By David Stephen

The most important objective of any publication that is dedicated to psychiatry is the question of how psychiatry conspicuously moves forward, especially in an era of burgeoning AI mental health therapists.

It does not matter if the publication is mainstream or not, anti-psychiatry or not, publishes frequently or not, the justification for existence, in psychiatry, a field that stretches mental disorders and addictions, that both remain unknown and intractable, is that can there be answers that close in against the conditions?

Are Psychiatric Times the past or future?

There is no psychiatric publication anywhere in the world today, critical or conformist, that has made any major conceptual leap, in brain science, towards understanding psychiatric disorders.

Nothing else matters, including publication mandate, if there are no aggressive efforts into answering unknowns about the brain, postulating for possibilities against mental disorders and addictions.

If this standard is used to assess MJH Life Sciences Psychiatric Times, it is a failed channel, with no particular relevance for advancement in the field.

Psychiatric Times is a 41-year-old publication, with the current Editor-in-Chief, John J. Miller, MD, at the helm in the last six. But there is nothing at all that they have contributed in four decades that indisputable progress in brain science owes them.

There is nothing reputable about preserving credibility that cannot solve indispensable problems in a field in want. There are often so many tangential posts on Psychiatric Times that the question is often like, do they really know that no one knows what mental health is, are they just unserious, or is prevaricating an editorial policy? They don't even meet the bar for trying enough, given that they supposedly have authority on their own turf.

Are they comfortable that the field does not have answers and they just keep publishing because they must? Have they given up and just coasting as professional lame duck? How much should they be pressing on components in the brain and postulating at mechanisms?

For example, what exactly is schizophrenia in the brain? Or, any other mental illness? What is an addiction to a substance? How is it different from addiction to an algorithm? What exactly is addiction in the brain?

There are at least three options to properly answer these questions, given empirically-supported evidence in neuroscience. Neurons, then their electrical signals and chemical signals. So, whatever must be described about how mental disorders or addictions work, should be connected with neurons and their electrical and chemical signals.

Now, since neurons are cell, and do not have enough flexibility or ability to change that much to structure all the functions of mind, therefore it is possible to assume that the mind is the combination of electrical and chemical signals.

Also, because neurons are in clusters, electrical and chemical signals can be said to be in sets [or loops] across clusters. This is where they mechanize functions, directly, nothing else, conceptually.

Though genes have an effect, genes are still not the human mind. So, they must influence electrical and chemical signals. If it is said that social, economic and environment issues affect mental health, it should be known that what mechanizes that, at least conceptually, are electrical and chemical signals. When there is an episode in a disorder, what to track for contrast — from when there is no episode — are the electrical and chemical signals.

It can be postulated that in a set, electrical and chemical signals interact, and there are states that they are, at the time of the interactions that decide the extents. This is how they organize information, labeled as memory, feeling, emotions and regulation of internal signals. It is the interactions and attributes of electrical and chemical signals that can be used to conceptually explain all mental disorders.

This is where the next p...

The 2026 Bad Bot Report: Bad Bots in the Agentic Age, revealing a fundamental shift in how the internet operates, as AI-accelerated automation becomes a defining feature of modern digital infrastructure.

The findings highlight three major structural changes: the emergence of AI agents as a new category of internet traffic, the dominance of automated activity over human interaction, and the rapid expansion of attacks targeting APIs and identity systems that serve as the backbone of digital business.

Malicious Bots and what to watch!

AI Is Redefining Internet Traffic and Security

The report shows that AI is not just increasing the volume of bot activity, but fundamentally changing its nature. In 2025, AI-driven bot attacks surged 12.5x compared to the previous year.

More significantly, AI agents are now emerging as a third category of traffic, alongside traditional "good" and "bad" bots, interacting directly with applications and APIs to retrieve data and perform tasks. This shift is blurring the line between legitimate and malicious automation, making it increasingly difficult for organizations to determine intent.

"AI is transforming automation from something organizations try to block into something they must also manage," Tim Chang, Global Vice President and General Manager, Application Security at Thales, said. "The challenge is no longer identifying bots. It's understanding what the bot, agent, or automation is doing, whether it aligns with business intent, and how it interacts with critical systems."

