Welcome to episode E116 of the AI Ireland podcast, the show that explores the applications and research of Data Science, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence on the island of Ireland.

Welcome to episode E116 of the AI Ireland podcast, the show that explores the applications and research of Data Science, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence on the island of Ireland.
From self-driving cars to virtual assistants, Artificial Intelligence is shaping our daily lives in ways we couldn’t have imagined just a few decades ago. This remarkable technological evolution has led to a surge of interest in studying AI at the university level.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons behind the growing interest in AI education and the myriad of opportunities it offers to students. We will also take a look at this year’s talented individuals who have been selected in the Best Application of AI in a Student Project for the 2023 AI Awards.
The explosive growth of AI technologies has created a high demand for AI professionals. Companies are actively seeking AI specialists to develop algorithms, build machine learning models and apply AI in diverse fields. As a result, students who specialise in AI can expect a robust job market with numerous career prospects. This high demand is a significant factor driving interest in AI education.
AI is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing from fields such as computer science, mathematics, neuroscience and engineering. This interdisciplinary approach appeals to students with a wide range of interests. Whether you are passionate about mathematics, psychology or software development, AI offers a space where multiple disciplines converge. This broad appeal makes AI a suitable choice for students with varied backgrounds and academic interests.
The rapid advancement of AI has raised ethical and societal concerns that need to be addressed. Students studying AI at the university level are not only gaining technical expertise, but also exploring the ethical implications of AI. They are poised to become the architects of AI systems that prioritise fairness, transparency and social responsibility, making a positive impact on society.
AI is not limited to one industry or application. Graduates with AI knowledge can find exciting career opportunities in fields such as healthcare (diagnosis and drug discovery), finance (algorithmic trading and risk assessment), marketing (personalised recommendations and customer analysis) and much more. This diversity in career prospects provides students with the flexibility to pursue their interests and adapt to evolving job markets.
The field of AI is continuously evolving, with new breakthroughs and discoveries occurring regularly. This dynamic environment encourages students to engage in research and innovation. University programs often provide students with opportunities to work on cutting-edge AI projects, contributing to the advancement of AI technology itself.
Best Application of AI in a Student Project
Balaji Padmanathan, University College Dublin
For his project focusing on optimising electric vehicle charging station locations in Dublin, with the aim of making Dublin more sustainable and serving as a model for global efforts to combat climate change and promote responsible urban development.
Chenyang Lyu, Dublin City University
For his research in addressing limitations in Large Language Models (LLMs) for Question Answering, focusing on integrating semantic and multimodal knowledge utilising his skills in NLP, unsupervised learning, multi-modal AI and mitigating bias in AI models.
Jamie de Paor, Munster Technological University
For his research project addressing the challenge of providing training data for indoor robotics by creating a Unity-based semantic segmentation simulator. The project aims to advance indoor autonomous robotics, potentially impacting various industries.
Lan Wei, University College Dublin
For Epi-AI, an AI-powered tool for automated seizure detection in mouse EEG data, enhancing efficiency and objectivity in epilepsy research. It accelerates drug development and fosters global collaboration, promising advancements in treatment.
The growing interest in studying AI at the university level is a testament to the profound impact that AI is having on our world. Students recognise the transformative potential of AI and are eager to be a part of this revolution.
With high demand for AI professionals, diverse career opportunities and the chance to engage in groundbreaking research, studying AI at university is a choice that promises a bright and intellectually stimulating future.
As AI continues to shape our world, it’s no surprise that more and more students are choosing to embark on this exciting educational journey.
AI Ireland offers tailored presentations catering to your industry’s needs, providing invaluable insights into the transformative power of AI technologies. Stay ahead of the curve and equip your organisation with the knowledge it needs to confidently embrace the future.
Don’t miss the opportunity to enlighten your team and stakeholders. Book a presentation today and explore how innovation is positively impacting your industry.
AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution
AI Ireland are excited to unveil our new book, “AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution,” which is now accessible for purchase on Amazon. For executives, policy architects, or technology aficionados seeking to make sense of the intricate world of AI, “AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution” is your essential handbook. Now available on Amazon Kindle or hard copy, this book furnishes you with the expertise and instruments required to employ AI both effectively and ethically.
