Artificial intelligence dominated headlines in 2024, marking a transformative year for technology, business and society. From Nvidia’s dominance in AI hardware to the rise of generative AI cyberthreats, this year solidified AI’s position at the forefront of innovation while raising questions about security, ethics and competition.
Let’s reflect on the major milestones from 2024 and what they mean for the future of AI in Ireland and beyond.
1. Nvidia’s Unstoppable Growth in AI Hardware
Nvidia emerged as the undisputed leader in AI computing, generating 75% more revenue than Intel and AMD combined in Q3 2024. The company’s early bets on accelerated computing paid off handsomely, reinforcing its dominance in the AI hardware sector.
Strategic partnerships with industry giants like Dell and AWS expanded Nvidia’s market reach, positioning it as the backbone of AI infrastructure. Its Hopper architecture GPUs became the gold standard for AI training and inference, powering applications across industries from healthcare to autonomous vehicles.
For Ireland, where AI development is growing rapidly, Nvidia’s hardware leadership provides opportunities for researchers and businesses to leverage cutting-edge computing power for AI advancements.
2. Generative AI and the Rise of Cyberthreats
2024 also highlighted AI’s darker side, as generative AI technologies were weaponised to create more personalised and effective cyberattacks. Cybercriminals used AI to automate phishing campaigns and craft hyper-targeted scams, accelerating existing attack strategies rather than inventing entirely new ones.
While AI-enhanced security tools are being developed to combat these threats, the arms race between defenders and attackers continues to escalate. Businesses in Ireland must prioritise AI-driven cybersecurity solutions and training to stay ahead of these evolving risks.
3. The Rise of the Chief AI Officer (CAIO)
Last year saw a new role emerge in corporate boardrooms: the Chief AI Officer (CAIO). Major companies like Eli Lilly and Morgan Stanley appointed CAIOs to lead AI strategies and governance.
The introduction of this role underscores the strategic importance of AI across industries. Organisations now recognise that integrating AI is not just about technology – it’s about aligning it with business goals, ethics and compliance.
Irish companies should consider similar roles to ensure AI adoption aligns with corporate strategy and regulatory frameworks, particularly as the EU AI Act introduces stricter compliance standards.
4. AI Innovation Beyond Transformers
2024 saw a significant shift in AI model architectures. While transformers dominated early AI advancements, new frameworks like State Space Models (SSMs) gained traction.
Models such as Mamba demonstrated greater efficiency in tasks like audio generation and visualisation, offering alternatives to transformers in certain applications. This diversification signals an evolution in AI development, opening up possibilities for more tailored and efficient AI systems.
For Irish AI researchers and startups, this trend presents opportunities to experiment with novel architectures and applications, pushing the boundaries of AI capabilities.
5. Microsoft vs. OpenAI: A Battle for AI Supremacy
The relationship between Microsoft and OpenAI took a competitive turn in 2024. While the two companies maintained partnerships, they also began collaborating with rival firms, underscoring the intensely competitive nature of the AI market.
This rivalry highlights how quickly alliances can shift in the AI landscape. For businesses in Ireland, it serves as a reminder to carefully evaluate partnerships and technologies to remain agile in a rapidly evolving environment.
6. AI Becomes Mainstream in Personal Computers
AI integration into personal computers became mainstream, with predictions that 43% of all PCs shipped by the end of 2025 will feature AI capabilities. Major players like Apple and Microsoft rolled out AI-powered devices, embedding tools for automation, content generation and personalisation.
This development democratises AI access, empowering businesses and individuals to harness AI without specialised hardware. Irish firms can capitalise on this trend to enhance productivity and innovation across sectors.
7. Record-Breaking AI Funding Milestones
Funding for AI startups reached unprecedented levels in 2024. OpenAI led the charge with a $6.6 billion funding round, propelling its valuation to $157 billion. This milestone underscores the enormous investor confidence in AI’s potential.
For Ireland, where the AI startup ecosystem is flourishing, this trend signals ample opportunities for funding and growth. Companies should position themselves to attract investment by demonstrating scalable AI solutions and compliance with ethical standards.
8. Apple Joins the AI Race
Apple made its long-anticipated move into AI with its “Apple Intelligence” initiative. The rollout included AI features for summarisation, rewriting, and image generation, integrated into its ecosystem.
Apple’s focus on privacy-centric AI differentiates it from competitors, catering to growing consumer demand for data protection. This approach aligns with Ireland’s strong focus on data privacy and GDPR compliance, offering potential synergies for collaborations.
9. Regulatory Scrutiny Intensifies
The aggressive expansion of AI investments drew the attention of regulatory authorities in the U.S. and U.K., signalling a shift toward greater oversight. Governments began scrutinising tech giants to address concerns about competition, privacy and ethical AI practices.
For Irish companies, adapting to evolving regulatory landscapes will be crucial. Compliance strategies must be built into AI frameworks from the outset to avoid disruptions.
10. What Does 2025 Hold for AI?
Reflecting on 2024, it is clear that AI has moved beyond experimentation to become a critical business driver. From Nvidia’s hardware dominance to Apple’s AI debut and the rise of generative AI cyberthreats, the set the stage for even more advancements in 2025.
Irish businesses are well-positioned to benefit from these trends, provided they invest in AI talent, ethical frameworks and regulatory compliance. As AI continues to evolve, the opportunities for growth, efficiency and innovation will only expand.
Final Thoughts
The developments of 2024 have proven that AI is not just a trend – it’s the foundation for the future of business and technology. As we step into 2025, the focus must be on responsible adoption, governance and innovation.
AI Ireland is committed to helping organisations navigate this rapidly changing landscape. Whether you’re looking to integrate AI into your operations, enhance security or future-proof your business, we can provide the insights and strategies you need.
Invite Mark Kelly to speak at your organisation
For tailored advice on AI adoption and trends, invite Mark Kelly, Founder of AI Ireland, to deliver a keynote at your next event or strategy session. Together, we can ensure Ireland remains at the forefront of AI innovation. Get in touch today!
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