TechFest 2025: Tech, AI & Humanity – Shaping Our Future

Join us for TechFest 2025, the leading technology conference in the South West of Ireland, taking place on Thursday, May 15, at Rochestown Park Hotel. This flagship event brings together tech and business leaders to explore the evolving relationship between technology, artificial intelligence, and humanity – and how we can harness innovation to shape a better future.

At TechFest 2025, industry pioneers, disruptors, and thought leaders will come together for a cutting-edge, forward-thinking, and immersive experience. Expect insightful discussions and inspiring talks from global visionaries and local trailblazers who are shaping the future of technology.

What to Expect:

Engaging Panels & Discussions on the biggest trends in tech:

• AI & Humanity – How will artificial intelligence reshape society?
• The Future of Tech Talent – What skills will define the workforce of tomorrow?
• Space & the Future of Humanity – Exploring the next frontier of innovation.
• Showcasing Evolving Tech Companies – Discover the innovators transforming the South West’s tech landscape.
• Networking Opportunities – Connect with like-minded professionals, potential partners, and investors who share a passion for leveraging technology to drive positive change.

TechFest brings together all business and technology enthusiasts in the South West Region. This event promises to showcase the very best of the technology sector and will continue to lead the way in gathering, informing, and inspiring likeminded people.Whether you’re a technology professional, entrepreneur, investor, or enthusiast, this is a must-attend event for anyone looking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of tech. Don’t miss out on TechFest 2025 – where ideas evolve, innovation thrives, and the future takes shape.

TechFest 2025 Sponsors:

Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet | Proofpoint | AIB | PepsiCo Ireland | Barden | FIT | Park Place Technologies | CyberSkills | Skillnet Innovation Exchange | Trend Micro | NetApp | Aspen Grove | Deloitte | Cork City Council | Cork County Council | We are Cork | Kerry County Council | Discover Kerry | Voxxify | MTU | Nimbus | IMaR | Local Enterprise Office | emagine

TechFest Keynote

TechFest Keynote: Dr. Hannah Critchlow – Neuroscientist, Broadcaster & Bestselling Author

Dr. Hannah Critchlow named a "Rising Star in Life Sciences" by Nature, Dr. Hannah Critchlow is an internationally acclaimed neuroscientist, broadcaster, and author. A Fellow at Magdalene College, University of Cambridge, she frequently appears on BBC, ABC, and global media, including The Life Scientific, Tomorrow’s World Live, and BBC Radio 4’s Destiny and the Brain.

Her bestselling books explore consciousness, fate, and collective intelligence, with The Science of Fate making The Sunday Times Bestseller list and being translated into eight languages. Her latest book, Joined-Up Thinking, has received critical acclaim worldwide.

A renowned speaker, Hannah has addressed business leaders, policymakers, and global institutions on topics such as decision-making, cognitive diversity, resilience, and our evolving relationship with AI. Recognized as a Top 100 UK Scientist by the UK Science Council, she has been celebrated as one of Cambridge University’s most inspirational women in science. With an Honorary Doctorate in science communication, Hannah continues to shape conversations on the brain, intelligence, and the future of human potential.

Event MC: Jonathan McCrea

Jonathan McCrea is a master trainer who is on a mission to help professionals and small business owners get on top of their to-do lists by embracing the power of AI. As the founder of Get Started with AI, Jonathan has successfully guided hundreds of small businesses, freelancers, and professionals through practical, hands-on AI training. His approach focuses on actionable use-cases, empowering participants to implement AI tools directly into their workflows and enhance productivity.

Jonathan’s expertise is backed by years of experience as a multi-award-winning broadcaster and founder of Whipsmart Media, a communications consultancy specialising in the medical, pharma, and science sectors.

With a passion for making AI accessible to everyone, Jonathan is dedicated to equipping individuals and teams with the skills to leverage AI tools, streamline operations, and stay competitive in today’s fast-evolving landscape.

TechFest Speakers

Adem Ergen

Adem Ergen is the Founder of OneBill.ie. OneBill.ie is an All-in-One utility management app, powered by agentic AI. It streamlines utility and financial management, aggregating bills, utility switching, payments and renewable technology. With AI-driven automation OneBill.ie optimises costs ensuring users get the best deals while managing everything in one place all year round.

Aisling O'Mahony

Aisling O'Mahony leads the Academy for Investment Fund Executive Education and Development (AIFEED) at Munster Technological University, collaborating with industry to advance executive education. Since joining MTU in 2021, she has helped develop key investment fund programs, including a Master’s in Investment Funds Administration.

