Antom, a leading unified merchant payment services provider under Ant International, has received Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 Type II certification, a globally recognised benchmark for data security and privacy protection. This certification underscores Antom's commitment to meeting the highest security standards, reinforcing its advanced payment solutions.

Antom Payment Services with AI-Powered Payment and Risk Tech

Issued by Ernst & Young (EY), a leading independent auditing firm, the SOC 2 Type II certification is a rigorous assessment for operating effectiveness of a service provider's internal controls. It evaluates compliance across five trust principles: Security (protection against unauthorised access), Availability (service reliability and uptime), Processing Integrity (accurate and complete data handling), Confidentiality (encryption of sensitive information), and Privacy (compliant personal data processing).

While many companies choose to certify select principles, Antom has achieved full compliance across all five criteria for its payment processing service, further making it stands out as an industry leader in secure, AI-driven payment technology. The audit firm will conduct annual reviews, and Antom will continue its recertification process.

"Antom remains committed to empowering merchants with smarter, more secure, and more efficient unified payment solutions. By harnessing technology, we are not only simplifying transactions but also fostering a more inclusive commerce ecosystem," said Gary Liu, General Manager of Antom, Ant International. "With a focus on innovation, security, and seamless payment experiences, Antom continues to help businesses of all sizes thrive in an evolving digital economy."

Antom, a global leader in merchant payment, growth and digitisation services, is transforming the merchant payment experience with its AI-driven and risk tech-optimised solutions. Products like Antom Copilot, Antom EasySafePay, and Antom Shield, help businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), integrate payment methods faster, optimize transaction success rates, and enhance fraud prevention more efficiently.

Antom Copilot: AI-powered merchant service agent

Antom Copilot is the world's first AI agent designed to help merchants implement, orchestrate, and optimise payment methods from end to end. Powered by GPT-4o and other large language models, Antom Copilot simplifies the traditionally complex payment integration process, delivering:

95% faster integration by leveraging chain of thought (CoT) reasoning, standard operating procedure (SOP) automation, language (LUI) and graphical (GUI) user interfaces, and AI-driven code generation. It reduces the integration process from 10-15 days to just 10 minutes.

AI-driven payment success rate optimisation, with ongoing advancements in agent-based decision-making, intent classification, and knowledge graphs to help merchant improve payment flows.

An expanding suite of specialised AI agents designed to support key areas such as integration, risk management, intelligent customer service, success rate optimisation, and merchant onboarding.

90% average satisfaction rate in end-to-end issue resolution.

Antom Copilot acts as an AI-powered strategist, recommending optimal payment methods, generating integration code, and providing full-lifecycle merchant support. For SMEs, Antom Copilot eliminates complexities by automating the payment integration process and offering intelligent recommendations. Instead of spending weeks on complex setups, SMEs can integrate payment solutions in just minutes, allowing them to focus on business growth rather than technical challenges.

Antom EasySafePay: Seamless one-click checkout with 100% fraud protection for e-wallet payments

Designed for fast, frictionless, and secure digital wallet transactions, Antom EasySafePay addresses long-standing pain points in digital payments by reducing payment failures due to redirection ...

Been wondering why your favourite songs sound amazing in your car but not as good at home? Good news! You don't need to drop a fortune on fancy equipment to fix it. It's all about smart setup tricks with what you already own. Whether you're blasting playlists from your phone, binging Netflix, or dusting off old CDs, these super simple tips will make your music and movies sound way better. Ready to transform your living room into a mini concert hall?

Look for your speakers' sweet spot

Ever noticed how moving around at a concert completely changes what you hear? Your home works the same way! Put your speakers at the same height as your ears when you're chilling on the couch. Aim for a triangle shape between you and your speakers. Make sure it is not too close together, not too far apart. Too near a wall? Then your bass gets way too loud. Play your favourite song and push the speakers around until the singer sounds like they're right in front of you, not coming from the kitchen!

