Today's guest is Aisling Browne, CEO and Co-Founder at Glitch. Glitch are a pioneering company set on transforming the world of B2B marketing through unique insights and solutions. The company is built on a foundation of resilience, with strategic partnerships and innovative approaches spearheading its success. In this podcast, Aisling delves into their journey, their unique value proposition and how they are addressing the complex challenges faced by businesses today.Topics include:0:00 Her journey from rom politics to startups, partnerships and entrepreneurship3:51 How early startup lessons shaped a smart, resilient founder mindset6:59 Lessons from highs and lows such as resilience, foresight & adaptability9:13 Making B2B ads accessible through Glitch with agency-level support12:29 How Glitch bridges ads, insights and sales–marketing alignment15:04 Using data to reveal real customers, not assumptions16:55 Leveraging AI to massively boost productivity and efficiency
Today's guest is Deirdre Lyons, CEO at Examfly. With a staggering 50% failure rate in some professional exams, the need for an effective, enjoyable studying experience is more critical than ever. This is precisely the challenge Deirdre Lyons is tackling with her pioneering startup, Examfly. In this episode, Deirdre explores her journey, the impact of technology and the role of AI in shaping the future of education.Topics include:0:00 Her journey from law and tax professional to entrepreneur inspired by learning3:12 Transforming professional learning and business models with Examfly4:21 How Irish startup support from Enterprise Ireland helped validate and develop the idea5:43 Combining AI with Animation and interactive tools to enhance learning7:06 Enabling scalable, high-quality content and personalized learning journeys with AI9:01 Target customers such as large enterprises, especially Big Four firms, globally11:00 How they raised €2.1M with investor feedback shaping growth strategy13:24 Her advice to move fast, focus on core AI use cases and refine continuously
Today's guest is David Bermingham, Director of AI at Advancing Innovation in Manufacturing (AIM) Centre. The AIM Centre is dedicated to supporting Irish SMEs, particularly in the manufacturing sector, as they navigate the evolving landscape of AI. Their mission is to demystify AI, making it accessible and actionable for businesses of all sizes. Through clear communication and hands-on support, the AIM Centre helps companies move beyond buzzwords and focus on tangible use cases that drive efficiency and growth.Topics include:0:00 AIM Centre's goal to guide SMEs to practical, applied AI solutions3:10 How their Accelerator guides diverse SMEs from AI hype to practical use9:13 Why companies prioritise simple AI fixes for efficiency10:51 Streamlining workflows with AI, enabling growth through efficiency gains15:34 Simple AI demos unlock potential, but scaling remains challenging20:35 Post-accelerator, companies pursue new AI use cases22:27 Their National AI Studio offers immersive, hands-on industry demonstrations24:28 Sponsoring the AI Awards to showcase real manufacturing innovation and transformation26:15 Falling AI costs democratize access, boosting business confidence29:32 Getting involved with the AI accelerator which starts in October
Today's guest is Oisin Boydell, Chief Data Officer at Cortytics. One of the most pressing challenges within Artificial Intelligence remains regulation and compliance. As AI technology advances, businesses face the dual task of keeping pace with these changes while ensuring they remain compliant with regulations that are themselves in constant flux. In this podcast, Oisin sheds light on these challenges and the ways AI can aid compliance professionals.Topics include:0:00 His journey from From broad AI at Ceadar to compliance-focused AI at Corlytics1:56 How AI assists humans in managing complex, evolving regulations4:33 Ensuring ethical, trustworthy AI governance and compliance with ISO 420017:35 How AI assists compliance teams while humans retain final oversight10:51 AI's role in helping track and interpret rapidly changing regulations11:59 Helping businesses navigate and prove compliance with regulations12:47 How LLMs excel in interpreting nuanced, semi-structured legal language14:01 Why AI democratization lets non-experts use tools efficiently14:54 Why AI literacy is crucial to prevent a technology divide18:21 Book recommendations that explores technology’s societal impact19:36 While AI’s impact is unpredictable; regulation and literacy are crucial
Today's guest is Dr. Lollie Mancey, Anthropologist, Futurist and Programme Director at UCD Innovation Academy. A self-described cyber anthropologist and futurist, Lollie effortlessly blends social anthropology, technology and entrepreneurship. Her interdisciplinary approach to understanding the world provides valuable insights into the ongoing cognitive revolution and the dynamic interplay between humans and technology.Topics include:0:00 A Cyber anthropologist blending academia, innovation, social justice & entrepreneurship3:38 Her curious mind exploring AI’s deep societal, cognitive and justice impacts6:47 Balancing roles, leveraging LinkedIn & being passionate about impactful connections9:32 How years of storytelling, ritual study and preparation shape confident speaking12:20 Why she values tangible learning over digital distractions14:28 Why AI is overhyped with a hybrid human-AI future with unintended consequences18:40 How AI companions reflect human loneliness, judgment and complex social needs22:43 AI companionship can blur lines between personal data and humour25:32 AI mirrors humanity’s flaws and strengths, guiding progress27:26 AI empowers solo entrepreneurs, reshaping freedom and opportunity28:45 Promoting AI literacy to bridge generations and ease loneliness32:00 Excited for series two of Futureville exploring how Ireland shapes its future
