AtlanTec conference Programme 2025

AtlanTec Conference 29 May 2025

Bailey Allen Hall, University of Galway

AtlanTec Conference Morning Session

AtlanTec Conference Morning: Shaping the Future of Innovation Technology
Venue: Bailey Allen Hall, University of Galway
09:00 - 09:05 Welcome Address itag - Sharon Walsh, SVP Technology Fidelity Investments, itag chair
 
 
 
 
09:05 - 09:15 Opening Address Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President, University of Galway
Building the Bridge to Tomorrow: Research, Progress, and the Future
 
 
 
 
09:15 - 10:00 Why Small Businesses Need Big Businesses to Step Up in the Age of AI Agents
Jonathan McCrea, Whipsmart Media & Newstalk

Jonathan McCrea is on a mission to help busy professionals use AI to their advantage and is a passionate advocate for AI literacy in Ireland. Through Get Started With AI, he provides consultancy, implementation, and training to SMEs and individuals looking for a competitive edge through AI.

He is the founder of Whipsmart Media, a communications consultancy specialising in the medical, pharmaceutical, and science sectors and the host of many technology events, including World Summit AI, The Deloitte Fast 50, Techfest, and Enterprise Ireland’s Disruptech. Jonathan is also an award-winning science and technology broadcaster. He is the host of Futureproof, Newstalk’s flagship science programme and 10 Things to Know About on RTÉ 1.

He sits on the advisory board for The Science Media Centre in Ireland as well as Finovation, a new fintech startup. Jonathan also writes for Silicon Republic on the challenges and opportunities of integrating Artificial Intelligence in Ireland today.

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10:00 - 10:30 Start and Stay Confident on your AI Journey
Bronagh Riordan, EY

With an impactful 23-year career journey Bronagh has a proven track record of delivering Data, Analytics & AI strategy and solutions to match global business strategies.

She is an authentic and empathetic leader with a people-first mindset and is skilled in leading and mentoring multidisciplinary, high-performing teams to achieve their full potential. Bronagh held senior roles across industry, where she was responsible for developing data, analytics & AI strategies, transforming data, analytics & AI capability and delivering impactful data, analytics, AI and technology products.

In recognition of her work, Bronagh was named as a ‘Global Data Power Woman’ in both 2024 and 2023.  This acknowledgement serves to feature women holding leadership positions in prominent companies worldwide, showcasing their strategic and operational excellence and recognising that their work shapes the data landscape, breaks new ground, and paves the way for the next generation of women in data.

10:30 - 11:00 Coffee Break
11:00 - 11:30 AI Decision Support Shape our Care in the Future
Dr. Bairbre McNicholas Intensivist & Nephrologist, University Hospital Galway & University of Galway
11:30 - 11:40 Lightning Talk: Secure by Culture
Amanda Colreavy, Fidelity Investments
11:40 - 11:50 Unlocking Potential: Fast-Tracking Team Motivation in the Innovation Era
Edel Joyce, Cisco

Edel Joyce is Director of Product Management for AI & Elevated Experiences for Cisco Devices.

Edel Joyce is an established technology executive with years of experience in driving innovation and delivering results. Her expertise spans engineering, operations, design, customer experience and strategy.

Most recently, Edel led the development of the multi award-winning Webex Hologram and the launch of the industry-first Cisco Spatial Meetings in partnership with Apple. Currently, she is at the forefront of developing AI-powered experiences for Cisco devices and redefining user interactions across the portfolio.

Edel is passionate about delivering products for the greater good and challenging the norm.

Edel will present a lightening talk on how to maximise motivation within teams.

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11:50 - 12:00 Lightning Talk: Global Vision to Advance Healthcare with AI and Automation
Rob Bowers, Datavant
 

 

12:00 - 12:30 How Wallet Technology will Enable an AI-powered World
Marie Wallace Data Scientist, Accenture
12:30 - 12:50 Powering Change in Our Time
Clare Dillon, CURIOSS
12:50 - 13:00 AtlanTec AI Challenge Winner Presentation: Storm Troopers
Eamon Keane, Rory Carroll, Sarah Kennedy, Tomas Breen & Ali Mohd - Storm Technology
Having competed with over 17 other teams in the AtlanTec AI Challenge on 16th May. Team ‘Storm Troopers‘ from Storm Technology were awarded the overall winner with their project ‘NeuroKind‘.
 
NeuroKind is a calm, neuroaffirming, mobile-friendly app that supports parents and caregivers of children with a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile. It helps families navigate everyday challenges — like bedtime or getting dressed — by generating personalized scripts, visual cues, and low-demand strategies tailored to each child’s unique needs. Combining AI with empathy, NeuroKind reduces conflict and strengthens connection — one routine at a time.
 
