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2023 AI Awards Finalists Announced!!

AI Ireland is delighted to announce this year’s finalists for the fifth annual AI Awards, which will take place on Tuesday, November 21st at the Gibson Hotel in Dublin’s Docklands.

The Awards, which are part of the not-for-profit organisation AI Ireland, support the growth and development of Data Science, Machine learning and Artificial Intelligence in Ireland. There will be 12 awards handed out at the awards ceremony this year, including a brand new award for the Best Application of AI in Sustainability.

Mark Kelly, Founder of AI Ireland, congratulated all the finalists for helping Ireland’s thriving AI community. “I’m deeply impressed by the strides we’ve made in Artificial Intelligence,” he said. “The AI Awards 2023 are not just accolades; they spotlight the ingenuity and vision that set Ireland’s AI community apart. Our finalists are not merely technologists; they are change-makers elevating Ireland to global prominence in AI. Congratulations to all; your work is redefining Ireland’s role on the global AI stage.”

Microsoft Ireland is the headline sponsor for the 2023 AI Awards, which is also proudly sponsored by Alldus International, Mazars, GlobalLogic, Mason Hayes & Curran, Dublin City Council, IDA Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Tangent, Trinity’s Ideas Workspace.

Meet the 2023 Finalists

Best Application of AI to Achieve Social Good

Analytics Engines – for their AI solution in monitoring marine life populations to improve object detection and tracking in seabed imagery. It has transformed the AFBI’s (Agri-Food and BioSciences Institute) processes and demonstrated the potential of AI in ecological research.

Cilter Technologies – for the development of their embedded software to protect children from cyberbullying and online grooming. Their unique system operates at a deep level, blocking harmful messages and notifying parents, aiming to make smartphones safer for children. 

SEURO – for ProInsight, an AI-based tool aimed to help healthcare organisations assess readiness, predict the impact and make informed decisions regarding the implementation of digital health solutions for patients with multiple chronic conditions. 

Soapbox Labs – for tackling the global literacy crisis. They provide accurate and equitable voice AI that helps teachers assess and support students’ reading proficiency. They aim to deliver over 100 million voice-powered learning experiences to children worldwide. 

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 customizable conversational interactions. By addressing customer needs ethically, they enhance customer engagement, agent efficiency and financial outcomes. 

Best Application of AI in a Large Enterprise

ACI Worldwide – for their work in relying on accurate Interchange Cost forecasting for its pricing strategy. Their innovative approach uses Machine Learning models to adapt to changes and improve accuracy, empowering analysts for data-driven decisions.

Dell Technologies – for their Managed Services (DTMS) team’s collaboration with Service Operations Applied Science and Engineering (SOAS) to employ an ML-powered Multi-Layered Framework to enhance incident management and reduce ticket handling times. 

Etsy – for employing Machine Learning to enhance content moderation. By replacing manual heuristics with ML models, Etsy doubled precision and recall while maintaining a human-in-the-loop approach, ensuring safe and quality user-generated content at scale. 

ICON plc – for their Cassandra platform, which employs powerful machine learning models to predict FDA and EMA post-marketing requirements (PMRs) with 99% and 97% accuracy, helping pharmaceutical companies plan clinical trials effectively and reduce risks.

AI Person of the Year

Ciaran Gilligan-Lee – Head of Spotify’s Causal Inference Lab in Dublin, Ciaran’s primary focus is on advancing causal ML techniques to understand cause and effect in data, enabling more informed decision-making. 

Conrad Bernath – Head of Speech and Machine Learning at T-Pro, Conrad’s significant contributions to AI solutions in healthcare documentation include leveraging his data science background to streamline processes and improve patient outcomes. 

Luca Longo – for his innovative research in xAI, focusing on making AI models more interpretable and transparent which has the potential to impact human-AI interaction, responsible AI development, human capacity, international engagement and the economy. 

Maria Aretoulaki – Head of Conversational and Generative AI Design at GlobalLogic UK&I, Maria’s hybrid approach, combining linguistics with computer science, has led to innovative solutions in text summarization and conversational AI. 

