Hundreds of business leaders and tech experts gather in Belfast for Artificial Intelligence conference

(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.

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2024

Introduction:

• The Sinn Féin 2024 Ard Fheis will take place on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 September 2024, in the Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone.

• This will be the first party conference where Stormont has been fully operational since February 2022.

• The Party has recently been successful North of the border but appear to have stalled in the South.

What’s the context?

• The last Westminster election proved to be a resounding success for Sinn Fein, taking home 27% of the vote, an increase of 4% from the previous Westminster elections, eclipsing its nationalist counterparts SDLP by a wide margin in a variety of Constituencies, with before-marginal seats like North Belfast and Fermanagh and South Tyrone now comfortable Sinn Fein seats.

• The latest LucidTalk NI poll shows Sinn Fein firmly leading as Northern Ireland's largest party with 30%, up 1% from May. The poll highlighted Sinn Fein's success in expanding support beyond its traditional base, attracting both working and middle-class voters. First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA is performing strongly, and Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA is earning praise across the house as Finance Minister.

• Whilst the party is doing well in Northern Ireland, the party in the Republic of Ireland appear to be stalling. The recent local government and European elections proved to be an underwhelming night for the party. The Party was predicted to obtain 30%+ of the vote according to polls but ended up with 12%. Whilst this was an increase on the previous local election, it was suggested that Sinn Fein ran too many candidates and messaging was unclear.

• A recent Irish Times/Ipsos opinion poll in the Republic of Ireland placed Sinn Fein on 20%, a 3% decrease from previous polls, with leader Mary Lou McDonald T.D on a 30% approval rating.

What can we expect?

• On the Friday event, the event will open with an address from Sorca Clarke T.D and feature keynote speeches from Michelle O’Neill MLA and Pearse Doherty T.D

• On Saturday, there are speeches planned on Irish Unity, Health, Housing and having an independent foreign policy. The event will close with the Presidential Address from Leader Mary Lou McDonald T.D.

Labour Party Conference 2024

The Labour Party will return to Liverpool in 2024 for their first conference as the party of government for 15 years.

The leadership, led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, will aim to present Labour as a credible alternative to Conservative government, with a focus on readiness to govern after years in opposition.

The keynote speech from the Leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, on Tuesday, September 24th, from 14:00 to 16:00 BST.

NI on the Conference Agenda

The conference period will feature several NI focused fringe events, including:

•  Northern Ireland Reception at the Labour Party Conference – 22nd September: Hosted by Retail NI, NICVA, and the Northern Ireland Food To Go Association, this event will be chaired by Glyn Roberts of Retail NI. It will feature key speakers, including Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, along with senior government ministers.

• Time for Change: Implementing the Good Friday Agreement & Building a Shared Future (Sinn Féin) – 22nd September: Chaired by Sinn Féin, this event will include speakers such as Pat Cullen, former RCN General Secretary & Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, and Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, among others.

• Change Can't Wait: Rebuilding Relationships and Delivering Change for Northern Ireland (SDLP) – 24th September: This event, chaired by the SDLP, will focus on addressing the urgent need for rebuilding relationships in Northern Ireland.

• Northern Ireland: A Hub for Growth (NI Chamber of Commerce, Supported by Queen’s University Belfast) – 24th September: NI Chamber and Queen’s University Belfast will explore Northern Ireland's unique role in advancing Labour’s Plan for Growth. Speakers include notable business and political figures such as Professor Sir Ian Greer, Cat McCusker from PwC NI, and senior politicians.

• Standing Labour Party Candidates in Northern Ireland (Labour Party in Northern Ireland) – 24th September: Chaired by Pauline Hart, this event will feature speakers including Maggie Cosin from the South Eastern Regional Board, Kevin McAdam of the Labour Party Northern Ireland, and Boyd Black, among others.

What can we expect from a Labour Government?

Labour plans to increase NHS appointments by paying staff extra to work evenings and weekends to tackle waiting lists. They aim to use private healthcare providers to clear the NHS backlog and recruit 8,500 new mental health staff. Labour also proposes to double the number of MRI and CT scanners for early cancer diagnosis. Additionally, Labour wants to make the NHS more local-focused, allowing patients to see the same GP for continuity of care.

Ending tax breaks for private schools is a key policy, with the funds raised being directed to improve state school standards and mental health support for students. Labour also promises to introduce free breakfast clubs in every primary school in England.

