The RDI Hub, ADAPT Research Centre and Microsoft will this week investigate the societal benefits for AI at the inaugural John McCarthy AI Summer School. John McCarthy, who the RDI Hub building in Killorglin, Co Kerry is named in honour of, is considered one of the founding fathers of the discipline of AI when he coined the term in the mid-1950s. This week, over two days, experts and thought leaders in the field of AI will virtually gather to discuss how the constantly growing field of AI can be harnessed for the benefit of society, with a particular focus on how it will change ways of working and the impact of AI post COVID-19. The inaugural event is aiming to create a community which will share best practice and foster the development of the conversation around AI which, according to estimates by PwC, has the potential to boost Ireland's GDP by €48 billion in 2030. The John McCarthy AI Summer School will take place over two half days on Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th of September, from 1pm to 5pm, with a mix of plenary lectures and roundtable discussions.

Fexco has opened a €21 million research and development facility in Killorglin, Co Kerry. Dedicated to Stanford University computer scientist John McCarthy, the 57,000 sq ft building houses Fexco's Research Development and Innovation Centre, and digital innovation centre RDI Hub, a not-for-profit public private partnership focused on the commercialisation of innovation and research and backed by Fexco, IT Tralee and Kerry County Council. Some 125 Fexco staff will be located at the building, replacing a manufacturing facility that was closed in 2012. Fexco said the operation is aimed at driving its continuing development as a leading global fintech company. "This new building signals our commitment to providing world-class innovative fintech solutions to a global audience as well as supporting our local community, through job creation and local investment," said Denis McCarthy, chief executive of Fexco.