Aisling, a qualified solicitor, previously worked in asset management law at Arthur Cox, advising on fund structuring, compliance, and regulation. She lectures in investment fund governance, ESG, and sustainable finance and serves on Cork Chamber’s Financial Services Forum and the Compliance Institute’s South West chapter.

Alison Walsh

Alison Walsh is a Business Advisor with the Local Enterprise Office South Cork, bringing over two decades of experience in enterprise development and advisory. She previously led Enterprise Ireland-funded programmes Exxcel (for female entrepreneurs in STEM) and New Frontiers at the Rubicon Centre, MTU.

Alison spent 15 years at Enterprise Ireland as a Senior Development Adviser, supporting indigenous SMEs with growth strategy, leadership development, and international expansion—particularly in food, consumer products, and traded services. She has also held commercial and consulting roles in global companies including Irish Distillers, Pernod Ricard, SAP, and Ford, working across Ireland, the UK, and Australia.

Ciarán McGann

Ciarán McGann is the Business Banking Team Lead at AIB. With over 20 years in the financial services sector, Ciarán McGann has spent the last 15 years in business banking, holding roles as Relationship Manager, Senior Business Advisor, and Business Banking Team Lead. Passionate about supporting SMEs, Ciarán has helped numerous businesses in Cork City and County secure financial solutions to drive growth and success. A strong advocate for sustainable finance, Ciarán serves as the Sustainability Champion for Business Banking in Cork. In 2024, Ciarán completed a Level 9 Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Finance and ESG Reporting at UCD, reinforcing a commitment to integrating sustainability into financial strategies.

Cormac O’Sullivan

Cormac O’Sullivan Senior Director of Electronics at MBRYONICS and is driving innovation to help build the Internet in Space. With over 25 years of experience in the satellite and semiconductor industries, Cormac has led teams delivering advanced integrated circuits to global satellite operators including Iridium, Inmarsat/Viasat, and AST-Spacemobile. A recognised expert in communication systems and technology strategy, he has a proven track record in product innovation, R&D leadership, and organisational transformation. Cormac previously founded and scaled an Irish subsidiary for a NASDAQ-listed tech company and holds multiple patents. He is a graduate of University College Cork.

Dan Rapp

Dan Rapp is a recognised leader in artificial intelligence and data-driven security, serving as Chief AI and Data Officer at Proofpoint. With a career dedicated to leveraging AI for enterprise efficiency and cybersecurity, Dan spearheads Proofpoint’s AI innovation strategy, ensuring cutting-edge advancements in security and operational intelligence. Prior to Proofpoint, he held executive roles at Vivint Solar and FamilySearch, driving AI-powered transformation. A frequent industry speaker, Dan is shaping the future of AI-driven threat detection and responsible AI adoption.

Donagh Kiernan

Donagh Kiernan is the founder and CEO of Tenego Partnering. guiding tech leaders since 2008 on growing companies through Sales Partner Channels and Partner Program Development. Tenego is Partnering a global specialist in helping tech companies get started in partnering. With experience in working with 100s of early stage and growing companies and global leading tech companies such as Microsoft, HubSpot, Accenture, TrendMicro and more, Donagh has built created Tenego Guidance programs of specialist Advisory + Online training blended programs ‘Build Your Partner Program like a Global Leader’. Donagh is also a Director in the NSC Campus and The Boole Investment Syndicate.

Dr. Laura Maye – Expert in Human-Computer Interaction

Dr. Laura Maye is a lecturer at UCC’s School of Computer Science & IT, specialising in human-computer interaction and inclusive technology design. Her research spans cultural heritage, neurodiversity, and healthcare, exploring how technology can better engage diverse communities. With over a decade of experience in qualitative research, Laura utilises co-design and ethnography to enhance user experience in AR/VR, tangible computing, and interactive applications, shaping the next generation of human-centred technology solutions.

Dr. Niall Smith

Dr. Niall Smith, Head of Research at Munster Technological University, is a leading figure in astrophysics and space research. As the MTU lead for CERN-ATLAS, he oversees a €31 million annual research budget spanning science, engineering, and the arts. Niall founded the Blackrock Castle Observatory, now an internationally recognized centre for education and space research. His work on small satellites and space cybersecurity is shaping the future of Ireland’s space industry.

