Siren Investigates: 🪐 In-Orbit Intelligence, the Next Frontier in National Security 👨🚀 👩🚀
🛰️ In this special episode of Siren Investigates, Siren CEO John Randles sits down with Fintan Buckley, CEO and co-founder of Ubotica, a pioneering company bringing AI to space. From launching satellites to defending critical infrastructure, they explore how AI-powered Earth observation is transforming national security, maritime protection, and European defense strategy. 🌍🎙️ Hear how a Galway-based journey evolved into launching a satellite, surviving the South Atlantic Anomaly, and becoming a key player in safeguarding Europe’s future—above and below sea level.Topics covered include: 🪐 The role of AI in real-time satellite imaging 🪐 Detecting threats from seabed to space 🪐 The changing geopolitics of European Defence 🪐 Data centres in orbit and space tugs 🪐 Advice for engineers and entrepreneurs in space tech#AI #Satellites #NationalSecurity #MaritimeSecurity #SpaceTech #InOrbitIntelligence #SirenInvestigates #Ubotica #sirenpoweringinvestigationsChapters00:00 - Intro: Fintan Buckley joins Siren Investigates01:04 - What is Ubotica and how did it begin?03:00 - Galway’s tech roots and Movidius legacy05:20 - Bringing AI to space, origins with the ESA07:00 - Disrupting satellite development with AI09:10 - Real-time Earth observation and its impact11:00 - Maritime domain awareness: the use case13:00 - Protecting infrastructure from seabed to space15:00 - Geopolitics, Russian threats and critical infrastructure17:30 - Launching their own satellite and ESA partnership20:00 - The South Atlantic Anomaly a near-disaster recovery23:30 - AI-led decision-making and autonomy in orbit27:00 - Virtual constellations and multi-sensor fusion30:00 - Trusting AI to manage satellites in real-time33:00 - Space industry trends: tugs, debris, and orbital refuelling36:00 - Europe’s place in the space race38:30 - The push for a sovereign European satellite network40:00 - Advice for engineers and entrepreneurs42:00 - Radiation, AI resilience, and real world testing44:00 - Final thoughts, the future of AI in space
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Siren Investigates: The Surprising Link Between Decreasing Crime Rates and Health Access
⬇️ The Surprising Link 🔗 Between Decreasing Crime Rates and 💊 Health Access In this powerful episode of Siren Investigates, John Randles sits down with Dr. Ikpeme Neto, CEO and founder of Wellahealth, and Anita Wadja, CFO, to explore the high-stakes intersection of public health, poverty and crime in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa. 💊 What happens when a mother can’t afford malaria medication for her child?💵 How does a €1/month micro-health insurance plan transform lives and reduce crime? ☠️ Can better healthcare access disrupt terrorist recruitment pipelines? Dr. Neto shares his journey from medical school in Ireland to building one of Nigeria’s most socially impactful health tech companies. Anita recounts a personal story of loss that changed the course of her career, and reveals the economics behind Wellahealth's low-cost, high-impact insurance model. Topics include: 🌍 The realities of Nigeria’s 90% informal economy 🌍 How micro-insurance prevents social breakdown 🌍 The critical role of pharmacies in African healthcare 🌍 The broader impact of healthcare on crime prevention and stability This episode is more than a startup story, it's a look at how reimagining healthcare systems can save lives, stop crime, and increase community security 🌍 Learn how Wellahealth is expanding across Africa, from Nigeria to the Congo and why innovation, not charity, is the real engine of change. 🔔 Subscribe to Siren Investigates for more stories at the intersection of technology, security, and social impact. #SirenInvestigates #Wellahealth #HealthcareInnovation #Africa #CrimePrevention #Malaria #MicroInsurance #SocialImpact #JohnRandles #HealthTech #Nigeria #Congo #Podcast
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Siren Investigates: Europe Security At A Crossroads – A Conversation with Andrew Borene
🌍 As Europe navigates a rapidly shifting security landscape, nations are facing critical challenges—ranging from defense spending gaps to cyber threats, intelligence blind spots, and economic vulnerabilities. In this episode of Siren Investigates, host John Randles speaks with national security expert Andrew Borene to break down the key risks facing European countries and how they are adapting to an uncertain future.⭐ Andrew Borene is a recognized leader in national security, intelligence, and cybersecurity, with a distinguished career spanning government, defense, and the private sector. He is the Executive Director and Global Security Leader at Flashpoint, a leading threat intelligence firm, and serves on the boards of the Special Operations Association of America and the European Marshall Center’s Partnership for Peace initiative.⭐ Andrew has held key positions in U.S. intelligence and defense, including roles in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, as Deputy General Counsel at the Pentagon, and as a U.S. Marine Corps Military Intelligence Officer. His expertise extends to the corporate sector, where he has served in senior roles at IBM, Symantec, and LexisNexis, and was formerly the CEO of a publicly listed cybersecurity company.⭐ A frequent commentator on global security issues, Andrew has been featured on CNN, CNBC, NBC, CBS, Fox Business, and in major publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, The New York Times, BBC, and USA Today. His deep understanding of cybersecurity, hybrid warfare, and geopolitical risk makes him a sought-after expert in the fields of defense and intelligence.With experience in cyber threat intelligence, counterterrorism, and international security cooperation, Andrew Borene provides critical insights into the challenges shaping the future of global security.Key Topics Covered:🪖⚔️🛡️ Defense readiness and budget struggles – Can European nations sustain military preparedness amid constrained resources?