The fifth annual AI Awards takes place on Tuesday November 21st at the Gibson Hotel. This is an exciting opportunity to connect and network with over 200 AI and Data professionals across the island of Ireland and hear from some of the most exciting AI applications across industry and academia spanning 12 award categories.
Don’t miss the opportunity to get your discounted Early Bird tickets now! Offer ends October 31st so head over to aiawards.ie/tickets or Eventbrite and enter the discount code EarlyBird_AIA to get your ticket for just €99. Limited tickets available; Original Price €239.
In an era characterised by technological advancements, Artificial Intelligence startups have emerged as the torchbearers of innovation. These companies are at the forefront of creating cutting-edge solutions that leverage the power of AI to transform industries and reshape the way we live and work.
In this blog post, we delve into the world of AI startups, exploring their impact, challenges and the promise they hold for the future. We will also introduce this year’s finalists in the Best Application of AI in a Startup for the 2023 AI Awards.
Industry Disruption: AI startups have the potential to disrupt traditional industries by introducing automation, predictive analytics and data-driven decision-making. Sectors like healthcare, finance, retail and transportation to name just a few have seen significant changes due to AI innovations.
Enhanced Efficiency: AI startups are helping organisations boost their operational efficiency. For example, chatbots have become integral to customer support, while AI-driven algorithms optimise supply chains and improve production processes.
Personalisation: AI startups enable hyper-personalisation by using algorithms to tailor products and services to individual preferences. This has transformed eCommerce, marketing and entertainment by enhancing the customer experience.
Data Privacy and Ethics: AI startups need to address concerns about data privacy and ethical AI usage. Ensuring compliance with data protection laws and industry standards is crucial. Striking the right balance between innovation and responsible AI deployment is a significant challenge.
Talent Shortage: The demand for AI talent often outpaces the supply, making it difficult for startups to attract and retain skilled professionals in this highly competitive field.
Funding: Securing adequate funding for AI startups is essential for research, development and scaling. Convincing investors to back early-stage AI companies can be a formidable task.
Best Application of AI in a Startup
Data Science Wizards
For UnifyAI, which solves complex AI development challenges for enterprises, offering an integrated, automated and open-source platform. It accelerates AI adoption and reduces costs, with a solid commitment to security and societal impact.
Galvia AI
For addressing the University of Galway’s pandemic-induced challenges with an AI-driven student engagement platform named Cara. It helped reduce staff workload by 40%, saving 1500+ hours and instantly resolved 84% of student queries.
Socialvoice.ai
For developing an AI solution to analyse video content, focusing on spoken words, sentiments and more. Their innovation fills the gap in video analysis, aiding marketers and brands to understand their market, competitors and influencers better.
Whyze Health
For their work in aiming to solve the problem of fragmented and inaccessible health data using AI. Their platform transforms health records into digital assets, benefiting patients, healthcare providers and pharma/medtech companies.
Problem Solvers: AI startups are uniquely positioned to address some of the most pressing global challenges, from climate change to healthcare disparities, using data-driven AI solutions.
Economic Growth: The success of AI startups can lead to economic growth by creating jobs, stimulating investment, and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Future Transformation: AI startups are instrumental in shaping the future. They are working on projects that can redefine how we live, work and interact with technology, setting the stage for a more connected and efficient world.
In conclusion, AI startups are pivotal in shaping the future of innovation and transforming our society. While they face challenges like data privacy, talent shortage and regulatory hurdles, the promise they hold is immense.
By addressing real-world problems, fostering innovation and driving economic growth, AI startups are pioneers in the journey towards a more AI-enabled world. As these startups continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, the future looks promising, exciting and full of opportunities for those willing to embrace the AI revolution.
AI Ireland offers tailored presentations catering to your industry’s needs, providing invaluable insights into the transformative power of AI technologies. Stay ahead of the curve and equip your organisation with the knowledge it needs to confidently embrace the future.
Don’t miss the opportunity to enlighten your team and stakeholders. Book a presentation today and explore how innovation is positively impacting your industry.
AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution
AI Ireland are excited to unveil our new book, “AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution,” which is now accessible for purchase on Amazon. For executives, policy architects, or technology aficionados seeking to make sense of the intricate world of AI, “AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution” is your essential handbook. Now available on Amazon Kindle or hard copy, this book furnishes you with the expertise and instruments required to employ AI both effectively and ethically.
