Preparing for the Deep Tech Wave: Challenges and Opportunities in Ireland's AI Landscape

How can employees and organisations prepare for the deep tech wave?

The deep tech wave is overtaking organisations, leaving a transformed workplace in its wake. With this in mind, organisations and the professionals who run them will have to upskill to meet the demands of a changing working landscape. Deep tech, that is advanced technologies created in response to complex issues, for example genomics, robotics and nanotechnology, is becoming somewhat of a buzzword in the industry, as it grows in popularity. More and more companies are investing significant resources into innovating in the deep tech space, reshaping not just their own organisations, but the boundaries of what was once thought impossible. As global challenges demand swifter, smarter solutions, to address complex problems, so too must companies and technologies advance. Employees, company leaders and organisations as a whole are operating in an ever-evolving landscape and must better prepare themselves for a workplace transformed by innovation and deep tech. For Deepak Chaudhari, the country head of TCS Ireland, we are seeing first-hand how advanced technologies are altering businesses and larger industries, such as the finance, healthcare, retail and logistic sectors. "To support this, the technical needs of our teams have significantly evolved in parallel with the rise of deep tech. Foundational skills like software engineering and cloud computing remain essential, but there is now a stronger focus on applying and deploying advanced AI, machine learning, data analytics and blockchain technology," he explained. He noted that expectations for modern-day employees have shifted too, as professionals are now expected to have a deeper understanding of advanced technologies and their applications. "In TCS for example, over 300,000 of our associates have already been trained in the foundational skills of AI and machine learning, as we build out one of the largest AI-ready workforces in the world," said Chaudhari. Red Hat Ireland's Ivan Jennings, the senior manager for solution architecture, is also cognisant of the speed at which organisations and industry demands are changing. "As the rate of technological change has accelerated, our team's technical needs have also increased significantly," he said. "Deep technologies like artificial intelligence have been around for many years, prior to the rise of generative AI, but the pace and scale of advancements have been pretty incredible. My team needs to walk in lock step with what Red Hat, our parent company IBM and the other players are doing in this space from a capability perspective." In-demand skills The potential impact of deep tech on industries and organisations is immeasurable, with digitalisation, sustainability, healthcare and working life just some of the areas expected to experience mass change. In response, employees will likely have to upskill or reskill to fully engage with deep tech opportunities and challenges. For Chaudhari, it is important that companies keep themselves updated and relevant, through training and education. "We're building expertise across critical areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science to provide data-driven insights that keep our clients competitive" he said, further explaining that a battery of deep tech skills are also key to enhancing important areas such as cybersecurity. He would advise candidates aiming to make waves in deep tech roles, to prioritise key areas of learning, such as quantum computing, AI, digital twins and machine learning. The ideal professional will be not only technically skilled, but also display a willingness to adapt and apply deep tech technologies to real-world problems. He noted "highlighting experiences of cross-skilling and improving abilities outside of immediate job requirements, can showcase their comprehensive and diverse problem-solving abilities and passion for innovation. It's important to present oneself as a team player who can effectively communicate with both technical and non-technical colleagues." For Jennings organisations will also have to apply a degree of critical thinking and remain aware of the ethics around the use of advanced technologies. "There are regulations and legislations to consider, alongside customers and partners who are eager to leverage the technology," he explained. "When we do things at breakneck speed, risk can be introduced, with many new elements to consider. For instance, how robust and resilient is this new product release? Could you already have a more suitable tool in your stack?" He cited a case where a consumer requested the introduction of AI into their processes as an increased workflow and cost saving measure, however, an assessment made it clear that a less complex automation already in use was a better option. "The lesson is to continue to do the right thing, that's to say honouring architectural and technical principles and never cutting corners." Ultimately, the deep tech space is a creative, dynamic and ever-evolving landscape that, for employees and organisations, will always require hard work, dedication and complete commitment. It is an exciting time to be an innovator. Don't miss out on the knowledge you need to succeed. Sign up for the Daily Brief, Silicon Republic's digest of need-to-know sci-tech news.

