Galway based Orreco, the leading agentic AI for sports firm, has announced a $4M funding round with participation from Enterprise Ireland and Mark Cuban, pro athletes and existing investors. Orreco is a pioneer in applied physiology, biostatistics and cognitive computing. The company equips coaches, medical teams and athletes with knowledge and actionable insights to maximize availability and sustain peak performance.

Keith Brock, Head of Enterprise Ireland's sports tech portfolio, said; "Enterprise Ireland has invested $1M into Orreco as part of a $4M funding round. Our investment is an endorsement of Orreco's incredible technology, team, and global reach and supports 55 new jobs at Orreco globally, including 30 in Galway over the next two years. This investment directly reflects our strategic focus on supporting ambitious companies to scale globally. It also highlights the strength of Ireland's sports tech cluster, with Ireland ranking 1st in Europe for sports tech VC investment on a per capita basis."

Strategic acquisitions

Alongside the new investment, Orreco has acquired Data Driven Sports Analytics (DDSA) from Melbourne, Australia, specialising in AI Computer Vision. DDSA count Tennis World Number 1 Aryna Sabalenka as a longstanding client

"DDSA has been a huge part of how I analyse opponents, develop my game, and make better decisions on court. Now teaming up with Orreco brings two leaders together with one vision, helping athletes be ready to win. It's an exciting step forward for high-performance tennis." Aryna Sabalenka World Number One in Tennis and 4 time Grand Slam Champion

Motion Signal

This new funding and strategic acquisition will help to accelerate Orreco's next generation AI-powered Motion Signal, a breakthrough method of analysing athlete movement behaviour using computer vision and machine learning.

It enables the identification of signals in advance of injury based on changes in athletes motion signal and is a world-leading breakthrough to support player health and performance.

Recognising changes from a player's usual movement behaviour, Orreco's AI can help reduce the risk of expensive non-contact injuries like hamstring strains, Achilles and ACL's. This breakthrough has been developed over multiple seasons in the EPL and has also proven successful with official datasets from the NBA and other US professional sports. A cutting edge initiative is scheduled with Major League Soccer to start next month..

The Orreco algorithms developed by a team of 10 PhD's can also help guide a player's rehab, return to play and performance after an injury.

The new investors join True Ventures, Jason Calacanis, 20VC, professional golfers and major champions Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, NBA agent Todd Ramasar, NHL agent and Olympic medallist Allain Roy and prominent Irish executives and investors

Orreco AI is also part of Comcast NBCUniversal's SportsTech strategic innovation portfolio and is an alumnus of its 2025 cohort.

"Orreco earned its place in our SportsTech 2025 class through proven results. Their AI-driven performance technology delivered measurable value with the Philadelphia Flyers, demonstrating how advanced athlete insights can improve availability and reduce injury risk. We're proud to have been early partners in scaling a solution that's now gaining global traction." Jenna Kurath, Vice President, Sports Venture Partnerships, Comcast.

This is the first proactive approach to use AI to help reduce injury risk. It's great today and only going to get better". Mark Cuban, tech investor and Co-owner of the Dallas Mavericks.

"Mark's investment is a powerful endorsement of the science and technology we've been building. His backing, along with the continued support of Enterprise Ireland, participation in Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech's 2025 program - combined with the computer vision expertise of the DDSA team - puts us in the strongest position we've ever been in to scale AI-powered performance intellig...

Ireland's ambitions to strengthen female leadership across its technology sector have taken a leap forward with the launch of NOVA - Women in Tech Leadership Programme, designed specifically for the top tier of emerging female tech leaders.

Created by Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet in partnership with Connecting Women in Tech (CWIT), NOVA will focus on combining human-centred leadership with the advanced strategic technology and AI-enabled capabilities expected of senior tech leaders in the years ahead.

For the Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet, the NOVA programme builds on a decade of impact on women in the technology sector, through its multi award winning women tech returner programmes, bringing over 900 women back to the tech sector, and impacting on gender balance across the sector.

The initiative will see over 20 professionals from 25 CWIT member companies advance their leadership journey when the first cohort commences in January.

Máire Hunt, Director of Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet, said:

"As a sector we must continually find new ways to attract, retain and promote women. Particularly in the age of AI, women can be disproportionately affected.

