Cork-founded HR tech firm targets European expansion with AI platform

Ainm plans to create 10 jobs over the next three years

Fionnán O’Sullivan, founder of HR software tech Ainm. Picture: Michael O'Sullivan/OSM Photo

A Irish HR technology platform founded in Cork plans to create 10 jobs over the next three years as it looks to use AI to help small and medium-sized businesses manage employment law and people-management demands.

Ainm is an AI platform founded by Fionnán O’Sullivan, which can carry out routine HR tasks. The system is being used by several Irish companies including Cork co-working and innovation hub Republic of Work, which uses the system for its team’s performance management.

"AI is really good at dealing with repetitive administrative work and finding information quickly; however, HR and recruitment are classed as ‘high-risk’ uses of AI under the EU AI Act and employers need to be sure that they’re in compliance. Tools like Ainm, trained on Irish and EU legislation, can free business managers and business owners to spend more time on the parts of HR that genuinely require human judgement such as supporting people and making decisions," said Mr O'Sullivan.

“There is a real HR capacity problem in Irish SMEs. The person dealing with it is often already doing two or three other jobs, yet the expectation on employers has never been higher."

Mr O'Sullivan is a chartered HR practitioner and a member of the southern committee of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. He also lectures at UCC's Cork University Business School.