Categories
Awards

E124 Paul Sweeney, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Webio

Welcome to episode E124 of the AI Ireland podcast, the show that explores the applications and research of Data Science, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence on the island of Ireland.

Our mission is to increase the use of AI for the benefit of our society, our competitiveness and everyone living in Ireland.

Today’s guest is Paul Sweeney, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Webio. Previous 2022 and 2021 AI Awards winners Webio are bringing Artificial Intelligence driven conversations to the enterprise. The company’s conversational interface uses AI to streamline inbound and outbound customer communications across new and existing channels. 

Webio were a finalist in the Best Use of AI in a Consumer/Customer Service Application and Best Use of Responsible AI and Ethics categories at the 2023 AI Awards for addressing debt collection challenges with empathetic, privacy-first and customisable conversational interactions. By tackling customer needs ethically, they enhance customer engagement, agent efficiency and financial outcomes. 

Topics include:

  • How Webio improves collections through digital conversations
  • Leading with empathy to streamline and improve customer engagement
  • Detecting customer vulnerabilities for fast support
  • Using AI & NLP to build a comprehensive platform for credit collections
  • Ensuring ethical AI with controlled, integrated and customisable solutions
  • How their conversational forms improved completion and customer engagement
Subscribe to the AI Ireland Podcast

AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution

AI Ireland are excited to unveil our new book, “AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution,” which is now accessible for purchase on Amazon. For executives, policy architects, or technology aficionados seeking to make sense of the intricate world of AI, “AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution” is your essential handbook. Now available on Amazon Kindle or hard copy, this book furnishes you with the expertise and instruments required to employ AI both effectively and ethically.

Book an AI Presentation today

AI Ireland offers tailored presentations catering to your industry’s needs, providing invaluable insights into the transformative power of AI technologies. Stay ahead of the curve and equip your organisation with the knowledge it needs to confidently embrace the future.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enlighten your team and stakeholders. Book a presentation today and explore how innovation is positively impacting your industry.

Categories
Professional services

E123 David O’Sullivan, Senior Manager – Privacy & Digital Trust at Mazars in Ireland

Welcome to episode E123 of the AI Ireland podcast, the show that explores the applications and research of Data Science, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence on the island of Ireland.

Our mission is to increase the use of AI for the benefit of our society, our competitiveness and everyone living in Ireland.

Today’s guest is David O’Sullivan, Senior Manager – Privacy & Digital Trust at Mazars in IrelandMazars is one of Ireland’s industry leaders in audit and accounting, tax, financial advisory and consulting services. With 30+ partners and more than 700 staff across their Dublin, Galway and Limerick offices, the Irish firm draws on the expertise of more than 47,000 professionals in 95+ countries to assist major international groups, SMEs, private investors and public bodies at every stage in their development.

David is an experienced Privacy and digital trust professional operating across a number of industries including health, financial services, recruitment, higher education and software development. He has managed large scale implementation and change projects, embedding privacy and AI governance into the organisation. David believes in an ethical and user/data subject first approach that is tailored to achieve business goals.

Topics include:

  • His role with Mazars within global data protection and AI consulting
  • Addressing data compliance, privacy & AI training considerations
  • Verifying ChatGPT outputs for reliability in client work
  • Why AI governance & compliance is crucial for responsible integration
  • Prepare governance, strategy, education for AI integration & compliance readiness
  • Why early governance is key for adaptable & efficient AI compliance strategies
Subscribe to the AI Ireland Podcast
Book an AI Presentation today

AI Ireland offers tailored presentations catering to your industry’s needs, providing invaluable insights into the transformative power of AI technologies. Stay ahead of the curve and equip your organisation with the knowledge it needs to confidently embrace the future.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enlighten your team and stakeholders. Book a presentation today and explore how innovation is positively impacting your industry.

AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution

AI Ireland are excited to unveil our new book, “AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution,” which is now accessible for purchase on Amazon. For executives, policy architects, or technology aficionados seeking to make sense of the intricate world of AI, “AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution” is your essential handbook. Now available on Amazon Kindle or hard copy, this book furnishes you with the expertise and instruments required to employ AI both effectively and ethically.

Tickets sales for 2023 AI Awards ends today.

The fifth annual AI Awards takes place tomorrow, Tuesday November 21st at the Gibson Hotel. This is an exciting opportunity to connect and network with over 200 AI and Data professionals across the island of Ireland and hear from some of the most exciting AI applications across industry and academia spanning 12 award categories.

This is your last opportunity to get tickets. Sale ends today and very limited tickets remain so head over to aiawards.ie/tickets or Eventbrite to book your seat today!