The NOVA programme is a high-performance accelerator specifically designed for women leaders who can shape the future of technology in an AI driven world. It equips participants not just to take a seat at the table, but to shape it."

Women are often underrepresented in tech and AI leadership roles, which can influence how AI systems are developed and implemented. If AI systems are developed without diverse perspectives, they may perpetuate biases that disproportionately affect women.

Una Fitzpatrick Director of Technology Ireland, said:

"Women in Technology already excel in their technical domain. However, they are under-represented at more senior management positions. Companies across the sector are looking for a sector driven, development pathway that prepares female leaders to make an impact in an AI driven world."

Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet partnered with CWIT for the pilot NOVA programme, which was formally launched on Friday last.

Maire Hunt added: "CWIT exists to help women thrive in the tech industry, so they were a natural partner for the first NOVA programme."

The inaugural intake in January includes 25 female leaders across domains such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, fintech, AI services, semiconductors, and enterprise technology. Companies such as Ergo, ADM, HPE, Workday, Kerry Group, ESB, Mastercard, Salesforce, BT, Accenture and Microsoft are represented.

Commenting, Sabrina Staunton of Mastercard and CWIT, said:

"CWIT exists due to the power of the network to attract, retain and promote females to thrive in the technology space in Ireland. We are excited to launch the first-of-its-kind development program to address the challenge of female talent retention across the Irish technology industry, through the power of partnerships built on our collective power to empower."

NOVA includes modules on strategic thinking, future technologies, emotional intelligence, AI-enabled decision making, high-impact communication and personal leadership identity. Combining live workshops, one on one coaching and a leadership impact project, the NOVA programme blends in-person and virtual sessions, one on one coaching and practical insights.

Held over a six-month period it is designed to build skills progressively and embed new leadership habits.

Individual companies can also deliver the programme in-house for groups of female leaders. Version 1 is one example where the programme is contextualised for a fast-growing AI driven organisation.

Ireland's technology sector employs more than 170,000 people across global multinationals, high-growth Irish companies and a vibrant start-up ecosystem. As businesses continue to adapt to AI-driven transformation, programmes such as NOVA that develop strategic awareness, adaptability and leadership presence will be in de...

Data Edge, Ireland's most experienced network optimisation and application performance management specialist, has announced a new partnership with data protection provider DropVault. Irish-headquartered DropVault is led by international encryption and cybersecurity expert Neal O'Farrell, who has spent four decades in the global cybersecurity industry working with international governments, the military, and financial networks.

DropVault automatically encrypts all conversations and documents created or shared within its portals before they even reach the server. This zero-visibility design bolsters security for businesses - ensuring that even DropVault cannot access customer data - while providing full audit trails for compliance. Founded in 2020 and with offices in the US and Dublin,DropVault supports clients across education, automotive, engineering, and aviation - including a global airline using the solution for $100M+ aircraft leasing transactions.

Data Edge is now adding DropVault's highly secure solutions to its portfolio, helping to protect Irish businesses and their customers from communication-based threats such as data breaches, business email compromise, wire fraud, and ransomware linked to insecure file sharing. Designed for organisations operating in heavily regulated industries, DropVault enables teams to share confidential documents securely, carry out private encrypted conversations, and maintain full visibility and audit trails to support compliance with standards such as GDPR, ISO 27001, and the upcoming NIS2 directive. This ensures that businesses can operate securely and confidently as cyber threats continue to rise.

Data Edge has partnered with DropVault due to its expertise in securing organisations' digital infrastructure. Data Edge and DropVault will provide peace of mind to businesses with guaranteed data sovereignty for critical information, with built-in anomaly detection and defensive monitoring against suspicious access attempts.

Neal O'Farrell, CEO, DropVault, said: "Too many organisations still rely on email, phone calls, and text messaging to share sensitive discussions and documents, and often with only rudimentary security measures in place.

"At a time of global uncertainty and the surge in AI assisted cybercrime, DropVault can help companies maximise the security, privacy, confidentiality, and integrity of their conversations, discussions, and documents. And all without the challenges and frictions that come with most traditional security measures."

Paul Phelan, CEO, Data Edge, said: "This partnership combines DropVault's world-class data protection capabilities with our expertise in delivering top-tier network security offerings to businesses. DropVault's unique position in the encryption space will provide invaluable insights and streamline ways of working for customers.

