Tag: nothern ireland

AI Reshaping Startup Landscape as WeBuild Reopens for Women Founders Across Island

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how tech startups are created, dramatically reducing build time and lowering traditional technical hurdles. 

As building a scalable digital product becomes faster, cheaper and less dependent on deep coding expertise and major funding, more women are seizing the opportunity to lead and build in tech.

In response, applications have reopened for the second cohort of WeBuild, the all-island programme delivered by TechFoundHer empowering women to innovate and to build tech-led solutions. The programme, which supports women founders across the island of Ireland, returns after strong demand for its inaugural intake in January.

Founded in Dublin in 2024 and launched in Belfast the same year, TechFoundHer provides training, community and cross-border networks for women building technology ventures. The first WeBuild cohort attracted more than 90 applications.

Now midway through the programme, participants are developing AI-enabled products aimed at international markets, moving from early concept to validated, revenue-focused ventures within months.

WeBuild is led by InterTradeIreland in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland as part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland through the Shared Island Fund, with TechFoundHer as delivery partner.

The four month programme is designed for ambitious women founders developing innovation-led, tech-enabled businesses with global potential supporting those who are beyond the idea stage and already prototyping, testing or building products where technology is central.

WeBuild combines a 16-week core schedule delivered primarily online with in person labs across the island and an intensive two day Residential Build Lab. 

Founders focus on product development, AI integration, customer traction and funding, using GenAI and no code tools to accelerate validation and iteration. An Investor Readiness Clinic supports participants to refine their pitch and funding strategy and connect with investors across the island.

Women taking part in WeBuild are from across the island from Cork, Dublin and Galway to Belfast and L’Derry with ventures across digital health and medtech, education technology, creative and cultural tech, AI driven B2B platforms and social impact technologies. 

Entrepreneur Deirdre McCarthy, founder of FLIT.ie, is one of the entrepreneurs who took part in the programme.

She said all women in tech with a great idea should: “Please please do yourself a favour and apply for this. It’s a place of safety where you can access really good humans with strong tech brains. You will learn from the other participants, who may be further along in some ways, as well as from the formal education sessions. Extremely accessible and welcoming environment, unique in Ireland.”

According to some participants the programme has been instrumental in accelerating product development, highlighting the strength of the peer network and access to experienced technical mentors.

Gemma Kingston, founder of The Family Edit explained: “The programme has been invaluable in the development of my business and brought it to stages that I could only have dreamed of in such a short space of time. The access to experts is unmatched.”

Programme creator Máirín Murray said the pace of technological change across the ecosystem means founders can no longer afford to wait

“AI and no-code tools are lowering barriers, but access to the right frameworks and expertise remains uneven” she said, adding: “The strength of the first cohort demonstrated the depth of talent that exists across the island. The question is not whether women can build scalable technology ventures, but whether the ecosystem creates the right conditions for them to do so.

“The demand we’ve had for WeBuild reflects a generation of women founders ready to build serious tech companies. What they often lack is early access to technical support that strengthens credibility with investors and the wider ecosystem. 

“That is what WeBuild is designed to provide.”

To support prospective applicants in the application process the TechFoundHer team will be hosting an information session on Wednesday, March 11 at 4pm. The free session will be hosted by Máirín Murray and will provide a detailed overview of the programme, including the support, structure and outcomes founders can expect.

During the webinar, attendees will hear how WeBuild supports founders who want to harness the power of data and GenAI to bootstrap faster, automate smarter and build scalable tech ventures. The session will also include a step by step walkthrough of the application process and an opportunity for participants to ask questions and assess whether the programme is the right next step for their business.

WeBuild is open to women-led or women founded businesses based on the island of Ireland that are developing innovative products, services, systems or processes with clear commercial potential. Applicants must be at an early or growth stage and demonstrate market validation or proof of concept, along with ambition for significant growth including export and investment potential.

Applications for WeBuild are now open and will close on Monday, March 23 at 12pm. 

