(L-R) Gareth Workman, Chief AI Officer at Kainos, DR Lollie Mancey, Programme Director at UCD Innovation Academy, Councillor Micky Murphy, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Conor Murphy MLA, Minister for the Economy, Michaela Black, Professor of Artificial Intelligence, Ulster University, Tom Gray, Director of Innovation and Group CTO, Kainos.
A leading technology conference, AI Con has hosted hundreds of tech experts and business leaders today in Belfast (Thursday, 3 October).
Among the speakers were the UK Information Commissioner John Edwards, the Economy Minister Conor Murphy, and leading Irish AI expert Dr Lollie Mancey from UCD Innovation Academy.
Technologists and business leaders gathered to hear from leading experts in the Artificial Intelligence space, including representatives from the University College Dublin Innovation Academy, Kainos, Axial3D, ASOS, and Ulster University’s new Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre.
John Edwards spoke to delegates about the crucial role of privacy in AI regulation, drawing on his extensive experience in data protection and privacy.
Dr Mancey explored the concept of Generative AI and innovations that not only enhance human capabilities but also promote ethical and sustainable development. She addresses three critical questions: what should we do, why should we do it, and how can we reimagine society and our role within it.
The conference also featured, for the first time, an AI generated panellist ‘Clay’, an AI avatar capable of engaging in real-time dialogue with multiple participants.
Now in its sixth year, AI Con features a twin-track approach with two simultaneous programmes: ‘AI Now’ and ‘AI Next.’ AI Now delves into the current state of the art, covering topics such as developing and operating AI-based systems, regulation, responsible AI, and societal and economic impacts, while AI Next explores cutting-edge AI research, including emerging methodologies, models, and technologies.
AI Con 2024 is hosted by Kainos and supported by Allstate, Invest NI, Matrix, Synechron, Belfast City Council, Options, and the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC).
Speaking ahead of AI Con, Hosted by Kainos, Tom Gray, Group Chief Technology Officer and Director of Innovation and Founder of AI Con, said:
“AI Con 2024 is another step in our ongoing journey to shape the future of Artificial Intelligence. By featuring the dual-track approach with 'AI Now' and 'AI Next,' we have aimed to provide a comprehensive view of AI's current impact, and its future potential."
"The focus is not only on advancing technology but also on creating a responsible AI ecosystem that prioritises ethical innovation and societal benefit. This year's conference was designed to inspire, challenge, and equip attendees with the knowledge to drive positive change in their industries.”
Economy Minister Conor Murphy said:
“This conference addresses a very important issue. Artificial Intelligence is set to transform our society and our economy. AI will redefine job roles, create new industries, require new skills, and generate commercial opportunities for entrepreneurs.
"My department is taking action across these issues. I recently launched a Digital Skills Action Plan to help provide people with the skills needed in an AI economy. I have also invested £16.5m in an ‘AI Collaboration Centre’ which is being delivered in Belfast and Derry by Ulster University, supported by Queen’s. This investment is not only developing our AI skills capacity, but it is also offering fully funded support to accelerate AI adoption in business.
“This AI revolution could happen very quickly. So, we must work collaboratively, to make sense of the coming change, manage the challenges, and harness the positive potential of this technology.”
Tomorrow (Friday, 4 October 2024), the AICC will host exclusive AI workshops at Ulster University, which are open to all AI Con 2024 conference attendees.
The full AI Con programme is available here.