Tech Radio Ireland

This week, we look at the rapidly shifting landscape of digital defense, where the line between "smart computing" and true Artificial Intelligence is becoming increasingly blurred. As criminals begin to use Large Language Models to craft flawless phishing emails and bespoke malware, the "human factor" is being tested like never before.
We're asking a vital question: Is it time to stop blaming the user and start building better guardrails? From the "confidently wrong" nature of AI decision-making to the terrifying reality of supply chain attacks like SolarWinds, we explore why the old methods of "detect and react" are no longer enough to keep businesses safe.
In our interview this week, we talk about the journey of cybersecurity with Danny Jenkins, co-founder of ThreatLocker. From his early days as an apprentice in Cavan to leading a global security firm in Florida, Danny explains the evolution of "Zero Trust" and why the most dangerous hacking tools today might look exactly like your iPhone charging cable.
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Listen to Tech Radio now on Apple, Spotify and YouTube
https://www.podfollow.com/tech

In this episode of Tech Radio, Niall Kitson broadcasts from the RDS Dublin for the 2026 Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, where 1,000 students are showcasing over 550 projects. This year's innovations bridge the gap between high-end tech and practical community solutions, featuring everything from Eco Sprout, a sustainability app for conscious shopping, to a specialized underwater rescue headset that uses eye-tracking sensors to prevent drownings.
The exhibition highlights a strong move toward "gamifying" positive behavior, seen in the Bin Box robots that reward proper waste disposal with music and prizes. Other technical breakthroughs include Power Predict, an app forecasting power outages ten days in advance, and Gatekeeper, a Raspberry Pi-powered system designed to help dairy farmers detect livestock lameness at a fraction of the cost of commercial alternatives.
The episode also tackles the social and biological challenges of the modern era. Students share findings on algorithmic bias in AI imagery and the hidden impact of Snapchat on teenage dating habits and mental health. The showcase concludes with a look at the gut microbiome, where student research suggests surprising effects of zero-sugar drinks on beneficial bacteria. Press play for a fast-paced tour of the brilliant young minds shaping Ireland’s technological landscape in 2026.

We’re looking back on top stories of 2025 and critically, looking ahead at 2026!  Dusty and Niall are joined by Tech Central journalist Jason Walsh for a sparky show. Warning: Opinions May Differ!
Also, we say thank you to RTE’s digital radio service RTE Radio One Extra.  For many years Tech Radio has been a feature on their schedule but from Dec 31st all will fall quiet as the radio service closes.  Our thanks to Erik and the team for believing in our show and bringing it to new audiences across the country. 
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Listen to Tech Radio now on Apple, Spotify and YouTube
https://www.podfollow.com/tech

This week, we look at two massive, international developments that will reshape how we all use the internet, whether you're a heavy user or just checking in now and then.
We're asking a vital question: Where Australia goes, so goes the world? The country has just implemented a pioneering, comprehensive ban on social media accounts for anyone under 16, and the fallout is immediate—not just for Big Tech, but for the kids now searching for alternatives. 
And speaking of big changes, the US is looking to make your digital past a part of your future travel plans, demanding a lengthy history of your social activity just to get an ESTA.
In our interview this week, we talk about the journey of AI, from Clippy in Microsoft Word to ChatGPT, with Brian Mac Namee, Associate Professor in the School of Computer Science at UCD. He'll explain how large language models are only the public face of a technology that’s been evolving for decades.
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Listen to Tech Radio now on Apple, Spotify and YouTube
https://www.podfollow.com/tech

We got you covered with smart gift ideas that'll actually get used, from VR headsets that don't need a gaming PC to AI phone assistants with a proper Dublin accent.  On top of dozens of tech gift ideas you also learn how to spot tech worth buying secondhand, subscription services actually worth paying for and why fitness tracking doesn't need a smartwatch.
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Listen to Tech Radio now on Apple, Spotify and YouTube
https://www.podfollow.com/tech
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TECH FIRE 
TechFire returns on 9 December with a look at cyber resilience. 
Organisations are clinging to the idea, that resiliency begins and ends, with backups and out-of-date disaster recovery plans. 
So how do we untangle the services and dependencies holding your IT estate together? And what is the role of partners in making sure the limits of policy and resources, don't get tested by a security incident?
Join 
- Bill Unsworth, Director of Cloud for UK & Ireland at IBM
- Declan Hussey CEO of DNA IT Solutions
- and Robert Kelly, founder of HRI …
… to explore the difference between high availability, disaster recovery, and cyber resiliency.
That’s TechFire on 9th December at 10am. Register for place for free right now at techfire.techcentral.ie