Categories
Security 2

E117 Vlad Constantinescu, Head of Data Science at Getvisibility

Welcome to episode E117 of the AI Ireland podcast, the show that explores the applications and research of Data Science, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence on the island of Ireland.

Our mission is to increase the use of AI for the benefit of our society, our competitiveness and everyone living in Ireland.

Today’s guest is Vlad Constantinescu, Head of Data Science at Getvisibility. Based in Cork, Getvisibility’s customisable AI revolutionises the DSPM landscape. With cutting-edge algorithms and user-friendly interfaces, it empowers businesses to unlock unprecedented insights, optimise performance and detect anomalies in real-time. The company’s tailored solutions elevate your DSPM capabilities to new heights.

Getvisibility are nominated in the Best Use of Responsible AI and Ethics at the 2023 AI Awards for addressing the challenge of managing unstructured legacy data. Their platform classifies data and ensures trustworthiness through explainable AI models impacting over 150 enterprise customers globally, by promoting data security and compliance.

Topics include:

  • Problems they are solving in unstructured legacy data for customers
  • Choosing large models AI for core problems, smaller models for trust and ethics
  • Utilizing a mesh of AI models to tackle generic issues efficiently
  • Using language-agnostic document vectors for consistent data processing
  • Applying AI models to enhance data analysis with a committee approach

Subscribe to the AI Ireland Podcast

Book an AI Presentation today

AI Ireland offers tailored presentations catering to your industry’s needs, providing invaluable insights into the transformative power of AI technologies. Stay ahead of the curve and equip your organisation with the knowledge it needs to confidently embrace the future.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enlighten your team and stakeholders. Book a presentation today and explore how innovation is positively impacting your industry.

AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution

AI Ireland are excited to unveil our new book, “AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution,” which is now accessible for purchase on Amazon. For executives, policy architects, or technology aficionados seeking to make sense of the intricate world of AI, “AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution” is your essential handbook. Now available on Amazon Kindle or hard copy, this book furnishes you with the expertise and instruments required to employ AI both effectively and ethically.

Limited tickets remain for the 2023 AI Awards.

The fifth annual AI Awards takes place on Tuesday November 21st at the Gibson Hotel. This is an exciting opportunity to connect and network with over 200 AI and Data professionals across the island of Ireland and hear from some of the most exciting AI applications across industry and academia spanning 12 award categories.

Don’t miss the opportunity to get your tickets now! Sale ends November 17th but limited tickets remain so head over to aiawards.ie/tickets or Eventbrite to book your seat today!

Categories
News

Best Use of Responsible AI & Ethics: Meet the 2023 Finalists

Artificial Intelligence has undoubtedly emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of our time. Its applications span across various domains, from healthcare and finance to transportation and entertainment. However, the increasing role of AI in our daily lives also raises important questions about ethics and responsible AI. 

In this blog, we will explore the significance of AI ethics and responsible AI, and why it is crucial for the present and future of our society. We will also look at this year’s finalists in the Best Use of Responsible AI and Ethics for the 2023 AI Awards.

What is AI Ethics?

AI Ethics refers to the moral and societal considerations associated with the development and deployment of AI technologies. It encompasses a wide range of topics, such as fairness, transparency, accountability, privacy, security and bias mitigation. The fundamental principle underlying AI ethics is to ensure that AI systems are designed and used in ways that align with human values, do not harm individuals or groups, and foster a more equitable and just society.

Responsible AI: The Need of the Hour

Responsible AI goes hand-in-hand with AI ethics and emphasises the need for a deliberate and ethical approach to AI development and deployment. The key aspects of responsible AI include:

