The 2024 Belfast Telegraph IT Awards, in partnership with Telefónica Tech UK & Ireland, recognized and celebrated the outstanding achievements of the Northern Ireland IT sector. The prestigious awards ceremony, held at the MAC Theatre in Belfast, saw a record number of entries and attracted a diverse range of talent and innovation. The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust was a standout performer, clinching multiple awards, including the prestigious Overall IT Team or Company of the Year Award. The trust’s successful implementation of the Encompass digital health records system was also recognized in the Best Public Sector or Third Sector IT Project category. One of the night’s most significant honors, the Outstanding Contribution Award, was bestowed upon Noel Brady, founder of NB1 Ltd. Mr. Brady’s exceptional career in the IT sector and his dedication to fostering innovation and growth in Northern Ireland were acknowledged with this prestigious award. Other notable winners included Allstate, Expleo, Options Technology, Mantle Services, and Covernet. The awards ceremony was a testament to the thriving IT industry in Northern Ireland, showcasing the region’s potential for technological advancement and economic growth. Mark Gorton, CEO of Telefónica Tech UK&I, expressed his delight at sponsoring the event, stating,…
A new initiative, led by Nottingham Trent University and Loughborough University, aims to position the East Midlands as a global hub for rehabilitation technology innovation. The project, known as EMERGE (East Midlands Emerging RehabTech Growth Enterprise), is funded by a multi-million-pound grant from the UK Research and Innovation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). EMERGE will connect hundreds of MedTech SMEs with healthcare professionals, academics, and the public to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge rehabilitation technologies. By addressing key challenges such as access to skills, clinical partnerships, and investment, the project aims to drive innovation and improve patient outcomes. The initiative will focus on areas such as sensor technology, medical device materials, bioengineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence. By fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and healthcare providers, EMERGE will accelerate the translation of research into practical applications, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare systems. Dr. Andrew Capel, from Loughborough University, highlighted the region’s strong foundation in rehabilitation science and its potential to become a global leader in the field. He emphasized the importance of the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) in driving innovation and improving patient care. The EMERGE project is committed to ensuring that the benefits of rehabilitation technology…
The Lithuanian government has pledged to address the challenges hindering the development of a high-tech industrial park, a key project in the country’s efforts to strengthen its semiconductor industry. The project, a joint venture with Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), aims to establish a state-of-the-art facility for semiconductor production. However, recent delays due to land rezoning issues and insufficient electricity supply have raised concerns about the project’s timeline. Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte has assured that the government is taking steps to resolve these issues and expedite the project’s progress. The government is working closely with various agencies to streamline the regulatory process and ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place. Arvydas Paukstys, a major shareholder of Teltonika, the company spearheading the project, expressed disappointment over the delays but remains optimistic about the project’s long-term prospects. He emphasized the importance of the project for Lithuania’s economic growth and technological advancement. The project, originally slated for completion in 2028, is now expected to be delayed by two to three years. Despite the setbacks, the Lithuanian government and Teltonika remain committed to the project and are working diligently to overcome the challenges. The successful implementation of this high-tech industrial park…
Trinity Business School (TBS) is leading a new EU-funded project, TechConnect, aimed at redefining the relationship between humans and technology. The €3 million initiative brings together a consortium of nine organizations from four countries to explore how digital technologies can complement human skills and drive innovation. The TechConnect project will focus on developing a new Human-Tech Skill Complementarity (HTSC) Index, which will measure the interaction between human skills and digital tools across various industries. By understanding this dynamic, the project aims to identify strategies for maximizing the benefits of technology while minimizing potential risks. Prof. Na Fu, who leads the TechConnect project, emphasized the importance of addressing the question of how technology will impact the future of work. “As digital transformation accelerates, it’s crucial to explore how AI and automation can complement human skills, rather than replace them,” Fu said. The consortium will conduct research, develop innovative tools, and collaborate with industry partners to ensure that the findings of the project are translated into practical applications. By fostering a deeper understanding of the relationship between humans and technology, TechConnect aims to contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive digital future.
Finnish venture capital firm Maki.vc has launched its third fund, securing €100 million to invest in pre-seed and seed-stage startups across the Nordics and Northern Europe. This new fund, categorized as an Article 8 (light green) fund, emphasizes environmental and social considerations alongside financial returns, aligning with Maki.vc’s focus on fostering positive societal impact through its investments. The fund boasts the backing of over 50 experienced limited partners, including founders of prominent tech companies like Skype, Wise, and Supercell. This network brings valuable expertise in scaling and commercializing technology startups. Maki.vc prioritizes the Nordic region due to its strong public investment landscape, deep tech expertise, and track record for launching successful startups. The firm has already made its first investments from the new fund, including Distance Technologies (glasses-free mixed reality), QMill (quantum algorithms for industry), and Ever Cars (online electric vehicle marketplace). Founded in 2018, Maki.vc specializes in deep tech and brand-driven companies. They favor ventures demonstrating scientific advancements, strong intellectual property, and a deep understanding of customer needs. Typically, Maki.vc invests between €300,000 and €3 million in pre-seed or seed-stage companies, allocating two-thirds of the new fund for follow-on investments to support the ongoing growth of their portfolio companies….
