Tag: partnership

Hillwalk Tours Partner With HiiKER

Hillwalk Tours, a leading provider of self-guided walking holidays across Ireland, the UK, Spain, and Portugal, are thrilled to announce an innovative new partnership with Hiiker, a fellow Irish-based company, and experts in hiking and navigation technology. This collaboration brings the best of both worlds together: world-class hiking tours and state-of-the-art navigation support.

The partnership will allow Hillwalk Tours’ customers to seamlessly navigate their self-guided walking tour using Hiiker’s advanced GPS navigation app. Built with the customer experience in mind, Hillwalk Tours has meticulously curated and integrated their own GPS tracks for each hiking trail onto the Hiiker platform, which customers can access directly via the Hiiker app.

This strategic collaboration enhances the hiking experience by providing Hillwalk Tours’ customers with comprehensive offline GPS navigation, as well as a host of powerful features such as the ability to change to different, more detailed mapping layers and receive real-time “off-trail” alerts. The offline capability ensures that even in remote areas with limited connectivity, hikers will have access to reliable trail guidance.

“Our mission at Hillwalk Tours has always been to create experiences that make people happy” said Anthony Barrett, Managing Director of Hillwalk Tours. “By partnering with Hiiker, an Irish company that shares our passion for the great outdoors, along with providing exceptional navigational technology, we’re elevating our offering to customers. This partnership represents a major leap forward in ensuring our customers can safely and confidently explore the trails, while also enhancing the experience of our walking holidays.”

Hiiker, renowned for its expertise in creating intuitive navigation solutions for outdoor enthusiasts, is equally enthusiastic about the partnership. “We are excited to join forces with Hillwalk Tours, who have been creating first-rate self-guided hiking trips for over 15 years now,” said Paul Finlay, Founder of Hiiker. “Our technology will provide Hillwalk Tours’ customers with peace of mind, even in the most remote and beautiful landscapes, thanks to our app’s ability to provide detailed maps, offline navigation and trail safety alerts.”

Both companies, deeply rooted in Ireland, are passionate about promoting outdoor exploration in a safe, accessible, and enjoyable way. The collaboration is a testament to the shared values of innovation and quality, and it highlights the strength of Irish entrepreneurship in the global hiking and tourism industry.

Key Features of the Partnership:

  • GPS Navigation Made Easy: Customers of Hillwalk Tours will have access to Hillwalk’s own meticulously crafted and custom-built tracks on the Hiiker app, ensuring they can easily follow their hiking route.
  • Offline Capability: Hiiker’s offline navigation feature will keep hikers on track even in areas with no phone or cell coverage.
  • Detailed Mapping Layers: Customers will have access to switch between a wide array of comprehensive maps for navigation. This includes OSI, EastWest Mapping, and historical maps in Ireland; OS Mapping, Harvey Maps, and historical maps in the UK; as well as IGN and other national and independent maps across continental Europe.
  • Off-Trail Alerts: Automatic alerts notify walkers if they wander off the designated path, adding an extra layer of safety to their adventure.

This partnership marks a significant enhancement for hiking enthusiasts who value the freedom of self-guided tours without compromising on safety or convenience.

For more information on Hillwalk Tours, visit www.hillwalktours.com. To learn more about Hiiker, visit www.hiiker.app.

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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sky announces an expanded partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery in the UK and Ireland

