Build with AI - Session 3: Edge AI

Join us for Session 3 of our Build With AI series: Edge AI, where we explore how artificial intelligence is moving beyond the cloud and into smart devices, wearables, and real-time intelligent systems. This session will introduce the fundamentals of Edge AI, the technologies enabling on-device intelligence, and the challenges of building AI for resource-constrained environments.

We’ll also explore the growing importance of privacy at the edge through federated learning - a powerful approach that allows AI models to learn collaboratively without sharing sensitive data. Attendees will gain insight into both the opportunities and challenges of deploying intelligent systems closer to where data is created.

Explore the Session

AI Gets Physical at the Edge: Enabling Intelligent Real-World Systems
AI is moving beyond the cloud and into the world around us. Powering smart devices, wearables, intelligent environments, and real-time sensing systems.

This talk introduces the fundamentals of EdgeAI and explores why running AI directly on devices is shaping the next generation of intelligent systems. We’ll look at the technologies enabling EdgeAI, practical applications, optimisation techniques, and some of the challenges of building AI for resource constrained, real-world environments.

Dr Ian Cleland

Reader at Ulster University

The Challenges and Potential of Federated Learning at the Edge
As more computation moves to the network's edge, data privacy becomes a greater concern. Federated learning offers a promising path forward, but realising its potential requires addressing a number of challenges; this talk explores them.

Seán Ó Fithcheallaigh

PhD Researcher within the Pervasive Computing Research Centre (PCRC) at Ulster University

Agenda

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Speakers

Ian Cleland - Ulster University (Reader)

Dr. Ian Cleland is a Reader in the School of Computing at Ulster University. His work focuses on applied AI, machine learning, and intelligent sensing technologies. He has over 15 years’ experience developing real-world AI systems across healthcare and digital innovation.
Ian’s research interests include EdgeAI, sensor-based activity recognition, wearable and embedded technologies, and t…

Seán Ó Fithcheallaigh - Ulster University (PhD Researcher)

Seán is a PhD Researcher within the Pervasive Computing Research Centre (PCRC) at Ulster University, specialising in Federated Learning (FL) with a focus on developing trustworthy FL frameworks for sensor networks and IoT devices. He is also a researcher with the BT Ireland Innovation Centre (BTIIC), where he works on IoT Autonomics. With over a decade of experience in electronics and soft…

Hosted By

Rachel Connor, GDG Organizer

Imogen Greene, GDG Organizer

As a first-class honours graduate in BSc (Hons) Computer Science with a distinction in professional practice, I am motivated to use technology to make a lasting impact. I am driven by a passion for collaboration, mentorship, and inclusivity—working to help others succeed, improve team dynamics, and contribute to a more open and supportive tech community.

Over my years in university and also my internship and graduate programme with CME Group I have gained strong full-stack application development experience and skills in JavaScript, the Google Cloud Platform, Python, C#, and industry-standard development cycle tools.

I am equally invested in leadership and interpersonal development. During my four years at university, I led two student societies, including founding the Women in STEM Society. I was an active member of Ulster University’s Google Developer Student Club, serving on the committee for three years and as its lead for one year. I also represented my peers as a course representative for four years, where I acted as a liaison between students and faculty. In this role, I presented evidence on academic concerns, advocated for fair treatment, and negotiated solutions such as resits—developing strong communication, problem-solving, and negotiation skills while ensuring that student voices were heard.

Beyond university, I continue to give back as a STEM Ambassador, delivering presentations in classrooms, mentoring students, judging coding competitions, and supporting the organisation of large-scale events such as DevFest Ireland. In 2025, I was accepted into Ulster University’s Go Global: Experience China programme, broadening my cultural and professional perspective through international opportunities.

Currently, I am proud to serve as an organiser of GDG Belfast, helping to bring the local developer community together through events, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Alongside this, I work as a software engineer at CME Group, where I continue to grow as both a technologist and a community contributor.

Caitlin Hanna, Associate Software Engineer

Yuan Zhang, GDG Organizer

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Partner

Liberty IT

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Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-belfast-presents-build-with-ai-session-3-edge-ai/.