AI Transformation, Collaboration, and the Future of Education: Insights from HEAnet 2025

ICS.AI Chief Education Officer, Dr. Crispin Bloomfield, is at the HEAnet National Conference this week - the go-to education and research event in Ireland, taking place in beautiful Killarney. The atmosphere has been upbeat and forward-looking, reflecting a sector energised by innovation and collaboration. 

HEAnet CEO Ronan Byrne opened the event with exciting announcements: a record 481 delegates, Ireland’s new Associate Member State status at CERN, its leading role in the EU consortium of 300 HPC data centres, and growing activity within the AI Factories (AIF) initiative across Europe. Together, these milestones reinforce Ireland’s position at the heart of Europe’s digital and AI transformation. 

The day’s major news came from Project Connect, the collaboration between EduCampus and HEAnet, which will see the two entities merge under a new identity - Asiera. Announced by James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Asiera is positioned as a strategic enabler, supporting over 1.5 million students and researchers across Ireland. Minister Lawless urged the community to be bold in vision and ambition, reminding delegates that history favours those with access to the best technologies. 

The technology spotlight continued with Mark Hopkins (Dell), who shared data on Ireland’s 15% growth in student numbers since 2017/18, driven in part by a surge in international students. He emphasised Dell’s belief in AI’s transformative role - well beyond the hype cycle. Dr Hazel Murray (Munster Technological University) delivered a fascinating and practical session on quantum computing and post-quantum cybersecurity readiness - a timely topic as institutions prepare for the next wave of computing change. 

Cris connected with sector leaders including Heidi Fraser-Krauss (Jisc CEO), former Microsoft colleagues, and other EdTech innovators. These conversations underscored a consistent theme: the sector is urgently exploring how to build a workforce without limits - where AI augments staff capacity, enhances productivity, and enables truly personalised learning and support at scale. 

This aligns directly with ICS.AI’s mission to deliver ‘AI for All’ and guide institutions through structured AI Transformation, helping education leaders adapt to the reality that they cannot simply scale people - but they can scale capability through AI. 

Our AI for All and SMART Education Copilot solutions are designed to help institutions streamline operations, empower staff, and deliver personalised learning and student experiences at scale. From student recruitment to academic advice and wellbeing, AI is transforming how universities and colleges interact with learners - creating modern, connected, and responsive environments.  

A standout panel session featuring HEAnet, Geant, and Jisc explored how IT leaders can expand their influence across institutional decision-making and navigate the global AI landscape. Encouragingly, Europe’s investment is accelerating, with the €200 billion AI funding commitment announced earlier this year (source) signalling clear intent to compete globally. 

The day closed on an inspiring note from Dr Norah Patten, who shared her journey towards potentially becoming the first Irish person in space - a fitting reminder of how vision, perseverance, and innovation can take us to new frontiers. 

At ICS.AI, we see these same qualities shaping the future of education - bold leadership, collaborative innovation, and intelligent technology coming together to create a more personalised, inclusive, and efficient education system. 

Join Our Webinar – “AI Transformation in Irish Further Education” 

It’s clear Further Education in Ireland is evolving fast. Colleges are under pressure to deliver better learner outcomes, enhance employability, and improve efficiency — all within limited budgets. Join ICS.AI and Microsoft for our upcoming webinar,  “AI Transformation in Irish Further Education: Affordable, Safe, and Scalable Change.” See how your college can start its own AI Transformation journey today.