Echelon Data Centres says that a landmark decision to provide a grid connection for the company's DUB20 data centre campus in Co Wicklow will ensure investment of €3.5bn and 1,300 jobs.

A spokesperson for Echelon described the decision as an important endorsement of responsible data centre development in Ireland and a major milestone for the company. Echelon will create 1,100 jobs during construction of the facilities in Arklow, and 200 permanent positions once the data centre is operational.

DUB20 is the first large-scale data centre to meet the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities' (CRU) 2021 criteria for data centre connections. Onsite energy centres at the facility will have the capacity to provide security of supply services to EirGrid, Ireland's Transmission System Operator (TSO) when renewable generation output drops below grid demand.

The grid connection will allow Echelon to begin work on a 220kV substation at the site that will allow access to the grid for renewable energy generated off the coast of Wicklow in the future. Echelon is also investing in solar, battery energy storage systems, and renewable fuels to replace fossil fuel consumed by the data centre.

Echelon Head of Energy Systems Cormac Nevin said: "DUB20 is a model for the future - and EirGrid's decision to provide a grid connection for the facility will ensure investment of €3.5bn in data centre and energy infrastructure in Co Wicklow. It is an endorsement of sustainable data centre development as it follows a pathway to net zero emissions and demonstrates the role of Government policy in achieving that.

It is also a strong statement that Ireland takes its climate responsibilities seriously but is open for business to the data centre sector and the jobs and inward investment that comes with it."

Earlier this year, Echelon announced that Starwood Capital Group had invested approximately €850m to become a 50% shareholder in the company and provide material capital for its continued growth. The transaction also included a new €900m debt facility provided by Morgan Stanley and United Overseas Bank. Echelon now intends to proceed to the construction phase at DUB20.

Cormac Nevin added: "This project will ensure investment of €3.5bn and create 1,300 jobs. It will support the development of renewable energy resources, it will provide support for the national grid to ensure security of supply, and it will help Ireland transition to a low-carbon economy. DUB20 will demonstrate what is possible when we co-locate critical infrastructure like data centres and renewable energy resources.

Everyone at Echelon is now looking forward to building Ireland's greenest large-scale data centre."

Wicklow-based Senator Pat Casey said: "This landmark decision from EirGrid is great news for Wicklow's emerging digital economy. Echelon will now be able to rejuvenate the IFI site in Arklow with a multi-billion-euro investment that will create sustainable jobs and build a world-class data centre and digital technology campus in Arklow that will be powered by sustainable energy."

Tech Industry Alliance, the leading organisation dedicated to fostering innovation and growth in Ireland's technology sector, has announced the launch of a strategic event aimed at supporting startups and scale-ups. In collaboration with AIB and sponsored by the National Software Centre (NSC), this event will provide critical insights into securing bank finance, as well as funding from angel investors and venture capitalists.

The event is scheduled to take place on the evening of September 24th, 2024, at the AIB offices located at 66 South Mall, Cork. This exclusive gathering is set to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, creating a dynamic environment for networking, knowledge sharing, and strategic growth discussions.

Tech Industry Alliance Event Highlights:

Comprehensive Financial Guidance: Industry experts from AIB will present key information on navigating bank finance options, providing startups and scale-ups with the tools they need to secure the financial backing required for their growth journeys.

Insights from Leading Investors: Attendees will gain access to invaluable perspectives from seasoned angel investors and venture capitalists, who will share their criteria for investment and tips on how to attract and secure funding.

Networking Opportunities: The event will offer ample opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with potential investors, industry peers, and mentors, fostering relationships that could prove instrumental in their business growth.

Panel Discussion, Case Study and Q&A: Engaging panel discussion & case study featuring successful entrepreneurs and financial experts will address common challenges faced by startups and provide actionable strategies to overcome them.

"We are delighted to partner with AIB to deliver this crucial event that will empower startups and scale-ups with the knowledge and connections they need to thrive," said Donagh Kiernan, Vice Chair of Tech Industry Alliance and CEO Tenego.

"Access to finance is essential for early-stage and high-growth companies. This event is designed to provide valuable insights into the process and create an open environment for investors and high-growth companies to connect." Denis Ryan, Technology Sector Specialist AIB

Registration Details: The event is open to all startups, scale-ups, and entrepreneurs interested in scaling their businesses. Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged. For more information and to register, please visit https://techindustryalliance.ie/event/register-now-funding-for-growth/.

DataSolutions has announced that it is officially rebranding to Climb Channel Solutions Ireland as the distributor eyes up expansion in key markets across Europe.

