Industry and academia are to come together to explore tech issues around cybersecurity, AI, cloud computing and empowering communities as part of this year’s AtlanTec Festival.
University of Galway and non-profit enterprise association itag – Innovation Technology AtlanTec Gateway – will mark 10 years of collaboration and innovation at a one-day event with informative, practical and engaging displays of the latest technology developments that impact both society and the workplace.
Taking place on Thursday, May 16, the annual AtlanTec Festival Conference is one of the highlights of the 10th annual AtlanTec Festival, which kicks off in Galway today.
The event - Connecting Communities through Technology Innovation – is expected to attract more than 300 delegates and includes international speakers and the region’s tech companies.
Catalytic force
Canada-based author and futurist Peter Scott, who hosts the weekly podcast 'AI and You', will deliver a keynote address, dissecting the role technology plays in modern day life.
Querying whether technology is serving us or whether we serve technology, his talk will challenge attendees to view AI not merely as a tool, but as a catalytic force capable of shaping not only a productive but meaningful future of work.
Other speakers will include Dr Mamoona Asghar from University of Galway’s School of Computer Science who will discuss cyber security and modern social engineering attacks and Laura Brodahl, senior associate at Wilson Sonsini, who will discuss the future impact on business of Europe’s new AI Act which will regulate aspects of this evolving technology.
Andrew Ayres, master strategist for Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, will provide insights into the methodologies behind AI-driven analytics and the pivotal role they play in informing strategic business initiatives.
The conference is backed by University of Galway’s Innovation Office, which supports industry academic collaborations and startups.
Professor Jim Livesey, vice-president research and innovation at University of Galway, said: "We are thrilled to host itag’s AtlanTec Conference Connecting Communities through Technology Innovation. This conference serves as a platform for academia and industry to draw inspiration from each other and collaborate to capitalise on the transformative potential of technology – resulting in building stronger, more interconnected communities.”
itag Board chair and senior vice president, Fidelity Investments, Sharon Walsh, said: “The AtlanTec festival has been pivotal in the advancement of the technology community here in the west of Ireland for the past 10 years.
"Through the ongoing support of our members and University of Galway, the annual conference brings together people and companies redefining the global tech industry. We connect through discussion, active listening and ideation on the most relevant tech industry developments that will shape our future work.”