The Drones are back in Mayo
One of the most exciting technology developments over the past number of years has focused on UAV’s (Unmanned Aviation Vehicles). Some futurists see Drone technology as the largest ‘game changer’ since the internet. Mayo will play host to the leading technology developers in the industry including Facebook, Google X, DJI and Skycatcher.
The Drones and Data X Conference will be held again this November on Friday the 6th in Knockranny House Hotel, Westport.. This will be followed by a networking weekend in Achill hosted by Pure Magic and the Mayo.ie team.
Joanne Grehan, Director of Services, Mayo County Council said that ‘last year’s event caught the imagination of the country, and industry researchers internationally. We were inundated with requests for attendance so this year we hope to accommodate much larger numbers at the conference. We see significant opportunity to position Mayo as a location for drone R&D’.
The Drone Conference will feature some of the most influential companies and speakers from the world of aerial robotics and commercial drones. Irish company Movidius is represented by David Maloney CTO & Founder, they have just announced that they raised $40M in new funding, the largest venture .
The Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, Peter Hynes said that “it is an industry we have been strategically observing and that over the last few years companies like Facebook, DHL, Amazon and Google have invested heavily in drone technology. This is the second year the conference will be held with the support of Mayo County Council and the speakers are amongst the best minds in drone technology”.
Mayo aims to lead the way in associating itself with these new sectors and trends. By collaboration and networking, Mayo intends winning future employment and business from these sectors by creating an attractive environment.
“Ireland has a great opportunity to position itself as the best country in Europe to test new technology and utilize new trends in the storage of data. The west of Ireland has lots of space to test out some of these technologies”, according to event founder Philip McNamara.
Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Michael Holmes confirming the event was back for 2015 said that “having leaders such as these in Mayo for a weekend, telling their story can only motivate our graduates and young innovators. It also gives us the opportunity to leverage their knowledge and requirements for a modern economy. It is up to us then to deliver it”.
After the conference on Friday 6th of November, the speakers and invited guests will decamp to Achill Island, for kite surfing, cycling and technology seminars over two days. Attendees will enjoy the Wild Atlantic Way and some of Irelands most beautiful beaches.
The Western Development Commission (WDC) has heavily supported Mayo County Council in securing this conference for 2015. Ian Brannigan, Acting Chief Executive of the WDC was delighted to be supporting the conference and sees significant potential in this emerging technology sector saying “Statewatch has reported that in 2014 the EU spent €315M on drone technology and this is set to increase in 2016. The West of Ireland is attempting to be a first mover when it comes to exploiting sectoral opportunities”.
For more information in relation to the conference please log on to either www.nua.io or or contact David Minton on 094 904 7029
