Ireland Takes the Helm at Sea Tech Week 2024

From 14th to 17th October in Brest, France, Irish organisations will join stakeholders across business, academia and governmental institutions from across the world to explore the latest developments in marine technology, safety, security and innovation.

This year’s event focuses strongly on the maritime safety and security, exploring concerns and opportunities surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI); digital transformation; system integration; cybersecurity; autonomous vehicles; subsea communications; environmental regulations; R&D funding; enhanced offshore safety protocols and procedures; infrastructure monitoring; and decarbonisation. It will offer delegates many ways to exchange ideas, challenge each other’s views and connect:

Making waves: Irish expertise at the forefront of maritime collaboration

Highlights of the programme include several Irish-led sessions that spotlight critical areas of collaboration between Ireland and France in the blue economy, cybersecurity, and the arts:

Smart Green Port (Wednesday 16th October) - this workshop will focus on sustainable port operations, exploring smart technologies to reduce environmental impact.

• Funding opportunities to facilitate Franco-Irish collaboration in the blue economy (Tuesday 15th October) - this session will delve into how Irish and French stakeholders can work together to secure funding and drive forward innovation in marine sectors.

France-Ireland Workshop on cybersecurity risks and challenges in the maritime sector (Thursday 17th October) – Co-organised by the University of Western Brittany (FR) and the University of Limerick (IRL), this critical discussion will cover cybersecurity threats facing maritime industries. Speakers include Mirza Akhi from the University of Limerick, alongside experts from the Ecole Navale and IMT Atlantique in France.

Imaginaries of the Sea in Ireland’s Arts, Literature, & Culture (Thursday 17th October) - Led by Ireland’s Institute of Art Design & Technology (IADT), this interdisciplinary session will explore the representation of the sea in Irish cultural works. It features contributions

from artists and academics from IADT, the National College of Art and Design (NCAD), Technological University Dublin, alongside French institutions like Université de Reims and Université de Montpellier. A deep dive of the programme is available on the Sea Tech Week® website.

Irish presence to ‘seas’ the day

The trade fair at Sea Tech Week® will feature exhibitors from across the world from public research teams to startups and large industrial groups.

A strong contingent of Irish organisations will also be present, further cementing the country’s leadership in maritime innovation and all aiming at fostering deeper collaboration and innovation between Irish and international maritime experts.

Some of the Irish organisations participating include:

• Embassy of Ireland in France
• National Maritime College of Ireland
• Clare County Council / Clare Maritime Economic Zone DAC
• FactoryXChange EDIH / IDEAM / TUS
• National College of Art
• IADT Dun Laoghaire Dublin

Franco-Irish Relations on the Rise: Advancing Maritime Cooperation

Sea Tech Week® 2024 serves as a platform for reinforcing the already strong ties between Ireland and France, both key players in the European maritime space. As France’s closest EU neighbour, Ireland’s involvement will bring fresh perspectives on sustainable maritime practices, collaborative funding models, and the cultural significance of the sea.

The full programme along with registration can be accessed at seatechweek.eu.

For more information, please contact Colum Sheehan at colum.sheehan@businessfrance.fr