This week on the roundup: introductions, announcements, multiverse computing, cooking holidays, listening solutions, competition, AI coding, aligning priorities, decarbonisation, business destinations, systems that scale, technology, workshops, ambitions, dining experiences, success awards, significant milestones, deathbots, empowering others, evolution, and more!

But first, here are the IPBN Highlights of the Week

We introduced our new member Yvonne Scully & Associates, represented by Yvonne Scully MBA (UCD), MBS (TCD), Business Consultant, Export Specialist, and Food Entrepreneur! This Ireland-based consultancy specialises in export development, business strategy, and international market entry for Food & Drink start-ups and SMEs.

We reminded everyone of two upcoming events. Feb 20 – Networking in the Algarve and Feb 24, our first event in Belfast. Check all the details here and about more upcoming events here.

We announced the 7^th Edition of our annual Sustainability conference on March 17 in Lisbon to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with us. Check it all here where you can already register.

And now...

IPBN Executive Partner Ardanis posted, "Plain Concepts and Multiverse Computing have joined forces to help enterprises get advanced AI into real-world production, faster and more easily. Multiverse Computing is a specialist AI company focused on making powerful models radically smaller, cheaper and easier to run in production, using quantum‑inspired model compression, whilst continuing to maintain the highest accuracy. Read here what this means for you and about the collaboration in more detail."

IPBN member Cheryl Smith said, "From 10 April, we’re hosting our Portugal Spice Route cooking holiday at Figs on the Funcho in the Algarve. This is a small, thoughtfully paced experience shaped around food history, markets, preservation, and shared meals — exploring Portugal’s quieter role in the global spice routes and how flavour travelled, adapted, and became part of everyday life."

IPBN member Croissant shared, "Hear every voice, every day! Our AI-powered listening solution helps you keep a pulse on how your people really feel and gives you clear insights you can take immediate action on. Start your journey with Croissant today."

IPBN member GEOPALM Engineering Consultant says, "BIM in Portugal is no longer a trend. In 2026, it is a decisive factor of competitiveness. More than software, BIM asserts itself as a methodology, a way to manage information, reduce risk and make more consistent decisions throughout the project life cycle. Read the full article on our website."

IPBN member Filipe Pinho Pereira posted, "Everyone’s talking about AI coding as an individual superpower. But the real question is: how do organizations actually adopt AI coding at scale? Don't miss the details here.

IPBN Academic partner ABC Co Lab posted about ageing better. "On February 6th, we brought together the ABC CoLAB community, in CRIA UAlg, to align priorities and new collaborations that will strengthen the impact of our work in the 2026-2029 triennium. This hybrid meeting focused on mapping strategic synergies, prioritizing future ABC CoLAB services, and reflecting on their potential impact on the region."

IPBN member Lawler Sustainability shared, "Many industrial organisations know they need to reduce energy use and decarbonise but struggle to understand the trade-offs between cost, carbon, and operational impact. We’ve published a short article exploring how in-depth energy audits, delivered through grant funding such as Audit Plus, help industrial and manufacturing organisations move from ambition to informed decision-making."

IPBN member Career Training Internship invites you to read their latest blog about how Cork is the destination for your internship - a city where our interns develop professionally, personally and culturally.

IPBN member Memorable Green says, "Partner with us to build systems that scale your business profitably and sustainably."

IPBN member ALL FINANCE MATTERS has embraced the AI trend to showcase their digital selves, but with the assurance that they always combine technology with the specialized human touch that only their team can offer.

IPBN member Hilton Vilamoura posted, "Last Thursday, Hilton Vilamoura hosted the 'Gluten-Free Flavours' workshop, an initiative dedicated to well-being and a more mindful lifestyle. The event featured French influencer Chloé, creator of the Gluten Libre platform, who is currently travelling the world exploring gluten-free cultures, ingredients, and cuisines while writing a cookbook dedicated to this way of eating. Her practical and inspiring approach has been winning over an international community focused on healthy, safe, and flavourful food."

IPBN member IN2 Engineering shared, "As part of IN2's Ambition to Innovate in skills, services, and our people, we had a productive CPD training session in our Dublin boardroom. MV Power Distribution, expertly delivered by Brendan Dervan & Engineers Ireland."

IPBN member Ronan Holohan was absolutely thrilled for all the Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate team and their clients MHL Hotel Collection ... "We are so proud to be Interior Architects and Brand Designers for this truly amazing dining experience."

IPBN member BRIDGEIN posted, "It was a pleasure attending the Tony Boyle Business Success Awards 2025 at the Irish Embassy in Lisbon. Having been one of the IPBN Business Success Award winners in 2023, it felt extra special to be back celebrating alongside such an inspiring community. Huge thanks to IPBN for hosting such a great event and to Teona Omiadze for representing BRIDGE IN's team like a pro!"

IPBN Academic Partner Porto Business School said, "Portuguese agri-food exports are approaching €10 billion, having doubled in value over the past decade and now accounting for around 12.5% of the country’s total exports. A significant milestone, but also a starting point for strategic decision-making."

IPBN member Andy O’Donoghue had a fascinating conversation with Dr. Emmet Oliver on Newstalk about "grief tech", the growing industry of AI-powered deathbots and digital twins that let you interact with deceased loved ones. "The technology is already here. Companies are helping people create AI versions of themselves before they die, or letting the bereaved build chatbots trained on a loved one's texts, voice recordings, and social media. The appeal is deeply human. But the legal and ethical frameworks?"

IPBN member Miguel Reynolds Brandao posted, "For more than ten years, I’ve used the dolphin as a metaphor to explain the values I care about most — collaboration, trust, respect, honesty, and the simple but powerful act of empowering others. These are not just “nice‑to‑have” traits; they are the foundations of sustainable organisations and, ultimately, a sustainable world. So here it is — the Dolphin, in full colour."

IPBN member Sofia Lombardo at IDEA Spaces shared, "The IDEA Parque Big Opening was truly special. A new chapter for a space that continues to evolve, not just in scale, but in purpose. Across every detail, every conversation, and every connection, one thing was clear: IDEA Parque was designed to bring people together, to spark ideas, and to create momentum. Sure, it was an opening."