Following the acquisition of Dublin-based DataSolutions in October 2023, Climb Channel Solutions is now focusing on its growth in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). The group expects to generate 12% growth in this region during its 2024 financial year (FY 2024). It also anticipates 12-15% global growth in FY 2024, following a successful 2023 which saw it surpass $1.2 billion (approximately €1 billion) in revenues globally.

This ongoing expansion will also be driven by mergers and acquisitions (M&A), with Climb Channel Solutions recently acquiringDouglas Stewart Software & Services, LLC ("DSS") in the US. Going forward, it will be focusing on Western Europe and the rest of EMEA as part of its M&A strategy.

Climb Channel Solutions Ireland will be pivotal to the company's growth plans due to its success driven by longstanding relationships with high-performing Tier 1 technology vendors in Ireland - including HP Aruba, Check Point and Citrix.

Furthermore, it introduced a number of new vendors to the Irish market earlier this year including SolarWinds, Quest Software and SmartBear. Together, these have enhanced the distributor's capabilities across the areas of cyber security, IT management, networking, and compliance.

The company has also invested in a new ERP system and cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and data analytics, to streamline its operations and enhance its services for resellers and partners.

As part of the rebrand, David Keating was made Country Manager of Ireland for Climb Channel Solutions. Roberta McCrossan also stepped into a new role as EMEA Marketing Director, with Brian Davis now serving as VP of Sales for the UK and Ireland, Kamel Kerbib taking up the role of Country Manager for France, and Patrick Van Arendonk assuming the position of Sales Director for Benelux. More recently, Martin Bichler was appointed Country Manager for the DACH region.

David Keating, Country Manager for Climb Channel Solutions Ireland, said: "The merging of DataSolutions and Climb Channel Solutions has been a gradual process over the past year and the official rebrand now marks a new and exciting chapter for the business as we look to continue on our growth trajectory and expand further in Europe.

"While there have been some new additions to our service offering, our success as a company has always been driven by our people and our resellers - who have been a great support over the last 30 years. As Climb Channel Solutions Ireland, that will remain the case as our experienced team looks to continue delivering outstanding service, innovating for partners, and driving business success."

Dale Foster, CEO of Climb Global Solutions, added: "The integration and rebranding of DataSolutions marks a vital step in our growth journey and we are excited about the future. On that, mergers and acquisitions will remain a key part of our global strategy - enabling us to extend our geographic reach, add to the team, and bring in new vendors. We do have targets in mind, ones that fit into our overall plan and will bring value to the business, as well as our reseller partners.

"Of course, we remain dedicated to our mission of creating an uncontested marketplace for emerging tech, along with delivering exceptional service. Our aim is not just to stick with what's proven and profitable today but to invest in and support the solutions that will shape tomorrow.

By leveraging the expertise of our people, focusing on strategic partnerships, and engaging end-users, we will further solidify our position as a trusted partner in Ireland and further afield, thus propelling the business forward."

See more stories here.

The latest data published by the telecoms' regulator, Comreg, have revealed that only 10% of all Irish businesses are using a full fibre broadband connection.

Poor connectivity risks undermining efforts for Irish businesses, particularly SMEs, to fully embrace digital technologies, according to broadband operator SIRO.

Comreg has just published its Quarterly Key Data for Q2 2024, covering the three months of April, May and June 2024. This reveals that only 30,788 Irish businesses have moved from outdated broadband technologies such as copper or cable to fast, reliable and future-proofed fibre to the premise (FTTP) broadband.

With over 300,000 businesses in Ireland, Comreg's data indicates only 10% of those businesses are using fibre to the premises (FTTP) broadband.

In total, full fibre (FTTP) broadband is available to 68% of all Irish premises, with 47% of those premises now having an active FTTP connection.

Both the level of access to full fibre broadband and the take up of this service have grown considerably in recent years as network rollouts accelerate. However, the majority of the take-up has been by residential customers, with the pace of adaptation not replicated by Irish businesses.

In an EU context, the most recent Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) 2022 found that Ireland's take-up of fixed broadband was lower than the EU average. Previous research by the European Commission from 2019 noted that the digital economy in Ireland "appears to run at two different speeds, with a small number of multinationals with high digitisation but with indigenous SMEs, slower in leveraging digital solutions to reduce costs, drive innovation and expand their market presence".

