Author: Sam Allcock

A new chapter in collaborative innovation has begun with the launch of the Irish-Welsh Research Alliance Award, an initiative aimed at fostering partnerships between universities in Ireland and Wales. This programme, introduced by the Wales Innovation Network (WIN) and Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland, is set to enhance the ability of researchers from both nations to secure Horizon Europe funding. This ambitious scheme is designed to address global challenges and drive scientific progress through innovative, cross-border projects. Grants of up to €60,000 are available to eligible research teams, with funding equally split between Research Ireland and WIN, the latter drawing…

Starting a new business can often feel isolating, but community enterprise centres across Ireland are changing that narrative. According to Siobhan Finn, CEO of the Community Enterprise Association Ireland (CEAI), these centres play a crucial role in supporting local entrepreneurs, enabling them to create sustainable employment and drive economic growth. Finn emphasises the value of engaging with community enterprise centres, which offer affordable workspace and a range of support services. From addressing cybersecurity challenges to providing guidance on product development, these centres are designed to help startups thrive. In 2023, the community enterprise sector contributed a remarkable €1.8 billion to…

Northern Ireland’s Investment Fund for Northern Ireland (IFNI) has successfully allocated €7.2 million in equity investments across six companies, with Banbridge-based Stora Software securing €1.5 million of this funding. This investment comprises €908,000 from the IFNI’s equity fund and an additional €666,000 from other financial sources, underscoring the growing interest in innovative tech solutions within the region. Stora Software, founded to meet the specific needs of self-storage facilities, offers management solutions that enhance operational efficiency, boost sales, and alleviate administrative burdens. Since its inception, the company has quickly established a significant presence in the UK market and is now poised…

The gaming industry has come a long way, evolving from pixelated simulations in the 1950s to today’s immersive, high-definition experiences. Now, with the rise of Web3, gaming is set to enter a transformative phase. Built on blockchain technology, Web3 promises to redefine how gamers and developers interact, creating opportunities that were once unimaginable. Opportunities of Web3 in Gaming builds on the foundations of its predecessors, Web1 and Web2. While Web1 offered basic, read-only web pages and Web2 enabled interactive platforms like social media, Web3 takes things further with decentralisation. By giving control back to users, it resolves issues like centralisation,…

Kris Marszalek, CEO of the global cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com, recently met with President-elect Donald Trump at his Florida resort to discuss pivotal topics concerning the future of the crypto industry. The meeting, held on 16 December, marked a significant moment as the sector seeks clarity on regulations and a supportive environment for innovation. During the private discussion, Marszalek and Trump explored issues such as Bitcoin reserves and key appointments in financial and regulatory institutions. This engagement underscores Marszalek’s commitment to fostering a transparent and innovation-driven regulatory framework for digital assets, which could set the tone for the next phase of…

Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) has imposed a hefty €251 million fine on Meta Platforms Inc. for a 2018 data breach that compromised the personal information of 29 million Facebook users. This penalty is part of ongoing enforcement of the EU’s GDPR regulation, under which Meta has faced multiple fines for privacy violations. The 2018 Cyberattack The breach occurred in September 2018 when hackers exploited a vulnerability in Facebook’s “View As” feature. This tool allowed users to view their profile as others would see it but contained a flaw that attackers manipulated to steal user access tokens. Access tokens are…

Irish rugby star James Ryan has secured his future with a new three-year contract extension, committing to the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and Leinster Rugby until the conclusion of the 2027/28 season. The 28-year-old second-row has been a cornerstone of Irish rugby, celebrated for his leadership and consistency on both domestic and international stages. A Stellar Career to Date Since making his Test debut in 2017 against the United States, Ryan has become an indispensable part of Ireland’s pack, playing 67 times for the national team and 89 matches for Leinster. Known for his dynamic contributions in the lineout…

Sinn Féin leaders Mary Lou McDonald TD and Declan Kearney MLA have unveiled the latest Future of Ireland report, summarising the work of the Commission on the Future of Ireland since its inception in 2022. The report underscores significant progress in fostering discussions on constitutional change and Irish Unity through grassroots consultations, public engagements, and cross-party dialogues. Progress Towards Irish Unity Mary Lou McDonald, President of Sinn Féin, praised the positive engagement from diverse groups, including community organisations, economists, academics, youth groups, and unionist voices. She noted: “The breadth of participation, including northern Protestant perspectives, has been immensely encouraging. This…

As Europe pushes forward with its green and digital transformations, the spotlight turns to the energy-intensive world of data centres. These facilities power essential online services, from banking to e-commerce, yet they account for a significant portion of the continent’s electricity consumption. Addressing their sustainability is now a critical challenge for policymakers and industry leaders alike. Rising Energy Demands At a recent event in Brussels, hosted by the European Data Centre Association (EUDCA) and Cloud Infrastructure Service Providers in Europe (CISPE), experts emphasised the importance of data centres. According to Alban Schmutz, CISPE’s chairman, “Without data centres, you have no…

Israel has announced the closure of its embassy in Ireland, a move prompted by the Irish government’s recognition of a Palestinian state and its support for South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This decision has sparked a strong reaction from Irish officials, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two nations. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar made the announcement, stating, “The decision to close Israel’s embassy in Dublin was made in light of the extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish government.” He further accused Ireland of crossing “every red line” in its relations with…