Women in AI Person of the Year

Amy Awad – Co-founder of Opa Mind and LeanIn Ltd, Amy champions diversity and mental health in AI, earning global recognition, awards and speaking engagements. Her visionary leadership and ethical approach make her a trailblazer in the field of AI.

Gilyana Borlikova – Data Science Manager at ICON plc, Gilyana has pioneered impactful AI solutions for clinical trials, including the award-winning OneSearch system. A trailblazer for women in AI, her work reduces costs, improves efficiency and promotes innovation.

Nicole Baker – CEO of Biologit, Nicole is a seasoned professional in pharmacovigilance, with extensive experience in regulatory compliance and financial management. She is a leader in driving innovation, as well as promoting gender diversity and ethical AI in safety surveillance. 

Rena Maycock – CEO of Cilter, Rena leads a startup developing child protection software for smartphones, addressing cyberbullying and grooming. She’s a respected columnist advocating for women in tech, lobbies for funding equality, and mentors aspiring female founders.

Young AI Role Model of the Year

Ana Le Chevillier – for playing a pivotal role in the AI_PREMie project, which aims to transform preeclampsia diagnosis and risk assessment. Ana’s skills encompass data science and ethical AI, and she envisions leveraging AI for early disease detection and management in healthcare.

Chenyang Lyu – A final year PhD student at DCU with an impressive track record of research, particularly in the application of pre-trained Large Language Models to Question & Answering and Multi-modal tasks, resulting in over 15 publications in prestigious conferences and journals.

Conor Kelly – Head of Growth at Humanloop, Conor developed TaxBot, an AI Irish Tax Advisor, scoring over 80% in Irish Chartered Accounting Exams. Their solution addresses hallucination issues in AI and aims to impact the Irish tax advisory sector, offering a free, open-source tool. 

Meghana Rathi – for her significant contributions, including a novel algorithm combining reinforcement learning and control engineering. She led IBM’s role in the PLANET project, explored AI’s potential in COVID diagnosis and actively promotes diversity in tech.

Best Application of AI in Sustainability

Analytics Engines – for their work in partnership with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) to develop an AI system for seabed object detection and tracking with the aim of improving analysis accuracy, reducing costs and setting new industry standards. 

Gemmo.ai – for developing an API for noise source identification to address noise pollution in Dublin and beyond to improve health and enhance the quality of life. It’s their vision to create a world where environmental surveillance safeguards the planet.

HireCompare – a 2023 startup aiming to revolutionise the traditional plant hire industry in Ireland by providing a digital, green and AI-driven platform that offers environmentally friendly alternatives, connects consumers with plant hire companies and promotes climate awareness.

ReLeafHubs – for using AI-driven solutions, including the myRWH.app recommender system and AI Digital Twins (AIDTs) to transform Remote Working Hubs (RWHs) in Ireland with the aim of reducing carbon emissions, boosting local economies and improving work-life balance. 

Best Application of AI in Healthcare

Embedded.Systems@UCC Group for their project which addresses neonatal mortality in low-income countries caused by heart and brain issues. It employs AI to interpret physiological signals, improving early detection and healthcare access.

Global Logic & Head Diagnostics for their HDx Neuro AI Platform which addresses late diagnosis and poor management of Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological conditions. It offers digital biomarkers and AI to enable early detection and personalised treatment. 

Kine-Mo – for addressing the challenge of quantifying athlete movement using 3D pose estimation technology. It offers precise measurements for coaching, injury prevention and athlete development with the aim of revolutionising human movement analysis in sports. 

LeanIn Wellness Ltd. – for addressing growing health issues related to obesity by offering a holistic wellness platform powered by AI. It covers mental, physical and spiritual health, using personalised tools and innovative lean methodology. 

Best Application of AI in a Startup

Data Science Wizards – for UnifyAI, which solves complex AI development challenges for enterprises, offering an integrated, automated, and open-source platform. It accelerates AI adoption and reduces costs, with a solid commitment to security and societal impact.

