From AI Insights to Aviation Breakthroughs: FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub Meeting

A packed room at NovaUCD brought together aviation leaders, innovators and startups to explore how emerging technologies can solve real industry challenges. Prof. Brian Mac Namee set the tone with a refreshing reality check on AI. While AI systems can be incredibly powerful, they can also be unreliable. The future, he argued, lies not in “Agentic AI” hype, but in Interactive Machine Learning—where humans remain firmly in control and domain expertise continues to lead. Whether in radiology, aviation or any other sector, AI should augment human capability, not replace it. That practical, human-centred approach to innovation was evident throughout the startup pitch session, where seven high-potential companies showcased solutions designed to improve operational efficiency, workforce management, cyber assurance, sustainability and more. A huge congratulations to all participating founders, including four Skillnet Innovation Exchange member companies:• Recruitroo – Stephen MacCarthy, Co-Founder & CTO• Tisalabs Limited – Ainara Grajales,• Protostars – Kim McKayed, CEO & Co-Founder• EnergyElephant 🐘 – Joseph Borza, Founder & CEO They were joined by:• Binarii Labs – Aidan Finn, Co-Founder & CEO• Tao Climate – Gary J Byrnes, Co-Founder & CEO• Skippio – Daniel Coen, Founder & CEO Expertly moderated by Kevin Kleist of Southwest Airlines, the session generated the kind of open dialogue, challenge and feedback that helps accelerate promising technologies from concept to industry deployment. A big thank you to the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub, with whom we were delighted to partner on this event.