Tame the musical reflections

Think about trying to talk in a bathroom: all that echo makes it hard to understand anything! Your living room does the same thing to your music. Sound bounces off walls and windows, which is horrible for the way the music sounds. Acoustic wall panels are total game-changers here. These panels take up part of the sound, which calms down all those reflections. Put them where sound first hits your walls, and suddenly your music has breathing room.

Importance of the dimensions of your room

Your room is secretly part of your sound system. Small rooms make bass notes pile up in corners, whereas big, empty rooms can make everything sound like you're in a high school gym. Got a square room? That's actually the trickiest shape for good sound! In that case, the first step is to get panels from Akuwoodpanel. Then, it is time to break up flat surfaces with bookshelves, plants, or comfy furniture helps tons. Even throwing a thick rug on the floor works.

Upgrade the material you're listening to

Playing low-quality music files is like watching a beautiful movie on a dirty tv screen! Those tiny, compressed files are missing huge chunks of sound. Most streaming services nowadays offer higher quality options in their settings menu. Flip that switch and suddenly you'll hear so much more of the music!

Manage all those cables

Cables might seem boring, but they're actually the highways that carry the music to your speakers! Of course, you won't need gold-plated cables that cost more than your speakers but checking for loose connections takes two seconds and makes a huge difference. It is always recommended to use shielded cables, because unshielded cables can create interference with other equipment, with low music quality as a result. Sometimes the simplest fixes make the biggest difference!

Do the sound modes make music better?

All those flashy sound modes on your receiver or streaming app? They're like Instagram filters for your music: sometimes they're cool, but more often, they're too much! Start with everything turned off, that's your clean baseline. Then, play with features one at a time. That bass booster might sound awesome for action movies, but make podcasts sound like they're coming from inside a washing machine. Room correction features can be genuinely helpful but trust your ears above all. If your favourite song sounds better with all the fancy stuff turned off, then off is the right setting!

Isolate your speakers

Speakers work by vibrating, but those vibrations shouldn't travel through your furniture! When they do, it's like trying to enjoy a quiet conversation on a busy bus. Put something squishy under those speakers, such as a piece of rubber, foam pads, or even those little felt furniture protectors. For bigger floor speakers, make sure they're firmly planted on your carpet or hardwood. These tiny tweaks clean up the overall sound dramatically.

Why regular maintenance pays off

Your audio gear needs occasional TLC, just like y...

Two special postage stamps celebrating the work of Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and featuring two pioneering Irish scientists, Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell, astrophysicist and Professor Aoife McLysaght, geneticist, have been unveiled by Minister James Lawless T.D., Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Astrophysicist Bell Burnell discovered the first radio pulsars in 1967 and has studied the sky across almost the whole electromagnetic spectrum. Geneticist McLysaght is Chair of Evolutionary Genetics in Trinity College Dublin and one of the world's leading genetics researchers. She was recently appointed to the role of Government Science Advisor. Both women are also exceptional in their advocacy for women in STEM and STEM communications.

Unveiling the stamps, Minister James Lawless T.D., Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science said: "Recognising the vital role of women in STEM, which has historically been underreported, is an important aspect of the ongoing work of supporting gender balance across STEM disciplines, ensuring that all our research and innovation talent has the scope to see and realise their full potential. I am delighted that the significant contribution Professor McLysaght has made to science has been recognised in this way. I am delighted in particular that she has taken up her new role as Government Science Advisor and look forward to working with her in the period ahead."

Issuing just ahead of International Women's Day 2025 on 8th March, An Post's new stamps acknowledge the achievements of Women in STEM and the challenges. While women are leading the way in many areas of STEM they still represent only 25% of STEM jobs in Ireland. There is an even greater under-representation of women at senior executive level. (*OECD 2018)

Women in STEM are connecting and advocating for themselves to provide inspiration and to promote role models for generations to come. With support from industry and Government, they are attracting and retaining more women to STEM careers and championing the importance of greater diversity in STEM. Professor Bell Burnell and Professor McLysaght are at the forefront of this work.