This evolution is creating a growing visibility gap. Much of today's AI-driven activity remains unverified or indistinguishable from legitimate traffic, meaning organizations are operating with an incomplete view of the risks they face.

Bots Increasingly Outnumber Humans Online

The report shows automation tightening its grip on the internet, with bots continuing to outpace human activity. In 2025, bots made up more than 53% of all web traffic, up from 51% the previous year, while human activity fell to 47%. This reflects a structural shift rather than a temporary trend, with bots no longer tied to specific events like scraping or credential stuffing campaigns, but instead operating as a persistent and expected presence across digital environments.

APIs and Identity Systems Become the Primary Attack Surface

As digital services increasingly rely on APIs to power core functionality, attackers are following suit. The report finds that 27% of bot attacks now target APIs, where bots can bypass user interfaces and interact directly with backend systems at machine speed.

These attacks often appear legitimate, using valid authentication and well-formed requests, but exploit business logic, extract sensitive data, or manipulate workflows at scale. The impact is especially pronounced in high-value sectors. Financial services accounted for 24% of all bot attacks and 46% of account takeover incidents, underscoring how automation is being used to directly monetize cyberattacks.

A New Era of Machine-Driven Interaction

As AI adoption accelerates, the report reveals that the internet is now fundamentally machine driven. Bots are no longer simply tools used by attackers; they are active participants in digital systems, shaping traffic patterns, influencing business metrics, and interacting with systems in real time. In this environment, the ability to manage automation at scale with precision is critical to maintaining security, performance, and trust.

Confronting the Rise of Uncontrolled Automation

The report concludes that traditional security approaches focused on identifying and blocking bots are not sufficient in an environment where automation is both pervasive and often legitimate. Organizations must move toward a governance-based model, combining visibility, policy enforcement, and behavioral analysis to distinguish between acceptable and harmful automation. This includes defining which AI agents are allowed to interact with systems...

A new report by Greenhouse, the leading hiring platform, reveals that AI interviews are becoming mainstream in Ireland, but the first wave has failed on transparency, trust, and candidate experience. A third (36%) of Irish job seekers have now been interviewed by an AI, according to the Greenhouse 2026 Candidate AI Interview Report, which surveyed 2,950 active job seekers. Yet 27% of Irish candidates have already walked away from a hiring process because it included an AI interview, and another 23% say they would.

AI is Everywhere. Transparency Isn't

Candidates aren't rejecting AI. They're rejecting how it's being used. Among those who have experienced an AI interview, 86% were never clearly told upfront that AI would be evaluating them, and one in five (21%) only found out once the process had already started. Just 1 in 10 Irish candidates say employers have clear AI policies, yet 60% believe disclosure should be a legal requirement.

The biggest triggers for Irish candidates walking away from the process include: companies failing to disclose how AI would be used (26%), pre-recorded video interviews scored by AI with no human present (18%), and AI monitoring during the process (15%). Among those who completed an AI interview, just 9% moved forward to the next round, while 30% were formally rejected, and 39% never heard back.

"Most AI in hiring today is making a bad system worse: more applications, less signal, and less transparency," says Daniel Chait, CEO and Co-Founder of Greenhouse. "But the process AI is being built on top of was already broken. Nobody likes writing CVs and filling out clunky job applications. Candidates want a better way to get seen, and companies want a better way to find the right people. A 15-minute conversation with an AI where a candidate can show who they are is a better front door than a keyword-stuffed CV. That's not going to come from layering AI on top of a broken process. It's going to come from building a better one."

"Candidates are telling us exactly what they want, and it isn't complicated: tell them when AI is in the room and what it's measuring. Right now, most employers are failing that test," says Sharawn Tipton, Chief People Officer at Greenhouse. "And let's not pretend. AI isn't fixing bias, it's scaling it. Candidates can feel that, and when they walk away, it's not just a missed hire, it's a reputation problem that compounds. Until we get honest about what these tools are actually measuring and own it when they get it wrong, we're just repackaging the same problem."

