News
Helping NI businesses turn AI curiosity into capability
Photo 1: L-R: Dermot Leonard, (Momentum One Zero), Kara Bailie (Queen's University Belfast), Jenny McAuley (Queen’s University Belfast), Diana Atchison (Belfast Met), Dr V. Charles (Queen’s University Belfast), Jeffrey Smyth (Belfast Met), Donnacha Kirk (Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre, AICC), Ciaran Connolly (ProfileTree), Carrie Duffy (Belfast Region City Deal) and Tadhg Hickey (AICC)
Connected AI event helps Northern Ireland businesses turn AI curiosity into capability
Event connects employers with skills, support and expertise to move from AI interest to implementation
Northern Ireland’s AI community came together on Friday (15 May 2026) for Connected AI: Northern Ireland’s AI Support Ecosystem, a practical and collaborative conference designed to help employers and SMEs turn growing interest in artificial intelligence into confident, real-world application.
The event took place at Belfast Metropolitan College’s e3 building at the Springvale Campus. It brought together businesses, educators and industry experts, connecting employers with clear routes to support, skills development and innovation, alongside real examples of AI already being used in practice.
The conference was delivered through the Centre for Digital Innovation and Technology (CDIT) working group, a key collaborative initiative within the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) programme. CDIT brings together further and higher education institutions with industry partners to build digital capability through a skills-led approach, supporting the City Deal’s wider ambitions around innovation, employability and inclusive growth.
Siobhan Lyons, Belfast Met’s Interim Director of Development and Partnerships, said:
“Getting to grips with AI can feel overwhelming but the message from today is simple: businesses don’t have to navigate it alone. This conference brings together practical expertise, real examples and clear routes to support, so employers can take confident next steps, whatever stage they’re at.
“Northern Ireland has a strong and growing AI support ecosystem. When that support is brought together around employers, adoption becomes more accessible, more relevant and more impactful.”
The programme combined expert talks, real-world case studies and interactive sessions tailored to different stages of AI adoption, from early exploration through to implementation, governance and responsible use.
Speakers included Ciaran Connolly (ProfileTree), Dr V. Charles (Queen’s University Belfast), Donnacha Kirk (AICC) and Tadhg Hickey (AICC), along with contributions from Momentum One Zero and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC). These sessions highlighted how organisations can access support to adopt advanced digital technologies.
Damian Duffy, Chair of the BRCD Employability and Skills Board, said
“As we move into a future increasingly shaped by AI, BRCD projects like AMIC and Momentum One Zero are continuing to play a vital role in advancing the skills agenda—supporting local SMEs and individuals to upskill, prepare for change, and drive inclusive economic growth.”
A highlight of the day was the range of hands-on breakout sessions. These included a live “AI agents for business” build workshop, practical demonstrations of creative AI tools, and an “Ethical Games” session focused on applying responsible AI principles in real-world scenarios.
The event closed with a panel Q&A and networking session. Attendees were able to connect directly with ecosystem partners, ask questions and leave with clearer, practical next steps for their own organisations.
The conference resonated strongly with participants, who valued its practical focus, accessible content and clear signposting to support. Sessions were seen as engaging, relevant and useful, helping businesses identify realistic next steps and build confidence in adopting AI.
Photo 2: Michael Mearns and Diana Atchison from Belfast Met’s Business & Skills department