TechFest 2024: AI for Good

AI for Good: Advancing Deep Tech, Fostering Sustainability & Building a Better Tomorrow

Disrupt | Evolve | Ignite

Join us for Techfest 2024 and be part of the movement to drive deep tech, foster sustainability, and build a better tomorrow! Rare content. Rich dialogue. Real connection.

The "AI for Good: Advancing Deep Tech, Fostering Sustainability & Building a Better Tomorrow" conference is a groundbreaking event dedicated to exploring the pivotal role of AI and technology in addressing global challenges and fostering a sustainable future. This conference will bring together visionaries, innovators, and thought leaders from the tech industry to delve into how AI and deep tech can be harnessed for positive social and environmental impact.

Tech Industry Alliance AI for Good Conference 2024 is a premier technology conference dedicated to exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, technology ,sustainability, and social impact. The event will bring together thought leaders, innovators, and industry experts to discuss and showcase how AI and deep tech can be harnessed to address global challenges and drive positive change.

At the heart of the conference are enriching keynote sessions, where prominent figures in the Tech, Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability sectors will share their insights on leveraging technology for the greater good. In addition, attendees can engage in illuminating panel discussions that will explore topics such as the ethical considerations in deep tech development, the integration of AI and machine learning for social good, and sustainable tech innovations. The event will provide attendees with an insight into cutting-edge technology solutions aimed at addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. Moreover, networking opportunities will abound, allowing participants to connect with like-minded professionals, potential partners, and investors who share a passion for harnessing technology and AI for positive change.

This conference is a must-attend for technology professionals, sustainability advocates, social entrepreneurs, environmentalists, policymakers, and investors interested in impact-driven tech ventures.Read about the launch of TechFest 2024 here.

Event Highlights:

Keynote Addresses: Renowned speakers from the tech industry will share their insights and vision for leveraging technology for the greater good.

Panel Discussions: Engage in in-depth discussions on topics such as AI for social good, sustainable tech innovations, and ethical considerations in deep tech development.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals, potential partners, and investors who are passionate about leveraging technology for social and environmental impact.

TechFest Partner Events:

Again, this year Tech Industry Alliance is collaborating with various organisations in the South West Region to run TechFest partner events. You can check out the various TechFest partner events here.

TechFest Keynote: Sarah Porter

Award winning entrepreneur, UN advisor and international campaigner for women’s rights.

Sarah Porter is the founder and CEO of InspiredMinds, a global community of 220,000 high level experts in AI and emerging technology. InspiredMinds is highly regarded as one of the most influential ecosystems in Artificial Intelligence globally.

Sarah Porter is the founder of multiple high growth businesses including:
1. World Summit AI - the world leading AI summit attracting 16,000 people from 167 countries globally.
2. Intelligent Health - the world summit on emerging tech in medicine
3. TMinus-30 - the climate tech community
4. The InspiredMinds Foundation focusing on ensuring AI benefits all

Sarah is an advisor to the UN, the previous chairperson of Women in AI and founded ADA-AI; a not for profit focusing on the democratization of tech. Sarah is an advisor to the EU AI council and many more organisations in both the private and public sector. In 2017, Sarah lobbied on behalf of the all-girl Afghan Robotics team vs the Trump travel ban. She founded the first STEM school for girls in Kabul and coordinated the evacuation of over 166 Afghan nationals from Kabul in August 2021 and is now working to build an online school for girls still in Afghanistan. Sarah lives with her three children in Oxfordshire, U.K.

Download the event programme here: Tech Industry Alliance TechFest 2024 Programme

Event Speakers:

Plenary Track Panellists:

• Denis Ryan, Technology Sector Specialist at AIB
• Eamonn Foley, Environment, Health and Safety Manager at Astellas Pharma Ireland
• Helena McMahon, Director at Irelands Knowledge Center for Carbon Climate and Community Action (IKC3), MTU
• Joanne Sheahan, Senior Executive (Sustainability, Renewable Energy and Agtech) at Enterprise Ireland
• Facilitator: Jonathan McCrea is a broadcaster, producer and founder of Whipsmart Media

Ignite Track Keynote Speaker:

• Nikki Bradley, Adaptive adventurer & one of Ireland’s leading female motivational speakers

Ignite Track Panellists:

• Ed Heffernan, Managing Partner at Barden
• Joel Olympio, Co-founder at Chapter
• Lynsey Monaghan, Director of DEIB EMEA & APAC at NetApp
• Nikki Bradley, Adaptive adventurer & one of Ireland’s leading female motivational speakers
• Facilitator: Laura Hughes, Program Manager at Cloudera

Disrupt Track Keynote Speaker:

