Minister Smyth launches sixth John McCarthy AI Summer School focused on finance innovation.
How artificial intelligence is reshaping the financial sector, including areas such as institutional investing, cybersecurity, and fraud detection, is the theme of the upcoming sixth edition of the John McCarthy AI Summer School.
The summer school will take place on 18 and 19 September at the RDI Hub in Killorglin, County Kerry.
“We believe that by working together, we can shape a more intelligent, inclusive, and resilient future for finance”
The two-day hybrid event will feature sessions on agentic AI, blockchain, and advanced analytics, with a focus on how these technologies are enhancing transparency, trust, and strategic intelligence across financial services.
A region rooted in financial services
The speaker lineup includes Veronica Breen, CEO of Vesta Insights; Brian Walsh, CEO of Reitigh; Vasant Dhar of NYU Stern; Michael Dowling, Founder of Narrative Banking; David Kearney, CEO of Numra; and Dr David L Shrier, Managing Director of Visionary Future and Professor of Practice at Imperial College London.
“RDI Hub has a deep-rooted connection with AI and plays a unique role at the intersection of business, entrepreneurship, and academia”
The summer school was launched by Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Niamh Smyth, TD.
“We are beginning to see the transformative impact of AI in financial services, and expect it to influence the new international financial services strategy we have committed to develop under the Programme for Government,” Smyth said.
“The 2025 John McCarthy AI Summer School offers unique insights into new developments and future opportunities in this area, underpinned by public-private collaboration and expert input. Our culture of continuous learning and development has been a key enabler of Ireland’s growth and success to date, and this forum will serve to further strengthen Ireland’s reputation as a leader in financial innovation.”
The event is co-hosted by RDI Hub, Microsoft Ireland, Munster Technological University, SFI ADAPT Centre, AI Ireland, Skillnet Innovation Exchange, and new partners Fexco and Tech Industry Alliance.
“We are proud to announce the launch of the sixth annual John McCarthy AI Summer School, this year exploring the theme of ‘AI for Finance’,” said Kerry MacConnell, PR and Marketing Manager at RDI Hub.
“RDI Hub has a deep-rooted connection with AI and plays a unique role at the intersection of business, entrepreneurship, and academia. Across two days, we’ll examine key developments in areas such as agentic AI, cybersecurity, fraud detection, and real-world applications from industry leaders.”
The Summer School will include core research presentations for academics, applied sessions for professionals, and daily panel discussions to encourage collaboration. It continues to honour the legacy of John McCarthy, the AI pioneer whose father was from Cromane, County Kerry.
“As a founding partner of the John McCarthy AI Summer School, Microsoft is proud to support this vital forum for innovation and collaboration,” said Kevin Marshall, Head of Future Skilling at Microsoft Ireland.
“Artificial intelligence is rapidly redefining how we manage risk, detect fraud, and deliver financial services with greater transparency and trust.”
Registration is now open for both in-person and online attendance here
Neil Hosty, CEO of Fexco Group, added: “This gathering in Kerry offers a unique opportunity to share knowledge, explore emerging technologies, and build meaningful connections across academia and industry. We believe that by working together, we can shape a more intelligent, inclusive, and resilient future for finance.”
Image at top: Juliette Crowley, Tech Industry Alliance (Chief Operating Officer); Declan McKibben, Adapt Centre (Executive Director); Breda O’ Dwyer MTU); Bertie Murphy, Fexco, Kevin Marshall, Microsoft (Head of Future Skilling); and Pauline Leonard, Atlantic Economic Corridor Project. Photo by Don MacMonagle
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