OSSM, an Oracle NetSuite Solution Provider, has announced that Irish plastics recycling company Novelplast is using NetSuite to support its mission to be a world leader in improving the sustainability of plastics. With NetSuite, Novelplast has been able to save an average of 25,000 tonnes of plastic from entering landfill each year.

Based in Gibbstown in the Gaeltacht area of Co. Meath, Novelplast's recycling technology is the first of its kind in Europe. Novelplast recycles post-industrial and post-consumer plastic materials otherwise headed for landfill, and it produces an innovative, sustainable product called Revive that helps contribute to a circular economy. To support its rapid growth, sustainability goals, and plans to raise up to €100 million for a new venture, Novelplast selected OSSM to help implement NetSuite and streamline operations for Novelplast's 60 employees across production, supply chain, sales, customer service, and finance.

"As the largest plastics recycler in Ireland, streamlined processes and efficient collaboration across the organisation is vital," said Neil Skeffington, CEO, Novelplast. "As our business expands, so does the volume of data that we handle day-to-day. With OSSM's support, NetSuite helps us improve efficiency and enables us to remain focused on delivering value-added recycling services for our customers."

With NetSuite, Novelplast has a foundation that is helping to drive operational efficiencies, automate manual processes, and improve collaboration across departments. NetSuite helps Novelplast's teams quickly and easily view purchase orders, scan materials into production, create barcodes for finished goods, and manage customer invoicing.

It also automates processes across packing, delivery, stock management, inventory management, and reporting. In addition, OSSM's development team has designed a custom mobile application for Novelplast's teams operating within the recycling plant that helps improve visibility and collaboration across all teams and departments in the business.

"Novelplast is making an invaluable contribution to the circular economy and, in turn, a huge impact on our environment through its incredibly important work," said Sinéad Galligani, Chief Marketing Officer, OSSM. "OSSM's implementation of NetSuite and ongoing support helps Novelplast create reliable digital processes across all functions of its business as it continues to innovate and expand. Designed with the future in mind, this system will enable Novelplast to scale up processes as it grows."

See more stories here.

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We look the Ah-Ha Moment: Exploring Philosophical Ideas through Jokes and Puzzles by Martin Cohen. See more about the book here.

The Ah-Ha Moment: reviewed

This book is interesting, but perhaps a little depressing too. Cohen effectively tours through comedic comments across the centuries, explaining his analysis well and giving the reader much to think about. In many ways he effectively makes the point that comedy, satire and indeed any forms of poking fun at dictators is often effective. The depressing aspect is that, time and time again, including perhaps most relevantly these days those who are the source of these jokes invariably respond poorly and disproportionately.

Cohen sites Germans killed by the Nazis for making, not even very funny jokes about them. Similarly with Putin, he quickly shut down satyrical forms of comment, quickly followed by any media outlets that offered any criticism. Very much matching the observation of first they take the most obvious critics, very rapidly followed by anyone and everyone who offers any dissenting views. Cohen also discusses US based leaders and their noted lack of humour too. They might think he is witty, but, like many of his admired dictators, they have a thin skin, and a retribution based agenda, clearly motivated by revenge and self advancement rather than any desire to help anyone else.

I guess this doesn't take away the value of jokes, satire and comedy, after all Kings used to have their court jesters, the trouble is that we live in an increasingly thin skinned age, especially among those who wield the levers of power. All the more concerning when their negative, self serving decisions can affect us all. A thought provoking book, even if, ironically, it not one that brings you to the happiest or funniest of conclusions.

More about the book

Jokes are intellectual can-openers offering surprisingly powerful insights into not only how our minds work - but into how the world around us works too. Why? Well, when you think about it, a good joke requires, demands, a very special kind of deep thinking - a kind of world-upturning, no-holds-barred problem solving. It's the same skill that produces the great insights of art and commerce, the insight that sees solutions and creates opportunities. And yes, such skills can be approached through exercises and study, but there's no good reason to think such sensible methods work any better than having a sense of humour.

So why not, at least for a moment, throw all conventional thinking to the wind, and start re-examining the world through the very special, very beautiful prism of jokes and riddles? "With wit and irony, Martin Cohen explains the basic concepts of philosophy and incidentally introduces the most famous thinkers in history." - Der Spiegel.