🥷☠️💥 Cyber and hybrid threats – The increasing risk of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure and financial systems👩💻🌍👨✈️ Intelligence and information sharing gaps – The challenge of unifying intelligence efforts across agencies and allies💰💼📈 Economic and energy security – The impact of shifting global policies on Europe’s financial and energy stability⚓☠️🌍 Evolving threat landscapes – How emerging technologies and changing alliances are reshaping European securityWith threats ranging from cyber warfare to intelligence fragmentation and military funding concerns, this discussion provides a deep dive into how security and defense professionals are responding. Andrew Borene shares expert insights on what’s at stake for European nations and the strategies they are deploying to protect their interests.🎧 Don’t miss this expert analysis—Subscribe now for more insights from Siren Investigates!Join our webinar Europe Security at a Crossroads with Andrew Borene on 9th April 2025 here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7417435821659/WN_3jbiZGmBT2OxaLFMXBnJWw
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Siren Investigates the Realities of Child Protection Online
🔎 In this episode of Siren Investigates, we dive deep into online child protection and the technology that can help safeguard children from cyberbullying, grooming and harmful content. This episode of Siren Investigates focuses on online child protection and safety. Our goal is to educate and inform parents, educators, and professionals about the risks and solutions related to child exploitation online. We do not promote or condone any harmful behaviour discussed. If you or someone you know needs help, please seek professional support. 🔎 Our guest, Rena Maycock, CEO & Founder of CHIRP, shares her journey in developing AI-powered solutions to combat online child exploitation. We discuss the alarming rise of cyberbullying (40% of 12–16-year-olds encounter it), the challenges parents face, and how AI-driven intervention can protect kids in real-time. 💡 What you'll learn in this episode: The level of online risks: grooming, cyberbullying and self-harm contentHow CHIRP’s patented AI technology intercepts harmful messages and imagesThe role of legislation in forcing Big Tech to take actionHow law enforcement can leverage real-time reporting tools to speed up investigationsPractical tips for parents to protect their children online 🔗 More resources & links: Learn more about CHIRP: https://chirpfamily.com/Bookmark the Siren Investigates playlist: • Siren Investigates Podcast Cyberbullying & Child Safety Support: http://stopthebully.ie/ 👍 If you found this discussion valuable, like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into investigative technology and safety. #ChildSafety #Cyberbullying #AI #SirenInvestigates #ParentalControls #OnlineSafety #childprotection
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Sailing into Triumph: Crossing the Ocean of Determination
From Rugby Champion to Global Adventurer: Damian Browne with John RandlesIn this episode, John Randles, CEO of Siren, sits down with Damian Browne, former professional rugby player and the first man to row across the Atlantic from New York to Galway. Browne shares his remarkable journey from team sports to extreme solo adventures, revealing how the values of trust and leadership he learned on the rugby field translated into conquering some of the world's most daunting challenges.Damian opens up about his methodical approach to goal-setting and the power of keeping ambitions private until you're ready to pursue them. Rather than broadcasting his plans, he quietly prepared for years, saving money and researching his future adventures while still focused on his rugby career.Listen as Damian discusses with John:How senior players embodied team values and created a championship cultureHis seven step guide to overcoming fear and goal settingTackling the Atlantic Ocean despite minimal rowing experience and an inability to swimHis interrupted Everest expedition during COVID-19 and plans to returnWhy he deliberately seeks out challenges that frighten himWhether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or adventure enthusiast, this conversation between John and Damian offers valuable insights.
Welcome to Siren Investigates, the podcast where we explore the cutting edge of investigative technology and its impact on solving real-world challenges. Hosted by John Randles, CEO of Siren, this series brings you insightful conversations with leaders, innovators, and experts in law enforcement, cybersecurity, AI, and data intelligence.Each episode dives deep into how artificial intelligence, entity resolution, and data analytics are transforming investigations—from tackling complex criminal networks and supply chain fraud to addressing critical issues like the Fentanyl crisis and digital forensics. With a focus on real-world applications, Siren Investigates showcases the technologies that are reshaping how law enforcement operates, making investigations faster, smarter, and more accurate.Whether you're interested in the latest advancements in AI, the power of NORA (Non-Obvious Relationship Awareness), or how investigators are leveraging data to catch criminals in real time, this podcast offers a unique perspective on the future of investigative technology.Subscribe now to stay ahead of the curve and hear from the brightest minds shaping the future of investigations, law enforcement, and public safety.
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