Women founders can find full programme information and submit applications at intertradeireland.com/entrepreneurship/womens-entrepreneurship/webuild 

Northern Ireland Manufacturer is Revolutionising Waste Management

From Belfast to Cork, Irish businesses are discovering how locally-engineered equipment is transforming their approach to tyre disposal and recycling

With Ireland facing mounting environmental challenges and stricter EU regulations on waste management, businesses across the island are seeking innovative solutions to handle the 4.5 million waste tyres generated annually. One Northern Ireland-based manufacturer, Gradeall International, is leading this transformation with cutting-edge recycling technology that’s now being deployed from Dublin’s industrial estates to Kerry’s agricultural heartlands.

The Irish Waste Challenge: A Growing Opportunity

Ireland’s waste management sector faces unique pressures. The country generates approximately 40,000 tonnes of waste tyres annually, with disposal costs rising and landfill restrictions tightening. From Cork’s busy port operations to Donegal’s farming communities, businesses are struggling with tyre disposal logistics and costs.

The challenge is particularly acute for Irish fleet operators, agricultural businesses, and local councils. In Galway, transport companies managing large vehicle fleets face storage issues with end-of-life tyres. Meanwhile, in Limerick’s industrial zones, manufacturers deal with forklift and heavy equipment tyre disposal. Dublin’s waste management facilities are at capacity, pushing businesses to seek more efficient processing solutions.

Engineering Excellence from County Armagh

Based in Castleblaney Road, County Armagh, Gradeall International has spent over two decades perfecting tyre recycling equipment. Their proximity to the border positions them perfectly to serve both Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland markets, understanding the unique regulatory and logistical challenges faced by businesses on both sides of the border.

“Being based in Northern Ireland gives us unique insights into the challenges faced by businesses across the entire island,” notes Conor Murphy, Director at Gradeall International. “Whether it’s a recycling facility in Belfast or an agricultural co-op in Tipperary, we understand the local context and requirements.”

Transforming Operations Across Irish Counties

Dublin and the Greater Dublin Area

In Dublin’s industrial estates, particularly around Ballymount and Park West, waste management companies have the opportunity to implement advanced tyre processing solutions. The MK2 Tyre Baler technology, capable of reducing tyre volume by 80%, is particularly relevant in a city where industrial land comes at a premium. Such equipment can process over 500 tyres daily, transforming storage challenges into compact, transportable bales ready for export through Dublin Port.

Cork’s Maritime and Industrial Sector

Cork, as Ireland’s second city and major port, generates substantial tyre waste from both maritime operations and the pharmaceutical industry’s heavy vehicle fleets. The Ringaskiddy industrial area could particularly benefit from advanced tyre processing equipment, with sidewall cutters preparing tyres for more efficient recycling and reducing the burden on local waste facilities.

Agricultural Heartlands: Tipperary, Kilkenny, and Wexford

Ireland’s agricultural counties face unique challenges with tractor and agricultural equipment tyres. In Tipperary, known for its dairy farming, agricultural contractors are discovering how proper tyre baling can turn a disposal problem into a potential revenue stream. Similarly, Wexford’s tillage farmers and Kilkenny’s mixed farming operations could benefit from mobile tyre processing solutions that can travel between farms.

Western Counties: Galway, Mayo, and Clare

The western seaboard, from Galway Bay to the Cliffs of Moher in Clare, presents logistical challenges for waste management. Transport costs to processing facilities in Dublin or Cork can be prohibitive. Local councils in Galway and Mayo are exploring regional processing hubs that could be equipped with professional baling equipment to serve their communities more efficiently.

Northern Operations: Donegal, Monaghan, and Louth

Border counties like Donegal, Monaghan, and Louth benefit from Gradeall’s strategic location. Businesses in Letterkenny can access equipment and support as easily as those in Dundalk. This cross-border efficiency is particularly valuable given the all-island approach to environmental challenges.

