Tech sector, allowing them to further expand their client base across Europe and North America. I wish the Publift team the best with this new venture and all future endeavours.”  

Irish founder, Colm Dolan, shared his excitement: “Hailing from Portumna, I am particularly proud that Publift has created so many jobs in my home country. Our new Dublin office will play a crucial role in enhancing our service offerings, and we’re excited to tap into Ireland’s rich talent pool.”

The expansion is led by Roddy O’Caoimh, Publift’s Head of Sales and Marketing, who said: “Bringing Publift to Ireland after my time in Australia is very special. We’ve been fortunate to welcome some incredible new team members here in Dublin, and we have ambitious plans for 2025. Being able to serve our publishers in this time zone has been a real game-changer.”

The positions in Dublin will span various departments, including Sales, Customer Success, and Engineering. Publift is looking for individuals passionate who want to work in a dynamic and fast paced industry with a team passionate about becoming the best monetisation partner globally. A recruitment campaign is already underway and is proving very successful. The company promotes a dynamic work environment that prioritises growth and learning. To learn more visit https://www.publift.com/careers.

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said: ‘’We are delighted to welcome Publift to Ireland as they announce plans to hire 50 employees over the coming years. This decision further demonstrates confidence in Ireland as a location for companies to expand their offering to customers across the globe, while accessing a talented workforce. I would like to wish Publift every success in the coming years as they establish in Ireland.’’

Klaviyo Opens Dublin Office with 100+ jobs

Klaviyo, the company that powers smarter digital relationships, today announced the opening of its new office in Dublin, Ireland – and a plan to create 100+ jobs to meet the growing demand for its solutions in EMEA. This marks the company’s third international location, in addition to London and Sydney, and will be led by Ben Jackson, Managing Director and VP for the EMEA region.

“Dublin’s status as a thriving tech hub with a diverse and highly skilled talent pool made it the perfect location for our continued expansion in Europe,” said Carmel Galvin, Chief People Officer at Klaviyo. “This new office reflects the strong growth we’ve seen across the region, and reinforces our commitment to providing the best possible service to our international customers.”

Located in the Bottleworks building on Barrow Street in Dublin, this new office will initially focus on building a strong leadership team to oversee sales and business development, followed by growing other go-to-market functions, finance and people teams.

“On behalf of the Irish government, I thank Klaviyo for choosing Dublin for their new office, further solidifying Ireland’s position as a key location to do business in,”   said Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke. “I wish the team at Klaviyo the very best for the future.”

“We are delighted to welcome Klaviyo to Ireland as they announce plans to hire 100+ employees over the coming years,” said Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland. “This demonstrates strong confidence in Ireland as a location for companies to expand their offering to customers across the EMEA region, and access a talented workforce. I wish Klaviyo every success in the coming months and years as they establish in Ireland.’’

To learn more about Klaviyo and see open positions visit: https://www.klaviyo.com/careers#open-roles

Microsoft announces 550 highly skilled jobs at the cutting-edge of the AI sector in Ireland

Taoiseach Simon Harris joined James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Corporate Vice-President of Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, and IDA Ireland Chief Executive, Michael Lohan, today to announce that Ireland has been selected as a key location for Microsoft to invest in advancing its global AI innovation. The decision will result in Microsoft adding 550 new Irish based engineering and R&D roles to pioneer the development of new AI technologies.

The investment will see Microsoft, a global leader in the development and use of AI, undertake significant industrial research into AI to develop critical, leading-edge technology in the area of AI and cyber security, which will then be made available to public and private sector organisations all around the world.

Multidisciplinary teams in the areas of Azure Networking & Infrastructure, Business & Industry Copilot, Customer Success Engineering and Cyber Security will be recruited to investigate groundbreaking technologies and the development AI infrastructure that is scalable, responsible, trusted and secure. The new roles will ensure that Microsoft Ireland’s Engineering Hub will have end-to-end AI product development capabilities.

Furthermore, teams will seek to drive new applications for AI across multiple industries and create brand new AI-enabled product offerings and internal solutions for Microsoft, supporting the corporation’s strategic objective to be at the forefront of responsible AI development and cyber security.

This investment will result in an additional 550 new highly skilled jobs at Microsoft Ireland over the next three to four years, across areas such as software engineering, applied sciences, product management, program management, data science, design, technical writing and analytics. 120 of these roles are available to apply for from today in software engineering, applied sciences, security research, product management and program management.

