AI Ireland with Mark Kelly

Today’s guest is Raluca Saceanu, CEO at Smarttech247. As cybersecurity threats grow in speed, scale and sophistication, organisations must find new ways to protect themselves without slowing innovation. In this podcast, Raluca explores the evolving relationship between AI and cybersecurity, the enduring importance of strong security fundamentals and how businesses can adopt a more proactive, security-by-design approach.Topics include:
0:00 How cyberattacks are now faster, cheaper and increasingly AI-driven
4:31 How defenders have the advantage if they think like attackers
7:21 Ransomware affects small businesses too, especially supply-chain suppliers
9:52 Why security by design is essential for every AI startup
13:46 Cybersecurity fundamentals and human oversight remain essential in AI
15:40 How AI-powered security operations deliver faster, smarter incident response
19:05 Enterprise Ireland’s long-term support for Smarttech's growth
19:39 Why staying ahead requires curiosity, speed and a growth mindset

Today’s guest is Matt Conlon, Founder at Cytidel. As cybersecurity threats are escalating in complexity andfrequency, professionals like Matt are at the forefront of addressing these challenges. In this podcast, Matt shares insights into his journey from consulting to founding Cytidel, a company that aims to revolutionisevulnerability management and exposure management.
Topics include:
0:00 His journey from consulting to frontline cybersecurity and incident response
3:28 Why burnout sparked a mission to solve cybersecurity alert overload
7:27 Expanding exposure management beyond businesses to third-party risks
8:46 How AI automation is accelerating attacks before patches even exist
9:56 How their data identifies cyber threats over 200 days earlier
12:58 Fast value, strong ROI and collaborative cybersecurity innovation
15:14 How Enterprise Ireland powered their launch, investment and international growth
15:57 Why cybersecurity shifts towards personalised AI insights while fundamentals remain vital

Today’s guest is Ian Kiely, Leading UAV specialist, Founder of Drone Space Limited and ESA project contributor. He is also joined by Joe, a veteran in national security, maritime navigation and airborne law enforcement. In an ever-evolving digital landscape where drones and AI take centre stage, understanding their impact on airspace, security, and everyday life is crucial. This episode brings to light the sophisticated integration of AI into drone technology and its implications, particularly in Ireland.

Topics include:
0:00 Ireland’s drone boom, Manna’s exit and a billion-euro opportunity lost
5:03 How Ireland races to defend against evolving autonomous drone threats
7:19 AI transforms battlefield drones as Ireland hosts EU defence hackathon
11:03 How Drone Space brings industry together for safer, compliant drone operations
12:20 Building a skilled, connected network for safer drone adoption
13:32 Drone innovation accelerates alongside growing security and criminal threats
15:54 Drone technology evolves faster than regulation can keep pace
18:27 AI drone swarms adapt, coordinate and overwhelm traditional defences
20:07 Goal-driven AI drones expose dangerous gaps in Ireland’s defences

This episode is sponsored by Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, helping Irish businesses close AI skills gaps through practical, funded training and bespoke programmes for their teams. Learn more at https://ictskillnet.ie/

Today's guest is Kingsley Kelly, Founder and CTO at Glitch. As AI continues to revolutionise how companies operate, innovate and compete, Kingsley is at the forefront of this change. In this podcast, he shares insights into how Glitch is transforming the advertising landscape and leveraging AI to build a platform that stands resilient amidst the oscillating demands of the modern digital market.
Topics include:
0:00 The journey to building a platform simplifying digital advertising
4:47 Building goal-oriented AI agents to simplify marketing automation
6:25 How AI agents face real-world complexity beyond technical capabilities
8:24 How AI supercharges engineers, creating highly productive AI collaborators
11:38 Why AI companies must evolve continuously with advancing AI capabilities
15:15 Building AI knowledge systems through human feedback and continuous learning
17:53 How AI requires embracing uncertainty, complexity and human oversight1
9:43 AI governance, multi-model strategies and strong AI harnesses
24:10 Measuring AI progress through autonomous task length and agent capabilities

Today's guest is Owen Murray, Commercial Director at URhired. URhired is not just another AI tool; it is a lifeline designed purposely for neurodivergent job seekers. With over 85% of the neurodivergent community in the UK and Ireland facing unemployment or underemployment, Owen’s mission through URhired is clear and critical.Topics include:
0:00 His role as an AI interview coach empowering neurodivergent job seekers to succeed
5:42 Encouraging neurodivergent hiring through AI-powered talent solutions
8:31 Helping organisations scale inclusive employment through AI support
11:02 How AI interview coaching is helping neurodivergent candidates navigate hiring
14:02 Using Customer feedback to shape AI solution and validate market demand
16:42 Scaling URhired through product refinement and investment
18:20 How entrepreneurial growth is supported by mentorship, networking and curiosity