CeADAR partners with Google to empower Irish businesses with AI

In a significant move to bolster artificial intelligence adoption within Ireland, CeADAR, the country's Centre for AI, formed a strategic partnership with Google. Announced recently, the collaboration focuses on equipping Irish businesses with the necessary skills and tools to effectively harness AI technology for enhanced competitiveness and productivity. This plan includes Google providing €3 million in cloud credits, mentorship, and access to advanced AI resources, thereby addressing the existing skills gap in the workforce. The need for such initiatives is underscored by the increased focus on AI's transformative potential to improve business operations and capabilities. This agreement will facilitate tailored learning paths that cater to varying expertise levels within organizations. Specific training will be made available for leaders to develop AI-driven strategies. The mentorship included in the partnership is designed to improve cloud-related skills among CeADAR's staff and interns, promoting a deeper understanding of AI technologies and their practical applications within businesses. Irish Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, highlighted the importance of this partnership, emphasizing its role in creating a thriving ecosystem where businesses can innovate and compete on a global scale. Burke remarked on AI's potential as a transformative tool in enhancing Ireland's economic landscape, pointing out that government efforts would support companies in leveraging AI technologies effectively. In parallel, Lorraine Twohill, Google's Chief Marketing Officer, stressed the importance of combining resources and expertise with CeADAR to unlock the full economic potential of AI. She noted Ireland's solid base for ensuring a safe AI environment, suggesting that collaborative efforts could lead to sustainable growth across various sectors. This partnership is particularly timely, coming at a moment when AI technologies are rapidly evolving, and businesses must adapt to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive global market. Earlier, CeADAR gained recognition through its research contributions, including creating a dataset and AI chat model focusing on the financial services industry. It also actively participated in European research projects aimed at energy efficiency in AI algorithms and developing tools for health-related advancements, such as early detection of Alzheimer's through AI applications. Dr. John Lonsdale, CEO of CeADAR, indicated that a proactive approach is required to unlock the economic potential AI holds for Ireland, reflecting the organization’s commitment to this cause.