Irish Candidates Aren't Anti-AI; They Want Better AI

Only 22% of Irish job seekers want less AI in hiring. The majority want the same or more, but with guardrails: the option to request a human interview instead (49%), knowing that a human reviews AI's evaluation before any decision is made (37%), and being told upfront that AI is involved (33%). They also want proof that the system is accountable: 27% want a clear explanation of what the AI is measuring, and 23% want evidence that the tool has been audited for bias.

When AI interviews are done well, Irish candidates notice: 20% came away with a more positive view of the employer. On the flip side, 53% came away with a more negative perception of the company – the highest negative sentiment of any market surveyed. The gap isn't about whether to use AI. It's about whether employers are willing to build it on a foundation of transparency, fairness, and accountability, the same principles that define structured hiring.

To read the full report, click here.

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In just a few weeks, Dublin will become the epicentre of global innovation as it plays host to the second annual 'Dublin Tech Week'. After last year's successful launch 'Dublin Tech Week' once again promises to energise the city with the brightest ideas, the boldest technology, and a shared vision for the future.

Running from 22–29 May, this initiative will unite the capital's top innovators, global tech leaders, creatives, educators, and the wider community through a dynamic mix of over 30 events, spanning everything from AI and cybersecurity to blockchain, smart cities, fintech and beyond.

From flagship conferences like the Dublin Tech Summit in the RDS, the TechFoundHer Summit in the Mansion House, the Enfuse Finals in Wood Quay, Gamerfest in the RDS, a variety of Kids Coding events in Fingal and a number of Smart Dublin Events such as Drones in public service Workshop. There will be something for everyone on a programme that is designed to be as accessible as it is ambitious.

Ross Curley, Head of Economic Development, Dublin City Council & Dublin Regional Place Brand said: "Dublin is one of Europe's most important tech hubs and a leading smart city. Dublin City Council and the Dublin Regional Brand are proud to once again support Dublin Tech Week showcasing our world-class talent, cutting-edge innovation, and community spirit. Initiatives like this not only highlight our position as a leader in the tech industry but also inspire future innovation, and strengthen our city's reputation as a forward-thinking, welcoming and thriving destination for local and global business."

Both the tech and wider community can immerse themselves in topics spanning AI, misinformation and trust, cybersecurity, data visualisation, digital twins, smart cities, women in tech, neuro affirming tech, startup innovation, and the future of European digital policy. Events range from ticketed conferences and summits to free workshops, community meetups, and hands-on sessions for all ages, with booking information provided on each event listing.

All of this is made possible by a powerful coalition of partners and stakeholders across Dublin's ecosystem, including: Dublin City Council, Smart Dublin, Dublin Chamber, the Dublin City Local Enterprise Office, Enterprise Ireland, Dublin Convention Bureau, the ADAPT Centre at Trinity College, TU Dublin, DCU: Innovate, Dogpatch Labs, Guinness Enterprise Centre, Regional Skills Dublin, Tech Ireland, Blockchain Ireland and Bitcoin Ireland.

Together, they're helping to build a platform for discovery, investment, talent, and community impact that will reverberate long after the week finishes.

'Dublin Tech Week' is open to all. Explore the full programme and get involved at dublintechweek.com

Follow the buzz: #DublinTechWeek

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Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too.

You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news

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By Reece Borg, author of The Hustle Mindset and an entrepreneur based in London.

Most people start a business thinking about how to build it. Very few think about how it would look to someone else. That's a mistake. Whether you plan to sell your business or not, you should be running it as if a buyer could walk through the door at any moment. Because the way you operate under that mindset forces you to build something stronger, more structured and more valuable.

Hustle Mindset insights

It's not about preparing for an exit. It's about building a proper business. The difference between a business and a job. A lot of businesses are built around the founder. Everything runs through them. Every decision, every relationship, every bit of progress depends on one person. That might work in the early stages, but it doesn't scale, and it doesn't create value.

If someone walked in tomorrow and looked at that business, the first question they'd ask is simple: what happens if you're not here? If the answer is "everything slows down or stops," then you don't really have a business. You've created a job for yourself. Running your business like a buyer could walk in forces you to step back and build something that can operate beyond you.

Structure creates value

Buyers don't look at ideas, they look at systems. They want to see:

Clear processes

Consistent revenue

Defined roles

Something that can run without constant intervention

This is where a lot of founders fall short. They focus on growth but ignore structure. They chase new opportunities while the foundation underneath them is weak.

