First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have officially launched the new Office of AI and Digital at a special event hosted by Ulster University’s AI Collaboration Centre (AICC) in Belfast.
The Ministers were welcomed to the launch by Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, University Provost, who noted the significance of cross-sector collaboration in enabling innovation that benefits the entire region.
The AICC, a joint initiative between Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast, was established in March 2024 as part of a £16.3 million investment by Invest Northern Ireland and the Department for the Economy.
Welcoming ministers and guests to the Belfast campus, David Crozier CBE, Director of the AI Collaboration Centre, said:
“We are honoured to welcome the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Professor Helen McCarthy to the AI Collaboration Centre today for the official launch of the Office of AI and Digital. This milestone follows the momentum built by our AI Castle Conversation earlier this year, where meaningful dialogue sparked real action. The report that emerged from those discussions has played a key role in shaping the vision and priorities for this new Office.
“Over the past number of months, AICC team members have contributed their expertise to the task and finish groups supporting the development of the AI Unit. Through our close collaboration with the Office of Science and Technology, we've been proud to help guide this important initiative. It's fantastic to see these collective efforts come to fruition with today's launch, a vital step in embedding responsible, ethical and inclusive AI innovation across this region.”
Ministers highlight transformation potential
Speaking at the event, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said:
“In the ever-evolving world of Artificial Intelligence we need to harness the potential of the technology, particularly when it comes to transforming public services. Our lives, society and economy can be reshaped for the better with AI. The creation of the Office of AI and Digital will place us at the forefront of AI innovation as part of an economy that works for everyone.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added:
“Northern Ireland has the talent and the potential to be a world leader in responsible AI. Our AI and Digital Office will play a transformational role in public sector delivery, ensuring we can deliver a modern service that meets the needs of our citizens. We are committed to doing everything we can to foster the digital skills required to meet the demands of the future economy.”
Driving innovation through partnership
The AICC operates across Ulster University’s Belfast and Derry~Londonderry campuses and at Queen’s University Belfast, serving as a collaborative platform to accelerate responsible AI adoption across Northern Ireland by developing cutting-edge AI solutions for SMEs, strengthening the region’s digital capabilities through education and training, and promoting ethical leadership in emerging technologies.
The launch of the Office of AI and Digital represents the next stage in aligning that collaborative momentum with the Executive’s Programme for Government, as Northern Ireland seeks to lead the way in using digital innovation to improve lives and services.
Discover more about the AICC at aicc.co or stay connected via LinkedIn
