Today's guest is Deirdre Lyons, CEO at Examfly. With a staggering 50% failure rate in some professional exams, the need for an effective, enjoyable studying experience is more critical than ever. This is precisely the challenge Deirdre Lyons is tackling with her pioneering startup, Examfly. In this episode, Deirdre explores her journey, the impact of technology and the role of AI in shaping the future of education.

Topics include:

0:00 Her journey from law and tax professional to entrepreneur inspired by learning

3:12 Transforming professional learning and business models with Examfly

4:21 How Irish startup support from Enterprise Ireland helped validate and develop the idea

5:43 Combining AI with Animation and interactive tools to enhance learning

7:06 Enabling scalable, high-quality content and personalized learning journeys with AI

9:01 Target customers such as large enterprises, especially Big Four firms, globally

11:00 How they raised €2.1M with investor feedback shaping growth strategy

13:24 Her advice to move fast, focus on core AI use cases and refine continuously

Today's guest is David Bermingham, Director of AI at Advancing Innovation in Manufacturing (AIM) Centre. The AIM Centre is dedicated to supporting Irish SMEs, particularly in the manufacturing sector, as they navigate the evolving landscape of AI. Their mission is to demystify AI, making it accessible and actionable for businesses of all sizes. Through clear communication and hands-on support, the AIM Centre helps companies move beyond buzzwords and focus on tangible use cases that drive efficiency and growth.Topics include:

0:00 AIM Centre's goal to guide SMEs to practical, applied AI solutions

3:10 How their Accelerator guides diverse SMEs from AI hype to practical use

9:13 Why companies prioritise simple AI fixes for efficiency

10:51 Streamlining workflows with AI, enabling growth through efficiency gains

15:34 Simple AI demos unlock potential, but scaling remains challenging

20:35 Post-accelerator, companies pursue new AI use cases

22:27 Their National AI Studio offers immersive, hands-on industry demonstrations

24:28 Sponsoring the AI Awards to showcase real manufacturing innovation and transformation

26:15 Falling AI costs democratize access, boosting business confidence

29:32 Getting involved with the AI accelerator which starts in October

Today's guest is Oisin Boydell, Chief Data Officer at Cortytics. One of the most pressing challenges within Artificial Intelligence remains regulation and compliance. As AI technology advances, businesses face the dual task of keeping pace with these changes while ensuring they remain compliant with regulations that are themselves in constant flux. In this podcast, Oisin sheds light on these challenges and the ways AI can aid compliance professionals.

Topics include:

0:00 His journey from From broad AI at Ceadar to compliance-focused AI at Corlytics

1:56 How AI assists humans in managing complex, evolving regulations

4:33 Ensuring ethical, trustworthy AI governance and compliance with ISO 42001

7:35 How AI assists compliance teams while humans retain final oversight

10:51 AI's role in helping track and interpret rapidly changing regulations

11:59 Helping businesses navigate and prove compliance with regulations

12:47 How LLMs excel in interpreting nuanced, semi-structured legal language

14:01 Why AI democratization lets non-experts use tools efficiently

14:54 Why AI literacy is crucial to prevent a technology divide

18:21 Book recommendations that explores technology’s societal impact

19:36 While AI’s impact is unpredictable; regulation and literacy are crucial

Today's guest is Dr. Lollie Mancey, Anthropologist, Futurist and Programme Director at UCD Innovation Academy. A self-described cyber anthropologist and futurist, Lollie effortlessly blends social anthropology, technology and entrepreneurship. Her interdisciplinary approach to understanding the world provides valuable insights into the ongoing cognitive revolution and the dynamic interplay between humans and technology.

Topics include:

0:00 A Cyber anthropologist blending academia, innovation, social justice & entrepreneurship

3:38 Her curious mind exploring AI’s deep societal, cognitive and justice impacts

6:47 Balancing roles, leveraging LinkedIn & being passionate about impactful connections

9:32 How years of storytelling, ritual study and preparation shape confident speaking

12:20 Why she values tangible learning over digital distractions

14:28 Why AI is overhyped with a hybrid human-AI future with unintended consequences

18:40 How AI companions reflect human loneliness, judgment and complex social needs

22:43 AI companionship can blur lines between personal data and humour

25:32 AI mirrors humanity’s flaws and strengths, guiding progress

27:26 AI empowers solo entrepreneurs, reshaping freedom and opportunity

28:45 Promoting AI literacy to bridge generations and ease loneliness

32:00 Excited for series two of Futureville exploring how Ireland shapes its future

Today’s guest is David Bowles, Managing Partner at The Yield Lab. In this enlightening conversation, David shares his journey and insights into the dynamic world of AgriFood Technology and venture capital. He delves into the foundational experiences that led him to his current role, the strategic decision-making involved in choosing AgriFood tech and the evolving role of AI in this sector.Topics include:

0:00 Growing The Yield Lab into Europe's leading AgriFood tech VC

1:16 His journey from Computer scientist turned consultant, joining ezetop during growth phase

3:18 How VC blends variety and smart founders, which was his perfect fit

4:35 Choosing AgriFood tech to merge Irish strengths and fight climate change

7:18 Investing in AgriFood tech using AI, science to cut emissions and innovate faster

10:29 How AI helps analyse deals, but summaries lack key facts

16:53 As AI aids research, experts drive deeper innovation insights

18:48 Why AI must add real value, not just hype, to succeed

22:52 Why AI literacy is crucial but broader, ongoing education is needed

26:54 How VC isn’t the only success path with the need to focus on real revenue

32:42 Helping founders grow by embracing a risk and failure culture

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 users

2:17 How AI supports dementia care ethically, enabling independent living

7:49 Their AI toolkit which supports dementia care with personalized reminders

12:15 Routines empower dementia patients, boosting confidence and autonomy

15:08 The role of music to evoke memories while AI empowers older adults

17:41 Generative AI risks shallow thinking, but expertise improves outcomes

20:42 Why a overreliance on AI can hinder deep learning and growth

24:36 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 solutions

2:46 Why many companies skip RPA before AI, missing easy wins

4:49 How AI enhances service, automates checks and predicts maintenance efficiently

9:30 Real-time AI decision-making advances in big firms, but small ones lag

11:34 Tighter budgets are prompting a shift toward greater efficiency

13:40 Starting AI as a capability builds readiness amid busy schedules

14:56 Advice to leverage existing AI-enabled tools before adopting new tech

16:47 Ensure strong governance and compliance before using sensitive data

17:57 Using AI daily for meeting notes, summaries and process mapping

20:49 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 research

5:06 Driven by fascination with weather, urgency in climate extremes

7:36 How AI has revolutionised weather forecasting, surpassing physics-based models

9:53 AI matches physics in paths but lags in extreme forecasting

11:03 AI connects climate data with human impact, enabling actionable insights

13:29 Balancing accessible data with meaningful human health insights remains challenging

15:26 How Climate change raises health, mental and energy efficiency concerns

17:27 Using AI weather models more efficiently can reduce carbon footprint

18:32 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 mother

3:17 David's journey from farming roots to global security and elder care

8:53 Promoting independence, connection and self-esteem for seniors

13:06 Empowering elderly independence with tech and healthcare partnerships

16:57 Designing simple tech empowering wise, loyal older users

19:24 Use case of how their tech helps elderly live and die with dignity

22:54 Passionately curing loneliness by reconnecting isolated seniors

27:42 How AI enhances care, efficiency and human connection seamlessly

29:08 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