Business isn't static. The world isn't static. If you don't build something that can adapt and hold together as it grows, it eventually breaks. Thinking like a buyer forces you to put the right structure in place early. Not because you have to, but because it makes everything easier as you scale.

Clarity over chaos

When you run a business without this mindset, things become reactive. You deal with problems as they come up. You make decisions in the moment. You rely on memory instead of systems. It works for a while, but it creates chaos. A buyer doesn't want to walk into chaos. They want clarity. They want to understand:

How the business makes money

How customers are acquired

How operations run day-to-day

If you can't clearly explain that, it's a sign you haven't fully built it out yet. It forces better decisions One of the biggest benefits of thinking this way is how it changes your decision-making. Instead of asking: "Will this work right now?" You start asking: "Does this make the business stronger long term?" That shift is important. Because a lot of short-term decisions can weaken a business:

Taking on the wrong clients

Building messy processes

Cutting corners to grow faster

They might bring quick wins, but they create problems later. Running your business like someone could assess it at any moment forces you to think more carefully about what you're building. Action still matters This doesn't mean you overcomplicate things or slow down. One of the biggest mistakes founders make is overthinking instead of acting. Nothing just happens, you have to make it happen. The goal isn't perfection. It's progress with structure. You still need to move fast, test ideas and adapt. But you do it with the awareness that everything you're building should add value, not just activity.

The real benefit

Even if you never sell your business, running it this way puts you in a stronger position. You end up with:

Clearer systems

Better organisation

More control

Something that can scale

And most importantly, you build something that isn't completely dependent on you. That gives you options.

Final thought

You don't build a valuable business by accident. You build it by being intentional about how it operates. If you run your business like a buyer could walk through the door at any minute, you're forced to raise your standards. You build with more clarity, more structure and mo...

Small and medium-sized manufacturers are under increasing pressure to adopt digital technologies, improve sustainability, and protect their operations from growing cyber risks. Yet for many, the challenge is not awareness – it's knowing where to start.

With limited time, resources, and in-house expertise, many SMEs struggle to move beyond early-stage digital initiatives. Disconnected systems, poor data visibility, and uncertainty around investment decisions continue to slow progress, while cybersecurity risks increase as operations become more connected.

Helping SMEs towards Digital Transformation

As part of the TRANSFORM project – a European initiative led by AIM Centre (Ireland), in partnership with ESTIA Institute of Technology (France) and IESE Business School (Spain), and funded by the European Union – a series of industry-led webinars has highlighted a clear and practical way forward for SMEs navigating these challenges.

The sessions point to a simple three-stage approach to digital transformation.

The first stage focuses on purpose – identifying where technologies such as artificial intelligence can deliver real business value. This includes practical applications such as improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, and supporting sustainability targets.

The second stage focuses on implementation. A key barrier for many SMEs is not technology itself, but integration. By connecting data and systems across the production lifecycle – often referred to as the digital thread – organisations can improve visibility, enable real-time decision-making, and unlock value from existing infrastructure.

The final stage focuses on trust. As businesses adopt more connected systems, cybersecurity and governance become critical. Embedding security from the outset helps reduce risk and ensures that digital transformation can scale safely and sustainably.

Together, these insights provide SMEs with a clear starting point: focus on high-impact use cases, connect existing systems rather than replace them, and build security into every stage of the journey.

Through its work with industry, AIM Centre continues to support SMEs in taking these practical steps, including through the National AI Studio, which provides access to expertise and infrastructure to help organisations explore and implement AI in real-world settings. The centre is currently engaging with industry through its membership offering, with organisations now beginning to come on board and visit the Studio as part of this process.

Importantly, the findings reflect AIM Centre's approach in practice: digital transformation does not need to be overwhelming or require significant upfront investment. Instead, organisations can make steady progress by taking practical, incremental steps that deliver measurable results.

Commenting on the approach, David Bermingham, Director of AI from AIM Centre said:

"The key message for SMEs is that digital transformation doesn't have to be complex to begin with. By focusing on real business challenges and building from what already exists, organisations can take meaningful steps towards becoming more efficient, resilient, and competitive."