Labour aims to set up "Great British Energy," a publicly owned energy company, as part of their Green Prosperity Plan. This would focus on cutting energy bills, creating green jobs, and achieving independence from foreign energy supplies, partially funded through a proper windfall tax on oil and gas giants.

Labour plans to establish "Great British Railways," bringing train operators under public ownership.

Labour will increase the minimum wage to reflect the cost of living.

Labour plans to support victims of violence against women by establishing rape units in every police force, providing specialist support in 999 control rooms, and fast-tracking courts for rape victims.

Labour has pledged not to increase National Insurance, VAT, or income tax rates for working individuals. They plan to abolish non-dom status and introduce a system for short-term residents and increase the stamp duty surcharge for non-UK residents by 1%.

DUP Party Conference 2024

Introduction

• The DUP will hold their Annual Party Conference both today and tomorrow at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast.

• This will be the first party conference where Stormont has been fully operational since February 2022.

• This will be the first party conference with Gavin Robinson MP as Party Leader after he replaced Sir Jeffrey Donaldson.

• The Party is aiming to look forward and gain back support, which was lost at the General Election, with recent polls and results perhaps showing a decline in its backing.

What’s the context?

• The last LucidTalk poll conducted over the Summer placed the DUP on 18%, which was a 3% decrease on support from the last poll conducted in May 2024. The Party was 12 points behind its executive colleagues Sinn Féin. The DUP remains the largest unionist party in Northern Ireland, six points ahead of the UUP.

• This will be the first party conference since the General Election in July 2024 which proved to be a tough night for the DUP. On a 22% vote share, the DUP was down nine points on its 2019 Westminster performance. The DUP lost three of its Westminster seats in Lagan Valley, South Antrim, and North Antrim. The Party saw a significant decrease in their vote share in both East Londonderry and East Antrim.

• Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly is performing strongly at Stormont in her role, receiving plaudits from all sides of the house. Gavin Robinson MP secured his seat at Westminster in the July election, providing him with three years to further shape the direction of the party ahead of the next Assembly election in 2027.

What can we expect?

• On Friday, a Rural Affairs breakfast hosted by Carla Lockhart MP will feature speeches from the deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly and Michelle McIlveen MLA. The Friday event concludes with a conference dinner.

• On Saturday, there are a variety of speeches planned with Jonathan Buckley MLA discussing building for the future, Cheryl Brownlee MLA discussing life as an MLA, and Diane Dodds to present on health amongst other speakers. There is a panel discussion planned to feature all the DUP members of the Northern Ireland Executive before the conference is brought to an end by a keynote speech from the leader Gavin Robinson MP.

Lee Campbell Appointed Principal and CEO at Southern Regional College

Mrs Lee Campbell who has been appointed Principal and Chief Executive at Southern Regional College.

The Governing Body of Southern Regional College has appointed Mrs Lee Campbell as its new Principal and Chief Executive.

Mrs Campbell has been a member of the Colleges Executive Team since November 2021 playing a key role in the strategic direction and financial management of the College, as Director of Finance and Planning, and latterly as Interim Principal and Chief Executive since February 2024.

Mrs Campbell has made a significant contribution to the College’s business planning processes meeting current and emerging economic demands for upskilling and reskilling individuals, alongside maintaining and improving governance and financial controls since joining the College in 2021.

Mrs Campbell, a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland brings significant leadership and management experience in executive and non-executive roles in both private and public sector bodies.

Mrs Campbell is committed to adopting a collaborative and outward-looking approach in her role as Principal and Chief Executive, adding:

“It is a privilege to take on the leadership of Southern Regional College as the Principal and Chief Executive. The College plays a key role in providing high quality education, training and development opportunities which are vital to build futures for our people and communities and support the implementation of the Minister for the Economy’s Economic Vision.”

“As Principal and Chief Executive I look forward to working in collaboration with the Governing Body, staff, industry and other key stakeholders to lead the college into the next stage of its growth and development. Ensuring the College’s full potential is realised through the delivery of a curriculum that is relevant to today’s students and employers.”

Southern Regional College is one of the largest education providers in the Southern Region, with state-of-the-art campuses located in Armagh, Banbridge, Lurgan, Newry and Portadown. The College operates across the two council areas of Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon, and Newry, Mourne & Down in the southern part of NI.

