New jobs as CeADAR selected to be European Digital Innovation Hub for Artificial Intelligence in Ireland

CeADAR, Ireland’s National Centre for AI, has announced the creation of an initial 9 new jobs on foot of the tech hub’s formal selection as the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) for AI in Ireland.

The EDIH is a Europe-wide initiative with funding of €700m from both the European Commission and the Governments of member states.

Its aim is to assist SMEs and public service organisations (PSOs) become more digitally intense by providing access to technical expertise in artificial intelligence and data analytics, as well as test-before-invest solutions, training and skills development, and support in finding funding.

CeADAR’s membership of the EDIH network was formally ratified this week and carries with it an initial funding boost of €6m over three years. Total funding will be €14m over seven years. The award is jointly supported by the EU and the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland.

The new funding will be used to recruit data scientists, data science coaches in machine learning and AI, programme and ecosystems managers, as well as marketing and communications staff.

Joining the EDIH network will allow CeADAR to support companies all over Ireland, with the additional staff helping it to expand its services to companies at the early stage in their AI journey – particularly focusing on SMEs and PSOs who wish to know more about what AI and data analytics can do and understand the advantages that they bring.

Clients that engage with the EDIH network will benefit from access to specialist training, business test cases and project feasibility work designed to increase their utilisation of digital technologies. They will also be offered Digital Maturity Assessments which will signpost what supports the EDIH can provide as companies journey along their digital transition.

CeADAR continues to be a leading force in AI and data analytics in Ireland. The EDIH move follows the appointment of CeADAR Centre Director Edward McDonnell to the OECD Global Partnership Committee on Artificial Intelligence in June.

The GPAI is an international initiative to promote the development of AI that respects human rights and democratic values. It brings together experts from industry, government, civil society, and academia to advance cutting-edge research and pilot projects focused on the responsible use of machine learning.

Dr. McDonnell is the first Irish person to be named to the GPAI which was formally launched in June 2020. The GPAI has 25 members including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the European Union, of which Ireland is a Member State.

CeADAR Centre Director Edward McDonnell says:

“CeADAR is delighted to have been selected as the European Digital Hub for AI in Ireland and to be part of the select group of tech centres of excellence in the European Digital Innovation Hubs network.  

“The new funding, which is provided jointly by both the EU and the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland, will allow us to support SMEs and PSOs across the country and help them accelerate their digital journey with AI and data science. We plan a large hiring programme to recruit additional expertise in the areas of data science, data science coaching, programme management, ecosystems management, digital marketing, and communications.” 

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