E202 'A journey of innovation: Reflections and Prospects' with UCD's Liam Cronin
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
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E201 ‘Evolution of AI & Machine Learning in Customer Support’ with Intercom’s Fergal Reid
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
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E200 'Building an AI Community and Vision' Celebrating 200 episodes of AI Ireland with Mark Kelly
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
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E199 ‘Building Trust and Expertise in Financial Services’ with Reitigh’s Brian Walsh
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
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E198 ‘The New AI Era of Freight Management’ with Prodensus’ Frankie Bates
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
Join host Mark Kelly on the AI Ireland podcast as he explores the impactful applications of AI in both business and society.
Discover groundbreaking research, innovative technologies, and thought-provoking discussions on the ethical implications of AI.
Gain valuable insights into how AI is being applied to business and society, as Ireland drives positive change and fosters innovation in this dynamic podcast.
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