Two business leaders connected to ADAPT were recognised at the 2025 DCU Alumni Awards recently, celebrating exceptional accomplishments by Dublin City University graduates around the world. The annual awards honour alumni whose work has had a significant impact across business, innovation, technology and society.
Julie Connelly
Julie Connelly, MSc Computer Applications (1993) and BSc Computer Applications (1991), was honoured for her outstanding leadership as Co-Founder and CEO of AI Mapit, a cutting-edge technology company spun out of the ADAPT Centre.
AI Mapit uses artificial intelligence and computer vision to generate highly accurate digital maps of roadside infrastructure, empowering telecoms and utility companies to manage their physical networks more efficiently and sustainably. Connelly’s vision bridges advanced research and real-world applications, helping organisations optimise operations while contributing to smarter infrastructure planning.
Beyond her role at AI Mapit, Julie is recognised for championing diversity in tech and supporting emerging founders, particularly women, through mentorship and community engagement in Ireland’s startup ecosystem.
Niamh Donnelly
Also celebrated was Niamh Donnelly (BEng Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, 2013), Co-Founder and CTO of Akara Robotics, a startup company with its roots in the ADAPT Centre. Her work at Akara is focused on bringing advanced AI-driven autonomous systems into healthcare settings to improve efficiency and enhance patient care.
Under Niamh’s technical leadership, Akara has developed solutions such as privacy-preserving sensing technology and autonomous robotics tailored to clinical environments. These innovations aim to streamline workflows, reduce manual burdens on healthcare staff, and deploy robotics that augment rather than replace human expertise.
Her contributions to robotics and AI have been recognised internationally, reflecting a strong commitment to responsible, impactful technology that supports frontline healthcare delivery.