Designed by Detail Design agency, the stamps feature portraits of each woman by artist Steve Doogan alongside graphics representing their fields of expertise and achievements - a radio telescope and a classic double DNA helix with a diagram of the molecule. The stamps and a limited edition First Day Cover envelope are available in selected post offices nationwide and online at www.anpost.com/shop

In 2018 Jocelyn Bell Burnell was awarded a Breakthrough Prize for her discovery of radio pulsars, with an award of over €3million which she donated in full to ensuring access to science education for under-represented groups. Her discovery of pulsars was also the subject of the physics Nobel prize in 1974, but at the time her male supervisors received the award. Professor Bell Burnell has become a hugely respected leader in the scientific community, instrumental in ensuring that the issue of access to science by people from under-represented groups is at the top of the science community's agenda.

Professor Bell Burnell said: 'I am honoured and delighted to have a stamp issue in my honour; thank you An Post."

Aoife McLysaght takes a leadership role advocating for STEM and actively communicating science to the public in an engaging and accessible manner. As professor of Genetics at Trinity College Dublin, she led a research group for over 20 years and managed cumulative research income from competitive awards of more than €5.5 million. A frequent contributor to radio discussions, live TV panels, science programmes, newspapers and online media, she has given many talks at public events, including music festivals and at the Royal Institution.

Professor Aoife McLysaght, Government Science Advisor, said: "I am deeply honoure...

Plans have been unveiled for a new digital gift card for Mullingar to replace their popular gift vouchers. In circulation since 2012, over €2.5 million of Mullingar Gift Vouchers have been sold to date, with over €500,000 of the paper vouchers sold in 2024 alone.

Led by Mullingar Chamber, a wide variety of Mullingar businesses are eligible to accept the card including shops, restaurants, pubs, attractions, salons and hotels. Businesses who are part of the Chamber can accept the card commission free.

The forthcoming Mullingar Digital Gift Card will be available as either a physical or a digital gift card. It will work with merchants' existing payment terminals, with no additional equipment required.

Mullingar Chamber says the move to the high-tech gift card offers a number of improvements for local businesses, customers and organisations.

James Bourke, president at Mullingar Chamber said: "The paper gift vouchers have been very successful for our economy with €2.5 million in sales to date. Every euro spent locally is worth €4 to the local economy, so that €2.5 million has benefited our economy to the tune of €10 million. Of course, there are the usual drawbacks of paper vouchers, such as people not being able to get change from their paper voucher and the administration involved for businesses in getting paid.

"Our forthcoming Mullingar Gift Card will be easy for customers and organisations to use as gifts, and businesses to accept, making the initiative even more appealing and helping us develop our strong 'shop local' ethos in Mullingar further. People want to see the businesses they love open and busy, and our new gift card is essential to helping Mullingar to thrive.

"We encourage all retail, hospitality, and service providers to register to accept the new gift card prior to its launch so they can benefit from the footfall and spend the initiative will bring."

The Mullingar Gift Card will be part of the multi-award-winning Town & City Gift Card concept active across Ireland in Ballinrobe, Carndonagh, Cavan, Donegal Town, Drogheda, Kilkenny, Letterkenny, Limerick, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford and County Wexford.

Colin Munro is the managing director of Miconex and said: "Merchants can register to accept the forthcoming Mullingar Gift Card with a simple one-time registration. We've supported a number of towns and cities in Ireland making the move from paper vouchers to a high-tech gift card and the feedback from merchants, consumers and organisations is incredibly positive, with all appreciating the ease of use, support for local and choice."

Businesses looking for further information can email: Lauren at [email protected]

See more stories here.

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Ahead of United Nations (UN) International Women's Day, the national STEM Teacher Internship (STInt) programme, coordinated by Dublin City University (DCU), is urging teachers and businesses to get involved and inspire the next generation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) leaders.

