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Hello and welcome back to the latest ThinkBusiness Podcast, powered by Bank of Ireland. Today we speak with Fergal Brosnan, CEO of the RDI Hub in Kerry, about building a world-class innovation ecosystem in Ireland's south-west. We explore AI opportunities for entrepreneurs, the new AI Gateway initiative, developing regional talent, and how businesses can thrive in the AI age.
Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.

We speak with Ciaran Marron, the founder of Activ8 Solar Energies, one of Ireland's leading solar and renewable energy companies. From launching a business before solar power became mainstream to helping thousands of homes and businesses cut costs and reduce emissions, our guest has witnessed first-hand the transformation of Ireland's energy landscape.
We discuss the growth of the renewable energy sector, the challenges of scaling a business in a rapidly changing market, the role of technology and battery storage, and what Irish SMEs can do today to become more energy efficient, resilient and sustainable in the years ahead.
Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.

Today, we're joined by one of Ireland's most successful hospitality entrepreneurs, Lorraine Heskin, founder and CEO of Gourmet Food Parlour.
What began as a 25-seater café in Dún Laoghaire in 2006 has grown into a business serving more than seven million customers, generating over €20 million in annual revenue, employing more than 320 people and operating 11 locations across Ireland. Along the way, Gourmet Food Parlour has become a major player in catering, events and sports nutrition.
Lorraine joins us to discuss entrepreneurship, resilience, leadership, scaling a business over two decades, and what's next for one of Ireland's best-known hospitality brands.
Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.

Today's guest is Padraic O’Kane, the driving force behind one of Ireland's most successful international sporting events, the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. What began as an ambitious vision to bring American college football to Dublin has evolved into a major annual event that attracts tens of thousands of visitors, generates significant economic impact and showcases Ireland on a global stage.

We'll discuss the entrepreneurial journey behind the Classic, the challenges of building a transatlantic sports brand, the power of partnerships and why major events like this can deliver lasting benefits for Irish tourism, business and international reputation.
Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.

Artificial intelligence is transforming how businesses operate, but as adoption accelerates, questions around data control, privacy and digital sovereignty are becoming increasingly important.
My guest today is Tim Grant, Executive Chair of TensorX, the Irish company building sovereign AI infrastructure for Europe following an €8m funding round. We'll discuss why businesses want their AI data to stay within European jurisdiction, what digital sovereignty really means, and whether Europe can build its own trusted AI future.
Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.