More about the author

Martin Cohen is a journalist, editor and author specializing in popular books in philosophy, social science and politics. His books include the bestselling '101 Philosophy Problems', 'Critical Thinking Skills for Dummies' as well as more social scientific books such as 'I Think Therefore I Eat', on food science, and a look at how scientists work called 'Paradigm Shift'. This sounds rather technical but is actually a great deckchair read, taking a look at many perplexed and perplexing issues in life, from religion to science, from food fads to black holes in space..Another recent book, now issued in paperback, called 'The Leaders' Bookshelf', is all about ideas and inspirations - and how even quite ordinary books can be 'intuition pumps' sending their readers off to achieve extraordinary things.

Martin now writes full-time, but in the past has taught philosophy and social science at a number of universities in the UK and Australia, and was involved in a research project exploring ways to shift philosophy teaching away from the the mere study of philosophical facts and toward a view of philosophy as an activity.

An activist environmentalist, he wrote an influential seri...

As last week marked World Soil Day, one of the UK Agri-Tech Centre's resident experts is keen to share his knowledge on the subject.

In this blog, Dr Harry Langford, Head of Sustainability at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, highlights the vital role of soil health in UK agriculture and explores how combining systems thinking with innovative technology can promote soil-smart practices that ensure long-term sustainability.

Soil is often called the foundation of life, and for good reason: it supports 95% of the world's food production and stores vast amounts of carbon, making it critical for combatting climate change.

The Importance of Healthy Soils

Soil health refers to the ability of soil to function as a living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans. Yet, this invaluable resource faces multiple threats. Since 1978, the UK has seen an 11% decline in soil carbon from cropland, reducing the capacity to sequester carbon and support crop productivity. Globally, soils are being lost to erosion and degradation at rates 10 times faster than they are being formed. Despite this, soil protection has historically been overlooked, with frameworks like the UK Agricultural Bill only recently recognising soil as a public good.

Healthy soils are essential for mitigating climate impacts, as they buffer against temperature extremes and regulate water availability. They also hold immense potential for carbon sequestration, with UK soils storing approximately 10 billion tonnes of carbon. Yet, emissions from land use contribute significantly to the UK's greenhouse gas output, creating a major barrier to achieving net-zero commitments under the Paris Agreement.

A Systems Approach to Soil Health

To tackle soil degradation effectively, we must adopt a systems approach that considers soil biology, chemistry, and structure as interconnected elements.

Soil Structure: Well-aggregated soils resist compaction and waterlogging, improving root growth and nutrient uptake. Techniques like no-till farming and controlled traffic systems enhance soil porosity and water regulation.

Soil Organic Matter (SOM): SOM is the cornerstone of soil fertility, contributing to nutrient cycling, water retention, and carbon sequestration. Its stability depends on interactions with soil minerals and microbial activity, as well as being related to clay content. Practices like incorporating compost, using cover crops, and reducing tillage enhance SOM levels, improving soil resilience to erosion and climate variability.

Soil Chemistry: Balanced soil chemistry ensures optimal nutrient availability and pH. Low pH (<6) risks aluminum toxicity, while excess phosphorus can suppress mycorrhizal fungi, for example. Sustainable practices like soil testing, precise nutrient application, and integrating legumes help maintain balance, enhancing soil and crop health.

Soil Biology: A teaspoon of soil may contain up to 10 billion microorganisms. Within this biome, decomposers and mineralisers are vital for organic matter cycling and nutrient availability. Practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, and integrating livestock can boost biodiversity and promote healthy microbial ecosystems.

This integrated perspective ensures that soil management decisions deliver benefits across both environmental and economic dimensions, critical when farmers are both custodians of the soil and food producers.

Combining Technology and Practice for Soil-Smart Agriculture

While sustainable practices lay the groundwork, technology can amplify their impact. Innovations in soil monitoring and mapping provide farmers with data-driven insights to optimise soil health, whilst novel amendments build soil health and carbon sequestration.

Precision Soil Management: Novel sensor technologies like SoilOptix, electronic nose sensors like PES Technologies, and precision soil mapping services like RHIZA can accurately assess soil properties such as organic matter, nutrient profiles, and moisture. These technologies ena...

IDA Ireland, in collaboration with Microsoft and LinkedIn, has published the latest in its Labour Market Pulse report series, which provides insights and trends from the Irish labour market to help inform decision-makers across business, academia and public policy.

As the global economy pivots toward sustainable practices, Ireland has the potential to become a leader in this transition, thanks to its ambitious climate goals, desire to attract more green-focused Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and growing demand for specialised green skills across industries.