Today’s guest is David Bowles, Managing Partner at The Yield Lab. In this enlightening conversation, David shares his journey and insights into the dynamic world of AgriFood Technology and venture capital. He delves into the foundational experiences that led him to his current role, the strategic decision-making involved in choosing AgriFood tech and the evolving role of AI in this sector.Topics include:0:00 Growing The Yield Lab into Europe's leading AgriFood tech VC1:16 His journey from Computer scientist turned consultant, joining ezetop during growth phase3:18 How VC blends variety and smart founders, which was his perfect fit4:35 Choosing AgriFood tech to merge Irish strengths and fight climate change7:18 Investing in AgriFood tech using AI, science to cut emissions and innovate faster10:29 How AI helps analyse deals, but summaries lack key facts16:53 As AI aids research, experts drive deeper innovation insights18:48 Why AI must add real value, not just hype, to succeed22:52 Why AI literacy is crucial but broader, ongoing education is needed26:54 How VC isn’t the only success path with the need to focus on real revenue32:42 Helping founders grow by embracing a risk and failure culture
Today's guest is Dympna O'Sullivan, Academic Lead, Digital Futures Research Hub at Technological University Dublin. In the podcast, Dympna shares her valuable insights into how AI technologies are reshaping the landscape for those living with age-related cognitive challenges, such as dementia. She also covers topics from ethical AI use to empowering individuals with dementia to live independently.Topics include: 0:00 Her journey building AI assistive tech co-designed with cognitive-impaired users2:17 How AI supports dementia care ethically, enabling independent living7:49 Their AI toolkit which supports dementia care with personalized reminders12:15 Routines empower dementia patients, boosting confidence and autonomy15:08 The role of music to evoke memories while AI empowers older adults17:41 Generative AI risks shallow thinking, but expertise improves outcomes20:42 Why a overreliance on AI can hinder deep learning and growth24:36 Advocating for AI literacy, empowering users and including citizen voices
Today's guest is Rebecca Keenan, Global Head of Intelligent Automation at Expleo Group. In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, companies are constantly seeking ways to leverage artificial intelligence and automation to enhance productivity and solve complex problems. In today’s podcast, Rebecca shares her insights on the transformative power of AI and the importance of strategic implementation in organisation’s today.Topics include:0:00 Her journey in tech from growing an RPA team to now leading AI solutions2:46 Why many companies skip RPA before AI, missing easy wins4:49 How AI enhances service, automates checks and predicts maintenance efficiently9:30 Real-time AI decision-making advances in big firms, but small ones lag11:34 Tighter budgets are prompting a shift toward greater efficiency13:40 Starting AI as a capability builds readiness amid busy schedules14:56 Advice to leverage existing AI-enabled tools before adopting new tech16:47 Ensure strong governance and compliance before using sensitive data17:57 Using AI daily for meeting notes, summaries and process mapping20:49 Clear storytelling and hands-on involvement help people embrace AI
Today's guest is Andrew Parnell, Met Éireann Full Professor of Data Science for Weather and Climate at University College Dublin. In the episode, Andrew discusses how his career path took an unexpected yet impactful turn. Originally aspiring to become a banker, Andrew now works at the intersection of climate change, AI and weather forecasting. This transition reflects not only a personal journey of aligning work with purpose but also highlights the larger narrative of how AI is revolutionising weather forecasting and related fields.Topics include:0:00 His journey from maths to climate action; now curating collaborative research5:06 Driven by fascination with weather, urgency in climate extremes7:36 How AI has revolutionised weather forecasting, surpassing physics-based models9:53 AI matches physics in paths but lags in extreme forecasting11:03 AI connects climate data with human impact, enabling actionable insights13:29 Balancing accessible data with meaningful human health insights remains challenging15:26 How Climate change raises health, mental and energy efficiency concerns17:27 Using AI weather models more efficiently can reduce carbon footprint18:32 An insight into Met Éireann funding UCD's PhD degrees in AI weather forecasting
