Minister Niamh Smyth officially launched the sixth edition of the John McCarthy AI Summer School, set to take place on September 18–19, 2025, at the RDI Hub in County Kerry. This year’s theme, “AI for Finance,” will spotlight how artificial intelligence is transforming the financial sector; from institutional investing to cybersecurity and fraud detection.
John McCarthy AI Summer School returns
As finance undergoes a seismic shift driven by data and digital innovation, this two-day hybrid event will explore how Agentic AI, blockchain, and advanced analytics are reshaping everything from fraud detection to portfolio optimisation. Attendees will gain firsthand insights into how emerging technologies are unlocking new levels of transparency, trust, and strategic intelligence across the financial ecosystem.
The speaker lineup features thought leaders and innovators including:
- Veronica Breen, CEO, Vesta Insights
- Brian Walsh, CEO, Reitigh
- Vasant Dhar, NYU Stern & Center for Data Science
- Michael Dowling, Founder, Narrative Banking
- David Kearney, CEO, Numra
- Louise McCormack, PhD Candidate in Trustworthy AI Evaluation
- Luca Marschesotti, Founder, Gemmo.ai
- Professor Ciara Heavin, UCC
- Jane Cummings, CTO Outmin.io
and special guest speaker Dr David L Shrier: Managing Director, Visionary Future | CEO, Phorum.AI | Professor of Practice, Imperial College London.
The event will be co-hosted by a dynamic consortium of partners including RDI Hub, Microsoft Ireland, Munster Technological University, SFI ADAPT Centre, AI Ireland, Skillnet Innovation Exchange, and new collaborators Fexco and Tech Industry Alliance.
Designed to appeal to both academic and industry audiences, the Summer School will feature:
- Core Research presentations for professors, postdocs, PhD candidates, and graduate students in AI, ML, and NLP
- Applied Sessions for professionals and enthusiasts exploring real-world AI applications in finance
- Daily Panel Discussions and Networking Opportunities to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange
Held in the RDI Hub, named in tribute to AI pioneer John McCarthy, whose father hailed from Cromane, Co. Kerry, the Summer School continues to honor his legacy by convening the brightest minds in artificial intelligence. McCarthy, a Stanford computer scientist, was instrumental in founding the field of AI and created LISP, the programming language that powered early AI systems.
The John McCarthy AI Summer School is fast becoming a landmark event in the global AI calendar. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research, visionary leaders, and transformative ideas at the intersection of AI and finance. This is a hybrid event, attendees can join in-person or online, but limited in-person seats are available.
Registrations are open now: https://lu.ma/jqp7ay6a
Minister Niamh Smyth welcomed the event, commenting:
‘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. 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 Irelands growth and success to date, and this forum will serve to further strengthen Ireland’s reputation as a leader in financial innovation.’
Kerry MacConnell, RDI Hub PR and Marketing Manager had this to say:
“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.’ 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. We look forward to uncovering how AI is reshaping the financial landscape — and what lies ahead.”
Kevin Marshall, Head of Future Skilling, Microsoft Ireland stated:
“As a founding partner of the John McCarthy AI Summer School, Microsoft is proud to support this vital forum for innovation and collaboration. The theme of ‘AI for Finance’ couldn’t be more timely — artificial intelligence is rapidly redefining how we manage risk, detect fraud, and deliver financial services with greater transparency and trust. This event brings together the brightest minds in academia and industry and we are excited to help shape the conversation and the future of finance.”
Neil Hosty, Fexco Group CEO said:
“At Fexco, we are proud to support the John McCarthy AI Summer School, an event that reflects the spirit of innovation and collaboration we value deeply,” said Neil Hosty, CEO, Fexco. “ As AI continues to transform the financial landscape, 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.”
Professor John Kelleher, Director of the ADAPT Research Ireland Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology said:
“AI is transforming finance in ways we’ve never seen, enabling smarter decision-making while introducing new kinds of risk. At ADAPT we focus on developing AI that drives innovation while keeping systems secure. Cybersecurity and technologies like blockchain have never been more important in the age of mainstream AI. The rise of AI tools capable of complex tasks is exciting, but it also brings new challenges for financial institutions. Events like the John McCarthy AI Summer School are a fantastic chance to share research, learn from others, and explore how AI can be used responsibly to make a real difference in finance and society.”
Stephen Carolan, Connected Hubs Programme Manager, Western Development Commission said:
“Across Ireland, hubs are acting as catalysts for innovation, collaboration, and lifelong learning — connecting ideas, talent, and opportunity in ways that drive regional growth. The RDI Hub is a powerful example of this in action, leading the way in how emerging technologies like AI can be explored, understood, and applied. We are proud to once again partner with the John McCarthy AI Summer School and to support the vital role it plays in advancing skills, sparking ideas, and positioning Ireland at the forefront of global innovation.”
Mark Kelly CEO of AI Ireland said:
“Building on the success of last year’s focus on AI for Sport, this year’s AI Summer School turns its attention to the transformative power of AI in Finance. From algorithmic trading and fraud detection to personalised financial advice, AI is rapidly reshaping the financial landscape. Its potential to drive innovation, efficiency, and security in this critical sector is immense, and AI Ireland is proud to foster this essential dialogue. ”
Matthew Camilleri, Chairperson of Tech Industry Alliance, said:
“We are delighted to be partnering with the RDI Hub on the John McCarthy AI Summer School this year. The event brings together an exciting lineup of speakers and thought leaders, and will offer real value to our members across Cork, Kerry, and the wider region. It’s a fantastic opportunity to engage with cutting-edge thinking and connect with peers across the innovation ecosystem.”
— Matthew Camilleri, Chairperson, Tech Industry Alliance
About the RDI Hub:
The RDI Hub is a not-for-profit Public Private Partnership with Fexco, Kerry County Council and Munster Technological University. Situated in Killorglin, Co Kerry, it is a €21 million investment, led by Fexco, that has transformed Kerry into a globally connected technology innovation, enterprise, and skills hotspot.
It is one of the regional partners of the NDRC, (National Digital Research Centre,) the national startup accelerator programme for globally ambitious tech entrepreneurs in Ireland, led by Dogpatch Labs in Dublin, Portershed in Galway and Republic of Work in Cork.? The RDI hub is supported by the Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund administered by Enterprise Ireland, which has played a significant role in the hub’s development.
The RDI Hub has a keen focus on training and upskilling, enabling a multitude of startups, corporates and SMEs in the Southwest to grow & scale through dedicated workshops and programmes such as Sales strategy, Creative Problem Solving for teams, Leadership, Marketing & more. In 2024 they partnered with Microsoft to provide a series of Masterclasses in Artificial Intelligence and in February 2025, announced a €1M Smart Regions AI Navigator programme which will enable SMEs to adopt and implement artificial intelligence solutions. The Smart Regions AI Navigator programme is co-funded by the government of Ireland and European Union through the Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027.
The core proposition at the RDI hub is about creating new products, services and jobs in the region. In order to achieve this, they provide a range of services & supports to encourage people to join the ecosystem, become part of the RDI hub community, and come together to create a co-innovation space where startups, corporates and SMEs can work together and thrive.
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