The fifth annual AI Awards takes place on Tuesday November 21st at the Gibson Hotel. This is an exciting opportunity to connect and network with over 200 AI and Data professionals across the island of Ireland and hear from some of the most exciting AI applications across industry and academia spanning 12 award categories.
Don’t miss the opportunity to get your discounted Early Bird tickets now! Offer ends October 31st so head over to aiawards.ie/tickets or Eventbrite and enter the discount code EarlyBird_AIA to get your ticket for just €99. Limited tickets available; Original Price €239.
Dublin Airport is no stranger to innovation and convenience, and it’s once again breaking new ground with the opening of its first-ever AI-operated store, “Dublin Town To Go.” Located in Terminal 1 Arrivals, this groundbreaking concept promises passengers a frictionless, checkout-free shopping experience. Partnering with international food operator SSP, the airport is redefining the way travellers pick up their travel essentials and treats.
The shopping process is remarkably simple. firstly, passengers looking to make a purchase at “Dublin Town To Go” need to scan their payment card at the entrance. From there, a combination of advanced camera technology and weight-sensor-enabled shelving takes over, detecting the items they select. Customers are charged automatically to the card they used for entry when they exit the shop. No more queues, no more waiting – just swift, hassle-free shopping.
The store’s product range is extensive, catering to the needs of departing and arriving passengers, as well as those waiting to welcome their loved ones. Whether you’re looking for a quick pre-flight coffee and sandwich or essentials like milk and cereal upon returning to Dublin Airport, “Dublin Town To Go” has you covered. From tea, coffee, pastries, sandwiches and salads to sweets, cereal, milk and toiletries, the store offers a variety of choices to suit every traveller’s needs.
Dublin Airport’s Chief Commercial and Development Officer, Vincent Harrison is enthusiastic about the new store’s potential to enhance passengers’ experiences. He mentioned: “The opening of a checkout-free store in the airport is something completely new and different for passengers, and we think they are going to love it.” He goes on to emphasise the shop’s ability to provide quick, hassle-free shopping for passengers’ convenience, whether departing or arriving.
The AI-operated “Dublin Town To Go” is not the first instance of automation at Dublin Airport. Graeme McQueen, Media Relations Manager at the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), points out that AI technology has already been integrated into various aspects of airport operations, from check-in desks to passport control. While automation is streamlining certain processes, he also highlighted that it is important to note that the human touch remains integral to delivering a warm welcome and an excellent overall experience for travellers.
Although “Dublin Town To Go” marks a first in Ireland, it follows in the footsteps of similar AI-powered stores that have opened in the UK and the U.S. Amazon’s “Amazon Fresh” shop, for instance, offers a comparable checkout-free experience, allowing customers to scan a code for entry and charging their Amazon Prime account for the items purchased.
Dublin Airport’s “Dublin Town To Go” store is open 24 hours a day, making it perfect for passengers arriving late at night or those in a hurry. It’s already gaining popularity, particularly among travellers who don’t speak English, further enhancing the airport’s commitment to providing a seamless experience for all passengers.
In partnership with SSP, Dublin Airport is setting the bar high for convenience and innovation, ensuring that passengers enjoy a cutting-edge shopping experience that’s quick, efficient and hassle-free. As technology continues to advance, it’s exciting to see how airports like Dublin are leveraging these innovations to improve the travel experience for everyone.
AI Ireland offers tailored presentations catering to your industry’s needs, providing invaluable insights into the transformative power of AI technologies. Stay ahead of the curve and equip your organisation with the knowledge it needs to confidently embrace the future.
Don’t miss the opportunity to enlighten your team and stakeholders. Book a presentation today and explore how innovation is positively impacting your industry.
AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution
AI Ireland are excited to unveil our new book, “AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution,” which is now accessible for purchase on Amazon. For executives, policy architects, or technology aficionados seeking to make sense of the intricate world of AI, “AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution” is your essential handbook. Now available on Amazon Kindle or hard copy, this book furnishes you with the expertise and instruments required to employ AI both effectively and ethically.
The fifth annual AI Awards takes place on Tuesday November 21st at the Gibson Hotel. This is an exciting opportunity to connect and network with over 200 AI and Data professionals across the island of Ireland and hear from some of the most exciting AI applications across industry and academia spanning 12 award categories.