Galvia – for addressing the University of Galway’s pandemic-induced challenges with an AI-driven student engagement platform named Cara. It helped reduce staff workload by 40%, saving 1500+ hours, and instantly resolved 84% of student queries. 

Socialvoice.ai – for developing an AI solution to analyse video content, focusing on spoken words, sentiments and more. Their innovation fills the gap in video analysis, aiding marketers and brands to understand their market, competitors and influencers better. 

Whyze Health – for their work in aiming to solve the problem of fragmented and inaccessible health data using AI. Their platform transforms health records into digital assets, benefiting patients, healthcare providers and pharma/medtech companies.

Best Application of AI in an Academic Research Body

AI & Cognitive Load Research Lab, TU Dublin – Led by Dr. Luca Longo for their research focused on enhancing the interpretability and transparency of ML models with the aim to make AI models more understandable and compliant with ethical and regulatory standards.

Embedded Systems@UCC Group – for addressing high neonatal mortality from heart and brain diseases in low-income countries. It employs AI-assisted sound analysis to detect congenital heart defects and seizures, enhancing medical diagnosis and potentially saving lives.

ReLeafHubs, CeADAR – Led by Dr. Alireza Dehghani, ReLeafHubs proposes an innovative solution for Remote Working Hubs (RWHs) using AI-driven recommender systems and AI Digital Twins (AIDTs) to promote sustainability and reduce commuting in Ireland.

Tyndall National Institute – for their project aimed to develop a miniaturised wearable device with advanced machine learning algorithms for precise Parkinson’s Disease (PD) diagnosis and blood pressure estimation with the goal of improving PD assessment and treatment.

Best Application of AI in a Student Project

Balaji Padmanathan, UCD – for his project focusing on optimising electric vehicle charging station locations in Dublin, with the aim of making Dublin more sustainable and serving as a model for global efforts to combat climate change and promote responsible urban development.

Chenyang Lyu, DCU – for his research in addressing limitations in Large Language Models (LLMs) for Question Answering, focusing on integrating semantic and multimodal knowledge utilising his skills in NLP, unsupervised learning, multi-modal AI and mitigating bias in AI models. 

Jamie Ellis de Paor, MTU – for his research project addressing the challenge of providing training data for indoor robotics by creating a Unity-based semantic segmentation simulator. The project aims to advance indoor autonomous robotics, potentially impacting various industries. 

Lan Wei, UCD – for Epi-AI, an AI-powered tool for automated seizure detection in mouse EEG data, enhancing efficiency and objectivity in epilepsy research. It accelerates drug development and fosters global collaboration, promising advancements in treatment.

Best Use of AI in a Consumer/Customer Service Application

GlobalLogic – for their Generative AI-Based Knowledge Operator – powered by Natural Language Processing and content generation – which enhances user access to information, fosters collaboration and adapts to user queries. 

Lip – for addressing the challenge of language barriers in content creation by using AI to generate lip movements that make it appear as if you can speak another language. It aims to help creators reach broader language markets quickly. 

Tax World – for Ezylia, which addresses the complex issue of obtaining clear tax information with a personal AI assistant. They employ OpenAI’s ChatGPT, regex and Python to efficiently answer tax questions, simplify tax topics and reduce research time for professionals. 

Webio – for leveraging data analysis and custom language models to enhance customer engagement and agent efficiency. They achieved a 10% boost in collections performance and expanded client relationships while prioritising ethical AI and data control.

Insights from our Sponsors

Limited Tickets still available 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 book your ticket today! Head over to aiawards.ie/tickets or Eventbrite to book your seat now! Sale ends November 17th.

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News

Best Application of AI in a Startup: Meet the 2023 Finalists

In an era characterised by technological advancements, Artificial Intelligence startups have emerged as the torchbearers of innovation. These companies are at the forefront of creating cutting-edge solutions that leverage the power of AI to transform industries and reshape the way we live and work.

