'Ireland will be ready' for AI revolution

What's your name?

Allan F. Beechinor

What’s your current job?

CEO and founder of Altada

How long have you held the position?

Circa 1.5 years

Can you describe your daily work routine?

5.30am start; if I am not travelling, hit the gym! I drop my four kids to school and creche at 8am. Head for the Cork office Tuesday to Thursday. Lots of meetings both internally and externally. I try to finish at a reasonable time most days.

What is your professional background?

20 years of technology experience, ranging from engineering, telecommunications and technology solutions to education, training and development. I have worked within many roles but being an entrepreneur has been my passion for many years. I have worked as a project manager, technology architect, COO, CTO, CEO (of late).

Tell me about yourself away from work?

I have a wife, Niamh, and four children (one son and three daughters), Griffin, Alannah, Aeryn and Ariel. I enjoy researching new technologies, studying cognitive behaviours and life sciences. I enjoy sport activities, weekends are usually busy with my kids' sporting events. We usually attend our local GAA club for matches and training. We as a family travel to many locations

Tell us something very few people know about you?

I have been training Krav Maga for many years.

You are speaking at the forthcoming AI and Machine Learning Summit in Croke Park. What is the focus of your talk?

My talk will be focused upon the positive impact AI and technology will have on our lives, with caveats. We as technologists must find new ways to make it safer for people to use.

How do you think AI will shape the future of Ireland’s industry over the coming 5 years?

Ireland will see a vertical change in terms of how we engage with multinationals and start-ups. Ireland will become a global leader for AI, life sciences and agri. Our third level education is one of the best and Ireland is a great place in which to live and raise a family. Ireland will see an influx of talent coming from Asia and emerging markets.

Can you comment on whether you think Ireland’s workforce has the right kind of skillsets to enable the future workforce to deal with the oncoming fifth revolution?

I worked extensively with the ‘Ireland the AI Island team’ to ensure we are pivoting to the next stages of Ireland’s maturity. Our workforce is certainly on the right track. We are lucky to have support from agencies such as ICTSkillsnet, IDA, EI and SFI. Our universities are stepping up to the challenge - in particular Cork Institute of Technology, University of Limerick and University College Dublin. I am also working closely with the IDA and ICTSkillsnet as part of the Blockchain Ireland training and education group. In short, Ireland will be ready...

Allan F. Beechinor is speaking at the AI and Machine Learning Summit in Croke Park on March 6th. Full details are available ataisummit.ie