Science and technology projects in Northern Ireland in key industries of the future, such as cybersecurity, are set to be boosted by at least £30m from the UK Industrial Strategy.

Delivered as part of the UK Government’s modern Industrial Strategy, the funding will build on successful pilots in other parts of the UK which have attracted more than £140m of private investment and created hundreds of jobs so far.

The funding could support Northern Ireland’s thriving cybersecurity sector, which is home to 100 businesses and 2,750 jobs.

Industry Minister Sarah Jones visited Belfast today to celebrate this news and other recent wins for the city that are delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change to increase economic growth and jobs.

This news comes on top of £2m of UK Government funding for Queen’s University Belfast’s Cybersecurity AI Tech Hub, confirmed in June, helping Northern Ireland lead the way on cutting-edge technology to keep the UK safe.

How the UK Industrial Strategy is supporting Northern Ireland’s top organisations

Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing sectors are also being boosted via a wider package of support from the UK Industrial Strategy – from advanced manufacturing to creative industries.

This includes defence, cybersecurity and aerospace firm Thales, which was recently awarded a £1.6bn missile contract with UK Government backing to defend Ukraine, creating 200 new jobs and supporting 700 highly skilled existing jobs.

Industry Minister Sarah Jones visited Ionic Technologies to see their progress so far in developing a rare earth magnetic recycling process to support the UK’s electric vehicle transition, following a £11m grant from the government in June.

She also visited Harland & Wolff’s iconic Belfast shipyard for an update on their commitments to invest in Northern Ireland and to discuss opportunities to work together to deliver local growth and investment through the UK Industrial Strategy.

She commented: “From defence and cyber to the creative industries, Northern Ireland’s economy has great strengths, which is why I’m in Belfast speaking to businesses about how our modern Industrial Strategy can help them grow and create well-paid jobs for local people.”

Increased investment in Northern Ireland’s future

The government’s commitments to the successful future of Northern Ireland have ramped up significantly.

Earlier this month, the Chancellor visited Belfast to confirm the £310m funding for the Belfast Region City Deal, including over £25m for a world-class virtual production studio, Studio Ulster, and £137m to tackle paramilitarism and create safer streets.

Furthermore, designs are underway for a bespoke Enhanced Investment Zone for Northern Ireland, delivered with the Executive, which will tear away barriers to growth and could include further new funding, tax and investment incentives.

Made in the UK, sold to the world

The UK Industrial Strategy investments and ministerial visits will be followed by a Belfast roadshow this September, titled ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’.

Here, businesses will have the opportunity to meet with relevant, overseas creative buyers and sector/market specialists from UK embassies and consulates overseas.

There will also be peer learning sessions, workshops focusing on overseas markets and developing international strategy, networking opportunities and an inspiring and informative seminar programme.

It will put a spotlight on the city’s creative sector and will host 18 market experts from around the world, including from the US, Germany, and the UAE.