Dan Hoctor

Dan Hoctor is Business Lead in the Technology Practice at Barden Ireland. He has worked for many years in talent advisory and recruitment and has extensive experience in supporting Technology and related businesses nationally. With 13 years experience helping companies to build out their teams he has worked with 100’s of professionals nationally on career moves. Dan specialises in the area of Data Science and Analytics and is a member of the Analytics Institute. He is passionate about the recruitment profession and offering advice to enable professionals to make the best career decisions for their futures.

Emily Brick

Emily Brick is the Founder and Managing Director of Athena Analytics, an award-winning EdTech company providing AI-powered academic tracking solutions to over 400 schools in Ireland and the UK. With a background in financial mathematics and statistics, Emily has lectured in data analytics at university level. A 2022 YTILI Fellow, she represents Ireland in global entrepreneurship initiatives, shaping the future of AI-driven education.

Georgie Browne

Georgie Browne is a seasoned Entrepreneur Development Consultant with 20 years of experience driving organisational performance and developing high-potential leaders. She is a Senior Startup Consultant at AxisBIC, supporting High Potential Start-ups in Cork and Kerry. Previous to her current role, she has designed and facilitated entrepreneurial mindset and leadership programmes for global tech giants like Meta and Google and has worked with hundreds of Europe’s most promising founders. Known for building high-performance cultures and delivering measurable results, Georgie specialises in guiding entrepreneurs through critical stages of business growth while focusing on sustainable success.

Jessica McKeown

Jessica McKeown is the Senior Tech Apprenticeship Officer at Fastrack Into Information Technology (FIT). With over a decade of experience in recruitment and talent development, Jessica specialises in bridging the gap between education and the tech industry.

At FIT, Jessica’s role is to build a robust tech talent pipeline, fostering inclusion, innovation, diversity and growth within the sector, by connecting organisations with skilled candidates from FIT’s Tech Apprenticeship programme. FIT, the national coordinator of Tech Apprenticeships in Ireland, currently have four tech apprenticeship programmes that run nationwide: Cybersecurity, Software Development, Computer Networking and Data Analytics (set to start Autumn 2025).

Jon Kelleher

Jon Kelleher is a Senior Manager in Human Capital at Deloitte, specialising in talent and workforce transformation. With extensive experience in aligning skills, workforce planning, and workplace strategy, Jon helps organizations navigate disruption and innovation. His expertise in future-of-work strategies enables businesses to build adaptable, high-performing teams ready for evolving industry demands.

Kevin Keohane

Kevin Keohane is IT Director at PepsiCo, leading IT delivery and operations with a strong focus on service excellence, innovation, and customer-centricity. With over two decades of experience in IT leadership, Kevin has held senior roles at Deutsche Bank, Merrill Lynch, and EMC, managing global infrastructure and operations. A graduate of MTU, he has successfully delivered major projects, including PepsiCo’s Singapore facility. Known for his inclusive and results-driven leadership style, Kevin empowers high-performing teams to deliver transformative business outcomes through technology.

Rory Fitzpatrick

Rory Fitzpatrick is the CEO of the National Space Centre, a world-class teleport and space R&D hub. With over 20 years in satellite communications, Rory is a vocal advocate for Ireland’s growing space sector and its potential to drive economic growth. His expertise spans satellite technology, commercial space development, and global telecommunications, positioning Ireland as a leader in space innovation and industry collaboration.

Sean McGrath

Sean McGrath, Head of Commercial at Skillnet Innovation Exchange , a seasoned executive in Telecoms, IT and Retail having held senior management roles in Ireland, UK, and Eastern Europe. Proficient in business strategy development and revenue growth, he excels in leading transformation programmes. With experience across diverse sectors, Sean’s adeptness in navigating varied markets and delivering tangible outcomes marks him as a versatile and accomplished leader in the field.

Stephen Dooley

Stephen Dooley is the Founder and CEO of Roamr, a corporate travel platform that revolutionises business travel by leveraging personal networks. With a background in digital trust research, Stephen explored the adoption of platforms like Uber, Airbnb, and Revolut during his PhD. As a former business faculty leader at Griffith College, he has deep expertise in entrepreneurship and digital platforms. Under his leadership, Roamr has expanded to over 100 countries in less than two years.

Tim Crowe

Tim Crowe, Co-Founder and CEO of WrxFlo, is an expert in global supply chain management with over 20 years of experience. A former senior leader at Dell Technologies, Tim has driven digital transformation in manufacturing operations worldwide. His expertise in software development, data architecture, and IT solutions enables businesses to optimise supply chain efficiency through data-driven innovation.