In this blog post, we delve into the world of AI startups, exploring their impact, challenges and the promise they hold for the future. We will also introduce this year’s finalists in the Best Application of AI in a Startup for the 2023 AI Awards.

The Impact of AI Startups

Industry Disruption: AI startups have the potential to disrupt traditional industries by introducing automation, predictive analytics and data-driven decision-making. Sectors like healthcare, finance, retail and transportation to name just a few have seen significant changes due to AI innovations.

Enhanced Efficiency: AI startups are helping organisations boost their operational efficiency. For example, chatbots have become integral to customer support, while AI-driven algorithms optimise supply chains and improve production processes.

Personalisation: AI startups enable hyper-personalisation by using algorithms to tailor products and services to individual preferences. This has transformed eCommerce, marketing and entertainment by enhancing the  customer experience.

Challenges Faced by AI Startups

Data Privacy and Ethics: AI startups need to address concerns about data privacy and ethical AI usage. Ensuring compliance with data protection laws and industry standards is crucial. Striking the right balance between innovation and responsible AI deployment is a significant challenge. 

Talent Shortage: The demand for AI talent often outpaces the supply, making it difficult for startups to attract and retain skilled professionals in this highly competitive field.

Funding: Securing adequate funding for AI startups is essential for research, development and scaling. Convincing investors to back early-stage AI companies can be a formidable task.

Meet the 2023 AI Awards Finalists

Best Application of AI in a Startup

Data Science Wizards

For UnifyAI, which solves complex AI development challenges for enterprises, offering an integrated, automated and open-source platform. It accelerates AI adoption and reduces costs, with a solid commitment to security and societal impact.

Galvia AI

For addressing the University of Galway’s pandemic-induced challenges with an AI-driven student engagement platform named Cara. It helped reduce staff workload by 40%, saving 1500+ hours and instantly resolved 84% of student queries.

Socialvoice.ai

For developing an AI solution to analyse video content, focusing on spoken words, sentiments and more. Their innovation fills the gap in video analysis, aiding marketers and brands to understand their market, competitors and influencers better.

Whyze Health

For their work in aiming to solve the problem of fragmented and inaccessible health data using AI. Their platform transforms health records into digital assets, benefiting patients, healthcare providers and pharma/medtech companies.

The Promise of AI Startups

Problem Solvers: AI startups are uniquely positioned to address some of the most pressing global challenges, from climate change to healthcare disparities, using data-driven AI solutions.

Economic Growth: The success of AI startups can lead to economic growth by creating jobs, stimulating investment, and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Future Transformation: AI startups are instrumental in shaping the future. They are working on projects that can redefine how we live, work and interact with technology, setting the stage for a more connected and efficient world.

 

In conclusion, AI startups are pivotal in shaping the future of innovation and transforming our society. While they face challenges like data privacy, talent shortage and regulatory hurdles, the promise they hold is immense. 

By addressing real-world problems, fostering innovation and driving economic growth, AI startups are pioneers in the journey towards a more AI-enabled world. As these startups continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, the future looks promising, exciting and full of opportunities for those willing to embrace the AI revolution.

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.

Get your Tickets Now 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! Offer ends October 31st so 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. 

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Awards

E113 An Overview of the AI Awards 2023 Applications (Part 1)

 

Welcome to episode E113 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.

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News

AI Startups in 2023: A Comprehensive Overview

2023 marked another significant milestone in the evolution of Artificial Intelligence. With exponential growth in AI, Startups, established companies and government organizations are all harnessing their potential to address complex challenges and drive innovation. 

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of AI, highlighting its growth, impact, trends and spotlighting noteworthy startups leading the way.

Global AI Landscape

Number of AI Companies in 2023

As of July 2023, there are an estimated 57,933 AI companies operating worldwide. The United States leads the pack with approximately 14,700 companies, followed closely by China and the European Union.

Geographical Distribution

While Silicon Valley remains a prominent hub for AI innovation, other cities like Beijing, London, Berlin and Toronto are emerging as significant players in the global AI landscape, fostering a diverse ecosystem of AI-driven startups.