The data comes a time when the digitalisation of business, particularly SMEs, is an increasing focus for Government to ensure they remain competitive and sustainable into the future. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has set a national target of 90% of SMEs to reach basic digital intensity by 2030 and to have at least 75% of enterprises using Cloud, AI and Big Data by 2030.

SIRO Chief Commercial Officer Ronan Whelan noted: "Households have enthusiastically embraced full fibre broadband as access to fibre networks has expanded across the country, but Comreg's data shows this has not been replicated amongst Irish businesses to the same extent.

"Enterprise Ireland has recognised "a key enabler for strong digitalisation is internet reliability." Full fibre broadband, with greater resilience, greater bandwidth and faster connection speeds, is best placed to meet this requirement.

"Low levels of business FTTP broadband take-up has consequences. It risks undermining wider national objectives on digitalisation at a time when the future of small businesses really requires they embrace digital transformation.

"Business representatives, Government and the fibre broadband industry must redouble efforts to more effectively communicate to Irish businesses the relevance and benefits of full fibre broadband to their business. This should include fibre broadband awareness campaigns, ensuring that adequacy of connectivity features on prominently digital fitness checklists, and that companies are advised on full fibre broadband solutions when availing of state supports," added Mr Whelan.

Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published the results of the National Engagement on Digital Health and Social Care, a project undertaken in partnership with the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The aim of the project was to understand the opinions and attitudes of both the Irish public and professionals working in health and social care on a digital approach to health and social care.

The study was conducted in the context of EU targets and the Health Information Bill 2024, which pave the way for people having access to and control over their health records digitally in Ireland. The project comprised of a survey of over 2,000 members of the public, and a separate survey of over 1,000 professionals working in health and social care.

A number of focus groups were also held with members of the public, including representatives from minority groups, people who use disability services, and professionals working in health and social care.

The results showed that the public are ready to engage digitally to help manage their health, with 74% of the public saying that they would access their health record online, when available. Of the general public surveyed, 90% surveyed think that an online health record will help them manage their health between visits to a healthcare professional.

Importantly, the public want to use their online health record for practical tasks to manage their health. For example, 90% of the public said they want to use their online health record to renew prescriptions for regular medications and 89% said that they want to use their online health record to track progress of tests.

Professionals think digital care is important to empower patients as partners on their healthcare journey but are concerned that some members of the public may not be ready to interact with them digitally. Of the professionals surveyed, 88% said that an online health record will help people be better informed about their health.

Professionals highlighted areas that need to be addressed to support the provision of services and communicating digitally, with 54% of professionals surveyed sharing that the IT skills of people they treat and care for will be a challenge. 92% of professionals indicated they want clarity on who to contact for technical support, 83% want training in digital tools and 79% want protocols in place on providing services or information.

Rachel Flynn, HIQA's Director of Health Information and Standards, and chair of the project steering group, said: "With the increased investment in digital health, it was important to engage with both the public and professionals, to help develop person-centred digital systems which can strengthen and support care delivery. The findings of this engagement are extremely valuable, providing evidence to inform the development and provision of digital health systems and services in Ireland.

"The results of the project demonstrate that people want to see education, training and supports rolled out with any online health system. People also want assurances regarding data security which reinforces the importance of upholding people's rights regarding the collection, use and sharing of their information. IT skills and infrastructure were identified as potential challenges by both the public and professionals."

"Although there is work that needs to be done, it is very positive to see that both members of the public and the professionals that care for them feel ready to incorporate a digital element into their care."

The findings from this engagement will inform HIQA's health information programme of work and practice, policy, legislation and decision-making in Department of Health and the HSE regarding development and provision of digital health systems and services in Ireland.

Read the full findings at www.hiqa.ie.

More about Irish Tech News

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

Tyndall researcher awarded €1.58 million from the renowned funding body, European Research Council (ERC), to support his groundbreaking research.

IPIC, the SFI Centre for Photonics based at Tyndall National Institute (a research flagship of University College Cork), is pleased to announce that Dr Sanathana Konugolu Venkata Sekar has been awarded a European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant. The grant, worth €1.58m, will support Dr Konugolu Venkata Sekar's groundbreaking research project NOBIAS: "Novel diffuse Optical method to combat skin colour bias in non-invasive optical biomarker sensing devices".

Skin colour bias in optical healthcare devices affects 2.2 billion people of colour worldwide. Dr Konugolu's project, NOBIAS, aims to develop a revolutionary Time Domain Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy (TDDOS) method to eliminate colour bias, motion artefacts and inaccuracies in optical biomarker devices such as pulse oximeters (used to measure oxygen levels in blood) and smartwatches.