Today's guest is Scott Lien, CEO and Co-Founder at GrandPad and David Walsh, Chairman at HaloCare. In this podcast, we explore how technology is being innovatively integrated into elderly care, offering transformative solutions to improve the quality of life for seniors. David and Scott are leading the way in this field, by applying Artificial Intelligence to tackle the challenges faced by older adults and their caregivers.Topics include:0:00 Scott's tech journey improving lives, inspired by his elderly mother3:17 David's journey from farming roots to global security and elder care8:53 Promoting independence, connection and self-esteem for seniors13:06 Empowering elderly independence with tech and healthcare partnerships16:57 Designing simple tech empowering wise, loyal older users19:24 Use case of how their tech helps elderly live and die with dignity22:54 Passionately curing loneliness by reconnecting isolated seniors27:42 How AI enhances care, efficiency and human connection seamlessly29:08 Enabling predictive care, efficiency and language translation
Today's guest is Kalika Bali, Senior Principal Researcher atMicrosoft Research India. In the episode, Kalika talks about her intriguing journey and impactful work, as well as peeling back the layers of how accidental moments can shape careers and how language technologies are transforming lives worldwide. Topics include: 0:00 Her unconventional journey into the world oflinguistics 2:11 Her role as researcher at Microsoft with a focus onmultilingual, inclusive tech 6:19 Making tech accessible across languages, cultures andbiases 12:56 Promoting gender-aware AI, not gender-neutral blindspots 15:43 Using AI for idea generation, emails and feedback inher daily life 18:25 How AI speeds up research, especially literaturereviews 20:36 Why language tech preserves identity, not just ensuresaccess 23:41 Advice to focus on meaningful problems, not fleetingAI trends
Today's guest is Kevin Magee, Chief Technology Officer at All Human. In the episode, Kevin shares his wealth of experience and insights developed over a 30-year career in the tech sector. From startups to multinational corporations, Kevin's journey is filled with diverse experiences that offer valuable perspectives on innovation and the evolving landscape of AI.Topics include:0:00 His 30+ years of experience innovating across tech, startups, research & VC3:20 Why human connection drives impact, velocity and tech integration4:39 Joining All Human for impact, creativity and meaningful change7:57 Start with customer experience, then drive internal transformation12:19 As vision evolves, start with experience and adapt through insights14:38 How AI accelerates innovation with 'vibe scaling 'bridging creativity and production21:29 Blending digital and physical to transform healthcare23:26 Exploring future AI experiences beyond basic chat interfaces28:51 Using AI agents for daily news briefings in his daily life
Today's guest is Liam Cronin, Director of Innovation at University College Dublin and former CEO at the RDI Hub. In this episode, Liam reflects on six impactful years at RDI Hub, highlighting job creation, European funding and AI program successes. Now in his new role Nova UCD, he aims to support startups, drive AI innovation and build strategic partnerships.Topics include:0:00 His six-year journey building an impactful, community-driven, applied AI hub5:07 Having an inclusive, customer-driven approach shaped by community feedback6:59 With a huge AI demand, the challenge now is national scale10:06 Why the biggest barrier is time, not willingness and advice to start small12:31 How success in AI needs a people, productivity, and profit focus15:57 The 2025 AI summer school with a focus on finance18:07 Moving to UCD to lead innovation and startups
Today's guest is Fergal Reid, VP of Artificial Intelligence at Intercom. Fergal is an experienced AI professional who has navigated the complexities of the ever-changing AI field. From machine learning ventures to strategic roles in prominent organisations like Intercom, Fergal provides invaluable insights into how AI is shaping the future.Topics include:0:00 His journey from Computer science to startups, PhD, Optimizely & Intercom4:07 Why he was drawn to Intercom’s Dublin HQ, ML opportunity and impact5:40 How Intercom embraced AI post-ChatGPT, rapid pivot and adoption9:52 Automating complex support flows reliably and profitably with Fin14:52 A high-performing AI team balancing autonomy, fast experiments & accountability19:10 While AI progress is slowing; core tech still improves & AI reshapes work25:41 Policymakers must prepare as AI transforms customer service29:12 Why he wouldn’t redo his PhD now but AI changes research and careers
As part of our milestone 200th episode, the roles are reversed as AI Ireland Founder Mark Kelly takes the hotseat as he delves into the visions, accomplishments, and aspirations of AI Ireland. The host of this special episode: Artificial Intelligence. Join Mark and his virtual host as he explores the nuances of AI, from its humble beginnings to its transformative impact on industries and its potential to reshaping the future.Topics include:0:00 From humble beginnings to building a thriving AI community2:11 Making AI accessible, inclusive and community-driven3:16 Excitement for how Agentic AI is transforming healthcare 5:26 Advice to solve real problems, start small and learn from others6:15 Showcasing everyday AI use cases to inspire action7:39 Using AI personas, prompts and future-thinking for insights9:29 Being surprised by guests' humility and problem-solving focus10:32 Using AI to boost productivity, innovate and grow
