AtlanTec conference Programme 2025
AtlanTec Conference 29 May 2025
Bailey Allen Hall, University of Galway
AtlanTec Conference Morning Session
Building the Bridge to Tomorrow: Research, Progress, and the Future
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.
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.
Dr. Bairbre McNicholas Intensivist & Nephrologist, University Hospital Galway & University of Galway
Amanda Colreavy, Fidelity Investments
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.
Rob Bowers, Datavant
Marie Wallace Data Scientist, Accenture
Clare Dillon, CURIOSS
Eamon Keane, Rory Carroll, Sarah Kennedy, Tomas Breen & Ali Mohd - Storm Technology
AtlanTec Conference Afternoon - CYBER Track
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.
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.
Daniel Rogers, Centripetal
Pat Ryan, Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau, Connor McEnroy, HPE, Ian Thornton, RMI
AtlanTec Conference Afternoon - AI Track
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.
Moderator: Dr Nazre Batool, University of Galway
Shubham Sonarghare, Valeo, Rena Garrett, Evernorth & Jeff Hazel, Datavant
- 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.
Moderator, Brian Hanly Brightbeam
Stephanus Meiring, Rent The Runway, Yvonne Comer, PorterShed & Dr Ihsan Ullah, University of Galway
Prof Michael Madden, School of Computer Science University of Galway
Friday 17th May 2023
Regional Tech Spotlight – Leaders Event
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