This pioneering technology will address the critical need for more accurate and equitable medical diagnostics by focusing on the influence of skin pigmentation, variations in skin layer thickness, and composition across different ethnicities. The goal is to create a bias-free foundation for optical biomarker assessments that will enable a new era of accurate optical biomarker sensors for fitness and clinical bedside monitors.

The prestigious ERC Starting Grants, awarded by Europe's leading research funding body, are designed to support emerging research leaders in building their independent teams and conducting pioneering research with the potential for significant global impact.

Speaking about his work, Dr Konugolu explains: "My goal with the NOBIAS project is to lay the foundation for the world's first bias-free and accurate optical biomarker sensing device, and our hope is that its legacy will be the gold standard for bias-free clinical and personal biomarkers sensing".

Professor Paul Townsend, Head of Photonics, Tyndall and Director of IPIC, said: "Dr Konugolu has consistently impressed me with his passion and commitment to the generation of new ideas and knowledge, as well as his ability to commercialise those ideas to realise new medical technologies that will benefit society in the future.

This significant award confirms his outstanding potential as a world-leading biophotonics researcher, and I am confident the project will lead to new innovations that will be very impactful for the field".

Welcoming the news, Martin O'Connell, EU Programme Manager at IPIC, said: "ERC grants are among the most prestigious of any funding body worldwide, and the successful award is a testament to the research excellence consistently on display on an ongoing basis in IPIC."

We look at the Codex Bamboo Sit/Stand Desk And Office Chair, see more information about both products here.

Codex Bamboo Sit/Stand Desk And Office Chair reviewed

Our testers were happy to review this pair of products. The chair was an instant hit. They all liked it, they found it comfortable, ready for usage and good to go. They played around with the various settings, the leaning back, slightly slouching posture seemed a bit strange, and they wondered if they would always use the proper upright posture, even though they knew it was good for their backs.

Either way the chair very quickly became part of the office, and the preferred chair to be taken by whoever got in first.

With the bamboo desk, there is a lot to like about it, so we will begin with this. Firstly it looks great. It also has a lovely feel to it as well, it is big, wide, nothing crazy, but big enough to not been feeling squeezed by your screen, keyboard and other relevant attachments you might need too. The installation team were prompt, quick and super pleasant.

The one element that caused us perhaps unnecessary problems over the following weeks, was that they did not put it to the initial preferred optimal height. There is no manual method to move the desk up and down, which, once we had exhausted the following options did seem like a bit of a drawback. The product brochure suggested that we download the app, which we did, on both Apple and Android, but this failed to shift the level up and down.

It turns out you need a dongle to do this, not included, and needed to be bought additionally.

There are also installation videos, which we dutifully followed, to no avail. Or rather we managed to make it go down, but never back up. As we reflected on these attempted problem solving issues we did wish that it had just been put to the preferred height and checked at the installation phase rather than us having to chase the company afterwards.

The desk and chair are great, the customer support were responsive, and the installation process was fine, but it would have just been great if the actual up and down movement had been checked as part of the installation process, as it would have then avoided all the subsequent to-ing and fro-ing. Hopefully if this bug can be sorted out then this could be a great product for your home office too.

More about the products

Codex Sit/Stand Desk And Office Chair

Leap Single Sit-Stand Desk Top With Portals, 1200x800mm - Bamboo/Black

Elevate your workspace with the Leap Single Sit-Stand Desk, the ultimate in ergonomic design. Crafted with a durable 25mm melamine top, this desk is not only built to last but also designed to enhance productivity by allowing you to seamlessly switch between sitting and standing throughout the day. Featuring a sleek Bamboo finish paired with a black frame, it combines style with functionality.

With research indicating an 18% productivity boost from ergonomic furniture, the Leap Sit-Stand Desk is an investment in both health and efficiency. You can customise your office setup with this versatile, adjustable desk and experience the benefits of improved posture, reduced back pain, and increased focus.

Available from Codex.ie

NV Chair with Adjustable Arms, Mesh Back, Grey Base, Black Fabric Seat

Introducing the NV Chair, a fusion of comfort, style, and ergonomic excellence. Designed to support the natural 'S' shape of your spine, this chair offers unparalleled support and promotes healthy posture. The unique curved backrest aligns perfectly with your spine, reducing stress on your back and pelvis while you work. The breathable mesh back and adjustable lumbar support provide optimal airflow and comfort, keeping you cool and supported during long hours at your desk.

