Science and technology projects in Northern Ireland in key industries of the future, such as cybersecurity, are set to be boosted by at least \u00a330m from the UK Industrial Strategy.<\/p>\n
Delivered as part of the UK Government\u2019s modern Industrial Strategy, the funding will build on successful pilots in other parts of the UK which have attracted more than \u00a3140m of private investment and created hundreds of jobs so far.<\/p>\n
The funding could support Northern Ireland\u2019s thriving cybersecurity sector, which is home to 100 businesses and 2,750 jobs.<\/p>\n
Industry Minister Sarah Jones visited Belfast today to celebrate this news and other recent wins for the city that are delivering on the Government\u2019s Plan for Change to increase economic growth and jobs.<\/p>\n
This news comes on top of \u00a32m of UK Government funding for Queen\u2019s University Belfast\u2019s Cybersecurity AI Tech Hub<\/a>, confirmed in June, helping Northern Ireland lead the way on cutting-edge technology to keep the UK safe.<\/p>\n How the UK Industrial Strategy is supporting Northern Ireland\u2019s top organisations<\/p>\n Northern Ireland\u2019s fastest-growing sectors are also being boosted via a wider package of support from the UK Industrial Strategy \u2013 from advanced manufacturing to creative industries.<\/p>\n This includes defence, cybersecurity and aerospace firm Thales, which was recently awarded a \u00a31.6bn missile contract with UK Government backing to defend Ukraine, creating 200 new jobs and supporting 700 highly skilled existing jobs.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s electric vehicle transition<\/a>, following a \u00a311m grant from the government in June.<\/p>\n She also visited Harland & Wolff\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n She commented: \u201cFrom defence and cyber to the creative industries, Northern Ireland\u2019s economy has great strengths, which is why I\u2019m in Belfast speaking to businesses about how our modern Industrial Strategy can help them grow and create well-paid jobs for local people.\u201d<\/p>\n Increased investment in Northern Ireland\u2019s future<\/p>\n The government\u2019s commitments to the successful future of Northern Ireland have ramped up significantly.<\/p>\n Earlier this month, the Chancellor visited Belfast to confirm the \u00a3310m funding for the Belfast Region City Deal, including over \u00a325m for a world-class virtual production studio, Studio Ulster, and \u00a3137m to tackle paramilitarism and create safer streets.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Made in the UK, sold to the world<\/p>\n