With LinkedIn data revealing that the percentage of job postings requiring green skills in Ireland is one of the highest internationally, with one in eight (12.4%) Irish jobs now requiring at least one green skill, this Labour Market Pulse encourages all citizens, businesses, and educators to embrace and invest in green skills development to prepare for Ireland's low-carbon future.

The global demand for green skills is rapidly outpacing supply, with estimates indicating that by 2050 twice as many jobs will require green expertise than there will be people qualified to fill them. LinkedIn data saw demand for green talent grow by over 22.1% last year - well above the global average of 11.6% - demonstrating a strong and immediate need to upskill the workforce to keep up with the demands of the green economy.

This trend has been evident for an extended period now with LinkedIn's analysis also highlighting that demand for green skills in Ireland grew at twice the rate of the rest of the world - 11.9% vs 6% - between 2021-2024. Furthermore, it green talent has become highly attractive to employers, as job seekers in Ireland with green skills or titles achieve a 79.8% higher hiring rate than the workforce overall.

Ireland's Climate Action Plan 2024 has locked critical sustainability targets into legislation, mandating that by 2030 80% of the nation's electricity will come from renewable sources. To support these goals, IDA Ireland has facilitated over 50 green investments, fostering a diverse ecosystem of innovation. From wind turbine technologies to AI-driven energy distribution, companies are investing in Ireland's sustainable future, creating new jobs in green sectors.

Green skills are most concentrated in industries like Utilities, Construction, and Manufacturing, with skills such as Environmental Impact Assessment and Operational Efficiency among the fastest growing in demand. However, the need for skills in areas like sustainable supply chain management, pollution prevention, and renewable energy is spreading rapidly to other industries, such as professional services, financial services, and technology.

To support this need Skillnet Ireland's Ireland Talent Landscape 2024 report highlights that over 59% of businesses see upskilling in sustainability as critical to their future success. Green skills development is not only vital for environmental goals but also serves as a key driver for economic growth, innovation, and job creation.

Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland said: ''I welcome the data insights which show that the green economy is a rapidly growing sector, with demand for green talent increasing by 11.6% from 2023 to 2024. Sustainability is a key focus in IDA's strategy, and we are committed to helping multinationals in Ireland achieve their sustainability goals. IDA have facilitated 50 green investments so far, and we are looking forward to continuing that progress.''

Commenting on the Labour Market Pulse, James O'Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Lead and Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Global Operations Service Center, said: "As Ireland advances on its sustainability journey, it is important that every community, business and individual has the right capabilities to support the green transition. Published today, the Labour Market Pulse highlights the need for greater investment in green skills across key industries to accelerate a zero-carbon future for Irela...

Guest post by Adonis Celestine, senior director of Applause.

2025 will be the year of hyper-specialised Gen AI chatbots

Up until now, generative AI chatbots have catered to a wide audience, who use them for a range of tasks like drafting emails, writing code, and conducting research. In 2025, we will start to see more hyperspecialised chatbots enter the market that are tailored to industries like healthcare, telecommunications, law, travel, etc.

Unlike the generic Gen AI we are familiar with today, hyperspecialised Gen AI chatbots need to be trained on domain-specific data created by experts in each field, who also have the knowledge needed to gauge response accuracy and quality. This is important because, particularly in sectors like healthcare, where incorrect diagnoses or advice could have grave consequences, chatbots need to know what they are talking about.

The good news for brands is that it's actually less intensive to train a Gen AI chatbot to perform very well in one specific area than to perform generally well across limitless topic areas and use cases.

Businesses find Gen AI doesn't 'stack up' as legacy infrastructure hinders adoption

Over the last couple of years, many companies launched Gen AI products that have not delivered value at best and completely failed at worst. In the rush to adopt the new technology, companies simply didn't spend enough time properly thinking their product through. They also didn't consider how difficult it is to get Gen AI's entirely new ecosystem to integrate with their legacy IT infrastructure.

Data silos, compatibility issues, and change management challenges are causing problems. As with many projects that are often driven from the top down by company management, so much emphasis is put on speed to market that very serious concerns are overlooked. Little attention is given to 'minor' details like compatibility with existing systems or even thorough analyses of the use cases that could have the most impact on the business. Companies rolling out Gen AI products need to put more effort into the planning stage if they want to see a real return on investment.

