EY has launched AI Labs, its AI centre of excellence, to give clients access to big data, smart automation, VR/AR and advanced analytics.
AI Labs will be run by EY Ireland's data analytics and technology consulting team of 220 people, deploying advanced technology client solutions and specialised client services with the aim of equipping organisations with tools and insights to drive growth and innovation.
The centre will introduce a host of services to clients across maturity assessment, strategy, solution deployment, business training, rapid prototyping/POC, and solution development/MVP.
AI Labs will expand EY’s existing technology consulting business across AI, automation, machine learning, and big data over the next three years.
Speaking at an event to launch the AI Labs, EY Ireland's Paul Pierotti said: “AI and smart automation present endless opportunities for organisations to solve complex issues in their respective industries.
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"By adopting these technologies and embedding them in their operational models, organisations will find themselves at the forefront of positive industry and societal change. By taking the necessary measures to adopt these technologies Irish organisations will be set on a new path of digital optimisation and success.
"AI Labs at EY epitomises the value we place on innovation as a firm as reflected in the ongoing expansion of our vibrant technology consulting business.”
The offering of AI Labs will include capabilities across natural language processing, predictive analytics, optimisation, expert systems, and advanced computer recognition.
Frank O’Keeffe, managing partner at EY Ireland, commented: “The launch of AI Labs here in EY Ireland is a natural evolution of our already extensive suite of services to clients in the technology space. I’m hugely excited about the opportunities it will unlock for our clients right across the island of Ireland.
"Long term sustainable success in business requires innovative thinking and access to the latest cutting-edge ideas and technologies. Through our new AI labs and our partnership with the ADAPT centre, will be able to bring the incredible potential of AI alive for our clients through bespoke workshops and demonstrations.
"We can’t wait to bring together the brightest minds in AI across this island to co-create game changing solutions with our clients.”
EY will enter into a four-year strategic collaboration with the ADAPT Centre, the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) research centre for AI-driven digital content technology, to facilitate the application of advanced technology and research initiatives that address industry challenges.
These will consist of a portfolio of collaborative projects, initially co-funding two PhD students in 2022 but scaling to include research fellowships, targeted projects and other collaborations, including but not limited to health, transport, and utilities.
Declan McKibben, executive director of the ADAPT Centre, added: “The ADAPT Centre brings together the best researchers in Human Centric AI across eight universities in Ireland to drive AI Adoption and Innovation here in Ireland and internationally.
"By building and valuing strong relationships with academic institutions, the innovation ecosystem, and businesses, we ensure that knowledge transfer can happen much more rapidly in line with the pace of innovation today.
"This partnership signals a new strategic approach to our engagement with EY which will nurture talent, drive innovation and turn good ideas into great solutions for tomorrow."
Photo: (l-r) Paul Pierotti, Catriona Campbell, EY UK&I client technology and innovation officer, and Dan J Diasio, EY global artificial intelligence consulting leader. (Pic: Patrick Bolger)