Technology Meeting Irish Innovation

Ireland’s reputation as a European tech hub extends beyond software. The adoption of smart recycling equipment aligns with the country’s innovation agenda. Gradeall’s equipment, featuring IoT capabilities for remote monitoring and performance tracking, appeals to Ireland’s tech-savvy business community.

In Limerick’s National Technology Park and Cork’s tech corridor, companies are particularly interested in the data analytics capabilities of modern recycling equipment. Real-time monitoring of processing volumes, efficiency metrics, and predictive maintenance aligns with Industry 4.0 principles being adopted across Irish manufacturing.

Supporting Ireland’s Green Agenda

Ireland’s Climate Action Plan aims for a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030. Proper tyre recycling plays a crucial role in this ambition. By preventing tyre burning and reducing transport emissions through volume reduction, advanced baling equipment directly supports national environmental goals.

Local authorities from Kerry County Council to Fingal County Council are evaluating how modern tyre processing equipment can help meet their environmental targets. The comprehensive tyre recycling solutions offered by companies like Gradeall provide a pathway to achieving these ambitious goals.

Economic Impact Across the Regions

Job Creation

From Waterford to Sligo, the implementation of professional recycling equipment creates employment opportunities. Skilled operators, maintenance technicians, and logistics coordinators are needed to run modern recycling operations.

Potential Cost Savings for Irish Businesses

Based on industry data and equipment capabilities:

  • Transport companies in Kildare could see up to 60% reduction in tyre disposal costs through volume reduction
  • Agricultural contractors in Meath have the potential to save thousands annually through efficient tyre management
  • Municipal operations in Westmeath could reduce waste management budgets by implementing proper tyre processing

Export Opportunities

Processed tyre bales from Irish facilities can be exported through ports in Dublin, Cork, and Belfast to recycling facilities across Europe, creating new revenue streams for Irish businesses.

The Road Ahead for Irish Waste Management

As Ireland continues to strengthen its position as a leader in environmental sustainability, the role of innovative waste management solutions becomes increasingly critical. The success of companies like Gradeall International demonstrates that Irish engineering and innovation can compete globally while serving local needs.

From the Giants Causeway in Antrim to the Ring of Kerry, from the bustling streets of Temple Bar in Dublin to the quiet farms of Roscommon, the transformation of Ireland’s approach to tyre recycling is underway. With locally-developed technology and a deep understanding of Irish business needs, this revolution in waste management is truly homegrown.

For Irish businesses facing tyre disposal challenges, whether in Carlow’s industrial parks or Longford’s agricultural lands, the message is clear: world-class recycling technology is available right here on the island of Ireland, designed by people who understand Irish business and committed to supporting Ireland’s green future.

EY Northern Ireland to create 1,000 new jobs in the region over the next five years

Professional Services firm EY today announced the creation of 1,000 new jobs in Northern Ireland over the next five years in a move that will bring the total EY headcount to 1,900 in the region. To support this growth EY will establish a hub in the North West to attract talent from across the region.

This announcement by EY, a global leader in assurance, tax, consulting as well as strategy and corporate transactions, is supported by Invest Northern Ireland and the Department for the Economy.

The roles will be filled by a mix of experienced candidates, recent graduates and school leavers in areas such as cyber security, data analytics, cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies, risk, tax, audit and as well as business consultancy.

As part of today’s announcement, EY Northern Ireland is committing to work with the Department for the Economy to operate an Assured Skills Academy Programme that will deliver a strong pipeline of new talent for EY in specific areas such as cyber security, data analytics, among others. The Assured Skills Academy Programme will focus on individuals such as those seeking to return to work following a career break, those wishing to change career, or recent graduates looking for an alternative route into professional services.

Announcing the investment at the Northern Ireland Investment Summit in Belfast today, Rob Heron, EY Northern Ireland Managing Partner, said: “Today is an exceptionally proud day for all of us in EY Northern Ireland as we announce a thousand new jobs in the region over the next five years and aim to more than double our headcount to 1,900 in the years ahead.