Automation gets a new lease with agentic AI in 2025

Despite its promise to streamline work, cut costs, and free up time, automation has not really delivered the productivity boost people imagined. While Gen AI has already driven automation forward through its code creation ability, it could not execute actions autonomously on the user's behalf. This will all change with agentic AI, which integrates with existing systems to perform actions.

The combined power of generative and agentic AI means we can now automate entire processes end-to-end. Imagine you are having a conversation with a virtual health assistant: besides providing diagnostic information, soon it may be able to book a doctor's appointment for you, organise a taxi to the hospital and make a note to follow up on your recovery. The challenge in 2025 will be to integrate this technology with legacy IT stacks and upskill technical staff to navigate its complex architectures.

In 2025, AI testing other AIs will become more mainstream

You read it right: 2025, Gen AI will test Gen AI. The reason for this is that Gen AI is very difficult to test using traditional QA methods. Gen AI is nondeterministic, meaning that its responses are always unique and therefore impossible to predict. This complicates testing because some responses may pass tests while others fail.

Large language models (LLMs) function on billions of parameters that control things like the relationship between words, contextual meaning and grammar, all of which need to be tested - which is logistically impossible for resource-constrained QA teams. Gen AI, on the other hand, has far greater computational power. Through techniques like benchmarking, where it compares Gen AI responses to example responses curated by humans, Gen AI can check all parameters in seconds. Techniques like these will become commonplace n...

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We look at the Galaxy Buds3 Pro. You can see more about them on the Galaxy website here.

Galaxy Buds3 Pro reviewed

The earbuds are easy to use, and stay in your ear fairly well, which is of course always an important criteria for these products. You have the option to control the various options by either touches and swipes, or by speaking your voice commands. This could be problematic if your kids realise this, or if you are on public transport or other common areas. For these reasons we expect you will probably use the physical controls to make adjustments.

To get the most out of the earbuds you will need to use the relevant app, as this helps offer a lot functionality. We're not sure if these earbuds are primarily aimed at Samsung phone users, although we would imagine it is a better user experience for those who do have one. Our testers have not got their hands on any Samsung phones for several years now, so they were not able to offer more insights in that regard.

The battery life seems to be less than five hours, which doesn't seem great, especially as it will then need to be recharged more often, which will impact potentially on it's overall longevity. As always with these reviews this is one area where it is hard to speak authoritatively because you don't know how the device will be performing after six months to a years active usage.

For now though our testers liked the look and feel, and the sound quality of them too. They were easy to use, and are still being used by one of the team, which is always a good sign. There is also a trade in option, which could help in terms of bringing down the price too.

More about the Galaxy Buds3

Experience our all-new design engineered for optimal sound. Our re-imagined Galaxy Buds3 Pro feature small, angled heads for a comfortable fit and to streamline your audio experience while accented Blade Lights let you to express yourself. Highlighting the blade design is a sleek case with a transparent cover and delicate curved shape, equipped with USB-C and wireless charging capabilities.

Immerse yourself in the elaborate details - from the deep rumble of the bass to the clear, crisp highs of the trebles - with enhanced 2-way speaker.

Hear the vibrato of instruments with minimal distortion through our first-ever dual amp.

Retain ultra high-quality audio from the recording studio to your Galaxy Buds3 Pro. The Samsung Seamless Codec compresses and encodes up to 24bit / 96kHz audio. Then, decodes on the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, maintaining the 24bit / 96kHz, high-fidelity sound so you can hear the intricate details, just as it was intended.

Delve into your personal soundscape with Galaxy AI-assisted Adaptive EQ/Adaptive ANC. Based on individual ear shape and wearing habits, our AI-boosted algorithm analyses sound detected through the inner and outer mics in real-time. Then, Galaxy AI optimiSes your listening experience by adjusting the sound to conform to your fit with pinpoint precision.

Keep your Galaxy Buds3 Pro on and continue to engage with the world around you. Using Galaxy AI, Galaxy Buds3 Pro identifies and prevents unnecessary noise intuitively. Then, it optimises your audio experience by calibrating the ANC and Ambient modes to correspond to your surroundings. So you can listen to your favourite tunes, uninterrupted.

With Galaxy AI, understand the world like never before. See the translation on your Samsung Galaxy smartphone, and simultaneously hear your conversation interpreted in real-time through your Galaxy Buds3 Pro. Discover what it means to be truly free of language barriers.

To access listening mode, simply pinch and hold your earbuds and your Galaxy Buds3 Pro will continue to interpret as the speaker is talking. Once the app is open, the Interpreter feature will start up with the mode last used.