Today's guest is Brian Walsh, CEO at Reitigh. In the episode, Brian explores the nuanced perspectives surrounding AI in the financial services industry. He sheds light on the challenges of growing a business, the importance of specialisation and the strategic use of AI as a tool rather than a magic bullet. This episode was produced in partnership with Enterprise Ireland.Topics include: 0:00 Co-founding Reitigh to solve data integration challenges1:59 Opting for Bootstrapped, profitable, trust-driven growth over rapid fundraising4:36 Navigating silent sales cycles through networking and iteration7:20 Investing in specialist talent to drive differentiation8:22 Connecting financial systems to add actuarial insight and support9:39 How Specialist support builds trust, drives referrals and enables growth11:41 Realistic AI use amid hype, regulation, geopolitical risks14:31 How AI enables automating document data extraction with oversight16:17 Build deep domain expertise, invest in smart people, use AI as accelerator19:08 Advice to use Enterprise Ireland early and find open, hungry mentors22:15 Plans on scaling sales, rebranding and unified messaging for growth
Today’s guest is Frankie Bates, CEO and Co-Founder at Prodensus. In the podcast, Frankie delves deep into the birth of his groundbreaking company, Prodensus, highlighting the innovative strides and the challenges of operating within the freight industry.Topics include:0:00 How a frustration with data inefficiency led to founding Prodensus2:08 Why data accuracy is critical as freight data errors cost millions3:03 Automating logistics data to reduce cost and gain insights4:15 How their AI pivot was validated by winning at the National Startup Awards5:23 Adapting quickly and empowering a tech-passionate team7:02 Using algorithms to categorise, clean and analyse ambiguous freight data8:32 How the Microsoft's founders program provided unexpected value beyond cloud services9:37 Global supply chain disruptions highlight the need for data-driven optionality
Today's guest is Marie Toft, Founder and CEO at Emotionise. In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, emotions and technology might seem like disparate concepts. However, today’s guest Marie, with her unique background and visionary approach, has seamlessly intertwined these elements to create a groundbreaking AI model. Her journey is a testament to the power of emotional intelligence in tech innovation.Topics include:Today's guest is Marie Toft, Founder and CEO at Emotionise. In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, emotions and technology might seem like disparate concepts. However, today’s guest Marie, with her unique background and visionary approach, has seamlessly intertwined these elements to create a groundbreaking AI model. Her journey is a testament to the power of emotional intelligence in tech innovation.Topics include:0:00 Her journey from broadcasting to building an emotionally intelligent AI startup3:14 How the pandemic pivot sparked a bold AI startup despite scepticism5:14 EIMEAR, their emotionally intelligent AI with proprietary training data7:43 Building a rare, valuable emotional intelligence dataset from scratch8:50 How only 30% passed their emotional intelligence writing test10:48 Leveraging Microsoft credits as an early OpenAI adopter14:51 How education and communication are key to overcome fear of AI16:58 How AI impacts all aspects of life, requires change management
Today's guest is Patricia Scanlon, Founder, Chair of Ireland's AI Council & Ireland's AI Ambassador. In a thought-provoking discussion, Patricia delves into the transformative impact of AI on education, business, and society. Her conversation explores the journey of innovation, the challenges of early adoption and the ethical implications of AI technology.Topics include:0:00 How her previous work in ethical voice AI transformed education industry standards5:11 The AI Ambassador role has evolved from awareness to expert-led collaboration7:15 Being fascinated by AI's societal impact and inner workings7:58 AI progress is shockingly fast and unpredictable9:29 Why AI is overhyped in valuations but underhyped in business integration12:50 The importance of AI literacy and role of tools like ChatGPT to learn16:08 Advice to hire AI-savvy employees or those willing to learn AI
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and innovation, the journey of entrepreneurship is often fraught with challenges, discoveries, and milestones. Dermot Casey, a seasoned entrepreneur and innovation advocate, provides an insightful narrative about his experiences and the transformative role of technology in today's world.Topics include:0:00 His journey from From rural Ireland to AI pioneer2:23 Building Storyful from startup to acquisition in four years7:23 His experience with NDRC supporting early-stage tech companies10:22 Know when to quit and how persistence can sometimes cause harm12:38 Success is about relationships and everyone is figuring it out14:35 How Ireland excels in innovation but needs greater investment and vision21:24 Why Ireland should encourage entrepreneurship through education, collaboration and investment25:04 Workshops teach AI for productivity, creativity and data analysis28:49 Using AI to analyze proprietary data improves decision-making and innovation32:27 Applying AI to analyze reviews, solve problems, and enhance productivity34:12 Advice to solve a significant problem, keep it simple and use authentic marketing