"It will enable us to effectively secure organisations' most valuable data, while helping them to stay one step ahead of would-be hackers. As methods of attack are evolving at an unprecedented pace, this solution will underpin operations for organisations dealing with highly sensitive or confidential information and allow the day-to-day running of the business to continue uninterrupted."

See more stories here.

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We look at the 2025 paperback version of this book. See more about The Farming for Nature Handbook - A Practical Guide to Protecting and Restoring Nature on your Farm here.

The Farming for Nature Handbook - Protecting and Restoring Nature on your Farm, reviewed

A good up to date and practical guide for farmers and land owners to try and improve the amount of nature and biodiversity on your land. Korean Natural Farming was a new concept and one that we will now be researching. There have been some bad dead ends in the past, in terms of government led, heavy handed approaches to trying to support and help more positive nature focused initiatives, both at and Irish and EU level. This book seems more tuned to the specific needs of Irish farms, and is certainly a welcome addition to the debate and conversation about ecological best practices. It could certainly be a thought provoking stocking filler for the greener aspiring farmer in your life!

More about the book here

Farming for Nature, was set up in 2018, as a non-profit initiative whose mission is to support, encourage and inspire farmers who farm, or who wish to farm, in a way that will improve the natural health of our countryside.

With over 76,000 words and stunning original illustrations, this handbook will guide and inspire you on your farming for nature journey, regardless of your farm size, enterprise type, or starting point.

Over 50 contributors to this book demonstrate that it is possible to farm productively while safeguarding our natural environment, highlighting the positive role that farmers play in sustaining and enhancing our natural environment. Their stories show that, at a time when external forces, climate change, political unrest, and commodity prices, are unpredictable, farming for nature can restore a sense of control and hope for the future, as well as safeguarding the health and well-being of rural communities.

The Authors

Created by Farming For Nature this handbook contains contributions from nearly 50 farmers in our network, with over 500 scientific papers backing up their words.

Dr Emma Hart, lead researcher, editor and author of the book, runs a nature reserve in Co. Cork and is a conversationist, a farmer and a contributor to a number of leading academic journals.

Brigid Barry, co-founder of Farming For Nature, conceived of the idea for the book, developed the outline content, collated the farmers' stories, and managed the project.

Dr Brendan Dunford is an eco-entrepreneur starting a number of successful conservation and farming projects including BurrenLife, Burrenbeo Trust, The Hare's Corner, Heritage Keepers and Farming For Nature. Brendan edited and shaped the content of the book at each draft.

See more book reviews here.

By Jean-Paul Fonteijn, who is the author of Bring Down The Billionaires! and founder of the SuperRichTax.com, a movement which has already gained over 32,0000 signatures across more than 150 countries.

If you ask the average person on the street to name a tech entrepreneur, chances are they will go to one of the 'Big Tech' founders. Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg… these leaders have become the poster boys of the wider technology industry, and as well as building hugely successful businesses, have amassed personal fortunes that put them amongst the world's wealthiest people.

So of course it makes sense for aspiring entrepreneurs and technology companies to want to follow in the footsteps of these billionaires.

But perhaps it is time for us to reconsider what success really looks like? Perhaps the story we have been told for generations isn't really working?

SuperRichTax, what is next?

Time for a new story?

If you turn on the TV to watch the news, browse social media or pick up a newspaper, there is a common theme that echoes across them all - our future is under threat. Climate change is accelerating, relationships between democratic institutions around the world are strained, and inequality simply appears to widen no matter how often we hear politicians promise to redress the balance. There are clearly a multitude of complex factors that contribute to these dynamics around the world, and while I wouldn't suggest that the heroes of modern entrepreneurship are at fault for the situation, there is an argument that we should question whether they are symbols of a system that no longer works.

One concept that keeps reappearing in political debates is the idea of trickle-down economics. According to its logic, wealth accumulated at the very top would eventually flow down to the rest of society. For decades this idea has shaped economic policy, investment strategies, and even the dreams of thousands of young tech founders. Many of us believe that becoming extremely rich was not just a personal ambition but somehow a public good.

But many economists over several decades have questioned the assumptions of trickle-down theory. While the idea promises that benefits will eventually reach everyone, there is lots of real-world evidence that tells a different story: wealth accumulates faster at the top. The gap between rich and poor continues to widen, and it has accelerated since the financial crisis.

