This week on the roundup: trade, Belfast connections, conversations, business success winners, foundations, backgrounds, appointments, toolkits, blinking cursors, game-changing methods, relevant initiatives, women in business, Belfast meetups, exhibitions, curated journies, generative AI tools, limits and controls, and more!

But first, here are the IPBN highlights of the week

We shared some updates about the trade between Ireland and Portugal, which are building stronger trade links. We see significant growth in tech, Renewable energy and Construction. Check here why this matters for your business.

We were pleased to inform that the IPBN will be in Belfast Feb 24. We are partnering with key local business organisations and chambers, who will tell us about doing business in Belfast—and whose members are invited to learn about "Doing Business in Portugal". IPBN members are invited to join us for a special morning session in Belfast focused on Doing Business in Portugal and Ireland and meet with local businesses and forge new partnerships and business opportunities. Taking place from 09:30–12:30 at Glandore Arthur Place, this event brings together Irish IPBN members already operating in Portugal, alongside our Portugal-based Academic Partners, to share practical insights and real-world success stories. Check all the details here and register.

We’re also delighted to announce the first event in the IPBN’s new Conversation with a Leader series, delivered in partnership with IPBN member Writers' Bloc EU to take place at the Unicorn Factory Lisboa – Beato Innovation District, Tuesday, 3 March from 09:30–11:30. Our inaugural conversation will feature Gil Azevedo, Executive Director of Unicorn Factory Lisboa, offering IPBN members an inside look at one of Lisbon’s most ambitious innovation initiatives — and the role it plays in building a thriving, end-to-end startup ecosystem, from early founders to global unicorns. Register here.

And of course, we had our Tony Boyle Business Success Awards at the Embassy in Lisbon yesterday. Congratulations to our three winners – PURUS, Druid Sport and Lazer. More about the event, the applicants and the winners next week. And thank you again to the Ambassador for hosting them for lunch with IPBN Board members and IPBN Executive Partners.

And now...

IPBN Executive Partner PwC Portugal posted, "Our CEOs, to realize the true value of AI, will have to lay the right foundations. Check our latest facts and insights."

IPBN Executive Partner Otonomee shared, "Last January 24 marked the International Day of Education. When we think about education at Otonomee, we don’t only think about degrees or formal qualifications. We work with Operations and Tech Advisors: people with backgrounds spanning MBAs, law, nursing, architecture, computing, cinema, fashion design, business analytics, social sciences, tourism, and more."

IPBN member Andy O’Donoghue shared, "OpenAI's ChatGPT Health launch signals something important: the industry has shifted from "Should AI touch medical data?" to "How do we do it safely for clinicians?" ChatGPT Health is a consumer product, helping people understand labs, prepare for appointments. But deploying AI inside healthcare organizations is different. HIPAA in the U.S., GDPR in Europe, compliance isn't optional, it's foundational. The future of healthcare AI is about respecting clinical expertise, protecting patient data, and building tools that work inside existing systems." Full article here.

IPBN Academic Partner Portal Trinity Innovation & Enterprise says, "Real innovation isn’t always about the big ideas. It’s about having tools you can actually use on Monday morning. Tools that provide clarity when under pressure with unfamiliar problems and real constraints. The real gem is having a proven toolkit that can be applied day-to-day in every scenario - big or small. If you’re looking to turn innovation into a repeatable capability, this 7-week course is designed for that. Course Starts: 28th March 2026. Free Taster: Thursday 5th February 2026, 1pm / 6pm. Explore what the course offers and avail of the opportunity to sample it next week here."

IPBN member Witfy - Socially Smart said, "Most founders treat social media like a second job. But it should not be a grind that drains your battery. You start with a plan and end up staring at a blinking cursor. Witfy fixes this by acting as a digital strategist that actually knows your brand. We use a virtual brain for platform rules and a knowledge base for your specific voice. It is the difference between a stranger shouting and a partner who finishes your sentences. No more robotic captions that sound like a microwave manual. Just your brand, amplified. Does your social media actually sound like you?

IPBN member Elaine Godley asked, "Have you heard about The Godley Healing Method? If you are feeling rough, yet have not time to take off work, then this simple yet game changing method is for you. Read the article and book a call with me if you dare - you will enjoy some amazing results, however it also means that you have to make some changes. Most people won't bother - is that you?!"

IPBN Business Partner Algarve Evolution shared, "Our website is updated, and so is our events agenda. One of the new features you’ll find on our website is a dedicated Events menu, highlighting relevant initiatives (mostly) across the Algarve, organised by members of the local innovation ecosystem. This Thursday, 29 January, two great examples were happening. Have a look here for more details."

IPBN member Alice Downing, Glandore shared, "It was pleasure to attend the Women in Business NI 2026 Chair’s Lunch at Titanic Belfast last Friday. It is always inspiring to be in a room filled with such innovative businesswomen."

And we are very pleased to confirm our first event in Belfast February 24 where we have invited key businesspeople from the City to meet with IPBN Board members and Executive Partners to develop bilateral trade and business opportunities. If you are based in Belfast, do join us that morning. You will find all the details here where you can already register.

IPBN member Patrick Fitzgerald posted, "Meet FitzGerald Nurseries at IPM Essen. We were exhibiting once again at IPM Essen, the world’s leading ornamental horticulture trade fair — proudly attending since 2007."

IPBN member Invoke Creative Agency shared, "Events are evolving beyond the stage and into fully curated journeys, where every touchpoint is intentional, emotional and designed around the people who attend. Check here the key trends we’re seeing for the year ahead."

IPBN member PinkRoom and Board member posted, "Highlights from our first internal Tech Talk at Pink Room: Coding Agents in Mobile Development. We explored how we’re integrating generative AI tools into our daily workflow, from kick-off to deployment, with one clear principle: use AI as an accelerator, while keeping critical thinking and human validation at the centre. The result is higher productivity, better-informed decisions, and the ability to deliver more, faster, without compromising quality, giving us more time to support our clients."

IPBN member Salmon Software shared information on multi-currency pooling: one view of cash across entities and markets. "Net better interest, reduce FX exposure and fund centrally with clear limits and controls. Setup is straightforward and governance stays strong with Salmon. Learn more about it here."