Author: Sam Allcock

Recent findings from the Innovation Index Pulse Survey highlight a burgeoning interest in artificial intelligence (AI) among Irish businesses, despite ongoing challenges. The survey, which sampled over 500 companies involved in research and innovation, indicates that a significant majority are either implementing or planning to adopt an AI strategy within the next year. According to the survey results, approximately 39% of Irish businesses have already integrated AI with a defined strategy, while another 32% aim to do so within the next six to twelve months. However, 30% of the surveyed companies still have minimal or no AI strategy in place.…

Northern Ireland’s health minister, Mike Nesbitt, has unveiled a new three-year strategic health plan aimed at transforming the Health and Social Care (HSC) system. This plan includes a commitment to secure a “good” pay deal for nurses, alongside the introduction of a safe and effective staffing bill, addressing urgent issues within the healthcare sector. The strategic framework is built upon three pillars: stabilisation, reform, and delivery. In his address to the assembly, Nesbitt acknowledged the severe pressure currently facing the HSC system and highlighted the need for reform. “It is important to be clear that reform is not a silver…

A groundbreaking cryogenic storage facility has been launched by Astoriom in Tramore, County Waterford, significantly enhancing the capabilities for biological sample preservation in Ireland. This new state-of-the-art facility aims to meet the growing demands of life sciences, offering a reliable solution for industries requiring safe long-term storage of biological materials. The official launch, which took place on December 13, 2024, was attended by notable figures including Gerald Hurley, CEO of Waterford Chamber of Commerce, and Con Hurley, Astoriom Account Manager, who symbolically cut the ribbon to mark this important occasion. The event was further supported by other members of the…

Sojitz Corporation has taken a significant step into the Irish energy market by finalising a share purchase agreement for a substantial stake in New Measured Power Ltd, known as Pinergy. This move comes through Sojitz Corporation of Europe B.V. and follows a similar investment in Nexus Energia S.A., a Spanish electricity and gas retailer, marking Sojitz’s second foray into electricity retail in Europe. Subject to regulatory approvals from Irish authorities, Sojitz is set to acquire a 98% stake in Pinergy by January 2025, making it a consolidated subsidiary of the Sojitz Group. Sojitz aims to leverage its expertise in renewable…