Top Irish innovators recognised at AI Awards

Top Irish innovators have been recognised at the third annual AI Awards, with STATSports, Fire1, ACI Worldwide and Infant Research Centre among this year's winners.

The awards are designed to support the development of data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI) in Ireland, recognising how AI can be used ethically to help solve some of the biggest business, academic, environmental and health challenges facing our society today.

University College Cork's Infant Centre, which uses deep learning to detect neonatal seizures, won an award for the best application of AI in an academic research body, beating competition from shortlisted entries Maynooth University for Terrain AI, and Tyndall National Institute for Wearable AI.It is the third time the centre has won the award.

ACI Worldwide was named best application of AI in a Large Enterprise for its development of a patented technology to transform fraud prevention in the payment solutions sector. Also shortlisted in the category was Bank of Ireland, Zalando and Shutterstock.

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Webio was named best use of AI in a consumer or customer service application. FIRE1 Foundry's novel implantable sensor solution for remote monitoring of congestive heart failure patients in their home won the award for intelligent automation.

The award for best application of AI in a start-up went to EdgeTier, which uses artificial intelligence to improve customer service, while StatSports picked up the award for best use of AI in sector.

A research project led by Maynooth University, Terrain AI, won the award for best Application of AI to achieve Social Good. The project focuses on improving the understanding of the impact of human activity on land use and how it relates to climate change.

Student project

The awards also recognise the Best Application of AI in a Student Project, with PhD student Eoin Kenny picking up the award for his work on predictive AI modelling, explainable AI, and precision agriculture. "The level of innovation and creativity in the application of AI to address today's challenges is humbling. All of the finalists have brought their unique take on how AI can be utilised and address a vast array of challenges," said Mark Kelly, founder of AI Ireland. "Today's finalists and winners are examples of how world beating AI solutions can be developed ethically and in line with the new EU regulations. The breadth of innovation recognised in these awards demonstrates that Irish organisations can deliver global impact through cutting edge AI research."

Mr Kelly said the awards also highlighted the need for Ireland to develop a robust national AI strategy in line with the EU.

The awards are supported by Microsoft Ireland. "It's impressive to witness the ever-growing levels of innovation and creativity from Irish companies when applying ethical Artificial Intelligence solutions to solve complex and diverse societal and business challenges," said Anne Sheehan, General Manager, Microsoft Ireland. "Today's winners demonstrate the positive impact that AI can bring to different sectors, from finance to health, from security and fraud prevention, to even addressing our most pressing environmental challenges. The AI Awards are key to recognising homegrown talent and entrepreneurship and we are delighted to support the awards again for a third year."