Microsoft first invested in Ireland in 1985 and with the addition of the roles announced today the company will employ more than 6,000 people across a multifunctional campus in Leopardstown, its data centre campus in Grange Castle, and LinkedIn.

This investment is supported by the Government of Ireland through IDA Ireland.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “I very much welcome Microsoft’s announcement today.  Not only does this highlight Ireland’s attractiveness as an investment destination, it also promises a significant boost for the AI ecosystem in Ireland. Fostering AI skills and advancing capabilities in the field are core to the Government’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and this project will help develop new specialist skills and expertise, thereby positioning Ireland for further investment in this critical area.”

Tara Roth, Microsoft Ireland Executive Site Sponsor and Corporate Vice President, Engineering, Microsoft said: “Today we are delighted to announce a strategic investment in our Irish operations that will strengthen our AI capabilities globally. These new roles span many of Microsoft’s future focused key product areas and services including Security. Security is Microsoft’s top priority, and our Secure Future Initiative (SFI) is the largest cyber security project in history. We’re delighted that these roles will significantly contribute to both Microsoft’s AI development and our security efforts.”

James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre said: “AI is one of the most transformative technologies of our time – it will unlock profound possibilities for people, industry, and society. At Microsoft, we are delighted to be at the forefront of the AI era – delivering safe, secure and ethical solutions to all industries that will accelerate breakthroughs in healthcare, education, infrastructure and more for the benefit of society as a whole.

“Through this investment, we are building on our almost 40-year presence in Ireland, which has been characterised by continuous investment, transformation and the diversification of our operations from a manufacturing site to a significant international Hub for Microsoft providing software development, engineering, data centres, finance, operations, and sales and marketing for EMEA. Ireland is undoubtedly an established hotbed of engineering and cyber security talent and leadership, with Irish universities producing some of the very best gradates, and this is a significant contributing factor to both our success and continued investment here.

“The creation of 550 new roles enables us to further strengthen our presence here in Ireland and take AI and cyber security innovation to the next level.”

CEO of IDA Ireland Michael Lohan said: “Ireland continues to prove itself as a location where the world’s most innovative AI companies build groundbreaking technologies.  In line with government’s ambitions, by supporting innovative R&D projects like the one announced by Microsoft today, we are helping to shape the future of AI in Ireland and to harness AI as a driver for future economic growth.  This investment by Microsoft is set to deliver exceptional economic benefit alongside 550 highly skilled jobs at the cutting-edge of the AI sector in Ireland.

“Today’s announcement also signals Microsoft’s enduring commitment to Ireland as the location of choice for pioneering, innovative and transformative projects of scale. IDA Ireland and Microsoft have built a longstanding, trusted partnership over four decades of corporate expansion and growth here and we look forward to our continued partnership throughout this very exciting project.”

For more information on the open roles, please visit our careers page.

Expel Announces Expansion into Ireland with Creation of 50 Cybersecurity Jobs

Expel, the leading managed detection and response (MDR) provider, today announced plans to establish a fully remote workforce in Ireland, creating up to 50 high-skilled cybersecurity jobs over the next three years, thanks to the support of the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Expel’s investment is part of its ongoing expansion strategy into the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) market and aims to tap into Ireland’s thriving technology ecosystem and skilled talent pool.

With a diverse customer base spanning industries such as aviation, technology, and professional sports, Expel’s move into Ireland marks a significant milestone in its global expansion efforts. Expel is trusted by some of the world’s most recognisable brands for their cyber security needs. The company combines world-class security practitioners and its AI-driven platform, Expel Workbench™, to provide cutting-edge visibility for cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments.

This strategic expansion into Ireland underscores the country’s reputation as a global hub for technology and cybersecurity innovation. As Expel continues to strengthen its foothold in EMEA since its initial expansion into the market in late 2022, collaboration with IDA Ireland and this investment highlights an exciting cornerstone for the future of cybersecurity technology and the accompanying booming workforce in the region.

Emer Higgins, Minister of State for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, welcomed the announcement, saying: “We are delighted to welcome this investment in Ireland’s growing cybersecurity sector. The establishment of Expel’s remote workforce, creating 50 new high-quality jobs, demonstrates the strength of Ireland’s position as a hub for innovation and digital expertise. This commitment not only reinforces our reputation as a leader in the tech industry but also provides valuable opportunities for skilled professionals across the country. We look forward to supporting Expel’s continued success and growth in Ireland.”