The College enrols approximately 20,000 students annually and with over 900 members of staff.

Dr Thomas Moore, Chairman of the Governing Body at Southern Regional College commented:

“On behalf of the governing body of Southern Regional College, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs. Lee Campbell as Principal and Chief Executive Officer, following a comprehensive and competitive external selection process.

Together with the Governing Body, we extend our warmest congratulations to Mrs. Campbell as she assumes this role. We look forward to working closely with Mrs Campbell to ensure the continued success of the College”.

AI Con 2024: Exploring the Present and Future landscape of Artificial Intelligence

Gareth Workman, Kainos, Suzi Murtagh, Allstate NI, Paul McCoy, Invest NI, Laura McClean, Synechron NI, David Crozier CBE, AI Collaboration Centre (AICC).

Ireland’s leading AI focused conference, AI Con will once again draw hundreds of experts, researchers and innovators together to explore the latest developments in AI and machine learning.

The popular conference will return to Titanic Belfast on Thursday, 3 October.

Over 400 technologists and business leaders will gather to hear from global experts in the Artificial Intelligence space, including representatives from the University College Dublin Innovation Academy, Beyond Reach Consulting Limited, Kainos, Axial3D, and ASOS.

Now in its sixth year, AI Con will feature a twin-track approach with two programmes running simultaneously: ‘AI Now’ and ‘AI Next’.

AI Now will delve 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, among other subjects.

AI Next will explore the cutting edge of AI research and developing, including emerging approaches, methodologies, models and technology.

The conference will explore best practice for leveraging AI in a safe, transparent, and accountable way, and will also provide insights into the opportunities and challenges presented by a rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Dr. Lollie Mancey, Programme Director for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at University College Dublin's Innovation Academy, will deliver the keynote address at AI Con, drawing from her extensive experience in digital transformation, technology, and resilience.

Currently, Dr. Mancey is working on a TV project exploring technological innovations in Ireland that could shape society by 2050. This project aligns with her involvement in RTÉ's "Welcome to Futureville," which envisions Athlone as a futuristic city, addressing challenges such as housing, transport, and the environment, and creating a virtual reality model of the town in 2050.

Other notable speakers include Patricia Shaw, CEO of Beyond Reach Consulting Limited; Rory Hanratty, Chief Technology Officer at Axial3D; and Suzanne Brink, Head of AI Ethics and Governance at Kainos.

William Hamill, Head of Engineering in Digital Services at Kainos, will chair a panel discussion on creating an AI Avatar that can engage in a real-time dialogue with multiple participants. The session will feature live participation from said AI Panellist.

AI Con 2024 will be hosted by Kainos, supported by Allstate, Invest NI, Matrix, Synechron, Belfast City Council and the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC). The event will contribute to the debate on the responsible advancement of AI technology by showcasing global examples of both the risks and opportunities of AI.

Additionally, on Friday 4 October 2024, the AICC will host exclusive AI workshops at Ulster University, open to all AI Con 2024 conference attendees.

For further information or registration details, please visit: https://ai-con.ai/.

Kainos Group Chief Technology Officer and Director of Innovation Tom Gray said:

“This year, the conference will feature dual tracks, ‘AI Now’ and ‘AI Next,’ looking at how we use AI currently and then looking forward at how AI will evolve in the future, covering topics such as AI in creativity, responsible AI, industry impacts, and sustainability.”

“With so much information available about AI and its potential, our goal at AI Con is to support a responsible and innovative AI ecosystem that not only advances technological capabilities but also prioritises ethical considerations and societal impact.”

Eversheds Sutherland: Return of PPPs/PFIs could be the key to unlocking infrastructure

Writes Lisa Boyd, Projects, Construction and Procurement Partner at Eversheds Sutherland. Article first published in the Irish News, Tuesday 27 August.

Lisa Boyd, Projects, Construction and Procurement Partner, Eversheds Sutherland.

It has been a mixed summer in terms of news for the building of infrastructure.

On one hand, we have had encouraging news of major infrastructural projects such as the final report of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, and on the other we have had the new Labour government in Westminster stalling major road and hospital projects in England due to a lack of funding.

There have been many rumours that new Chancellor for the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will turn to private sources in order to fill the black holes in public finances, with it reported that she will seek private finance to get the £9 billion Lower Thames Crossing over the line.

