Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) has partnered with a global market research firm to launch a million-euro ICT research technology lab.
The lab, which will develop, test and optimise artificial intelligence strategies for real-time market analysis, is being established in partnership with The NPD Group.
“Our close working relationship with the NPD Group has given us a practical insight into the kinds of technical challenges faced by multinational market analysis companies,” said Dr Enda Fallon, who heads the Department of Computer and Software Engineering at Athlone Institute of Technology.
'Rich opportunities'
According to Dr Fallon, who is also the founder of the Software Research Institute at Athlone Institute of Technology, such collaborations create “rich opportunities” for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The formation of the research lab exemplifies how close collaboration between the academic institution and industry can create both commercial and academic benefit, the former Ericsson software engineer adds.
The NPD Group, which is headquartered in Long Island, New York, opened its global IT and operations centre in Athlone in 2010. Dermot Ainsworth, the general manager of The NPD Group, Athlone, credits the “deep talent pool of well-educated and multilingual people” as a key influencing factor in the decision to relocate.
Prof Ciarán Ó Catháin, president of AIT; Darren Person, chief information officer, NPD Group; Hal Danziger, system development team lead, NPD Group; Richard Schiller, chief architect, NPD Group; Dermot Ainsworth, general manager, NPD Group, Athlone; and Gabe Abreu, head of global enterprise systems and operations, NPD Group.
“The presence of Athlone Institute of Technology was a major factor in our decision to locate in Athlone in 2010,” he said. “The results of our collaboration have shown just how productive such a collaboration can be.”
The NPD Group, which operates in 26 countries and is a leading provider of consumer and retail market research solutions globally, has already undertaken a series of projects in artificial intelligence and data analytics.
Dr Sean Lyons, dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Informatics at Athlone Institute of Technology, said: “We have a demonstrated track record of engagement with industry and this collaboration serves to further illustrate what can be achieved through our close links with local companies.”
The ICT technology lab is expected to employ 10 staff and PhD students.
Main photo: Dr Enda Fallon, head of Department of Computer and Software Engineering, AIT; Paul Connolly, director and senior IT security analyst, NPD Group; Dr Kieran Flanagan, research leader, NPD Group, and recent AIT graduate; Dermot Ainsworth, managing director, NPD Group, and Anthony Cunningham, COMAND technology gateway manager, AIT.