Don’t miss the opportunity to get your discounted Early Bird tickets now! Offer ends October 31st so head over now to aiawards.ie/tickets or Eventbrite and enter the discount code EarlyBird_AIA to get your ticket for just €99. (Limited tickets available; Original Price €239.)
In an era marked by environmental challenges and the pressing need for sustainable solutions, Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a transformative force. From reducing carbon emissions to enhancing resource management, AI is playing a pivotal role in reshaping the way we approach sustainability.
This article explores the profound impact of AI on sustainability, highlighting some of the ways in which this powerful technology is driving positive change. We will also take a closer look at the nominated companies in the Best Application of AI in Sustainability category for the 2023 AI Awards.
One of the most significant contributions of AI to sustainability is in the efficient management of resources. AI-driven solutions are capable of analysing vast datasets to optimise resource consumption. This is particularly crucial in areas like energy management, where AI can adjust heating, cooling and lighting systems in buildings, reducing energy waste and cutting carbon emissions.
AI is also being harnessed for wildlife conservation efforts. AI-powered cameras and drones can monitor endangered species in remote locations, helping researchers gather crucial data on population trends and habitat usage. This technology assists in devising more effective conservation strategies and combating illegal poaching.
AI-driven precision agriculture is making farming more sustainable. By collecting data on soil quality, weather conditions and crop health, AI can optimize the use of resources like water and fertiliser. This not only reduces waste but also increases crop yields, ensuring food security for a growing global population.
In times of environmental crises, AI can play a crucial role in disaster response. AI-driven predictive models can help authorities anticipate and prepare for natural disasters. Additionally, AI-powered drones and robots can be used for search and rescue missions, reducing human risk.
In the corporate world, AI is transforming sustainability efforts. Companies are using AI to analyse their supply chains and reduce their environmental footprint. From reducing packaging waste to optimising logistics, AI helps businesses meet their sustainability goals while improving their bottom lines.
Best Application of AI in Sustainability
Analytics Engines
For their work in partnership with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute(AFBI) to develop an AI system for seabed object detection and tracking with the aim of improving analysis accuracy, reducing costs and setting new industry standards.
Gemmo AI
For developing an API for noise source identification to address noise pollution in Dublin and beyond to improve health and enhance the quality of life. It’s their vision to create a world where environmental surveillance safeguards the planet.
HireCompare
A 2023 startup aiming to revolutionise the traditional plant hire industry in Ireland by providing a digital, green and AI-driven platform that offers environmentally friendly alternatives, connects consumers with plant hire companies and promotes climate awareness.
ReLeafHubs
For using AI-driven solutions, including the myRWH.app recommender system and AI Digital Twins (AIDTs) to transform Remote Working Hubs (RWHs) in Ireland with the aim of reducing carbon emissions, boosting local economies and improving work-life balance.
The impact of AI on sustainability is undeniable. With its ability to analyse, predict and optimise, AI is driving innovative solutions that are not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable.
As we continue to face global challenges related to climate change and resource scarcity, AI offers a promising path towards a more sustainable future. By harnessing the power of AI, we can address these challenges head-on and pave the way for a greener, more resilient planet.
AI Ireland offers tailored presentations catering to your industry’s needs, providing invaluable insights into the transformative power of AI technologies. Stay ahead of the curve and equip your organisation with the knowledge it needs to confidently embrace the future.
Don’t miss the opportunity to enlighten your team and stakeholders. Book a presentation today and explore how innovation is positively impacting your industry.
AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution
AI Ireland are excited to unveil our new book, “AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution,” which is now accessible for purchase on Amazon. For executives, policy architects, or technology aficionados seeking to make sense of the intricate world of AI, “AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution” is your essential handbook. Now available on Amazon Kindle or hard copy, this book furnishes you with the expertise and instruments required to employ AI both effectively and ethically.
The fifth annual AI Awards takes place on Tuesday November 21st at the Gibson Hotel. This is an exciting opportunity to connect and network with over 200 AI and Data professionals across the island of Ireland and hear from some of the most exciting AI applications across industry and academia spanning 12 award categories.
Don’t miss the opportunity to get your discounted Early Bird tickets now! Head over to aiawards.ie/tickets or Eventbrite and enter the discount code EarlyBird_AIA to get your ticket for just €99. Limited tickets available; Original Price €239.
Welcome to episode E115 of the AI Ireland podcast, the show that explores the applications and research of Data Science, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence on the island of Ireland.