BT launches new programme to advance innovation and skills in Northern Ireland
Pictured (L-R) are Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, University Provost, Ulster University; Paul Murnaghan, Northern Ireland Director, BT; Allison Kirby, Chief Executive, BT Group and Kieran Donoghue, Chief Executive, Invest NI.
BT has announced a new Future Technology Research and Innovation (FTRI) programme at the BT Ireland Innovation Centre (BTIC) in Belfast, which is expected to generate £45 million of investment in Northern Ireland over the next five years.
In partnership with Ulster University and with support from Invest NI, the FTRI programme will develop industrial research workstreams and engineering projects across AI and the Autonomous Internet of Things (IoT). The programme, which was launched by BT Group Chief Executive Allison Kirkby, will create 60 new jobs, many of which will be open to recent graduates and post-graduates.
Paul Murnaghan, Northern Ireland Director, at BT said: “Over the past eight years, the BT Ireland Innovation Centre has shown the power of collaboration between industry, academia and government. This renewed partnership builds on the strong foundations we’ve already established in Northern Ireland, accelerating that progress further by expanding research in AI, security and IoT.
This renewed partnership builds on the strong foundations we’ve already established in Northern Ireland, accelerating that progress further by expanding research in AI, security and IoT.
Paul Murnaghan, Northern Ireland Director, BT
“It will create new jobs and provide opportunities for both graduates and those looking to continue their studies. Northern Ireland’s talent and connected ecosystem make it the ideal place to shape the next generation of technology, and we’re proud to continue this journey with Ulster University and support from Invest NI.”
The programme will be centred on advancing innovation in five key areas: AI, Data Science and Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, IoT and Next Generation Networks. It will have a particular focus on developing AI services for businesses, predictive data analytics, and research into IoT and cyber solutions that ensure privacy, security and trust across digital networks.
Invest NI has offered BT financial assistance of £5.9m through its Grant for R&D programme.
Kieran Donoghue, Chief Executive of Invest NI said: “In 2017 we supported the creation of the BT Ireland Innovation Centre – the first of its kind across the UK and Ireland. That collaboration between industry, academia and government created a unique environment in which research and creativity flourished. Over time BTIIC has grown in scale, scope and reputation, and has become an integral part of BTs innovation ecosystem.
“This latest investment is an affirmation of confidence in Northern Ireland and is designed to drive forward the next generation of BT technology development in IoT systems, healthcare and cyber security. Ultimately this investment is strongly aligned to our business strategy which is focused on increasing innovation and Northern Ireland’s global visibility as a prime location for high-quality tech investments.”
This latest investment is an affirmation of confidence in Northern Ireland and is designed to drive forward the next generation of BT technology development in IoT systems, healthcare and cyber security.
Kieran Donoghue, CEO, Invest NI
BT will also develop the BTIIC Academy to provide a range of opportunities for recruitment and up-skilling. The Academy will support an MSc in Artificial Intelligence, alongside project-based learning including accredited modules in AI, IoT and Computer Science.
Reflecting on the project’s partnership approach, Professor Paul Bartholemew, Vice-Chancellor at Ulster University said: “Over the past eight years, Ulster University and BT have forged a strong partnership through the BT Ireland Innovation Centre, delivering impactful research and developing talent that firmly positions Northern Ireland on the global innovation map.
“This new programme represents a significant next step, combining BT’s industry leadership with Ulster University's academic expertise to expand our research capacity, recruit new specialist staff and create opportunities for graduates and post-graduates to work at the forefront of technological development.
“Ulster University remains committed to partnerships that drive innovation and regional prosperity, and we look forward to continuing our work with BT and Invest NI to develop the technologies that underpin Northern Ireland’s future growth.”
The company will also develop innovation partnerships with the local innovation community. These will act as a catalyst for the development of new products and services in digital healthcare, transportation and software engineering.
Invest NI’s R&D support for this project is part funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF).