  1. Fairness: Ensuring that AI systems do not discriminate against any group based on race, gender or other characteristics.
  2. Transparency: Making AI systems more understandable and providing insight into their decision-making processes.
  3. Accountability: Holding developers and users of AI systems responsible for their actions and decisions made with AI.
  4. Privacy: Safeguarding individuals’ personal data and ensuring that AI respects their privacy.
  5. Security: Protecting AI systems from malicious use or hacking that can lead to harmful consequences.
  6. Bias Mitigation: Identifying and reducing biases in AI algorithms that could lead to unfair or discriminatory outcomes.
The Importance of AI Ethics and Responsible AI
  1. Ethical Dilemmas: As AI systems become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, they will inevitably face situations that involve complex ethical decisions. Consider autonomous vehicles, for instance, which may need to make life-or-death decisions in emergency situations. AI ethics frameworks can guide the development of algorithms that make the most ethical decisions in such circumstances.
  2. Fairness and Equality: AI has the potential to either perpetuate or mitigate existing societal biases. For instance, biased AI algorithms in hiring or lending can exacerbate discrimination. By prioritising fairness and addressing biases, responsible AI can help create a more equitable society.
  3. Privacy and Data Protection: With the vast amounts of data processed by AI systems, the protection of personal privacy is of utmost importance. Responsible AI practices ensure that individuals’ data is handled with care and respect for their rights.
  4. Public Trust: Widespread adoption of AI depends on the trust of the public. If AI systems are perceived as unethical or untrustworthy, their acceptance and effectiveness will be compromised. Responsible AI practices help build and maintain this trust.
  5. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Governments and organisations are increasingly recognizing the need for AI regulation. AI ethics and responsible AI are integral to complying with existing and future AI-related laws and regulations.
Implementing AI Ethics and Responsible AI

The implementation of AI ethics and responsible AI requires collaboration between developers, businesses, policymakers and the public. Some key steps include:

  1. Education: Raising awareness about AI ethics and responsible AI, and providing training for those involved in AI development.
  2. Ethical Frameworks: Establishing clear ethical guidelines for AI development and use within organisations.
  3. Third-Party Audits: Engaging independent auditors to assess AI systems for fairness, transparency and compliance with ethical standards.
  4. Public Involvement: Encouraging public input in the decision-making process regarding AI technologies, especially in areas with significant societal impact.

Meet the 2023 AI Awards Finalists

Best Use of Responsible AI and Ethics

ESB

For using responsible AI and ethical considerations combined with geospatial data, image processing and model deployment to classify electrical towers based on accessibility levels with the aim of improving tower management, safety and cost-efficiency.

Getvisibility

For addressing the challenge of managing unstructured legacy data. Their platform classifies data and ensures trustworthiness through explainable AI models impacting over 150 enterprise customers globally, by promoting data security and compliance.

Soapbox Labs

For the development of unbiased voice AI for educational tools to address the literacy crisis, with a focus on equity in data handling and modelling. They’ve earned recognition for mitigating AI bias and aim to empower teachers and students worldwide.

Webio

For addressing debt collection challenges with empathetic, privacy-first and customisable conversational interactions. By addressing customer needs ethically, they enhance customer engagement, agent efficiency and financial outcomes.

AI ethics and responsible AI are not optional considerations; they are fundamental to the development and deployment of AI technologies in a way that benefits society as a whole. By prioritising fairness, transparency, accountability, privacy, security and bias mitigation, we can navigate the era of AI responsibly and ensure that AI aligns with our collective values and aspirations. It is a shared responsibility to build a future where AI serves humanity in an ethical and responsible manner.

Book an AI Presentation today

AI Ireland offers tailored presentations catering to your industry’s needs, providing invaluable insights into the transformative power of AI technologies. Stay ahead of the curve and equip your organisation with the knowledge it needs to confidently embrace the future.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enlighten your team and stakeholders. Book a presentation today and explore how innovation is positively impacting your industry.

AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution

AI Ireland are excited to unveil our new book, “AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution,” which is now accessible for purchase on Amazon. For executives, policy architects, or technology aficionados seeking to make sense of the intricate world of AI, “AI Unleashed: Navigating the AI Revolution” is your essential handbook. Now available on Amazon Kindle or hard copy, this book furnishes you with the expertise and instruments required to employ AI both effectively and ethically.

Early Bird Tickets Now on Sale for the 2023 AI Awards.

The fifth annual AI Awards takes place on Tuesday November 21st at the Gibson Hotel. This is an exciting opportunity to connect and network with over 200 AI and Data professionals across the island of Ireland and hear from some of the most exciting AI applications across industry and academia spanning 12 award categories.

Don’t miss the opportunity to get your discounted Early Bird tickets now! Head over to aiawards.ie/tickets or Eventbrite and enter the discount code EarlyBird_AIA to get your ticket for just €99. Limited tickets available; Original Price €239. 

Categories
Awards

E114 An Overview of the AI Awards 2023 Applications (Part 2)

 

Welcome to episode E114 of the AI Ireland podcast, the show that explores the applications and research of Data Science, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence on the island of Ireland.

Categories
News

The AI Journey in Ireland: A Pivotal Juncture

As the AI EU Act inches towards ratification and with the recent agreement among the Top 7 AI companies in America,  we stand at a significant turning point in Ireland’s AI journey. There’s an imperative need to build upon the momentum from defining a strategy, to effect a transformation in AI adoption.
 