 

Cat Starkey, Chief Technology Officer of Expel, said: “Ireland offers the rare mix of a world-class technology infrastructure, a highly talented workforce, and a cybersecurity culture that aligns with our own, making our decision to invest in growing our team there an easy one. We’re thrilled to grow our presence in Ireland, and we look forward to welcoming some of the world’s best cybersecurity professionals and engineers as Expletives.”

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said: “Cyber security continues to be an important cluster across Ireland, and we are a recognised destination of choice for global tech companies. Expel’s decision to establish operations here is a testament to the strength of our talent and technology ecosystem. We are delighted to welcome Expel and look forward to supporting their growth as they create new opportunities in cybersecurity, a critical industry for our economy and the wider global market.”

Ordú to create 10 new jobs as it secures €1.5M partnership with Lazenby Group

Ordú, a leading Galway-based provider of advanced online ordering systems for the food service industry, today announces a new €1.5 million investment in its partnership with Lazenby Group.

Over the next three years, this collaboration is forecasted to generate €9 million in additional revenues for Ordú. This investment will cover the recruitment and support of staff, including the creation of 10 new jobs in product development within the next 12 months, and the rollout of new technologies.

Established in 1963, Lazenby Group is a leading global kiosk manufacturer, serving various sectors with clients such as the NHS, Holiday Inn, Disney, Nestle, and Greggs. Known for its premium, high-quality and innovative solutions, including the industry-disruptive self-sanitising Safe-Touch™ kiosk technology, the company has set new benchmarks for hygiene and efficiency in retail, hospitality, healthcare, aviation, and more.

Lazenby Group sought a software partner to streamline its operations to enable growth plans across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Ordú was selected for its cutting-edge software and established market presence in Ireland and the UK. Additionally, targeting the pharmacy sector, where Ordú is also expanding into, was a key focus.

Moreover, Ordú’s software incorporates a smart upselling engine, driving a notable 20% increase in order value. By integrating Ordú’s software, Lazenby Group can expand its market reach significantly, with the capacity to manufacture and sell 3,500 kiosks annually, a significant increase from their previous annual sales of 2,000 kiosks.

Furthermore, this partnership facilitates the expansion of Ordú’s service offerings across various sectors including fast food, hospitality, pubs and restaurants, retail, and pharmacies. With an impressive client roster including Pita Pit Ireland, PG Chips, Four Lanterns, and CBE in Ireland and the UK, Ordú is positioned to introduce its technology to a much wider audience. The incorporation of Safe-Touch™ kiosks with self-sanitising kiosk technology marks a pioneering initiative in Ireland.

Ordú recently won silver in the Best in Retail and Consumer Goods category at the 2024 Digital Media Awards for its work in boosting operational efficiency for large retail businesses.

Andrew Dewdney, CEO of Ordú said: “Joining forces with Lazenby Group, a leader in kiosk technology, marks a pivotal moment in Ordú’s growth trajectory. Our partnership will not only elevate Ordú’s service portfolio but also introduce innovative solutions like Safe-Touch™ to our clientele, enhancing in-store customer experiences and upholding impeccable hygiene standards in the post-pandemic landscape. As we expand our team and merge our areas of expertise, we’re committed to enhancing our product and service capabilities, ensuring a seamless and safer digital journey for our valued customers.”

Steven McWilliam, Commercial Manager of Lazenby Group, said: “Ordú’s impressive customer base and industry expertise make them an obvious partner for us in Ireland. This collaboration holds tremendous potential and strengthens Lazenby Group’s foothold in the QSR hospitality sector. We are delighted to partner with an ambitious company like Ordú to bring our products to market. By streamlining our operations, this partnership enables Lazenby Group to deliver superior solutions, enriching our customers experience and driving revenue growth.”

Ardanis Technologies Creates 20 New Jobs and has Invested €2m in Aileen, its AI Solution

Irish software and digital consulting company Ardanis Technologies is creating 20 new jobs to support Aileen, the company’s new AI solution.  Aileen is a generative solution developed for call / contact centres.

New jobs will be created over the next 12 months and will include roles in sales, marketing, support, and innovative AI-driven technology.

Aileen was developed by Ardanis and is designed to be intelligent, adaptable and can integrate into all existing systems used by call/contact centres.  A key challenge for call centres/contact centres is managing call volumes and other inbound requests such as email, which need to be routed to the correct agents for processing. Aileen enables contact centres to fully automate this process, which frees up the agents to provide a better and quicker experience to their customers, while allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks.