One primary teacher will impact 1,000 learners in their career, while one secondary teacher will impact 5,000. Now in its 10th year, 310 teachers have engaged with the STInt programme to date and their involvement has the potential to impact over 1.2 million learners over the course of their careers.

The STInt programme is supported by Skillnet Ireland, along with Research Ireland, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; Connecting Women in Technology; the 30% Club; CASTel and Intel.

The initiative provides primary and post-primary teachers with paid summer internships in STEM roles, in a wide variety of industries across Ireland. It helps student and early-career teachers gain real-world insights and equips them with the knowledge of what it is like to work in STEM in Ireland right now.

Dr Eilish McLoughlin, Associate Professor DCU School of Physical Sciences and founder of the STInt programme said:

"Encouraging young people, particularly female students, to engage in STEM from an early age is crucial for inspiring them to pursue future careers in Ireland's growing science and tech sectors. Over the past decade, the STInt programme has provided unique opportunities to over 310 teachers to experience STEM roles and careers and empower them to design innovative learning experiences for young learners based on real-world contexts.

More STEM graduates are needed to tackle societal challenges, such as, climate change, energy, health and issues we have yet to imagine. Organisations and businesses are strongly encouraged to collaborate with the STInt programme and help shape a brighter future for individuals and societies."

Skillnet Ireland, the national talent development agency, has been a programme partner since 2023, providing support for the STInt programme to contribute to a lasting impact on the future workforce.

Tracey Donnery, Director of Policy & Communications at Skillnet Ireland, said: "The mission of the STInt programme reflects Skillnet Ireland's commitment to building a diverse and highly skilled STEM workforce that will drive Ireland's future economy.

With industries like biotechnology, engineering, and AI shaping the country's economy, empowering young people in STEM ensures a more inclusive, competitive workforce and inspires the next generation of leaders and innovators."

The UN is dedicating International Women's Day 2025 to a call for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all women. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation -particularly young women and adolescent girls - to act as catalysts for lasting change.

Celine Fitzgerald, Interim CEO of Research Ireland, said: "We are delighted to support STInt through the Research Ireland Discover Programme, providing teachers across both primary and post-primary education with the unique experience of a STEM internship in industry.

These internships empower teachers to design innovative and engaging STEM learning experiences, showing students the value of STEM in real-world contexts. Collaborations between education, research and industry are vital to inspire young learners to engage with STEM and to provide them with the skills they need to adapt to our rapidly changing world."

Communications services provider BT is one of a number of leading businesses that have hosted STInt interns over the last decade.

Trudi Brook, Service Enablement Senior Manager at BT, said:

"I love that through us sharing a view of what it is like to be part of a tech company with a STInt intern, the teachers get real-world insights that they go on and share with their pupils.

It is always refreshing and ins...

It's true, the man on the weather forecast said it.

It's the end of winter!

It's spring!

I'm going to increase my output. I'm coming out of hibernation.

I was listening to an expert on the TV say that most animals who hibernate do not go into a deep sleep for the winter. They cuddle up somewhere cosy and reduce their heart rate, conserving energy to get them through the cold season.

On occasions, they will wake up and stroll about if the weather is mild and then return to their cosy nest.

I have done some of that with the occasional whiskey in front of a warm fire and enjoyed what we in Ireland would call the bad weather. Yet, even in the bad weather, I've enjoyed walks and golf every Sunday (in good or bad weather, mostly bad), and all done in the company of family and friends.

Winter is not so bad after all.

Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin

(There's no fireside like your own fireside)

Now, I'm going to get a spring in my step, and I suggest you do the same.

By Executive Coach Andrew Keogh of Aristo.ie

Global experiential agency vStream has collaborated with AMD, the high-performance and adaptive computing leader, to launch in Dublin the first European AMD Product Experience Centre. This groundbreaking interactive and immersive centre is designed to showcase the transformative power of the latest innovations from AMD in real-world applications across AI, cloud computing, gaming, and more by using immersive storytelling, interactive displays, and cutting-edge augmented reality experiences.