• Robert McArdle, Director (FTR & AIM) at Trend Micro

Disrupt Track Panellists:

• Andy Bastick, Product and Partner Marketing team at Digital Realty
• Gregory Provan, Professor (School of Computer Science and IT) at UCC
• Robert McArdle, Director (FTR & AIM) at Trend Micro
• Steve Fleming, Founder at Voxxify
• Facilitator: Susie Harding, Senior Manager (Data, Analytics & AI) at EY

Evolve Track Speakers:

• Colm Murphy Co founder and CEO at Giyst
• Edward Dixon, Principal (Founder) at Rigr AI
• James Flynn is the co-founder and CEO of Coso.ai
• Madeleine Murray, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Change by Degrees
• Mark Horgan, Founder at SkillsBase
• Ryan Bamsey, COO of ArrayPatch
• Sean Griffin, CTO at CergenX
• Facilitator: Donagh Kiernan, Founder and CEO at Tenego Academy
• Facilitator: Larry O’Donoghue, CEO at AxisBIC

Event MC: Jonathan McCrea

Jonathan McCrea is a broadcaster, producer and founder of Whipsmart Media, a communications company based in Dublin. An expert in future trends with a background in technology, he spends his days helping specialist groups and individuals tell stories that help grow their businesses.

As a producer and presenter, his work has reached millions across various outlets such as Newstalk, RTE, Virgin Media and the Discovery Channel and earned dozens of national and international awards including two gold medals at New York Festivals. Jonathan also acts as a creative consultant and producer in live and online events and has worked with Science Week, Electric Picnic, the Festival of Curiosity and other cultural programmes to deliver highly creative event formats. Jonathan was awarded a fellowship by the Atlantic Technological University for his work in science communication and sits on the advisory board of the Science Media Centre. He lives in Dublin with his wife Dara, two boys and an adorable but needy dog.

Event Registration: Ticket sales will be on a first come first served basis with priority given to all Tech Industry Alliance members.

TechFest 2024 Sponsors: Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet | AIB | PepsiCo Ireland | Trend Micro | EY | CyberSkills |Barden |Digital Realty |Glandore | NetApp |Real Insights | Cork City Council |Cork County Council | We are Cork | Kerry County Council | Discover Kerry | Voxxify | Berkley | MTU | Nimbus | TWi | Techinsure.ie (MBC Insurance) | Proofpoint

TechFest Tracks

Disrupt Track:

Disrupting the Future: Threats and Opportunities from AI

During the Disrupt track speakers will delve into the monumental impact of artificial intelligence on our world. With AI poised to revolutionise industries at a scale comparable to the Industrial Revolution and the advent of the Internet, this track will explore the unprecedented proliferation of AI applications, spanning from the beneficial to the detrimental. The rapid evolution of AI necessitates proactive adaptation, as the risks it poses will manifest swiftly. Embracing this inevitable transformation, attendees will gain insights into not only the emerging threats but also the boundless opportunities that this technological paradigm shift presents for current and future generations. Join us as we sprint towards understanding and navigating the profound implications of AI on our collective future.

Ignite Track

Diversity & Inclusion: Igniting & Driving the Talent Pipeline

The Ignite track at TechFest represents a trailblazing endeavour to champion diversity and inclusion within the technology realm. This transformative journey is dedicated to propelling the forefront of progress and empowerment, shining a spotlight on cutting-edge DE&I technologies, and advocating for the seamless integration of neurodiverse talents in the workplace.

By fostering a culture of resilience and fortitude, this track seeks to unleash the latent potential of purpose-driven living, where the unique strengths of every individual converge to illuminate a more inclusive and promising future. Join us in igniting the flames of progress as we embark on an enlightening exploration of the boundless possibilities that lie ahead, charting a course through the dynamic intersection of technology and human potential. Together in this track, let's take a step towards a future where diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but guiding principles that shape a more equitable and innovative world.

Evolve Track

Evolving Innovation: Showcasing Exciting Young Innovative Companies

This TechFest 2024 Evolve session will showcase inspiring entrepreneurs and innovative technologies & approaches from across the South West region. Contributions from the speakers will ignite thought-provoking questions, in-depth conversations and bring tech & innovations which will have a serious societal impact to the fore. This session builds on our Tech Industry Alliance Evolve Series which was launched in 2021 and featured young, up and coming tech companies. Now TechFest 2024 takes our Evolve series to the next level and offers the audience a unique opportunity to hear from amazing individuals in the innovation and tech ecosystem, highlighting their incredible technology and inspiring even bigger goals.

The “Showcase” presents a session unique to the entire conference and will take the form of a series of focused 4-minute elevator pitches each followed by a quick fire round of questions from the audience and facilitators.