Business Adoption of AI

How AI Affects Businesses

Business leaders are displaying growing confidence in AI technologies. A survey reveals that 43% of executives planned to increase investments in AI and automation tools in 2023, with 31% considering AI crucial to their overall business strategy.

ROI and Productivity

Investments in AI technologies are yielding positive returns on investment, with businesses reporting an average increase in productivity of up to 20%. This demonstrates the tangible benefits AI brings to various industries.

Industry-Specific Growth

Healthcare

AI is reshaping the healthcare sector by assisting in diagnostics, drug discovery and patient care, ultimately making treatments more effective and affordable. The potential for AI to revolutionise healthcare is immense.

Transportation

Automotive companies are directing their efforts toward self-driving technologies, predictive maintenance and route optimisation to enhance the transportation sector. AI-driven solutions promise to redefine the way we move people and goods.

AI Technology Trends

What’s Hot in AI Right Now?

  1. Generative AI: Tech giants like Google and Microsoft are harnessing generative AI for intelligent threat detection, pushing the boundaries of cybersecurity.
  2. Reinforcement Learning: Emerging as a potent tool for optimising various industrial operations, reinforcement learning is driving efficiencies across industries.
  3. NLP (Natural Language Processing): Chatbots and automated customer service are becoming increasingly sophisticated, offering seamless interactions and support.
Is AI Worth Learning in 2023?

The demand for AI specialists continues to soar, accounting for an average of 18% of all positions across businesses. Learning AI technologies can significantly enhance one’s career prospects, positioning individuals to capitalize on the growing demand for AI expertise.

AI Impact in the Next 5 Years

By 2028, AI is predicted to transform education by providing personalised learning experiences, revolutionising industries like manufacturing through automation and influencing public policy decisions. The transformative potential of AI knows no bounds.

Top 15 Promising AI Startups

Here’s a glimpse of some of the most promising AI startups in 2023, offering innovative solutions across various sectors:

OpenAI: Advancing general-purpose AI models.

Frame AI: Providing AI-driven customer engagement solutions.

Jasper: Revolutionising content creation through automation.

Moveworks: Leveraging AI for IT operations.

Tome: Optimising logistics and supply chain management with AI.

Synthesia: Transforming video creation with AI.

Uizard: Empowering rapid prototyping through AI.

Accubits: Innovating in blockchain and AI solutions.

Soundful: Harnessing AI for audio analytics.

GoodVision: Enhancing surveillance systems with AI.

Writesonic: Enabling AI-powered copywriting.

Atomic AI: Delivering AI-driven marketing analytics.

MindsDB: Transforming database management with AI.

Shield AI: Offering AI solutions for security applications.

Eightfold: Revolutionising talent management with AI

Irish Startups and the AI Awards 2023

The AI Awards are currently underway, celebrating the application of AI on the island of Ireland. Stay tuned as we announce the finalists, with the awards presentation scheduled for November 21, 2023, at the Gibson Hotel. 

Did you know?

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.

Book an AI Presentation Today

Don’t miss the opportunity to enlighten your team and stakeholders. Book a presentation today and explore how innovation is positively impacting your industry. Our speakers are seasoned professionals with substantial experience in various AI applications, ready to provide actionable insights.

AI Unleashed: Now Available for Preorder

If you’re an executive interested in how AI can benefit your organization, our upcoming publication “AI Unleased” is an essential read. It distills complex topics into digestible insights, equipping you with the tools to make informed decisions about adopting AI in your business. Contact us to pre-order your copy today to secure your advantage.

Stay informed, stay ahead, and let AI Ireland be your guide in the ever-evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence.

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 €100. Limited tickets available; Original Price €239. 

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Finance 2

E94 AI Awards 2022 Finalist Brendan Doherty, ML Engineer at Allstate Northern Ireland

Welcome to episode 94 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.

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Healthcare 2

E93 AI Awards 2022 Finalist Amy Awad, Co-Founder and CSO at Opa Mind

Welcome to episode 93 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.