We know that inequality casts a shadow over society, and it impacts everything from enterprise to education. Yet despite this, the trickle-down economic model has persisted unchallenged, un-updated, and just deeply embedded in our thinking.

Could tech help turn the tide?

Interestingly, from talking to a number of entrepreneurs, investors and leaders - particularly in tech industries - it seems many people share the same worries. There is a growing recognition that society feels increasingly unbalanced, and despite lots of talk, the systems and structures that exist rarely help those who needed it most. Tech entrepreneurs are at the forefront of innovation, making positive changes and the industry seems to be thriving, yet somehow the opportunities in society seem to keep shrinking for many people.

So whose fault is it? Should we villainize the richest individuals and self-made billionaires? Of course not, but we should at least examine the systems that allow such extreme concentrations of wealth, and see if there could be a framework that aims to restore balance by ensuring that economic gains are shared more broadly, rather than remaining locked at the top.

While changing the mindsets of world leaders and systems that global economies are built upon is like attempting to turn a super-yacht in a tight harbour, technology companies and their leaders can be much more agile.

Instead of designing companies to chase enormous valuations, they could reimagine their goals. What if tech innovation could strengthen communities rather than byp...

Bank of Ireland has invested over €370m in its Retail Ireland division over its current threeyear strategic cycle (2023 - 2025). The investment spans fraud protection, technology and telephony, mortgage services, App investment, payments and CRM.

A number of first-to-market products and services launched during that time, including EcoSaver - mortgage rates based on BER; Smart Start - current account for children/young teens; 'Coming to Ireland' service - customers can apply for their current account 45 days before moving to Ireland. 2,500 consumers across 120 countries have applied for a current account through the Coming to Ireland service since its launch in April. The Bank also recently launched a new lending product to support homeowners trading down and drive better use of existing housing stock in the market.

Bank of Ireland's Retail Ireland division made significant headway over the period, driven by investment and innovation, improved customer experiences and market leadership across key products. This included the largest single investment the Bank has ever made in enhanced customer service systems and technology for frontline colleagues.

Susan Russell, Chief Executive Retail Ireland, Bank of Ireland said: "As part of our strategy, we launched a completely new type of mortgage that rewards customers for improving the energy efficiency of their homes, helping us become Ireland's number one mortgage provider. Addressing the challenges faced by homeowners who need a property better suited to their needs, we announced a new lending product to support people trading down. And we're providing tailored products for farmers, young people, and those returning or relocating to Ireland.

"We've also invested in our branches and contact centres and are rolling out a brand-new ATM fleet across the island. And through strategic deployment of new technology and AI, we're serving customers faster, protecting them better from fraud, and enabling payments across Europe in seconds.

"Over the past three years, we've focused on building stronger relationships by listening more closely and responding for customers in meaningful ways. We've delivered a simpler business by removing friction and making everyday banking faster and more intuitive. And we're building a truly sustainable company, one that is inclusive, responsible and future-ready. This journey is far from over, but we're proud of how far we've come and very excited about what lies ahead."

Retail Ireland delivery against strategy:

Product and service innovation:

Announced new lending product to support homeowners trading down and drive better use of housing stock in the market.

Launched innovative products including EcoSaver (mortgage rates based on BER) and Smart Start (current account for children/young teens).

New 'Coming to Ireland' service allows customers to apply for their current account 45 days in advance

Customer service investment and transformation:

The Bank's largest single investment in enhanced customer service systems and technology for frontline colleagues.

Improved telephony and CRM systems = faster customer service. 'Single view' of the customer at the touch of a button.

More services available 24/7, voice biometrics improving security and efficiency.

Branch upgrade programme including refurbishments and accessibility enhancements.

New ATMs = greater cash processing capacity, energy-saving technology and better accessibility.

Better payments and fraud protection:

SEPA Instant transfers now available, and advanced security with Verification of Payee and Fraud Payment Interrupt.

€50 million investment in fraud prevention and protection.

225 fraud colleagues and 24/7 customer support.

Mortgage and lending excellence:

Improved brokers tech platform, new credit scoring model, and automated document reading = accelerated mortgage decisions.