The full webinars are now available to watch back on AIM Centre's YouTube channel, providing SMEs with ongoing access to practical insights and guidance.

Looking ahead, AIM's ambition is to build on this work by continuing to support SMEs through accessible learning resources, stronger collaboration between industry and education, and the development of practical tools that help organisations navigate digital transformation with confidence.

Link to YouTube videos to embed in online article: https://youtu.be/HEd7808ZNhE?si=FLhQ_BVnKi9MvfIx

About AIM Centre:

AIM Centre is Ireland's leading centre for applied artificial intelligence, supporting industry in the adoption of AI and digital technologies. Based in Sligo and Galway, AIM Centre works with SMEs and industry partners to deliver practical solutions across smar...

For seventy years, the Western order rested on a simple assumption; American power was both permanent and reliable. That assumption is ending. We are living through the American equivalent of the British Suez Crisis of 1956, and the irony is sharp; this time, it will be middle powers that play the role Washington once played; forcing a reckoning with reality and demanding managed transition rather than imperial denial.

In 1956, Britain and France owned controlling shares in the Suez Canal Company. When Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalised the canal, it was not merely a loss of infrastructure. It was an assault on the architecture of imperial control. Britain and France responded with military force; they believed the old reflex still worked. For a moment, it seemed it might. Then Eisenhower intervened. He did not support the operation. He withheld financial backing and threatened to destabilise the pound sterling itself if Britain did not withdraw. The message was unambiguous; American backing was conditional on American judgment. When judgment shifted, so did the guarantee. Britain retreated. The pound never recovered. Within a decade, sterling ceased to function as the reserve currency. The postwar order reorganised around the dollar. Britain was no longer a peer; it was a dependent.

We are at the equivalent junction now. But this time, the unreliable power is America itself.

Trump and the Break in Continuity

The Trump administration has shattered the assumption of American reliability in ways that can no longer be papered over with diplomatic language. Withdrawal from international commitments. Transactional approach to alliance. Threats to NATO funding. Unpredictable trade policy targeting allies as readily as adversaries. Willingness to abandon partners based on domestic political calculation. A trade war launched against Canada and the European Union simultaneously; nations that have underwritten American-led security for generations.

This is not normal fluctuation in American foreign policy. This is a structural break. The first Trump presidency gave allies pause. The second has removed all doubt. American reliability cannot be assumed. It must be renegotiated with each shift in Washington's domestic politics; and that instability is now the permanent condition, not the exception.

Nowhere is that instability more exposed than at the Strait of Hormuz. Roughly twenty percent of the world's oil supply transits that chokepoint daily. For decades, American naval dominance guaranteed passage. That guarantee was the foundation of the entire global energy order. Now, as Iranian pressure mounts and Houthi strikes on commercial shipping continue, allied nations are watching Washington manage the crisis with one eye on the negotiating table and the other on domestic polling. The response has been neither decisive nor coherent. It has been transactional; calibrated to American political interest, not allied security need. That is Trump's Suez. Not a single dramatic retreat, but the slow, unmistakable revelation that the guarantor is negotiating for itself, not for the order it once underwrote.

What Carney understood at Davos, and what middle power leaders are beginning to articulate, is that the inflection has already occurred. The question is no longer whether to accept American decline as a working assumption. It is whether middle powers will lead the managed transition or wait passively for the next fracture to force their hand.

Eisenhower forced Britain's reckoning in 1956 by withdrawing financial backing at the decisive moment. Trump has done something more profound; he has withdrawn the political will to lead entirely. That is the inflection. That is the Suez of our moment.

Why Middle Powers Must Act

Canada. Australia. The Nordic states. Poland. The Benelux countries. These are not superpowers, but they are not helpless either. Collectively, they represent significant economic weight, technological capacity, and democratic legi...

Stripe has announced 288 new products and features at Stripe Sessions, its annual customer conference, as the company builds the economic infrastructure for AI. That means accelerating AI companies' growth, helping enterprises adapt to AI, preventing fraudsters from stealing tokens, and empowering agents as economic actors.

"AI is the biggest platform shift for the economy since the internet, and in the not-too-distant future agents will account for most transactions online. The enterprises and startups behind this wave are overwhelmingly building on Stripe. No matter what sector you're in, the AI transformation requires new economic infrastructure, primitives, and abstractions. That's the animating theme behind the 288 products and features we announced today," said Patrick Collison, CEO and cofounder of Stripe.

