Technology

Northern Ireland has proven technology experience, capacity and capability.

Northern Ireland has an international reputation as a region of expertise and knowledge in tech development and boasts one of the fastest growing tech sectors in the UK.

This is an exciting time for the region as its strong local base of software engineering skills has supported the development of a number of business clusters including cyber security; telecom, mobile & data networks; AI & data analytics; IT & cloud services; fintech, govtech, and sports tech.

World-leading tech companies, including Fujitsu, SAP, Microsoft, Nvidia, Rapid7, and Whitehat Security, have chosen to establish operations in Northern Ireland, drawn by its exceptional talent pool, robust support systems, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Northern Ireland has also developed its own vibrant and innovative tech sector with locally owned firms such as Kainos, STAT Sports, and FD Technologies that are exporting internationally and showcasing the region’s capability to compete on the global stage.

  • Northern Ireland is the #1 international investment location for US cyber security firms (fDi Markets FT, 2023).

  • Belfast is Europe's leading FDI destination for new software development (fDi Markets FT, 2023).

  • Belfast is one of the best cities in the UK to work in tech - and the best place to work as a software developer. 23% of NI jobs advertised last year were digital tech roles, highest % in the UK. (TechNation).

  • Belfast has been named one of the world's top 15 Digital Economies of the Future and ranked 2nd in the UK (11th in Europe) in a poll of Top 25 Tech Cities of the Future (Financial Times fDi Intelligence).

Areas of expertise

Area of sector expertise

  • Advanced persistent threats
  • National security & government
  • Health
  • Automotive
  • Critical infrastructure
  • Capital markets
  • Legal
  • E-commerce
  • E-learning
  • Child safety online
  • A hotspot for global cyber security firms, such as Proofpoint, IBM Security, Rapid7, Imperva, Microsoft, Nvldia and Synopsys.
  • Home to leading international growth companies such as Anomali, Contrast Security and Cygilant. Other global players such as PwC, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, BDO, and BT all have significant cyber security operations in the region.
  • An international investment location for US cyber security services projects, such as Aflac, Allstate, CME and Citi.
  • NI ecosystem also includes innovative locally grown firms, including Salt Communications, B-Secur, Metacompliance, Nvidia, Ampliphae, Ansec IA, and LoughTec.
  • The Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT) at Queen’s University Belfast is a global flagship centre for cyber security and is recognised by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research and Cyber Security Education.
Discover more in our cyber security brochure

Northern Ireland for foreign direct investment

Northern Ireland is an attractive place for investment in the technology sector thanks to a combination of factors including skills availability, excellent infrastructure, cost-effectiveness and a supportive business environment. To find out more visit our Invest in Northern Ireland section.

Connect with us

Connect with a member of our technology team via LinkedIn.

Please get in touch.  You can find a team in your region or fill in an enquiry form and a member of the team will contact you directly.

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