“Aileen has resulted in the opening of new opportunities for Ardanis”, explains Ivan Goor, Group CEO at Ardanis.  “Aileen has proven that with the right blend of technology and human expertise, even the most complex problems can be solved, leading to happier customers, more empowered agents, and a brighter future for the contact centre industry”.

Aileen is a generative AI solution and goes beyond traditional rule-based AI by combining advanced Large Language Models (LLMs) with flow-based, agentic workflows to deliver context-aware, adaptive, and emotionally intelligent responses.  While LLMs enable Aileen to understand and generate human-like text by processing vast amounts of training data, the flow-based architecture allows Aileen to execute complex, multi-step tasks in a structured and efficient manner.  This dual approach enables the AI to understand the nuances of human communication while managing interactions dynamically through predefined workflows.

“Aileen has been designed to enhance the customer experience landscape”, concludes Ivan. “Ardanis will support every business in achieving its vision by reducing process lifecycles from hours to seconds”.

TEKenable Creates 20 New Jobs in TEKaviation

Irish digital services company TEKenable is creating 20 new jobs in its Aviation Division with the launch of its specialist system for aviation lessors –  TEKaviation.   The customised application is designed to enhance its existing offerings in the aviation leasing space.

The new jobs will be created over the next four years and will include sales, development, support, marketing and management roles.

TEKaviation is a specialist system for aviation lessors. It enables aviation lessors to transform their business by moving off legacy systems that stunt growth and competitiveness. The solution has been designed by experts from the leasing industry and enables users to speak the language of lessors, whether that’s transaction bibles, deal tombstones, net spread or quiet enjoyment.

“TEKaviation is the start of a business transformation specifically for aircraft lessors which will streamline the decision-making process across origination, contracts and finance, explains Padraig McCarthy, Group Commercial Officer at TEKenable.  “It’s human led, AI assisted decision-making and will evolve with business needs.”

The scalable platform seamlessly integrates with existing systems. The contracts module ensures leasing agreements are organised, accurate, and compliant with automated compliance checks and real-time updates, minimising errors and legal risks. The finance module meets global financial demands, offering statutory and management reporting for complex structures and detailed financial data down to the MSN level. It includes accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, fixed assets, and general ledger modules. Deal management is streamlined with TEKaviation’s deal and CRM manager, which automates tasks, enhances collaboration, and improves efficiency throughout all deal phases. It also integrates seamlessly with other modules and Microsoft Office products.

“TEKaviation allows users to gain clear visibility into their lessee’s obligations, enabling proactive management and smarter decision-making throughout each lease’s lifecycle.” concludes Padraig.

GlobalLogic announces 15 jobs in new Northern Ireland office

GlobalLogic, a Hitachi Group company and global leader in digital engineering, today announces its expansion on the island of Ireland with a new office in Newry, Co. Down. The expansion will be supported by the creation of 15 jobs in GlobalLogic’s new Northern Ireland hub.

The strategic expansion will drive further business growth for GlobalLogic in Ireland. Last year, GlobalLogic acquired Sidero, the Athlone-based cloud and software development company. The acquisition marked GlobalLogic’s first entry into the Irish market, and Sidero has since become GlobalLogic in Ireland. The ambitious expansion on the island of Ireland will support GlobalLogic’s global plans.

From its new base in Northern Ireland, GlobalLogic will support a greater number of businesses with in-demand digital engineering expertise, design-led experiences, data services, and AI powered product and platform development. Initially, the Northern Ireland office will focus on enterprises in the public sector, as well as those operating in the healthcare, life sciences, telecoms, financial services, and transport industries.

The new jobs are being created over the next two years across human resources, business development, and software engineering.

GlobalLogic has a number of partnerships with leading global players including AWS, Microsoft, and Google, ensuring the company is at the forefront of technology innovation. It has helped to develop some of the most cutting-edge technologies in the world, including life-saving medical devices such as a wearable defibrillator which has already benefited thousands of cardiac patients.

Carmel Owens, MD GlobalLogic in Ireland, said: “This expansion in Northern Ireland cements GlobalLogic’s commitment to businesses on the island of Ireland, while also representing a significant step in our ambitious growth plans. This new presence builds on the success we have steered from our Athlone HQ and is a strong validation of the skills, expertise and dedication of the entire GlobalLogic team in Ireland.

“As a champion of regional investment and the advantages that it can deliver, Newry is an ideal base from which we can expand our business. We are tapping into the rich economy of Northern Ireland and in doing so, this move will enable us to roll out our services to even more sectors and industries.