The NV Chair is as stylish as it is functional, featuring a sleek grey base and black fabric seat that complements any modern office decor. With adjustable arms and independent seat and back movement, this chair allows for complete customisation to ...

Gamma Labs, the leading location intelligence technology company in Ireland, has published a comprehensive new report that sheds light on energy efficiency trends within the nation's housing stock. Collaborating with BERWOW, a specialist in Building Energy Ratings (BER), the report analyses energy efficiency across various socioeconomic demographics, geographic locations, and property types.

The report finds a correlation between BER ratings and the socioeconomic status of homeowners. Notably, one-third (33%) of A-rated homes are concentrated in the most affluent 10% of the country, while a mere 2% of homes in the least affluent areas achieve an A rating. Moreover, over a quarter (26%) of homes in these economically disadvantaged regions are rated E or below.

In assessing energy efficiency across counties, the study identifies stark disparities. Only four counties - Cork, Kildare, Louth, and Meath - report an excess of A/B-rated homes compared to those rated E/F/G. Conversely, counties such as Clare, Leitrim, Mayo, Offaly, Roscommon, and Tipperary show a concerning trend, with more than double the number of E/F/G-rated homes compared to A/B-rated homes.

The findings also indicate that private lettings are the least energy efficient housing option in Ireland, with 86% of such properties receiving a C rating or lower; nearly half (47%) of these homes earned a D rating or worse. In contrast, newly constructed homes demonstrated higher energy efficiency, with 89% assigned an A rating and the remaining properties receiving a B rating. Overall, it is revealed that only 42% of the entire housing stock has been evaluated for a BER certification.

Another noteworthy insight uncovered by the research was the uneven distribution of kilowatt-hours per square metre of floor area (kWh/m), which determines a property's BER. Peaks and troughs were observed in every band at the cutoff points between ratings and were more pronounced at cutoffs which would result in a letter change in a property's rating.

For example, there were almost three times as many properties listed with an energy requirement of 299 kWh/m than 301kWh/m, with 300kWh/m being the cutoff between a C and D rating. There are a wide number of popular methods to drive even small incremental changes such as the installation of additional low energy lights or a new cylinder lagging jacket.

This report is released in conjunction with Gamma's strategic rebranding into two distinct entities. Gamma Labs aims to simplify complexity, support profitability and enable sustainability for organisations by leveraging property and neighbourhood data. Meanwhile, its Insurtech business, Gamma Risk, uses cutting edge technology and analysis to assess risk for insurance companies and related stakeholders.

As a step towards sustainability, Gamma Labs is also part of the EU's OneClickRENO research project. This initiative aims to transition to zero-emission building standards by emphasizing the benefits of comprehensive renovations through Building Renovation Passports (BRPs).

The full report is available on www.gammalabs.ie/white-paper-ber-insights-energy-efficiency-of-irish-homes/

Commenting on these findings, Charlotte Cuffe, Chief Data Scientist at Gamma Labs, said: "Having access to such property insights is not just useful for homeowners in terms of assessing energy efficiency and retrofitting options (including grants), but also construction companies, energy providers, banks, estate agents and insurance companies. This data can provide a baseline or a benchmark from which people can look to improve their green credentials."

Michael Hanratty, CEO of BERWOW, added: "Equipping stakeholders with data which can enhance their service offerings, lower investment risk, and empower sustainable decision-making is a crucial step in the sustainability journey. In turn, this means organisations can make operations greener, people can create more efficient homes, and Ireland as a whole can take crucial ...

Smarttech247, an Irish firm that has become a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, is set to hire 50 more people as growth continues in key international markets. The Cork-based company now has offices across Ireland, the United Kingdom, Romania, Poland and the US and currently employs over 200 people across all of its operations.

The new roles are spread across positions in technical support, sales, marketing, and partner support, and come as the threat of cybercrime continues to grow worldwide. According to recent research, global cybercrime costs are expected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. This underscores the urgency for businesses to adopt advanced cybersecurity measures, which the team at Smarttech247 have been pioneering in their sector.

Ireland's nominee for the country's next EU commissioner and Cork South Central TD Deputy Michael McGrath said now is an extremely important time for firms like Smarttech247: "This is a Europe-wide issue and thanks to my time as a senior cabinet minister, I'm acutely aware of the complex cybersecurity challenges facing public and private sector organisations.

We all have a responsibility to guard against malicious cyber activity, and it's great to see Irish firms like Smarttech247 leading the way in tackling the latest developments in what we all realise is an evolving landscape. I'm delighted to see Raluca and her team launch a fresh round of recruiting and wish them the very best as they continue to expand".