Dive into a spatial sound experience. 360 Audio is a feature that identifies the exact direction of the sound as you tilt your head, providing surround sound for a more vivid listening ...

Dublin City Council is delighted to support 'Dublin Tech Week', which will take place from May 23-30, 2025.

This first of its kind event will bring together Dublin's tech community, educators, creatives, and the public, offering a vibrant programme of events designed to inspire collaboration and showcase Dublin as a global tech hub. Dublin Tech Week 2025 aims to leave a lasting legacy by building connections across the tech sector, encouraging STEM engagement within the wider community, and positioning Dublin as a compelling destination for the international tech community.

By encouraging innovation and cultivating a thriving ecosystem, Dublin Tech Week seeks to become a cornerstone event on both the city's and the global tech calendar.

It will spotlight where tech intersects with daily life, be it work, culture, entertainment, or city living. This initiative supports Dublin's ongoing development as a dynamic hub for technology and entrepreneurship, promotes sustainable growth, attracts global talent, and strengthens the sector's long-term resilience and economic impact.

"Dublin is one of Europe's most important tech hubs and a leading smart city and the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024. Dublin City Council and the Dublin Brand are proud to support the City's first ever Tech Week showcasing our world-class talent, cutting-edge innovation, and collaborative 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." said Ross Curley, Head of Economic Development, Dublin City Council & Dublin Regional Place Brand.

Dublin Tech Week Highlights

Dublin Tech Week will feature a diverse line-up of activities for tech professionals and the public, including:

Tech Conferences/Summits/Seminars

Tech Company Open Houses/Community activities

Innovation Showcases

Collaborative Hackathons

Networking/Meet ups

Tech meets Art/Culture Experiences

Partners and Support

Dublin Tech Week is backed by leading organisations in the Irish tech community, including Dublin City Council, Smart Dublin, LEO, Dublin Tech Summit (DTS), Tech Ireland, ADAPT Centre, Nova UCD, Blockchain Ireland, Eth Dublin, Guinness Enterprise Centre, Furthr, and Endeavor. With the support of these key players, Dublin Tech Week will deliver transformative experiences that further establish Dublin as a global leader in technology and innovation. Further support from both within the tech community and wider community of Dublin is being encouraged, for more information email [email protected]

Companies, community groups, venues and educational and cultural institutions are invited to host tech-related events or experiences during Dublin Tech Week, taking place from 23-30 May 2025.

A full listing of events and experiences will be available on the Dublin Tech Week website in the coming months. To submit an event or find out how to get involved, visit DublinTechWeek.com or email [email protected]

See more stories here.

Cavan Chamber of Commerce has upgraded its paper vouchers for a high tech gift card to provide tangible support for businesses, enable organisations to support local with employee rewards, and encourage the younger generation to shop local.

A joint initiative with Cavan County Council, the new gift card replaces the Cavan Chamber Voucher which has operated in the town since 2020. Available as either a physical gift card or an e-card that can be added to digital wallets, hopes are high that the new Cavan Town Gift Card will make it easier for existing and new audiences to shop local.

The Cavan Town Gift Card can be spent with multiple businesses in the town, including shops, restaurants, hotels and services. Both national brands and independent businesses accept the card, which is part of the Town & City Gift Card concept active across Ireland.

Over €7 million Town & City Gift Cards were sold in Ireland in 2023. The cards are eligible to be used with the Irish Revenue's Small Benefit Exemption Scheme, making them popular for organisations to use for employee rewards.

Councillor Philip Brady from Cavan County Council, who is also owner of The Sports Shop in Cavan, said the objective of the new gift card is to drive spend in Cavan and prevent business closures:

"We've had a paper voucher in Cavan for a number of years now but the time was right to upgrade. As a Chamber, we have noticed a drop in footfall in Cavan Town itself. The objective of the new gift card is to bring people right into the heart of the town with money to spend, so we can keep businesses open.

"There is great enthusiasm from our businesses for the new Cavan Town Gift Card which has huge potential to drive significant sales in our town, especially from organisations using the card for employee rewards. Only a few businesses accept the national gift cards because of the high commissions, whereas the Cavan Town Gift Card is commission free for businesses to accept, so all of the money goes to our town. All Cavan businesses can accept the gift card, whether they are members of the Chamber or not.

"We live in a digital world so the e-card version of the card in particular will be beneficial in encouraging the future generation to shop local and support their town. It's also highly convenient, with the ability to send a card to the recipient in moments."