Maintaining the #1 position in Irish mortgage lending.

nCino platform successfully deployed for small business and agri custo...

40 years the first mobile phone call was made in Ireland, a pivotal moment that began one of the most significant technology transformations in the country's history.

On December 11, 1985, the then Minister for Communications, Jim Mitchell TD, phoned broadcaster Pat Kenny. The pair had a brief chat about the broadcaster's Best Dressed Man of The Year award.

Since that first analogue call, Ireland has become one of Europe's most advanced digital nations, powered by significant industry investment, best-in-class networks and rapidly evolving digital progress.

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan TD - who reenacted the call this week with now broadcasting legend Pat Kenny - said that the evolution of telephony and digital communications had been well embraced by Ireland, with its benefits reaching into almost every corner of the economy and society today:

"Given the recessionary environment here in 1985 it was a significant feat for Telecom Éireann to invest into a new telecommunications market, 40 years ago. Within a decade, market competition really grew and now, incredibly, there are five million smartphone users in Ireland.

"If we add that to the parallel revolution in broadband - including the State's successful National Broadband Plan rollout - and major investment by the providers themselves, networks and connectivity are really high quality, which enables more innovation and job creation."

Four Decades of Progress

Telecom Eireann entered the world of mobile telephony in 1984 after receiving a licence from the Department of Communications. Eircell was launched in 1985, and the first mobile call took place on its network. In the years that followed, Ireland moved through major mobile milestones:

1985: Eircell was launched in greater Dublin area only and network had capacity for only 1,000 customers

1987: Expansion of network to Cork and Limerick

1990: Eircell had 11,300 customers approx. with high cost (device, quarterly rental charge, high cost per minute calls, set up and connection fee)

1993: First digital GSM network launches, introducing SMS and SIM cards

1996-1997: Market competition accelerates mobile adoption

2000: Vodafone enters the market and buys Eircell, enabling new technologies and innovative concepts to grow

2001: 3G spectrum licences issued

2008: iPhone launches in Ireland, ushering in the smartphone era

2025: There are three primary Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) that own and operate the network infrastructure in Ireland including Three, Eir Mobile and Vodafone. In addition, there are virtual MNOs including Virgin Mobile, Tesco Mobile, An Post Mobile, Sky Mobile, GoMo, Lycamobile, Sky Mobile, Clear Mobile and 48.

Telecommunications Industry Ireland (TII) are the Ibec representative body for the sector, that also includes cable and fixed, tower companies, network providers and equipment manufacturers.

TII Director Nicola Cooke said a recent economic and social impact study completed by Ibec showed just how dynamic the sector is:

"There has been €5bn in network capital investment by the industry over the last eight years, in addition to €2.7bn in annual spend with suppliers in Ireland. The telecoms sector - which provides direct employment to 24,000 people in Ireland - is also a huge enabler of the economy and wider society, bring connectivity across the whole country.

"Telecoms is one of the few services where consumer prices are now lower that they were 10 years ago, and that is down to major competition in the market, with a huge range of choice and dozens of packages on offer. The fact that around 99% of the population can avail of 4G and 5G is also testament to the commitment and financing, provided by our members.

"Ireland has come a long, long way since that first call 40 years ago, and we are now among the most progressive countries in terms of our digital transformation, sitting in fifth place among 27 countries on the EU digital index."

See more stories here.

More a...

This Christmas, the soundtrack in your car could be shaping your driving more than you think. As millions take to the roads, Allianz is warning that fast-tempo music can subtly increase speed, stress and reaction times and is encouraging motorists to slow both the car and the beat.

To support safer journeys this year, Allianz is urging drivers to plan ahead, take their time and never drink and drive. As part of this, Allianz Ireland has partnered with Spotify on a new data-driven initiative that helps drivers manage their mindset behind the wheel, simply by adjusting the tempo of the music they listen to.

Building on this partnership, Allianz and Spotify have launched Seat Belters, an in-app experience that creates a personalised, lower-tempo playlist based on each user's listening history. Using Spotify's streaming intelligence, it identifies tracks in the 60-80 beat-per-minute (BPM) range to help promote a calmer mindset on the road - whether it's the school run, inching through town for a bit of shopping, or the long drive home across the country for Christmas.