Today's announcement coincides with the launch of a new route to market for the Cork-based firm, focusing on partnerships which will enable rapid expansion and enhanced services for customers across Ireland, the UK, the US, and the Middle East.

CEO of Smarttech247 Raluca Saceanu says the company is focused on continuously finding new ways to protect customers:

"This is a transformative moment for Smarttech247. Our new route-to-market strategy not only accelerates our growth but also reinforces our commitment to delivering best-in-class cybersecurity solutions to our customers. By creating strategic partnerships and leveraging the expertise of our channel partners, we are poised to scale our operations globally while continuing to innovate and lead in the cybersecurity space."

Smarttech247 is also launching a comprehensive Partner Program, which includes incentives designed to empower partners and drive mutual growth. As part of this strategic initiative, Smarttech247 is in advanced discussions with leading systems integrators and distributors to bring its flagship products - Managed Data Detection & Response (MDDR), VisionX MDR, and ThreatHub - along with a suite of other cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to a broader market.

This new approach aims to strengthen the company's presence in key regions and scale its operations to meet growing global demand. Smarttech247 is a recognised vendor in 2024 Gartner Market Guide for Managed Detection and Response.

Full details of the new roles are available here, and applications are now open.

Guest post by Sally Percy is the author of new book The Disruptors: How 15 Successful Businesses Defied the Norm, published by Kogan Page on 03 September. We will shortly be reviewing this book too.

What's the secret to disruptive business success? Well, there's no denying that an ultra-powerful algorithm certainly helps.

Take social media giant, TikTok, for example. It became a global phenomenon on the back of its powerful recommendation algorithm, which learns users' interests from their viewing habits and makes compelling, personalized recommendations that keep them hooked.

The Disruptors, achieving disruptive business success

Another disruptive business that has capitalized on algorithms is music streaming platform Spotify. Its highly effective algorithms analyse the listening habits of hundreds of millions of users, make connections based on historical listening behaviour, and then predict what individual listeners will want to hear in future. As a result, it delivers a highly personalized experience that listeners love.

TikTok and Spotify are two of the groundbreaking businesses that I studied for my book, The Disruptors: How 15 Successful Businesses Defied the Norm. Along with the other businesses I researched, they can teach powerful lessons on achieving disruptive success.

While investment in state-of-the-art technology is a common characteristic of disruptors, they also embrace these three critical strategies:

Do what other businesses don't dare to do

It's a risk to try to turn your product's greatest weakness into its greatest strength. But that's what casual footwear brand Crocs did with its foam-based shoes. Even Crocs' own inventors thought they were ugly. But would-be customers were willing to overlook the shoes' unusual appearance because of their sheer practicality and comfortable fit.

So, the brand turned the unattractiveness of the shoes into a marketing advantage, using the strapline 'Ugly Can Be Beautiful' in an advertising campaign.

Crocs has successfully established itself as a "love or hate" brand, which has enabled it to generate a huge amount of traction in the fashion marketplace and earn the enduring loyalty of consumers. Thanks to their iconic design, Crocs are instantly recognisable - even if they are not to everyone's taste.

Execute a concept better than anyone else

Home-sharing platform Airbnb was not the first website in the US to enable people to book short-term accommodation. But who needs to be the first mover when you can execute the concept better than anyone else?

Two out of Airbnb's three co-founders, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia, come from a design background. This helped enormously when it came to building the company's distinctive brand, which is grounded in the concept of community. The third co-founder, Nathan Blecharczyk, studied computer science at Harvard and, from the outset, made clever use of technology to help Airbnb gain a competitive edge.

By developing a better product and a more distinctive brand, Airbnb has overtaken its rivals. In fact, the concept of staying in Airbnb accommodation has become so well known that 'Airbnb' is even used as a verb by people looking to rent space.

Tackle big problems

Disruptive businesses like to tackle big problems - and problems don't get much bigger than climate change. Electric car maker Tesla is tackling this challenge head-on, through its self-proclaimed mission to build a world "powered by solar energy, running on batteries and transported by electric vehicles".

Climate change isn't the only problem that Tesla is trying to address, however. It is also trying to make car travel safer through automation, reducing the number of deaths in road traffic accidents. Specifically, Tesla has plans to launch the so-called 'robotaxi', an autonomous car that is able to drive itself completely without human intervention.

What makes a disruptor?

While disruptive businesses will inevitably share some similarities, the business model of no two disru...