“Thanks to our partnership with the Department for the Economy and Invest Northern Ireland, we have been able to create this pipeline of jobs and skills development opportunities that we are announcing today.  Whether you are a college graduate, someone looking to advance or change your career, or you are ready to re-enter the workforce following a career break, EY’s Assured Skills Academy Programme will offer you an opportunity to acquire new skills and to join a world class team here in EY Northern Ireland.

“Our firm has been experiencing increased demand across all our business areas in recent years as clients turn to us in growing numbers to help them with their most complex and strategic problems. That is why we are so focused on ensuring that we continue to have the right access to great talent in the region across a diverse range of skillsets and specialisms. Our EY core values of diversity, social equity, and inclusiveness will be at the heart of these new employment opportunities and that is something we are incredibly proud of. “

Frank O’Keeffe, EY UK & Ireland Managing Partner, Markets and Managing Partner EY Ireland: “In EY we are passionate about supporting our clients by investing heavily in our highly skilled and diverse workforce and that is why days like today are so special for us.  EY has built an incredible business in Northern Ireland over decades, proudly providing a superb service to a broad range of clients across the island of Ireland, the United Kingdom and our global network. These 1,000 new jobs will help to strengthen Northern Ireland’s reputation as home to world-class universities and fantastic local talent and they will help to spotlight the region as an attractive hub for global business and future international investment.

There is fierce competition for jobs and investment globally but what set Northern Ireland apart on this occasion was the quality of local talent here as well as the innovative growth mindset displayed by our Northern Ireland team and our incredible clients.  The support received from Invest Northern Ireland and the Department for the Economy played an important role in making today happen and collectively we are very proud of the impact we know these 1,000 new jobs will have on the local economy.” 

Hywel Ball, EY UK Chair and UK and Ireland Managing Partner: EY is very proud to announce the creation of 1,000 new Jobs in EY Northern Ireland over the next five years. Today’s jobs announcement is a reflection of our commitment to accelerate the growth of our Northern Ireland practice in a way that will bolster the regional economy.  The support from Invest Northern Ireland and the Department for the Economy was an important component when it came to our decision to choose Northern Ireland as the location for this significant investment, as was the access we have here to an incredible talent pool, as well as the potential and ambition of our Northern Ireland practice.”   

Mike Brennan, DfE Permanent Secretary, said “This announcement of 1,000 new jobs by EY is excellent news for the local economy and a further endorsement of Northern Ireland as a rising global player in the fintech and professional services sector. This investment by EY strongly aligns with the innovation and inclusivity objectives of the Department’s 10X Economic Vision and will provide opportunities for individuals across Northern Ireland to enter the sector.

“My Department’s Assured Skills Academies will assist in filling 351 of these jobs across a range of roles and skills areas including Data and Analytics, Cyber Security, Procurement and Commercial Contract Management and Project and Programme Management. Assured Skills Academies have a track record of equipping participants with the skills employers need to flourish and grow. Furthermore, participants on these Assured Skills Academies who complete the training are guaranteed an interview for a role with EY and will be strongly positioned for success.”

Welcoming the investment, Mel Chittock, Interim CEO of Invest NI, said: “Over many years, Invest Northern Ireland has developed a strong, strategic partnership with EY’s local management, and we are delighted that the firm has chosen Northern Ireland against other competitive locations globally for this significant investment.

“It is clearly aligned with the objectives of the Department for the Economy’s 10X Economic Vision as securing this major mobile investment will contribute to a more regionally balanced economy by establishing a regional hub outside Belfast and a clear commitment by EY to positively provide opportunities for the economically inactive. It will also further raise the standing of Northern Ireland on the global stage, positioning it as a fintech and professional services powerhouse and helping to develop the innovation capabilities on which our future economy will be based.”