Studies show that music can have a direct influence on how we drive. Songs with a fast tempo (over 120 BPM) cansubconsciously encourage drivers to speed up and change lanes much more often. In contrast, music that matches the average resting heart rate (around 60-80 BPM) is associated with calmer, more focused driving.

Behavioural Psychologist Dr. Becky Spelman offered insight into the science behind Seat Belters, and how the initiative can have real-world influence on driving behaviour: "As a psychologist, I'm always interested in the small, everyday inputs that shape how we feel and behave. Music is one of those influences that most of us overlook - we usually think of it as something enjoyable to have in the background, but the tempo and rhythm of what we listen to have a very real effect on the body.

"When we're driving, these changes matter. A slight increase in heart rate or a feeling of urgency can lead to quicker reactions, more lane changes or a tendency to drive a little faster. These shifts are not usually conscious decisions; they are simply the body responding to stimulation. The research is very consistent in showing that high-tempo music makes us more reactive and more prone to quick decisions, which is not ideal when we are on the road and need calm, steady focus."

A nationally representative survey commissioned by Allianz earlier this year found that over half of Irish adults believe music influences their driving style, with belief particularly strong among Gen Z, who are the demographic most likely to stream music while driving. Higher heart-rate variability, increased mental workload and erratic driving patterns have all been observed in response to faster music, making mindful playlist curation especially beneficial this Christmas.

Dr. Spelman explains; "This is why the Allianz Seat Belters initiative is so useful. It takes something that people already do every day - listening to music in the car - and turns it into a practical safety support. By selecting music in the range of sixty to eighty beats per minute based on your listening history, the playlist encourages the body to settle. This slower rhythm is much closer to the natural pace of a calm and regulated nervous system. When we're in that state, our thinking becomes clearer, our decision making becomes steadier and we're less likely to behave impulsively, making the roads a safer place for everyone this Christmas."

Allianz has also launched Dashboard Drumming, a social video activation pairing legendary drummer Stewart Copeland (The Police) with science content creator Big Manny. In a parked car, they use nothing but a dashboard and a drumbeat to demonstrate how changing tempo affects mindset, mood, and ultimately driving behaviour - making BPM instantly relatable and sharable. It's a fun but powerful way to show how we respond to rhythm behind the wheel. Start Your Better Driving Sou...

GlobalLogic Inc., a Hitachi Group Company and leader in digital engineering, has released a new report, in partnership with HFS Research, that highlights insights into how industrial enterprises are managing AI adoption, sustainability transitions, and workforce transformation. The research reveals that despite executive ambitions, 51% of organisations cite skills gaps as the primary reason AI and advanced technology initiatives fail or underperform.

The research, which surveyed more than 100 C-level and senior executives from $1 billion+ industrial firms across automotive, aerospace, chemicals, energy and utilities, and construction, highlights a clear challenge: while leaders acknowledge the urgency of AI, sustainability, and talent transformations, a fundamental misalignment between present priorities and future expectations is halting innovation.

"We undertook this research to understand why industrial leaders see AI, sustainability, and talent as top priorities yet struggle to turn them into measurable results," said Srini Shankar, President and CEO at GlobalLogic. "We found many are trying to deploy advanced technologies without the talent, the clear AI governance frameworks, and without transition plans that link today's efficiency pressures to tomorrow's strategic goals. As onshoring accelerates in the United States, leaders face rising domestic demand but scarce and costly specialised talent.

"At GlobalLogic, we're moving beyond experimentation to deliver AI-driven industrial ecosystems that create measurable value today. By combining our deep heritage in embedded systems, Edge AI, IT-OT convergence, OT cybersecurity, Industrial IoT, and next-generation connectivity, such as 5G/6G, GlobalLogic delivers the core capabilities industrial clients need to advance their Physical AI journeys.

"When combined with Hitachi's proven OT and product excellence, we are empowering organisations to modernise faster, operate smarter, and accelerate their transformation across sustainability, productivity, and talent. Together with our industrial clients, we are advancing next-generation capabilities in servitisation, digital twins, industrial automation, predictive maintenance, and frontline worker productivity and safety - helping them unlock new revenue models while driving meaningful gains in operational efficiency and performance."

