AI Ireland with Mark Kelly

Kieran McCorry, National Technology Officer at Microsoft Ireland, dives into how AI is transforming the workplace. He discusses the uneven adoption of AI across levels and genders, revealing that senior leaders harness it more due to top-down approaches. Kieran highlights the importance of practical AI training from employers, emphasizing that workers seek accessible resources. He explains how AI tools like Copilot enhance focus and productivity while reshaping job roles and boosting career acceleration, warning that employees will move on if workplaces lag in AI adoption.

Today’s guest is Jennifer Geraghty Ryan, Principal Product Manager at Microsoft. In the podcast, Jennifer delves into the rapidly evolving world of AI agents, from covering the significant recent advancements and taking a glimpse into the transformative potential AI holds for businesses across diverse sectors.Topics include:0:00 Working on Microsoft’s autonomous agents program and AI governance2:17 How Microsoft agents now support multi-agent collaboration and deep research3:56 How Research agents work autonomously and show transparent reasoning processes5:30 An insight into agents clarifying problems, using internal data and automating tasks8:13 Applying AI to enable rapid product testing, feedback and persona insights11:31 How agents can learn in real time from other agents12:58 AI agents provide diverse perspectives through role-playing simulations15:56 Effective AI use requires feedback, context, and iterative prompting18:00 How Teams Copilot automates meeting recaps and workflow documentation20:05 AI captures tacit knowledge and automates workflows effectively

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

Dr. Lollie Mancey, an anthropologist and futurist at UCD Innovation Academy, explores the fascinating intersection of technology and humanity. She discusses AI's societal impacts, emphasizing the balance between innovation and social justice. Lollie critiques the overhyping of AI, predicting a hybrid human-tech future with unintentional consequences. She also touches on the emotional complexity of AI companions and their role in addressing loneliness, highlighting the need for AI literacy to ensure meaningful human connections in a tech-driven world.

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