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Dutch TNO (Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek), applied research organization , has announced its investment in the Irish quantum computing startup, Equal1 Ltd. Based in Dublin, Equal1 is pioneering the development of full-stack quantum computers with an AI layer that utilises semiconductor technology. Equal1’s innovative approach centres around the use of silicon spin qubits, a cutting-edge technology co-developed by TNO and Delft University of Technology. Founded in 2018 as a spin-off from University College Dublin, Equal1 has grown to employ around 45 people. The company’s goal is to build powerful quantum computers capable of scaling to millions of qubits,…
SWITCH, a Rome-based startup focused on optimizing fleet operations and planning with artificial intelligence (AI), has successfully raised €946k in a pre-seed investment round. This funding, which includes €728k in equity investment and non-dilutive funding, will help SWITCH build smarter, more sustainable cities by addressing key challenges in urban mobility and logistics. The funding round saw participation from a range of prominent investors, including Magic Spectrum, EIT Urban Mobility, Berkeley Skydeck Europe Milano, NextSTEP, Spreentech Ventures, MobilityUP, and Apuliasoft Srl. The company has been accelerated by Berkeley Skydeck Europe and is part of the MIND – Milano Innovation District. Matteo…
The monumental task of assessing the damage caused by Storm Éowyn to Ireland’s forestry plantations is being supported by advanced technology, including satellite imagery and drones. The full extent of the destruction will take time to fully understand, but early reports suggest it has been severe. In many areas, entire plantations were uprooted, with wind gusts reaching record-breaking speeds of up to 183 kilometres (114 miles) per hour. Along with the devastation to forests, the storm caused widespread damage across the country. Farm buildings, fences, and polytunnels were destroyed, while roads were blocked, schools closed, and roofs were torn from…
Trinity College Dublin (TCD) has announced a revision to its overnight guest policy for student residents, following a ruling by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). The RTB deemed the university’s previous regulations “unenforceable” under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, prompting the changes. Under the new policy, students will now be able to sign in guests at any time of the day or night, replacing the former restrictions that prohibited guests after 11pm at Halls and midnight on campus, unless prior approval was obtained at least five days in advance. This policy shift follows a complaint brought by László Molnárfi, the…
Last week, a staggering $1 trillion was wiped off global stock markets, triggered by the launch of an AI model from the Chinese start-up DeepSeek. The R1 model has made waves by challenging the assumption that the US dominates AI development. It can solve complex scientific problems and perform at a level on par with leading US AI models, yet it was developed at a fraction of the cost. DeepSeek’s breakthrough has caused concern in Silicon Valley. R1 quickly became the most-downloaded free app on the US iOS App Store, displacing ChatGPT. The success raises a key question: Has China…
Bord na Móna has announced the selection of nine innovative green businesses to participate in its 2025 Accelerate Green Grow programme. These companies, spanning multiple industries, will engage in comprehensive workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities with key industry leaders to drive sustainability-focused advancements in Ireland. The nine selected businesses are The Planted Way, Novelplast, Circular Food Co, BioSense, Easydry, JTM Energy, Watt Footprint, Pulse Market, and Plaswire. Each of these firms is dedicated to pioneering solutions within the energy, food-tech, circular economy, biodiversity, and artificial intelligence sectors. Launched in 2022 in collaboration with Resolve Partners, the Accelerate Green Grow programme…
Beijing-controlled BOC Aviation, Japanese-owned SMBC Aviation Capital, and Nordic Aviation Capital have joined Avolon in settling lawsuits against insurers over multimillion-euro losses when planes were seized by Russian airlines three years ago. The companies were among a group of lessors that brought claims exceeding €2.5 billion to the High Court in Dublin, where Ms Justice Eileen Roberts opened hearings last June. The financial terms of the settlements remain undisclosed. The large-scale litigation involved approximately 180 lawyers and was expected to generate legal fees amounting to hundreds of millions of euros. A spokesman for Singapore-headquartered BOC Aviation confirmed that the company…
Permanent TSB (PTSB) has announced plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 300 employees throughout 2025 after receiving a strong response to its voluntary redundancy scheme. The scheme, which was launched two months ago, has been heavily oversubscribed, according to sources familiar with the matter. A spokesperson for the bank confirmed on Friday that Permanent TSB will facilitate the departure of around 300 employees on a phased basis next year. “Following receipt of applications to its voluntary severance scheme, the bank envisages that it could accommodate around 300 employees from across the bank, exiting on a phased basis over 2025,”…