Key Findings from the Report:

The study reveals that industrial enterprises are trapped between ambition and capability, lacking the talent, frameworks, and integration strategies to execute on generational transitions:

Upskilling Becomes the New Imperative: While 51% of companies say skills gaps hinder AI and advanced technology initiatives, half lack structured upskilling programs, and 42% struggle to find digital and AI talent. As seasoned workers retire and fewer new candidates enter traditional roles, industrial leaders are turning to agentic AI and sustainability-driven innovation to bridge the divide.

Legacy Systems Create Technical Debt & Block Progress: Legacy systems create technical debt and are a clear sign of limited readiness to support the new, 'intelligent,' connected operating models required for technologies like agentic AI. Nearly half (49%) identify integrating new technologies with legacy systems as their greatest barrier to deploying advanced digital technologies.

Priorities Shift to AI: Nearly half (46%) of executives currently prioritise reducing operational costs in their top three priorities, but research shows that in 2 years, AI adoption and operational optimisation will take top spot in priorities.

Industry Seen as Career Dead-End: 58% believe talent sees limited career mobility in the manufacturing sector, 48% cite lack of innovation perception, and 46% acknowledge underpaying compared to other sectors - fueling a deepening talent crisis.

"Industry executives must immediately embed their sustainability, talent, and technology transitions in both strategy and daily operat...

By David Stephen

There is a new [December 2, 2025] paper in Nature, Artificial intelligence for quantum computing, stating that, "Quantum computing (QC) has the potential to impact every domain of science and industry, but it has become increasingly clear that delivering on this promise rests on tightly integrating fault-tolerant quantum hardware with accelerated supercomputers to build accelerated quantum supercomputers."

Will Conceptual Brain Science Advance Quantum Computing?

"However, transitioning hardware from noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices to fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC) faces a number of challenges. Though recent quantum error correction (QEC) demonstrations have been performed, all popular qubit modalities suffer from hardware noise, preventing the below-threshold operation needed to perform fault-tolerant computations."

"Though high-performance computing (HPC), and in particular, accelerated GPU computing, already drives QC research through circuit and hardware simulations, the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) paradigms has only just begun."

"Despite the considerable promise of AI, it is critical to recognize its limitations when applied to QC. AI, as a fundamentally classical paradigm, cannot efficiently simulate quantum systems in the general case due to exponential scaling constraints imposed by the laws of quantum mechanics. Classical simulation of quantum circuits suffers from exponential growth in computational cost and memory consumption."

"In the broadest of strokes, we can categorize deep neural network (DNN) applications as discriminative and generative. The former seeks to learn the conditional probability distribution P(y?x) of value vector y given feature vector x, whereas the latter seeks the joint probability distribution P(x, y)."

"Critical for training all of these deep learning methods is high-quality data. In the case of QC, this data must often be obtained via simulation with supercomputers due to noise and scale limitations of quantum computers, as well as the cost (time and economic) of obtaining quantum data."

"AI for quantum computer development and design. Device design. Learning models of quantum systems. AI for preprocessing. Quantum circuit compilation. Unitary synthesis. AI for circuit optimization. AI models to generate compact circuits. AI for device control and optimization. Designing optimal dynamics. Remove unwanted dynamics. AI for quantum error correction. AI for post-processing. Efficient observable estimation and tomography. Error mitigation techniques. Accelerated quantum supercomputing systems. Simulating high quality data sets."

"Most importantly, each aspect of QC needs to scale, and AI might be the only tool with the ability to both solve these problems effectively and do so efficiently at scale. AI has only begun to benefit QC, and it is likely that AI will play an increasingly critical role into the realization of useful QC applications and FTQC."

AI

A simple way to describe AI is a technology that copied what works: the brain. Or, simply, AI is a technology that looked at the best case of intelligence in nature, the human brain, and imitated it, in the ways that is mathematically possible.

Also, large language models [LLMs] copied a major basis of intelligence, language. While it is possible to operate intelligence in other ways, language is central - to human intelligence - for thinking, listening, writing, reading, singing, signing, speaking and so on.

So, AI is as good as it is, following the lead of the brain, directly.

Now, if this made AI relevant more than any technology that has ever existed, what should any other aspirational technology do? Copy the imitation, AI, or copy the source, the human brain?

Quantum Computing

There are several engineering gaps in quantum computing where fundamental answers should be sought in the brain.

While AI can be currently useful for several improvement cases, the brain should be aggres...