Sky and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) have announced an expanded long-term partnership in the UK and Ireland, broadening their collaboration to bring the very best of Warner Bros. Discovery television and movies to Sky and NOW customers in the UK and Ireland.
Building on the award-winning WBD content available today on Sky Cinema and the existing franchises on Sky Atlantic, the new agreement will now include the ad-supported version of Max, WBD’s premium streaming service bundled for Sky customers at no extra cost, when it launches in the UK and Ireland in early 2026. Sky customers will continue to find shows such as House of the Dragon, The White Lotus, and The Last of Us, and any new series aired before the end of 2025, on Sky Atlantic and through Sky’s On Demand service.
Together with Max, this agreement ensures Sky customers will enjoy an even broader range of WBD content, including HBO and Max Originals, and other series that will be exclusive to Max, including forthcoming series of Harry Potter. This content will be available alongside Sky’s unrivalled lineup of Sky Originals, Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, Netflix, Universal, Sony, Paramount and much more.
In addition, NOW UK and Ireland Entertainment members will also receive bundled access to the ad-supported version of Max, seamlessly integrated into the NOW experience alongside other premium content.
This agreement follows news that 2024 was the best performing year for Sky Originals drama, including the recording-breaking The Day of the Jackal, Sweetpea and The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
Sky has recently secured long-term renewals of most major sports rights to near the end of the decade, and Sky customers can also now enjoy an unrivalled range and volume of sport, thanks to recent rights renewals. This offers Sky Sports customers an expanded lineup of sport including, the Premier League, EFL, women’s football, Formula 1, cricket, golf, rugby league, tennis, and more. With Sky Sports+ introduced earlier this year, customers receive 50% more sport at no extra cost.
Dana Strong, Sky Group CEO, commented: “This deal builds on our remarkable achievements this year. We have secured most major sports rights through to the end of the decade, extended our content partnerships, and progressed our transition from satellite to IP, with 9 out 10 new customers choosing Sky Glass or Sky Stream. This partnership solidifies Sky as the ultimate TV destination and the preferred partner of choice for streamers, rights holders and content creators alike.”
Strong added: “This new partnership provides an expanded range of content for our customers to enjoy Warner Bros. Discovery’s popular storytelling through Max. The combination of content from our partners, alongside our slate of Sky Originals, and Sky’s leading aggregation of the UK and Ireland’s best content apps gives us an unrivalled entertainment proposition and an exceptional line-up of the world’s best shows.”
Andrew Georgiou, President & Managing Director for WBD UK & Ireland and WBD Sports Europe said: “Today’s announcement is hugely exciting for everyone who loves award-winning scripted entertainment and movies. Arriving in early 2026, the market-wide launch of Max in the U.K & Ireland is a significant step in its global roll-out, and will be the place where audiences find incredible new shows, including the future Harry Potter series from HBO.
“Our new agreement will continue Warner Bros. Discovery’s long-standing collaboration with Sky and deepen our relationship across distribution and now the bundling of Max. This will enable Max immediately at launch to be available to millions of passionate video subscribers, and separately be available to the more than 20 million other broadband households in the territories through Max direct to consumer and other partnerships.”
The deal also sees Turner Kids content on channels including Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, and Boomerang remaining part of Sky and NOW’s comprehensive offering for years to come. Sky and Warner Bros. Discovery already enjoy a long-term carriage agreement for a wide range of WBD’s other television channels.

Landis+Gyr and Believ Partner to Deliver Accessible EV Charging Infrastructure Across the UK

Landis+Gyr a global leader in integrated energy management solutions, and Believ, a leading UK-based electric vehicle (EV) charge point operator (CPO), have joined forces to deliver accessible EV charging solutions that support almost four million Blue Badge holders or disabled drivers who may find inaccessible charging bays a barrier to EV adoption.

At the heart of this partnership is a refined version of the INCH Duo AC charger, designed to meet PAS 1899—the UK’s standard for accessible EV charging – which provides guidelines on the physical environment, placement, information provision and design of charging infrastructure, with the goal to build confidence in the accessibility and inclusivity of EV infrastructure.

The updated model, designed for long dwell times and overnight charging, includes adjustments such as repositioned sockets to meet height guidelines, along with features like contactless payment for a hassle-free user experience.

Guy Bartlett, Believ CEO, says it is vital for CPOs to select the best manufacturing partners:

“By working with the most forward-thinking manufacturers we can ensure our product catalogue meets the highest possible standards, and that we continuously work towards more accessible solutions. It is also how we deliver bespoke end-to-end solutions, dependent on site needs.” 

Believ provides local authorities, business and landlords across the UK with a fully funded EV charge point solution that covers planning, installation, operation and ongoing maintenance. It installs different speeds of charge point, ensuring the right charge point is installed in the right location.

Mark Coley, Head of Market Development at Landis+Gyr, highlights the strategic importance of the partnership:

“Our collaboration with Believ underscores our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and supporting the UK’s transition to electric mobility. By integrating our advanced INCH Duo chargers into Believ’s commercial offering, we are making EV charging more accessible while expanding our footprint across the UK. Together, we are enabling a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive future.”

Guy Bartlett adds that the PAS certification provides important assurance to stakeholders that EV charging infrastructure has been designed with accessibility in mind: “Our commitment to delivering a reliable and inclusive public EV charging network is strengthened through this partnership. The integration of Landis+Gyr’s INCH Duo charging stations to our commercial offering supports our drive to make EV charging accessible to all.” 