It is possible that Labour will end up going down the much-rumoured route of a return to public-private partnerships (PPPs) and private finance initiatives (PFIs).

The Conservative government discontinued PFIs in 2018, with the mechanism seen as a hangover from the previous Labour governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, but the fact remains that more than 700 public sector construction projects were delivered between 1997 and 2010. It is hard to imagine such a figure being possible without PFIs.

Projects that Reeves announced as being delayed in July may result in losses for private sector companies due to the potential loss of future revenue, demobilisation costs and penalties for the cancellation of procured long-lead items likely to arise from such delays.

PPPs allow the private sector to assume specific risks associated with project delivery, such as construction, operation, and maintenance making them more agile in terms of delivery but more certain in terms of project delivery and public financing.

By transferring risks to private partners, the government can focus on policymaking and oversight, reducing its exposure to financial and operational uncertainties, which is now of grave importance given the funding deficit in Northern Ireland.

PPPs can also often expedite delivery. Timely completion of infrastructure projects benefits communities, businesses, and the economy as a whole.

In Northern Ireland, many construction projects have been delayed due to associated public infrastructure not being capable of supporting them.

While the private companies responsible for these projects have offered to upgrade said infrastructure to deliver their own projects, they have found that there are no avenues for them to currently do so.

PPPs/PFIs have not been proposed of late due to Northern Ireland’s funding through the block grant, however a change in the funding model could see their return along with improved infrastructure, job creation, a boost to local economies, and enhanced connectivity in regions in need of economic stimulation such as our own.

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Kneecap film opens at number three at the Irish box-office behind Hollywood heavy hitters

Kneecap Members, DJ Provaí, Mo Chara, and Móglaí Bap, with director Rich Peppiatt.

Despite extremely warm weather across Ireland over the weekend, audiences flocked to cinemas, with critically-acclaimed independent Irish film Kneecap opening at number three in the Irish box office charts with approx. €292k across the island of Ireland. 

Only Hollywood heavy-hitters It Ends With Us and Deadpool & Wolverine were ahead at the box office in Ireland, with big-budget US titles like Trap and Borderlands opening behind Kneecap.

This marks the biggest weekend opening for an Irish film at the Irish box office, including previews, since Academy Award® nominated The Banshees of Inisherin and the biggest box office opening for an Irish language feature film ever. Cinemas across Ireland are expecting the film to continue to perform very strongly, noting overwhelmingly positive word of mouth from audiences.

Kneecap had the widest ever opening of an Irish film in cinemas across Ireland, opening in 109 screens across the island of Ireland.

The Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) recently announced that the Irish language feature was selected to represent Ireland in the Oscar® International Feature Film category at the upcoming 97th annual Academy Awards. 

The film, written and directed by Rich Peppiatt (One Rogue Reporter) stars the members of the West Belfast rap trio Kneecap (Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara and DJ Próvaí) alongside an ensemble cast including Oscar® nominee Michael Fassbender, Simone Kirby, Josie Walker, Fionnuala Flaherty, Jessica Reynolds and Adam Best. 

Set in West Belfast in 2019, when fate brings Belfast schoolteacher JJ into the orbit of Naoise and Liam Óg, the needle drops on a hip hop act like no other. Rapping in their native Irish language, the trio create their own genre of Irish punk rap, melding the Irish and English language with electrifying energy. Their writing and performance reimagine what rap can be as a creative and cultural force, rooted in community. Kneecap ultimately become the unlikely figureheads of a Civil Rights movement to save their mother tongue, upending preconceptions about language and place and spearheading a cultural revival and interest from their legions of young followers.

Kneecap was produced by Trevor Birney and Jack Tarling for Fine Point Films and Mother Tongues Films, with Patrick O'Neill at Wildcard acting as Co-Producer. Funding for the film was provided by Northern Ireland Screen, the Irish Language Broadcast Fund, Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland, the BFI (awarding National Lottery funding), Coimisiún na Meán and TG4, Dias Feld and Kamila Serkebaeva, with backing from Great Point Media.

Curzon will release the film in the UK on Friday 23rd August.

The film had its World Premiere at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in January this year, where it won a NEXT Audience Award, the first Irish language film to win at the festival. It went on to play at Sundance London, and was the opening film of Galway Film Fleadh, where it won three prizes including the Audience Award.