BT launches £45m programme to advance innovation and skills in Northern Ireland

BT has announced a major new Future Technology Research and Innovation (FTRI) programme at the BT Ireland Innovation Centre (BTIC) in Belfast, signalling what is expected to be £45 million of investment in Northern Ireland over the next five years.

Launched by BT Group Chief Executive Allison Kirkby, the programme will significantly expand the region’s tech research capacity through new industrial research streams, advanced engineering projects and deeper collaboration between business, academia and government.

Developed in partnership with Ulster University and supported by Invest NI, the initiative will focus on rapidly evolving fields including artificial intelligence, autonomous Internet of Things (IoT) systems and cybersecurity.

The project will also create 60 new jobs, many tailored for graduates and post-graduates entering Northern Ireland’s fast-growing tech sector.

Pictured (L-R) are Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, University Provost, Ulster University; Paul Murnaghan, Northern Ireland Director, BT; Allison Kirkby, Chief Executive, BT Group and Kieran Donoghue, Chief Executive, Invest NI. 

BT’s Northern Ireland Director Paul Murnaghan 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.

“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.”

Expanding research in AI, cybersecurity and next-generation networks

The FTRI programme will concentrate on accelerating innovation across five core fields:

• Artificial Intelligence

• Data Science and Analytics

• Cybersecurity

• Internet of Things (IoT)

• Next Generation Networks

Key priorities will include developing new AI-driven services for businesses, predictive analytics tools, and advanced IoT and cyber technologies designed to ensure privacy, security and trust across increasingly complex digital networks.

To support the programme, Invest NI has offered £5.9 million through its Grant for R&D scheme.

Invest NI Chief Executive Kieran Donoghue 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 BT’s 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.”

New BTIIC Academy to develop future tech talent

A major component of the new initiative will be the launch of the BTIIC Academy, which will provide structured recruitment, skills development and academic learning opportunities.

The Academy will support an MSc in Artificial Intelligence, alongside accredited project-based modules in AI, IoT and Computer Science.

Ulster University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew 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.”

Building innovation partnerships across Northern Ireland

BT confirmed it will also expand its work with the wider innovation community through new partnerships designed to accelerate product development in:

• digital healthcare

• transportation technologies

• software engineering

Invest NI’s R&D support is part-funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF).

The investment marks another major milestone for Northern Ireland’s technology sector, which continues to attract global attention for its thriving talent base, collaborative research environment and growing reputation in AI, cyber and advanced engineering.