Cian Donohoe is the owner of Cian's Tech World and said the commission free nature of the card is a positive:

"The launch of the new Cavan Town Gift Card is important to drive forward the shop local ethos in Cavan. The paper vouchers were a massive help in getting customers through the door but from a retailer's perspective, the new gift card is a lot more customer and business friendly. We've actually stopped accepting the national gift cards because of the high commission they charge, so the zero commission on the Cavan Town Gift Card is a big bonus. Too many gift cards send people elsewhere whereas the Cavan Gift Card has to be spent here with our businesses and is a fantastic opportunity for us."

Peter Scanlon is the owner of Elegant Gems and urges local firms to consider the card for Christmas rewards: "Elegant Gems is a third generation business dating back to 1944 so we've seen many changes in that time. The paper vouchers were good but very time consuming and administration heavy whereas the new Cavan Town Gift Card is high-tech and much easier for businesses to accept and customers to use. This Christmas, I urge all local employers to consider using the Cavan Town Gift Card to reward their staff tax free, using the Small Benefit Exemption with the reassurance that the card has to be spent in the town, locking spend into Cavan."

Alongside Cavan, new Town & City Gift Card programmes launching in 2024 include Donegal Town, Wexford, Limerick, Kilkenny and Tipperary.

Colin Munro is the managing director of Miconex and said: "We're pleased to welcome Cavan to our network of Town & City Gift Card programmes acr...

An Irish robotics startup has developed two decontamination robots that have been deployed in a UK hospital, with the important mission of cleaning its wards and operating theatres more efficiently.

Thanks to a generous financial donation from the Friends of the Friarage, the Northallerton hospital, which is part of the South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Friarage Hospital is currently home to Akara Robotics' cutting-edge UV decontamination units.

Following positive initial trial results, two of Akara's decontamination robots - winners of the Best Newcomer award at the Infection Prevention Society Conference 2024 - can now be seen in the hospital's clinical decisions unit, wards and operating theatres as part of the next stage of the clinical evaluation of the technology.

Working in tandem with the strong team of environmental services staff, the robots serve as a powerful tool to enable the hospital to decontaminate rooms with a quicker turnaround time.

Niamh Donnelly, Co-Founder and Chief Robotics Officer of Akara Robotics said: "Akara's robots build on more than a decade of robotics and artificial intelligence research conducted at Trinity College Dublin, from which the company spun out. Unique AI capabilities give our robots the ability to operate autonomously, which enables them to navigate and decontaminate clinical rooms based on a programme of cleaning instructions that they are given.

"We are extremely proud to see our robots working in a hospital setting. It's wonderful to know that they are making a real difference in helping to keep patients safe, and serves as great vindication for all the hard work the team has put in over the years."

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Frontline staff, working with Akara, have created a bespoke workflow app with the aim of removing the need for paper checklists and providing real-time alerts when rooms are available, further enhancing efficiency.

James Dunbar, consultant in infection and general medicine as well as chair of the Friarage Clinical Collaborative, said: "Microbes with resistance to antibiotics are probably the biggest emerging challenge in healthcare today. Our main defence is cleaning and decontamination. Last year, our pilot study using Akara technology had amazing results. We are so grateful to the Friends of Friarage for funding our continued collaboration. It is massively exciting to work with absolutely cutting-edge robotic decontamination units and be right at the forefront of innovation."

Conor McGinn, CEO of Akara and Professor at Trinity's School of Engineering, said: "Our robot has been designed not just to improve the quality and consistency of cleaning but to make life easier for staff by streamlining workflows. Importantly, it helps hospitals enable quicker room turnaround times and shorten the time it takes for patients to be admitted. We're proud to see our technology making a real difference at the Friarage Hospital and excited to continue supporting their efforts to stay at the forefront of innovation."

Earlier this year, Akara was accepted into the Techstars Healthcare Accelerator in Los Angeles, a program sponsored by leading US healthcare providers, including UnitedHealth and Cedars-Sinai. Following the successful completion of their first trial in a US hospital, Akara has gained early traction in the American market. In September, the company was also recognised as the Best Newcomer at the Infection Prevention Society (IPS) Annual Conference.

Looking ahead, Akara aims to expand its presence in the US healthcare market while continuing to scale operations in Europe. The company is also preparing to formally launch a new product next year designed to help hospitals reclaim lost time in their surgical departments, improving efficiency and patient throughput.