The new centre was opened by Ruth Cotter, Senior Vice-President for Marketing, Communications and Human Resources at AMD, together with Andrew Jenkinson and Niall O'Driscoll, co-founders of vStream, and Brendan Farley, Managing Director Ireland and Corporate Vice President of Wireless Engineering at AMD.

Andrew Jenkinson, Co-Founder of vStream, commented:

"We are incredibly proud to have worked with AMD on this project. The AMD Product Experience Centre is a testament to our shared vision of innovation, bringing advanced technology to life in a way that is both engaging and educational. Our expertise in immersive storytelling has allowed us to create a space where visitors can truly interact with and understand the game-changing technologies from AMD."

Niall O'Driscoll, Co-Founder of vStream, added:

"At vStream, we believe that technology should be experienced, not just explained. The AMD Product Experience Centre encapsulates that philosophy by turning complex semiconductor innovations into a tangible, interactive journey. We are excited to see visitors explore and engage with incredible technological advancements from AMD."

Ruth Cotter, SVP Marketing, Communications and Human Resources at AMD, said:

"We are delighted to open AMD's inaugural Product Experience Centre that is strategically aligned to our R&D and engineering presence in Ireland and is expected to support further collaboration and breakthrough innovations with our customers and partners. Our collaboration with vStream enables us to showcase how AMD's cutting-edge processors and adaptive computing technologies are shaping the future across a range of industries through a unique immersive experience."

A Journey Through Innovation

Designed and built by vStream, the award-winning experiential agency, the AMD Product Experience Centre integrates multiple interactive elements to engage visitors in a dynamic and memorable way:

A Personal Welcome from AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su - Upon entering the space, visitors are greeted by AMD's CEO via a large switchable glass screen, setting the stage for an inspiring exploration of AMD technology.

Interactive Display Cases - Through an intuitive gamified experience, visitors can see how AMD processors power the world around us, with motion graphics, animations, and videos revealing physical products inside the futuristic transparent LED display cases.

The Intelligent Table - An innovative tactile experience where users place AMD chips - AMD Versal, AMD Ryzen, AMD EPYC, and AMD Instinct - on the table surface to unlock interactive content that explores their impact across industries.

Augmented Reality Experiences - A deep dive into how AMD is driving AI advancements in PCs with AMD Ryzen processors and in supercomputers with the latest generations of AMD EPYC processors and AMD Instinct accelerators, offering visitors a first-hand look at the future of AI-powered computing.

Built on vStream's award-winning work in Augmented Reality with brands including Pfizer and McLaren F1, this experience allows the user to interact with digital assets, while still seeing their surroundings and interacting with other guests - a true example of the power of spatial computing.

A Seamless Blend of Innovation and Experience

The AMD Experience Centre was meticulously crafted by vStream, from concept to production and installation, ensuring a seamless fusion of technology and storytelling. With a fully user-friendly management system, AMD representatives can demonstr...

A recent survey highlights strong parental support for STEM education, with 80% of parents willing to back their child's participation in extracurricular STEM activities. In addition, over half (54%) of the surveyed parents actively encourage their children to pursue an interest in STEM subjects.

These figures are part of a survey conducted by Red C Research and released by ESB to mark the start of ESB Science Blast 2025. The first showcase events are taking place in RDS Dublin from Monday 3rd to Thursday 6th March 2025.

ESB Science Blast, an RDS led initiative, is a free educational programme which actively encourages child-led investigation and scientific discovery. This non-competitive initiative aims to address inequities in STEM education by ensuring equal access for all students, with a 50/50 gender participation and a core focus on DEIS schools and Gaelscoileanna participation.

Parents attitudes to STEM

In the survey, almost half (48%) of parents with primary school-aged children stated they are satisfied with the STEM learning opportunities in the classroom. A regional disparity does exist as 40% of parents based in Dublin feel their child's school offers adequate STEM support compared to 33% of parents outside of Dublin.