The Agentic Commerce Suite now supports Google

Last year, Stripe launched the Agentic Commerce Suite, a single integration that lets businesses sell their products inside AI apps. Kate Spade, Best Buy, and Coach are among the businesses already building with the Agentic Commerce Suite.

Today, Stripe announced a partnership with Google that will allow businesses to sell to consumers inside AI Mode and the Gemini app. Businesses like Quince, Fanatics, and JD Sports are coming soon. This follows similar partnership announcements with OpenAI, Microsoft, and Meta.

Stripe is also bringing the Agentic Commerce Suite to platforms, so businesses on Wix, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and more can easily sell to customers inside AI apps.

Stripe launches Link wallets for agents

Link is a consumer wallet with over 250 million users globally, and now it's ready for agents too. Starting today, people can enable their agents to make payments with Link on their behalf. For example, with Openclaw, your agent could monitor table availability at a popular restaurant and pay a deposit if needed. Your real payment details are never exposed to the agent—a one-time-use card is issued per task, and you approve each payment.

"If AI can solve Nobel level physics problems but can't buy a domain, something's gone wrong. Our mantra: empower agents. We're excited for all the growth opportunities this will unlock for businesses," said Will Gaybrick, Stripe's president of product and business.

Streaming payments for AI business models

In the last year, with dramatically heavier AI usage, a new problem has emerged for businesses that offer AI products: how to charge for tokens. Agents burn through tokens at machine speed, running up real costs for businesses before payment is collected.

The best approach would be a true pay-as-you-go model: collecting a payment from a customer for each token, as it's used, in real time. But the amounts are too small and the usage is too fast—existing systems aren't capable of processing minute sums every few milliseconds. For that, businesses would need both precise tracking (knowing instantly when and where tokens are used) and precise settlement (the ability to collect frequent micropayments).

To solve this, today Stripe introduced streaming payments, an AI-native business model, which combines precise tracking from Metronome with stablecoin micropayments on the Tempo blockchain. For the first time ever, businesses can get paid for every token, exactly at the moment it's used. As tokens become increasingly fungible with money, streaming payments in real time is an important part of Stripe's economic infrastructure for AI.

Stripe expands fraud protection to cover token theft

Fraudsters are no longer just stealing money, they're stealing tokens. They create millions of fake accounts to drain sign-up credits, burn inference costs by abusing free trials, and rack up usage bills they never intend to pay. Across AI services running on Stripe, one in six attempted sign-ups is made by a bad actor, and free trial abuse has more than doubled in the past six months.

Today, Stripe expanded Radar to defend against token theft. Ra...

The Noledge Group, the Irish cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) and financial management software specialist, has announced that it has acquired Pimbrook, a leading Waterford-headquartered provider of accounting and payroll software. Following the acquisition, Noledge expects revenue at the enlarged group to almost double from €5.7 million in 2025 to €10 million by the end of 2026.

Pimbrook's 14 employees, including Managing Director Stephanie Davies and Operations Director Tom Shields, will join the Noledge team and grow the group's employee numbers to 67. The business will retain the Pimbrook name and continue to operate as a standalone company.

For over 20 years, Tramore-based Pimbrook has provided Sage accounting and payroll software and services to 1,750 customers in small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ireland and the UK. These customers operate in sectors including manufacturing, construction and healthcare. With the acquisition, Pimbrook customers will benefit from access to a broader range of financial management and ERP solutions, deeper expertise, and increased resources within Noledge.

Now serving more than 2,000 customers across the Irish and UK markets, The Noledge Group incorporates Envisage, a leading Sage partner, and OSSM, a NetSuite solution provider. The acquisition will establish Noledge's fourth office, building its regional presence and adding to its Dublin, Belfast, and Newcastle locations.

It will broaden Noledge's capabilities, particularly bolstering its ability to support smaller customers. The deal will allow the company to deliver enhanced financial management and ERP solutions that simplify business processes to an expanded customer base across all market segments including small, medium, and large enterprises.

