Queen’s University Belfast secures £7.5m to expand cyber security and AI research
Queen’s University Belfast has secured £7.5 million in UK Government funding to expand cyber security and artificial intelligence research, supporting innovation, skills development and economic growth in Northern Ireland.
The investment will support the next phase of the university’s Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT) Cyber-AI Hub, bringing researchers and businesses together to develop new technologies designed to strengthen digital security.
Northern Ireland Office Minister Sarah Owen MP welcomed the funding during a visit to the university on Thursday 29 October.
The announcement comes as Northern Ireland’s cyber security industry continues to expand, with more than 2,700 people employed across approximately 140 companies.
£7.5m investment to expand Queen’s Cyber-AI Hub
The funding, announced as part of the UK Government’s Budget 2026, will support the second phase of the Cyber-AI Hub at Queen’s University Belfast.
It will be used to advance research and development in artificial intelligence and cyber security, with a particular focus on technologies that can help organisations identify and respond to emerging digital threats.
The investment will also strengthen cooperation between universities, businesses and government, helping researchers turn new ideas into practical applications.
CSIT already works with industry and public-sector organisations to develop technologies that protect businesses and critical infrastructure.
The latest funding is intended to build on that work while supporting further growth in Northern Ireland’s cyber security sector.
Northern Ireland cyber security sector employs more than 2,700 people
Northern Ireland has developed a substantial cyber security industry, with more than 140 companies operating in the sector and employing over 2,700 people.
The new investment is expected to support further innovation and create opportunities for businesses of different sizes to work alongside university researchers.
It will also help develop specialist skills as demand grows for professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence and cyber security.
The Cyber-AI Hub will focus on the intersection of these technologies, including the security challenges created by increasingly advanced AI systems.
By supporting research and industry partnerships, the university aims to strengthen Northern Ireland’s position within the international cyber security market.
UK Government highlights jobs and skills opportunities
Northern Ireland Office Minister Sarah Owen welcomed the announcement during her visit to CSIT.
She said the funding would strengthen Northern Ireland’s growing cyber security and artificial intelligence sector.
The Minister also highlighted the potential for the investment to support employment and skills development in an industry expected to play an increasingly important role in the economy.
The £7.5 million allocation forms part of the UK Government’s wider investment in research, innovation and economic development.
Queen’s University welcomes investment in cyber research
Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, described the funding as recognition of the expertise developed by the university and Northern Ireland’s wider cyber security sector.
He highlighted CSIT’s work in research, innovation and skills development, including its partnerships with businesses to translate academic research into practical technologies.
Professor Greer said the investment would strengthen the university’s position in cyber security and artificial intelligence.
CSIT has established partnerships with organisations across industry and the public sector, focusing on the development of technologies that improve digital resilience and protect essential services.
New opportunities for postgraduate students and businesses
Professor Máire O’Neill, Director of CSIT, said the investment would support the next stage of the Cyber-AI Hub, including collaborative projects involving academic researchers and industry partners.
The funding will also support opportunities for PhD and Master’s students, helping develop specialist knowledge in AI security.
Professor O’Neill highlighted the importance of building research capabilities while ensuring that technological developments deliver wider economic and societal benefits.
The university expects the hub to support new collaborations with businesses, including opportunities to develop and test emerging cyber security technologies.
The investment is intended to help Northern Ireland meet growing demand for specialist digital skills while encouraging further innovation in the sector.
The £7.5 million commitment represents a further investment in Belfast’s research and technology infrastructure, with Queen’s University playing a central role in developing the next generation of cyber security and artificial intelligence expertise.
External link: Queen’s University Belfast — official £7.5m cyber funding announcement
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