Overall, STEM ranks third in importance among school subjects, underscoring the need for greater awareness and advocacy in this area.

STEM Career Opportunities and Understanding of STEM

The survey also sheds light on perceptions of STEM career opportunities. Three-quarters (74%) of adults believe that a career in STEM would offer good job prospects. Yet only 35% are familiar with the career opportunities associated with STEM.

There is a gender divide in perceptions of equal career opportunities in STEM, with 53% of men and 44% of women agreeing that such opportunities exist regardless of gender.

The survey also reveals a gap in understanding regarding the term 'STEM', with 58% of participants admitting they do not have a clear grasp of the term.

Commitment to STEM

Reaffirming their commitment to fostering STEM education, ESB and the RDS today announce a five-year extension to their partnership of ESB Science Blast.

Since 2019, ESB Science Blast has engaged over 70,000 pupils from all 32 counties, inspiring primary school pupils to explore the world around them and develop skills for the future, such as communication, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and curiosity.

Commenting on the survey results and sponsorship renewal, Marguerite Sayers, Deputy Chief Executive, ESB said:

"ESB Science Blast has been a transformative experience for thousands of students across Ireland. Supporting ESB Science Blast is one way we help nurture a diverse talent pool and encourage children to see the endless possibilities a career in STEM can offer. We are proud to extend our partnership with the RDS and continue our mission to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders,

"The enthusiasm and creativity displayed by the students is truly inspiring. Every year, the vast array of projects highlights the curiosity of primary school children as they investigate the science behind simple but intriguing questions. We look forward to welcoming students and their teachers to ESB Science Blast 2025".

The positive and significant impact of ESB Science Blast is evident in the positive feedback from both pupils and teachers in an external evaluation study conducted by RDS. An impressive 71% of pupils reported improved teamwork skills, while 86% of teachers noted enhanced presentation skills in the classroom.

The programme has also sparked a greater interest in STEM careers, with 65% of pupils expressing a desire to pursue a future in the field.

Commenting on the partnership, Niamh De Loughry, Deputy Chief Executive Foundation said:

"ESB Science Blast exemplifies our unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and addressing critical societal needs. As a cornerstone of our Science and Technology programme, this initiati...

Publift, an Australian adtech leader, is excited to announce its expansion into Dublin with plans to have 50 employees by December 2025. This move highlights the company's rapid growth and strengthens its presence in the European market and boosts its ability to serve clients across Europe and North America. Publift is supported by the Irish government through IDA Ireland.

Founded in Sydney, Australia in 2015, Publift has quickly become a trusted partner for over 700 publishers around the world. The company provides a cutting-edge managed service that helps digital and enterprise publishers maximise their ad revenue. With a range of advanced ad tech solutions, tailored strategies, and expert support, Publift is a Google Certified Publishing Partner (GCPP) and works with industry leaders like Rightmove (Europe) and REA Group (APAC), proving its capacity to support top-tier publishers in the market.

In 2025, Publift aims to expand its product offering to cater to more enterprise publishers, including introducing their new FuseApp to existing clients. Publift is committed to providing efficient, results-driven solutions that allow publishers to focus on creating content while driving sustainable revenue growth.

Minister Peter Burke, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment said: "Congratulations to Publift on their expansion into Ireland. A leader in Advertising Technology, Publift provide essential digital and tech supports to 700 clients throughout the world. This new expansion will create 50 jobs in Dublin in 2025, providing new opportunities for our talented workforce in an exciting and ambitious company.

"Publift is a welcome addition to our already thriving Tech sector, allowing them to further expand their client base across Europe and North America. I wish the Publift team the best with this new venture and all future endeavours."

Irish founder, Colm Dolan, shared his excitement: "Hailing from Portumna, I am particularly proud that Publift has created so many jobs in my home country. Our new Dublin office will play a crucial role in enhancing our service offerings, and we're excited to tap into Ireland's rich talent pool."