The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has received a proposal from Blue Sky Vantage, a US-based consultancy firm, to develop an “American City” near the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar. The proposed project spans 1,200 acres across four sectors and will include campuses of American educational institutions, along with business, commercial, and institutional facilities such as hospitals and schools. The US firm plans to invest $4 billion over the next six years to bring this ambitious project to life. The strategic location of the proposed “American City” near the Noida International Airport and along the Yamuna Expressway offers excellent connectivity and accessibility. This, coupled with the growing demand for quality education and healthcare facilities, makes the region an attractive destination for such a development. YEIDA CEO Arun Vir Singh stated that the proposal has received in-principle approval, and officials have been instructed to allocate 1,200 acres of land for the project.“The U.S.-based company requested 1,200 acres to establish an international-standard educational institute with facilities for performing arts and cultural programs. Several top U.S. universities will partner in this venture,” Singh said. This development comes on the heels of similar proposals for a Korean City and a Japanese City in the…
The UK Ministry of Defence has announced a £40 million investment in a new satellite, named Juno, to enhance the country’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The satellite, developed by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., is expected to launch in 2027 and will provide high-resolution imagery of the Earth’s surface. This advanced technology will support a range of military operations, including monitoring adversary activities and contributing to global security efforts. Juno will join Tyche, the UK Space Command’s first satellite, which successfully launched in August 2023. Together, these satellites will form part of a constellation that will deliver critical information to support UK defense and security interests. The investment in Juno is expected to create around 200 skilled jobs in the UK space sector, boosting the nation’s economy and strengthening its position as a global leader in space technology. Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle said:“The contract for Juno shows the UK’s commitment to grow one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world and keep our competitive edge in space science and technology. Juno will not only support Armed Forces personnel deployed globally, but also support highly skilled jobs, delivering on the government’s growth…
Plug and Play LA, a global innovation platform, has teamed up with the Japanese government and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to accelerate the global expansion of Japanese startups. The partnership aims to leverage Los Angeles’ vibrant tech ecosystem to support these innovative companies and foster cross-border collaboration. The collaboration kicked off with an exclusive event hosted at the residence of Kenko Sone, Consul General of Japan. The event showcased the potential of Japanese startups and highlighted the strong ties between Japan and Los Angeles. “Los Angeles has a long-standing relationship with Japan, and we are committed to fostering innovation and economic growth,” said Stephen Cheung, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) and WTCLA. “Japanese companies have made significant contributions to our city, and we are excited to welcome the next generation of Japanese startups to our ecosystem.” Plug and Play’s partnership with JETRO aligns with Japan’s ambitious 5-Year Plan to scale its tech sector internationally. By providing mentorship, strategic connections, and access to a dynamic community, Plug and Play’s program empowers Japanese startups to thrive in the competitive global market. The event featured presentations from six promising Japanese startups, including TopoLogic, Panalyt, and…
ORTUR, a leading provider of laser engraving and cutting solutions, has introduced the H20, a versatile laser engraving machine designed to meet the needs of both professional engravers and DIY enthusiasts. The H20 offers a range of features and capabilities, including a detachable enclosure structure that can be customized to suit specific project requirements. Integrated lighting, an emergency stop button, and a smoke exhaust system ensure a safe and efficient operating environment. The machine’s built-in electric lifting platform allows for easy adjustment of engraving object heights, further enhancing its versatility. The H20 incorporates advanced visual algorithms, such as camera visual positioning, edge detection, and bridging, which improve work efficiency and engraving quality. The machine is compatible with both blue light (450nm) and infrared light (1064nm) modules, enabling engraving on a wide variety of materials, including wood, metal, leather, glass, and acrylic. Available in multiple power options (2W 1064, 10W, 20W, and 40W), the H20 caters to diverse applications, from personal DIY projects to large-scale engraving for businesses. Its quick-assembly design and built-in air pump eliminate the need for external equipment, creating a clean and dust-free workspace. “The H20 combines advanced features, including smart visual algorithms and a customizable design, to…
The Biden administration has finalized regulations restricting U.S. investments in sensitive high-tech sectors in China, citing national security concerns. The Treasury Department announced Monday that these new rules, set to take effect on January 2, 2024, will prevent U.S.-based firms, citizens, and permanent residents from investing in advanced technology areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum computing within China. The regulations, derived from an executive order issued by President Biden in August, aim to prevent American capital and expertise from advancing technologies that could potentially be used against U.S. security interests. Under the rules, investors will also be required to notify the Treasury of investments in certain lower-level technologies, which may still pose potential risks to national security, such as legacy semiconductor technologies. “Artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum technologies are essential for developing next-generation military, intelligence, surveillance, and cybersecurity applications,” stated Paul Rosen, Treasury Assistant Secretary for Investment Security. “This final rule is a targeted approach to ensure U.S. investments are not leveraged to advance key technologies that could be used to threaten our national security.” China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded critically to the finalized rules, condemning the regulations as a move toward “anti-globalization” and “de-sinicization.” Beijing…