Ray Ryan, CEO, The Noledge Group: "The synergy between our two companies and the alignment in our expertise makes this acquisition a natural fit. It represents a significant growth opportunity for Noledge and our expected revenue increase reflects the strength of the combined businesses. We also recognise the huge advantages of regional investment, and we plan to tap into Pimbrook's impressive presence in the South East to continue to grow the business outside of Dublin. The move strengthens our market position as a leading provider of financial management software and ERP solutions that are tailored to customers' needs and, in turn, drive faster growth for businesses."

Stephanie Davies, Managing Director, Pimbrook: "Our hands-on, customer-focused approach has enabled us to build long-standing relationships with Irish SMEs at various stages of growth. Both Pimbrook and Noledge prioritise deep customer relationships and, as we move forward together, that commitment to our combined customers will be key. The expanded company will equip businesses with an enhanced suite of tools that will support their continued growth and innovation. Our shared purpose and core values will also enable the group to accelerate its own growth and cement its place as a leader in the market."

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Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too.

You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news

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Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at [email protected] now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience.

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Cork's much-loved outdoor science celebration returns this summer, as Cork Carnival of Science takes over Fitzgerald Park on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June 2026. The free, two-day Cork City Council festival, funded through the Research Ireland Discover Programme, will once again transform Fitzgerald Park into Ireland's largest outdoor STEM experience, so families can explore, experiment and discover the magic of science together.

This year's new shows and experiences will show how science can feel every bit as surprising as magic. Leading the line-up is The Science of Hogwarts from Science 2 Life, a brand-new show that brings audiences into a world where physics feels like spellwork and everyday reactions take on an almost magical quality. Blending storytelling with live demonstrations, it offers a playful and engaging way to uncover the science behind the illusion.

Across the weekend, visitors can expect a packed programme of live performances, interactive exhibits and roaming entertainment, with something to capture the imagination at every turn. RTÉ's Mark the Science Guy will take to the stage with Science is My Superhero, an energetic, family-friendly show full of experiments, audience participation and plenty of laughs. Meanwhile, physicists from Simply Science will invite audiences to ask What's The Worst That Could Happen? turning curiosity and experimentation into a lively, hands-on experience.

Sport also comes under the microscope this year, with Science Made Simple exploring the Science of Sport, from balance and movement to the forces at play in everyday games. Over on Discovery Drive, Inspirational Science will bring a theatrical edge with The Circus Science Show, combining tricks, stunts and demonstrations in a fast-paced and engaging performance.

Beyond the main stages, the festival comes to life through a vibrant programme of walkabout performers and pop-up experiences. Visitors might encounter scientists on stilts carrying out experiments mid-air, stumble across balloon-powered math challenges, or follow storytelling sessions that explore the science of flight through rockets and hot air balloons. From buzzing bee-inspired performances to colourful characters roaming the grounds, science will appear in unexpected places throughout the park.

Cllr. Fergal Dennehy, Lord Mayor of Cork said, "Cork Carnival of Science has become a highlight of the city's summer calendar and a wonderful use of one of our most loved public spaces in Fitzgerald Park. It's a great example of how Cork City Council supports events that are open, inclusive and genuinely engaging for families. What makes this festival so special is the way it sparks curiosity in a fun and memorable way, particularly for young people, and I'd encourage everyone to come along and be part of it."

Dr Rachel Iredale, Head of Public Engagement for Research Ireland said, "Research Ireland is proud to support the Cork Carnival of Science through the Discover Programme, as the event makes science accessible, engaging and enjoyable for all. Festivals like this play an important role in broadening interest in STEM, particularly among young people, by giving them the chance to experience science in a hands-on and memorable way. By bringing researchers and local communities together in an open and welcoming setting, the Carnival helps to inspire the next generation to explore and consider futures in STEM."

A major part of the Carnival's appeal lies in its hands-on approach, and this year's Exploration Avenue and Discovery Drive will once again feature an extensive range of interactive stands and activities led by some of Ireland's leading research organisations, educators and industry partners. From building and problem-solving at LEGO Education stations to exploring marine life under microscopes, designing LED creations in soldering workshops, or stepping inside immersive experiences like the Aquaculture Remote Classroom, young visitors are encouraged to get invol...