The expansion is led by Roddy O'Caoimh, Publift's Head of Sales and Marketing, who said: "Bringing Publift to Ireland after my time in Australia is very special. We've been fortunate to welcome some incredible new team members here in Dublin, and we have ambitious plans for 2025. Being able to serve our publishers in this time zone has been a real game-changer."

The positions in Dublin will span various departments, including Sales, Customer Success, and Engineering. Publift is looking for individuals passionate who want to work in a dynamic and fast paced industry with a team passionate about becoming the best monetisation partner globally. A recruitment campaign is already underway and is proving very successful. The company promotes a dynamic work environment that prioritises growth and learning. To learn more visit https://www.publift.com/careers.

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said: ''We are delighted to welcome Publift to Ireland as they announce plans to hire 50 employees over the coming years. This decision further demonstrates confidence in Ireland as a location for companies to expand their offering to customers across the globe, while accessing a talented workforce. I would like to wish Publift every success in the coming years as they establish in Ireland.''

See more stories here.

Leading simulation data company VRAI have announced they will open their first US office in Orlando, Florida having raised a $5m (£4.2m) investment round to fund their US growth.

VRAI is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, expanded into the UK in 2020, and is now looking to grow its presence in the US over the next three years.

VRAI plans to double its overall employee headcount from 25 to 50 and triple annual revenues from €5m to €15m over the next three years. VRAI will be creating up to 10 high value jobs in their first year in Orlando, including BD & sales, customer solutions engineers, data engineers and software developers, as well as relocating some senior leadership to show our commitment to the market.

VRAI is seen as one of the niche leaders in the simulation data space in Europe, and is now looking to bring its cutting edge products to the US market. VRAI provides human performance data products for simulation training in aerospace, defence, security and offshore renewable industries.

Orlando is the global hub for simulation and training with the National Centre for Simulation based there, of which VRAI have been a member since 2017, which sees simulation end users such as the US Army, Air Force and Navy, industry and research community working together on over $6bn worth of contracts annually.

VRAIs initial office will be located in Research Park, next to the University of Central Florida and in the heart of global hub of simulation end users, companies and research community. VRAI's first three local contractors are all US military Veterans with decades of experience in simulation.

In addition to Orlando being the global hub for simulation, Florida is the 16th largest global economy in its own right worth $1.2tn annually, is ranked as the No 1 state in the US for entrepreneurship and No 1 for attracting talent.

Irish electrical and electronic equipment exports to the US were worth $1.1bn in 2023 and there are currently over 900 Irish owned companies exporting to the United States. Ireland is now the 6th largest source of foreign direct investment into the US, with the value of investment by Irish companies worth $322bn in 2023.

VRAI CEO Pat O'Connor commented: "We believe that the insights we can deliver from human performance data can transform how simulation is delivered, and ultimately how people are trained. Orlando is the best place we could invest to make that happen, as the global hub for simulation. We are excited to be investing $5m in our US Office, we look forward to bringing our niche leading technology here, creating high value jobs and scaling our operations in the US from Orlando."

Consul General of Ireland in Miami, Sarah Kavanagh, said:

"We are thrilled to see this significant investment in Florida by VRAI. Ireland and Florida are both leaders in innovation and share an important bilateral investment and trade relationship. Currently, Irish companies employ 15,700 people across a range of industries all across the great state of Florida, and the Consulate will continue to support and grow that important investment."

Carol Ann Logue, Director, Innovation Districts Programs & Operations, University of Central Florida, said:

"VRAI is a perfect example of who we want to bring to Central Florida through the Soft Landing Program as they have a significant track record of success already and has the potential to become a major company in our region too," says. "Their technology can improve the data coming from simulations and we're looking forward to being a part of their expansion into this market."

See more stories here.

More about Irish Tech News

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

If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at [email protected] now to ...