Harnessing the Power of Collaboration: A Recap of the CONNECT Future Networks Series
CONNECT’s recent “Resilient Communities” event was a convergence of minds and ideas, where industry leaders and academic experts shared their insights on the future of communications networks. The series, held at the Cork County Hall, showcased CONNECT’s pivotal role in shaping industry-relevant innovations and fostering partnerships that drive progress.
Opening Remarks The event commenced with profound opening remarks from the Deputy County Mayor of Cork, illustrating the County’s commitment to embracing digital transformation and supporting initiatives that bolster community resilience.
Keynote Speakers Professor Dan Kilper, CONNECT Director from Trinity College Dublin, led with an overview of CONNECT’s research programme, setting a high bar for the sessions to follow. His discourse laid out a roadmap for future network developments, resonating deeply with industry needs and aspirations.
Brian McHugh from Vantage Towers followed with a keynote on resilient networks for rural communities, emphasising the importance of expanding connectivity to bolster economic and social growth in less urbanised areas.
Highlights from the Sessions A series of talks from renowned experts included:
- Sean Lotty from Cork Smart Gateway, who discussed how smart technologies can be integrated into the fabric of urban and rural environments, thereby driving smarter communities.
- Eoin Ahern from Tyndall National Institute introduced ENTICE, the world’s first energy harvesting testbed for the Internet of Things, exemplifying innovation at the core of CONNECT’s mission.
- Paul Geoghegan from Net Feasa demonstrated their latest asset tracking platform, showcasing the significant strides Irish companies are making on the global stage.
Closing Reflections The event was brought to a close by CONNECT’s Executive Director, Pat Kelly, whose remarks underscored the centre’s role as a linchpin in the national and international research landscape.
Implications for Industry Partners For current and potential industry partners, the event not only highlighted CONNECT’s research prowess but also its commitment to translating this research into tangible, commercial technologies. The presentations and discussions underscored the centre’s role as a catalyst for innovation, bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application.
Looking Forward As CONNECT continues to lead in Future Networks and Communications, this event is just a glimpse of the collaborative potential that lies ahead. We invite industry partners to join us on this journey of discovery and innovation, to create solutions that not only drive business growth but also contribute to societal well-being.