13:00 - 14:00 Light Lunch and Networking
 

AtlanTec Conference Afternoon - CYBER Track

Cyber Track: Resilience, AI Security & Geopolitical Threats
Venue: University of Galway
14:00 - 14:05 Welcome Cyber Track - Seán Morris, TitanHQ

 

 

14:05 - 15:00 Cyber Crisis Simulation - Testing Decision Making Under Pressure
Mark Power, Immersive Labs

Immersive crisis simulation exercises move beyond the standard slide-driven tabletop exercise. In this session Immersive will simulate a high-stakes crisis scenario to evaluate responses in real time.

Mark has garnered a wealth of diverse experience, primarily in leading sales, solutions architecture, and customer success teams. These skills have been honed through roles at renowned enterprises like Microsoft, AWS, and Splunk. Today Mark leads Immersives’ efforts across Western and Northern Europe, supporting clients through Cyber Drills, Cyber Simulations and upskilling programmes, that are designed to help enterprises test, prove and improve their human cyber capabilities.

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15:00 - 15:30 Cybersecurity for AI: Trusted Computing and Generative Technologies
Mamoona Asghar, School of Computer Science University of Galway

Dr Mamoona Asghar is an Assistant Professor in the School of Computer Science and an Applied Cybersecurity expert with extensive R&D experience in the interdisciplinary domains of Cryptography, AI, and Data-driven innovation. With over 18 years of professional experience, she is an engaged educator, researcher, and mentor committed to transforming complex data into actionable insights that drive decisive, real-world change. Her contributions to cybersecurity research, innovation, workforce development, and mentoring have earned her multiple awards and recognition on both national and global levels.

 

15:30 - 15:45 Tea/Coffee Break
 
 
 
15:45 - 16:05 Operationalising Campaign Intelligence
Daniel Rogers, Centripetal
Daniel Rodgers is Director of Security Operations in Centripetal US.
16:05 - 17:00 Panel Discussion: Geopolitics & Hybrid Warfare: How to Prepare for the New Normal in Cyber Security - Chaired by Andrea Manning, Acorn Life
Pat Ryan, Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau, Connor McEnroy, HPE, Ian Thornton, RMI
 

AtlanTec Conference Afternoon - AI Track

AI Track: From Hype to Impact - Real World AI that is Shaping the Future
Venue: University of Galway
14:05 - 14:45 Predicting Risk on the UK Strategic Road Network: A Case Study
Gary Short, Darach AI

Gary Short is the founder of Darach.ai an AI/ML modelling company that allows you to make better business decisions by predicting the future.

This talk will take place Monday 26th May from 5.30pm – 7.30pm at the Mick Lally Theatre.

14:45 - 15:25 Lightning Presentations & Panel Discussion: AI and ML in the Real World
Moderator: Dr Nazre Batool, University of Galway
Shubham Sonarghare, Valeo, Rena Garrett, Evernorth & Jeff Hazel, Datavant
Moderating by Dr Nazre Batool, School of Computer Science, University of Galway. Three lightning talks each lasting approx. 10 minutes will be presented:
  • Challenges in Deploying AI models for Autonomous Driving – Shubham Sonarghare, Research Engineer, Valeo
  • Reinventing Client and Vendor Onboarding: AI Driven Solutions for Healthcare Data Challenges – Rena Garrett, Senior Solutions Architect, Evernorth
  • Save $15m Annually by using AI for Data Extraction – Jeff Hazel, Senior Engineering Manager, Datavant

Followed by a 10 minute panel discussion on the talks.

15:25 - 15:45 Tea/Coffee Break
 
 
 
15:45 - 16:30 Panel Discussion: Hype, Impact and What's Next
Moderator, Brian Hanly Brightbeam
Stephanus Meiring, Rent The Runway, Yvonne Comer, PorterShed & Dr Ihsan Ullah, University of Galway
 
16:30 - 16:35 Concluding Remarks
Prof Michael Madden, School of Computer Science University of Galway

 

 

Friday 17th May 2023

Regional Tech Spotlight – Leaders Event

AtlanTec Tag Rugby

AtlanTec Tag Rugby World Championship 

DATE: Friday 19th May

TIMES:  Blitz from 18:00 till late 

COST:   €120 per team (min 7 players, max 10 players – mixed format min 3 ladies)

Prize Giving, Food & Beer 

Whether your company is a seasoned tag rugby campaigner or ready to take part in their first tag tournament, the AtlanTec Tech Tag Rugby World Championship is the perfect event to kick start your Tag Rugby Season.

Your team is guaranteed at least 2 x 10 minute matches (weather permitting). Most teams will also then qualify for a further knockout game, where they have a chance of winning a prize.

Après AtlanTec Tag Rugby Party
After the final join us for the prize giving, final wrap up party for this year’s AtlanTec Festival with music, burgers, beer and other entertainment especially selected for Techies!

BOOK your Team today. Email us at info@itag.ie