Navigating Ireland's complex deep tech landscape

CTO of Equal1 and former director of VPU engineering at Movidius, Brendan Barry discusses Ireland's deep tech industry, the future for professionals and the challenges to be overcome. With a broad range of established deep tech companies and new and emerging start-ups, the Irish deep tech landscape is best described as robust, with a particular, recent expertise in the area of semiconductors. Companies such as Parthus, Movidius and Decawave have greatly contributed to advancements in global semiconductor technologies, with Ireland cultivating a reputation for high-level innovation in this sector. "The presence of industry giants such as Analog Devices, Intel and Qualcomm has not only bolstered this reputation but also helped cultivate a highly skilled talent pool that is at the forefront of silicon technology innovation," explained Brendan Barry, the CTO of Irish quantum computing company Equal1. From university courses, micro-credentials and EU-funded research initiatives, to innovation hubs, online skills development and government projects, Ireland's deep tech industry is supported by a committed network of experts and institutions, dedicated to furthering the country's AI, machine learning, quantum and IoT capabilities, among others. "The combination of a well-established semiconductor base, cutting-edge research, and strategic partnerships continues to drive Ireland's position as a leader in deep tech, attracting investment and fostering innovation across various technology sectors. This dynamic environment provides a fertile ground for both established companies and startups to develop and thrive, leveraging Ireland's unique strengths in technology and innovation," said Barry. Future graduates Increased automation and advanced technologies are not just transforming organisations, they are also altering the expectations placed upon future graduates and early-career professionals looking to forge a career path in deep tech. As a career route, deep tech is incredibly broad and candidates can explore a number of areas, such as aerospace, biotechnology, quantum computing, advanced cybersecurity, robotics, virtual reality and more. For this reason, experts in this sector need to possess a wide range of technical and soft skills, to ensure career longevity. Additionally, due to the complexity of the work, the majority of employers will expect a bachelor's, masters or PhD in a STEM subject, as well as significant industry-based knowledge and other relevant forms of certification, research and experience. "For future graduates and young professionals aiming for a career in deep tech, adopting an interdisciplinary approach is crucial," explained Barry. "It's essential to blend a strong foundation in engineering with knowledge of emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing and IoT. Practical experience, gained through internships or projects with deep tech firms, is vital for applying theoretical knowledge in real-world settings." He emphasised the importance of retaining your curiosity and seeking out opportunities to engage with continuous learning, keeping pace with the rapid evolution of technology. He also noted workshops, seminars, industry conferences and research/development projects are an ideal way to keep abreast of sector trends and also provide an opportunity to widen your professional network. Informing, entertaining and connecting the world Building relationships, creating value We are more than just a place to work Build a future you believe in. Join our team "To excel in deep tech, a natural curiosity and robust analytical skills are essential. Professionals must have the ability to solve complex problems and understand intricate technical concepts. The capacity to collaborate effectively with cross-disciplinary teams is also crucial due to the integrative nature of deep tech projects." Overcoming challenges According to Barry, several key challenges are impacting the further development of Ireland's deep tech sector. Namely, the rapid pace at which technology is advancing is surpassing the rate at which educational and training programmes can grow, creating a significant skills gap in areas such as AI, quantum computing and biotechnology. "This disconnect makes it difficult for professionals to stay current with industry demands. Additionally, the high costs associated with research and development pose significant barriers, especially for startups and smaller firms that struggle to secure necessary funding. "This challenge is compounded by fierce competition for skilled professionals, with Irish companies vying with global firms that often offer more lucrative packages." To address these challenges, Barry explained a multifaceted approach is critical. Industries and educational institutions should forge partnerships to ensure a curriculum that is representative of organisational and career needs, with specialised development programmes in new and emerging fields, to decrease the skills gap. He is also of the opinion that increased funding and support for R&D initiatives should be improved. "Government and private sector investment in research and development need to be amplified. This could include tax incentives for R&D activities, grants for startups, and funding programs specifically targeted at emerging technologies." Lastly, by focusing on strategic talent acquisition and retention and offering creative compensation packages, as well as career development opportunities, companies can renew interest in local firms, promote Ireland as a leading tech hub and attract international experts. "We are living in an era of remarkable change - technology is advancing more rapidly than ever and while this pace can be overwhelming, it also opens up a wealth of opportunities. As a CTO, I see on a daily basis how these advancements can address major global challenges such as climate change, complex disease analysis and energy efficiency. "This period of technological growth offers us an unprecedented chance to explore and implement solutions that could significantly affect all of humanity. By embracing these innovations, we have the potential to make substantial impacts, possibly solving some of the toughest issues we face today, within our own lifetimes." Don't miss out on the knowledge you need to succeed. Sign up for the Daily Brief, Silicon Republic's digest of need-to-know sci-tech news.