The rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence and digitalisation is reshaping Ireland’s MedTech, Life Sciences and Engineering sectors. With this transformation comes an urgent need to strengthen cybersecurity awareness, resilience and workforce capability.
On 27 February, industry leaders, cybersecurity experts and training providers gathered at the MET Centre, ATU Galway for the Cybersecurity & AI Fundamentals Workshop, a session dedicated to exploring risks, regulations, talent development, and practical approaches for safeguarding innovation. Cyber Ireland was delighted to support this event as a collaborator and speaker, reinforcing our commitment to advancing cybersecurity maturity across Ireland’s key sectors.
Agenda Highlights
The workshop opened with a welcome from Jamie Meehan & Billy Donovan (MET Centre), and Katharina Lange (EIT Manufacturing).
Cyber Ireland members played a central role on agenda, shaping the conversation throughout the event.
- Eoin Byrne – Cluster manager, Cyber Ireland
Eoin outlined the growing importance of cybersecurity as a strategic priority, regulatory requirement and enabler of competitiveness for Ireland’s MedTech and manufacturing sectors.
- Paul Delahunty – CISO, Stryve
In a reflecting keynote, Paul emphasised the human dimension of cybersecurity and AI risks. He stressed that even the most sophisticated security tools are ineffective without organisational awareness, leadership support and a culture of cyber accountability.
Panel Discussion: Cybersecurity & AI awareness
Cyber Ireland panel members include:
- Jason Scanlon – CISO, Numata Business IT
- Brian Andrews – vCIO, Andrews Duffy
- Stephen Parsons – CEO, VISO
Panel Discussion: Building cyber-smart teams:
Cyber Ireland panel members include:
- Jan Carroll – MSc, Med, Fortify Institute
- Jacqueline Kehoe – Programme Manager, CyberSkills MTU
Key Takeaways from the Day
Cybersecurity is a core business requirement, not an IT add‑on.
MedTech and Life Sciences organisations must align cybersecurity with compliance and regulatory requirement, supply chain security and business strategies.
AI is amplifying both opportunity and risk.
Companies need clear governance structures and human‑centric security controls to manage emerging AI threats.
People can be the front line of defence.
Employee awareness, leadership commitment and continuous training are essential in reducing cyber risk across fast‑moving manufacturing environments.
Workforce development is critical to resilience.
Global cybersecurity skills shortages continue to challenge organisations. There are important efforts in progress to address this like upskilling pathways, training programmes and collaborative supports available through partners among the Irish Cybersecurity Ecosystem.
Collaboration accelerates progress.
Breakout sessions highlighted the need for more shared learning, sector‑specific guidance, and cross‑industry partnerships to strengthen Ireland’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
Cyber Ireland remains committed to supporting initiatives that advance cybersecurity maturity across Ireland’s strategic sectors, such as MedTech, Life Sciences and manufacturing.