AI Ireland with Mark Kelly

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