This partnership builds on Landis+Gyr’s track record of delivering scalable, modular EV charging solutions. The INCH Duo is part of a growing portfolio designed to support the expansion of public charging networks, enabling operators to deploy infrastructure quickly and efficiently while maintaining high standards of usability.

TEKenable Announces AI Research Partnership with Trinity College

Digital services company, TEKenable has announced a new AI research partnership with Trinity College Dublin (TCD) supported by Enterprise Ireland to advance responsible AI that benefits both people and business.

The AI research partnership creates the potential for researchers and technologists from TEKenable and TCD to more closely collaborate on AI research projects in areas of shared interest across a range of disciplines. The partnership will see TEKenable’s Jane Slevin, with a team of six researchers, explore how AI can be brought into and used by businesses utilising practical AI solutions. These AI solutions will significantly transform how businesses operate across their entire business including internal processes, financial management, customer interactions etc.

The team will work collaboratively with TEKenable, providing valuable recommendations and information for AI and data to drive digital transformation services.  TEKenable is a Microsoft Advanced Specialist and employs AI and data utilising cloud solutions to drive digital transformation to many sectors of the marketplace.

“We are excited to enter this partnership with Trinity and tap into the University’s renowned academic expertise”, explains Nick Connors, Group CEO at TEKenable.  “TEKenable’s extensive work in the AI space makes us a leading authority on the integration of AI with business processes to fast-track growth.  Partnering with TCD will allow us to further strengthen our knowledge and capabilities”.

“By partnering with TEKenable, we can apply academic insights to real-world challenges, creating a powerful synergy between theory and practice,” added Prof. Anthony Ventresque, Director of the Complex Software Lab in the School of Computer Science and Statistics at Trinity College Dublin.  “We are thrilled to evaluate the measurable impacts of AI-driven tools within business.”

TEKenable was recently awarded by Microsoft ‘AI Partner of the Year’ and also was selected as one of four sustainability & digital transformation experts working in the Digital4Sustainability 2024-2026 consortium of EU organisations.  Digital4Sustainability is an EU co-funded EUR 4 million industry-driven project to boost Europe’s skills for the green and digital transition.

Esri Ireland strengthens utility sector expertise with UDC partnership

Esri Ireland, the market leader in geographic information system (GIS) technology in Ireland, has teamed up with the digital utility services provider UDC to offer specialist consulting services for Esri Ireland’s utility sector. Through this partnership, gas, electricity, water and wastewater companies will be able to access enhanced support when implementing ArcGIS Utility Network, Esri’s next generation spatial information system for utility management.

“Several of Esri Ireland’s customers in the utility sector are planning to migrate to ArcGIS Utility Network or have already begun on this journey,” says Paul Synnott, Managing Director of Esri Ireland. “By collaborating with UDC, we are giving our customers easy access to utility sector specialists who can advise them about data migration and help them optimise the benefits they gain from their investment in Esri technology.”

Where appropriate, consultants from UDC will join Esri Ireland projects and work alongside Esri Ireland’s Professional Services Team to deliver agreed outcomes for utility customers. In particular, UDC will provide guidance on best practice data cleansing and data migration methods and advise customers on how to represent utility assets digitally. Utilities will also be able to take advantage of UDC’s proprietary auto-migration HEIDE tool, which helps accelerate data migration processes.

Esri Ireland and UDC have already worked together on a successful collaboration with Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) Networks. As part of a project team led by Esri Ireland, UDC carried out a Data Readiness Assessment to evaluate the utility’s data quality, highlighted data recommendations and prepared it for a full data migration. This allowed NIE Networks to quantify the time and resources it will need to migrate data to the new system.

UDC has been providing ArcGIS-based solutions and services for utilities in the USA and Canada for nearly twenty years. It is a Platinum Partner in the Esri Partner Network programme and holds Esri specialty certifications in gas and electric utilities services. For organisations that are migrating to ArcGIS Utility Network, it delivers services ranging from strategic roadmap guidance to data assessment and migration readiness planning, and full migration support.

“After successfully serving North American utilities for the last 20 years, we now have had the good fortune to cross the Atlantic, forge a strong and growing partnership with Esri Ireland, and work with utilities in Ireland,” shares Hamid Akhavan, CEO of UDC. “We are delighted to be working with the fantastic Esri Ireland team, helping more gas, electric and water utilities achieve maximum benefit through digital transformation, leveraging ArcGIS Utility Network.”

CitySwift announces latest UK partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester

CitySwift, leader in performance optimisation for the public transport sector across the globe, has partnered with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), local government body responsible for transport in the Manchester region. This partnership looks to power the future of Manchester’s public transport network through the use of AI and data.

