INNOVATE

INNOVATE at 21: Leading Organisations Safely into the Age of Artificial Intelligence

As INNOVATE celebrates 21 years in business, the company finds itself at the centre of the most profound technological shift of our time. What began as an ambitious start-up in 2006 has evolved into a trusted strategic partner for organisations navigating an increasingly complex and risk-driven digital world.

From its Headquarters at Innovation House in Gorey, Co. Wexford, INNOVATE has built its reputation on understanding business challenges and solving them through technology. Today, however, the conversation has shifted. It is no longer about cloud or connectivity, it is about Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the enormous opportunities and risks it brings.

 

Built on Strong Foundations

While INNOVATE is now heavily focused on AI with risk management and governance, at its core the business remains grounded in what it has always done best, supporting organisations’ IT environments.

Through a highly skilled Managed Services team, INNOVATE provides ongoing support, monitoring and optimisation of critical IT infrastructure, ensuring systems remain secure, resilient and aligned to business needs. Alongside this, its projects team designs and delivers modern IT environments, implementing everything from infrastructure upgrades to complete technology transformations.

The company works with organisations of all sizes, particularly those that recognise IT not as a cost centre, but as a strategic enabler of growth and performance.

INNOVATE’s primary technology partners, Cisco and Microsoft, underpin many of these solutions, ensuring clients benefit from enterprise-grade, secure and scalable platforms.  This strong operational foundation is what allows INNOVATE to now guide organisations confidently into the AI era.

 

Built on Education, Driven by Curiosity

At the centre of INNOVATE’s journey is Jim Hughes, CEO and Co-Founder, whose entrepreneurial mindset was shaped early in life.  ‘From a very young age, I always wanted to start my own business, education and independent thinking were hugely promoted at home.’

Jim’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Commerce from UCD, which provided a broad grounding in business, technology, leadership and strategy. More recently, and very much aligned with the direction of the business he completed an MSc. in Business and Leadership this year from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, with a notable focus on Corporate Governance.

It is no coincidence. As AI becomes embedded in organisations, governance is no longer optional, it is essential.

A Culture That Sets the Business Apart

Over the past two decades, INNOVATE has built a business defined not just by technical expertise, but by its people and culture.

The company has grown into a highly capable organisation with a talented, increasingly global workforce, while continuing to invest in regional talent through internship programmes and university partnerships.

‘We wanted an organisation that fully understood business technology requirements with strong, motivating, competent and culturally centric teams around us.’  This culture is reinforced by agility and responsiveness:

‘Our customers really value our ability to understand their needs and move quickly; we are dynamic and nimble.’ As INNOVATE enters its third decade, this adaptability is proving critical in helping organisations respond to the rapid rise of AI.

 

The AI Revolution: Opportunity and Risk

Artificial Intelligence is widely recognised as the most significant technological shift of our generation. It presents enormous opportunities but also introduces serious new risks.

One of the most immediate concerns is the rise of ‘shadow AI’, employees using unapproved tools without oversight or governance.

Jim Hughes does not underestimate the issue: ‘You wouldn’t believe the amount of unregulated AI that is in use in organisations today, it poses a huge reputational risk for organisations.’

His advice is clear: ‘Organisations must close the floodgates; employees should not have access to any AI tools that are not formally approved by your organisation and governed.’

 

From Technology to Governance

For INNOVATE, AI is not just about technology, it is about control, accountability and risk management.

Organisations must implement structured frameworks aligned to the Three Lines of Defence:

• Management: owning and managing risk daily
• Compliance & Risk: defining frameworks and oversight
• Internal Audit: providing independent assurance

This ensures AI operates within a controlled and auditable environment.

 

ISO 42001 – Bringing Control to AI

A key part of this approach is ISO/IEC 42001, the first international standard for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems.

It provides a structured framework for:

• AI governance and accountability
• Risk management, including bias and transparency
• Data protection and classification
• Lifecycle management of AI systems
• Ongoing monitoring and audit

‘AI can deliver enormous value, but without structure and governance, it introduces risk at a scale most organisations are not prepared for.’

 

The EU AI Act – A Board-Level Issue

The EU AI Act, coming into effect on August 2nd, 2026, marks a significant regulatory milestone.

It introduces strict obligations around:

• Risk classification
• Transparency and explainability
• Governance and accountability

The implications are clear, AI is now a boardroom responsibility.

‘The EU AI Act is a game changer. Boards need to take this seriously, this is governance and fiduciary responsibility at the highest level.’

 

Data First, AI Second

Before organisations can fully benefit from AI, they must first get control of their data. Protection of organisational data is foundational, it’s the precursor to any AI implementation.

Jim’s advice is direct:  “Lock your information down completely. Invest in security, data organisation and classification before you scale AI.”

 

Preparing for What Comes Next

To help organisations navigate this shift, INNOVATE provides AI Readiness Reviews, identifying:

• Shadow AI usage
• Data governance gaps
• Compliance readiness
• Alignment with business strategy

From there, the company supports clients in building AI strategies aligned to their organisational goals, backed by robust governance and risk frameworks.

Looking Ahead

Twenty-one years on, INNOVATE continues to evolve, however its purpose remains unchanged: helping organisations unlock the full value of technology. AI represents a defining moment but it must be approached with care.

‘AI is the biggest thing our generation has seen, it can be hugely beneficial, but it needs to be thought through very carefully.’

 

A Clear Message

The message from INNOVATE is simple:

• Take AI seriously
• Close the floodgates on unauthorised AI
• Strengthen governance and risk frameworks
• Align with standards such as Cyber Security Essentials, ISO 27001 and ISO 42001
• Secure and organise your data
• Use Innovate to build capability across the three lines of defence

And most importantly, act now.

As Hughes concludes: ‘Close the floodgates, put the right controls in place, and approach AI strategically. If you do that, the opportunity is enormous.’

For further details on INNOVATE, see Innovate.ie