Irish SMEs Turn to Practical Cyber Solutions as AI-Driven Threats Rise, Vodafone Tells SFA Event
At the Small Firms Association’s SFA Connect event, Vodafone Ireland highlighted that 94% of Irish SMEs feel unprepared for AI‑driven cyber attacks, yet adoption of basic safeguards remains low. Only 21% of SMEs use multifactor authentication and more than half store sensitive data without encryption. Vodafone’s Head of SME Sales Strategy, Lynsey Sweeney, urged a pragmatic approach, recommending simple steps such as MFA, encrypted backups, regular updates and staff training. The telco is backing this push with a €100 million annual network investment, positioning security as a catalyst for up to 26% revenue growth.
The Spider Awards 2026 Shortlist Announced as Record Entries Mark 29th Anniversary
The Spider Awards announced its 2026 shortlist, marking the 29th anniversary of Ireland’s longest‑running digital awards. Entries surged 30% over 2025, setting a new record and underscoring the sector’s growth. A new Digital Rising Star category was introduced to spotlight...
Is Smart Dental Tech Worth the Cost?
Smart toothbrushes have evolved into data‑driven oral‑care devices featuring Bluetooth, AI guidance, pressure sensors and high‑frequency sonic vibrations. Premium models cost around €400, roughly the price of a basic smartphone, and promise to improve brushing technique and prevent enamel damage....
University of Galway Launches New Prototype Hub in Partnership with Medtronic
The University of Galway has opened a Medical Device Prototype Hub in partnership with Medtronic, marking a key milestone in their five‑year, €5 million innovation agreement. The hub, housed within the university’s Technology Services Directorate, provides rapid prototyping, 3D printing, and...
Making Healthcare Better: The Manufacturing Technologies Powering MedTech Innovation
Stryker highlights how advanced manufacturing, robotics, AI and digital twins are reshaping MedTech, accelerating product cycles and enabling patient‑specific solutions. Additive manufacturing and 3D printing now move concepts to production in weeks, while digital twins create precise virtual replicas for...
Salesforce Survey Reveals AI Is the #2 Growth Tactic for 2026 as Irish Sales Teams Turn to Agents
Salesforce’s State of Sales survey of over 4,000 reps, including 100 in Ireland, shows AI agents are the second‑most important growth tactic for 2026. In Ireland, 87% of sales organisations already use AI for tasks such as prospecting and forecasting,...
New FET Micro-Qualifications in Artificial Intelligence to Address Critical Skills Gaps Launched by Minister Lawless
Minister James Lawless launched a new suite of Further Education and Training (FET) micro‑qualifications in Artificial Intelligence, developed with Microsoft Ireland under SOLAS’s Skills to Advance initiative. The programmes deliver 50‑hour, subsidised courses covering machine learning basics, ethical AI, data...
Are We Witnessing the Shift From Employers to Organisers?
Corporate leaders are increasingly turning to “organiser” firms that house communities of freelance C‑suite talent, replacing traditional employer models. Global VUCA conditions and senior executives’ desire for purpose and flexibility are fueling the shift toward fractional leadership. These organiser firms...
New ARC Hub Launched to Accelerate Research-to-Impact Pathway
Technological University Dublin launched the Research Ireland ARC Hub for ICT, a €32.21 million national initiative designed to fast‑track ICT and artificial intelligence research into commercial products. Co‑funded by the Irish government and the EU’s ERDF programme, the Hub offers targeted...
NovaUCD and CeADAR Open Applications for 2026 AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme
NovaUCD and CeADAR have opened applications for the 2026 AI Ecosystem Accelerator, a six‑month programme aimed at Irish AI‑first start‑ups that have market validation and are seeking to close a funding round in 2026. The accelerator, now in its third...