This move makes TfGM the first franchised transport authority in the UK to utilise AI to deliver more reliable, frequent and quicker bus journeys, building on the Greater Manchester Bus Strategy announced last year. The plans laid out in this report highlight Greater Manchester’s vision for the future bus network, aiming to make buses the first choice for more journeys within the Bee Network.

The strategy sets an initial target of a 30% increase in bus patronage by 2030 from 2022/23 levels, equating to nearly 50 million additional bus journeys annually. This growth will be driven by improvements such as a more integrated, user-friendly, and frequent network, and better infrastructure for reliable bus journeys, with CitySwift playing a key role in this transition.

Founded in 2016 by Brian O’Rourke and Alan Farrelly, CitySwift’s performance optimisation platform gives operators and transport authorities insights, recommendations, and predictions, supporting them in the delivery of efficient, reliable and in-demand services.

CitySwift empowers public transport authorities and operators to achieve unparalleled efficiency by leveraging advanced analytics, simulations, and optimisations. With its easy-to-use industry-leading technology, CitySwift envisions a future where public transport is the travel mode of choice for all people.

Speaking on today’s announcement, Brian O’Rourke, CEO and Co-founder of CitySwift said “The goals and vision set out in the Great Manchester Bus Strategy speak clearly to our mission at CitySwift – grow patronage with frequent and more reliable buses.. I am thrilled that we’re partnering with TfGM, supporting them in achieving this goal through our transport data-solutions, as we continue to build the smart cities of the future.”

 

Through this partnership, TfGM will have access to CitySwift’s performance data across the entire Bee Network, helping to identify trends and pain points such as traveller destinations and service performance, allowing them to recognise where improvements should be made to benefit passengers. Additionally TfGM will leverage CitySwift’s latest product offering, Spotlight, a globally leading intelligent recommendation engine for bus network enhancements.

Designed for stakeholders, the product enhances decision-making by providing AI-powered insights into performance and resource parameters like timeliness, cost, and vehicle numbers through scanning the whole network, executing optimisation variations, and proposing ROI improvements.

Catherine Towey, Senior Lead for Bus Franchising at TfGM said: “Customers are at the heart of the Bee Network and by working with CitySwift we will be able to see more clearly than ever how services are performing. We can then use this information prioritise improvements and deliver a better service for passengers.”

Powered by AI data processing, CitySwift optimises over 1 billion passenger journeys annually, working with public sector transport authorities and private bus operators to break down the barriers to accessing and interpreting transport data, replacing manual analysis with reliable, actionable insights. This solution enhances efficiency, benefiting drivers, passengers, partners, and cities, whilst remaining human-centric throughout.

This news follows a series of other partnerships for the data transportation company across the UK, including National Express, Transport North East, Transdev Blazefield, and trentbarton. Since its inception, CitySwift has grown to have a presence across the UK, US and its home territory of Ireland, covering transport networks in all major UK cities.

Fexco’s PACE and Trovio form a strategic partnership to develop ‘SAF Connect’, a trading platform for the aviation sector.

PACE, Fexco’s sustainability data and analytics division and Trovio Operating Pty Ltd (Trovio) have announced they have entered into a strategic partnership to develop a new platform, ‘SAF Connect’. 

The partnership will explore opportunities for an inventory management system with Scope 1 & Scope 3 SAF certificate issuance where counterparties can transact, settle, and digitally execute offtake agreements. 

The platform will leverage Fexco’s heritage in sustainability, treasury management, FX and payments, and incorporate Trovio’s leading energy transition technology, CorTenX.

SAF Connect will offer complete transparency, and auditable transaction history, ensuring a scalable solution for all market participants handling SAF and related assets.

“This is a further milestone for us as we continue to build on our market growth. Trovio brings exceptional energy transition technology to this partnership,” said Cathal Foley, CEO of PACE. “Together, we will deliver a unique platform that enhances the efficiency and transparency of the SAF market, driving the aviation industry towards a more sustainable future.”

“Trovio is delighted to partner with Fexco,” said Jon Deane, CEO of Trovio. “Fexco’s PACE is a company that aligns with our vision and values. We believe SAF Connect will provide an innovative solution to support the rapid growth and development of sustainable aviation fuel. By leveraging both Fexco’s and Trovio’s collective expertise, we are building a platform designed specifically for the complexity of this market.”

To find out more, visit the PACE website.