Ireland’s AI Strategic Roadmap

With the Department of Trade, Enterprise and Employment targeting 75% of AI, cloud and big data integration in all businesses by 2030, we delve deeper into Ireland’s strategic roadmap for AI. This ambitious drive demonstrates Ireland’s dedication to enhancing the role of Artificial Intelligence in the tech landscape, reinforcing its status as a prospective global trailblazer in AI implementation.
 
In July 2021, the Irish Government rolled out a comprehensive AI Strategy titled “AI – Here for Good, proposing a range of initiatives aimed at promoting AI practices for both economic and societal advancement. This forward-thinking move signifies Ireland’s commitment to harnessing AI’s transformative power and associated technologies. AI Ireland wholeheartedly supports the Government’s strategic plan, emphasising the immediate need for increased adoption and investment in AI-centric solutions.
 

AI Preparedness in Ireland: A Global Perspective

Ireland’s innovative mindset, adaptable skill set and tech-savvy workforce favour our emergence as an AI frontrunner. Globally, Ireland holds a distinguished rank in terms of AI readiness, being 18th among 160 countries as per the Oxford Insight AI Readiness Report 2022.

 
Role of AI and its Impact on Business Outcomes

AI and advanced analytics have become an integral part of our day-to-day lives, with tools like Siri, Google Assistant, autonomous cars and entertainment platforms such as Netflix and Spotify harnessing AI for personalised customer content. The ability to process and interpret enormous, complex information generated every second, by people and systems, is achievable only through AI’s innovative capabilities.
 

Ireland’s Vision for an AI-powered Future

The Government’s strategic blueprint outlines a vision for Ireland to emerge as a global leader in using AI for economic and societal advancement, based on a people-centric, ethical approach to its development, integration and usage. It recognises eight pillars to facilitate AI adoption in an ethical and transparent way, equip the public and workforce, fund innovation and research, and encourage AI integration across sectors and industries.
 

The Role of Irish Organisations in AI Implementation

For Ireland’s AI strategy to truly thrive, organisations need to embrace, utilise, leverage and benefit from it. This starts with organisations recognising the current and future value of AI and making concerted efforts to overcome any internal and external barriers to its adoption.
 

Building AI Awareness

Irish organisations may miss significant AI opportunities while their competitors invest heavily. A recent survey by Equinix revealed that almost 52% of participants reported that key decision-makers had a limited understanding of AI. Additionally, another 50% understood AI well but were unsure about its potential benefits to their organisation. 


Filling the AI Talent Gap

AI solutions are multifaceted, requiring a wide range of competencies such as statistics, programming, data science, tech infrastructure and software development.


Governance and Ethics in AI

Concerns about the ethical and legal aspects of AI solutions are common among regulators across all industries. The majority of organisations do not have an internal framework to evaluate the ethical implications of AI solutions before implementation.
 
 

Driving the AI Revolution: The Role of Businesses

The responsibility now falls on businesses to lead AI adoption.  The focus should not just be on adopting AI for societal and national good, but on implementing AI solutions that streamline services, foster innovation in products and offerings, and enhance customer experiences.
 

The Importance of Data Sharing in AI

Apart from developing their own AI solutions, organisations can contribute on a national scale, for instance, by sharing their own data.  Data is the lifeblood of AI solutions. The larger the dataset, the higher the accuracy of the output. Open data and data sharing remain significant subjects in this domain.
 

Conclusion: Realising the AI Vision for Ireland

Ireland’s strategic plan for AI presents a dynamic and promising landscape for the country’s technological future. The drive towards increased AI adoption, facilitated by the Irish Government’s ambitious blueprint, underscores the transformative potential of AI for both economic and societal enhancement. For this potential to be fully realised, businesses, industries, and public bodies must embrace and drive AI adoption.

Combining the power of AI with ethical frameworks, increased data sharing and a commitment to nurturing AI talent, Ireland is positioned to not only be a participant in the AI revolution but also to lead it on a global stage. As we venture further into this AI-powered era, the collaboration of all sectors will be instrumental in ensuring that AI is truly ‘here for good’ in Ireland.

Apply now to the 2023 AI Awards!

Applications for the 2023 AI Awards are still open until August 25th so if you or someone you know is working on exciting projects, products, services and leaders in AI, Data Science and Machine Learning that are making a real impact in the industry, we want to hear from you!It’s free to enter and there are 12 categories you can apply for across industry, academia and leadership. 

Head over to www.aiawards.ie to submit an application or please feel free to contact liam@aiawards.ie with any queries about the submission process.