Accelerating AI Adoption Locally

With AI solutions transforming Northern Ireland’s businesses, economy, and beyond.

Solving real-world problems with AI

The Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC), a £16.3 million initiative by Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast, promotes AI awareness and adoption among businesses in Northern Ireland, with a strong emphasis on ethical and responsible innovation.

Backed by Invest NI and the Department for the Economy, the AICC aims to position Northern Ireland as a global leader in AI-driven innovation across key sectors.

By connecting industry, academia, and government, the AICC fosters collaboration to co-develop AI solutions.

The AICC offers fully funded hands-on support, education and upskilling opportunities, while building a dynamic AI community through events, research and innovation.

Discover our NEW Responsible AI Hub by clicking the button below!

What has the AICC delivered so far...

260 postgraduate scholars enrolled across QUB and UU

106 professionals provided with online AI skills training

377 attendees at our training workshops across the region

67 SME Transformer Programme collaborations. 28 completed with 39 in progress

46 new academic-industry connections

29 high-quality events delivered, focused on training, knowledge sharing and community building

44 national and international events attended, building international networks

21 collaborative R&D funding submissions totaling £18.3m. 6 won and 15 in progress

119 pieces of media coverage received with 121m reach and 100% positive sentiment

Brand New Impact Report 2024/25

Our newly published Impact Report captures a year defined by momentum, measurable progress and meaningful collaboration.

Empowering

with AI Solutions across Northern Ireland's Businesses, Economy and Beyond.

Industries we are working in

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Image for Logistics
Image for Healthcare and Life Sciences
Image for Financial Services and Fintech
Image for Manufacturing and Engineering
Image for Agri-Food
Image for Digital and Creative Industries
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Meet the humans behind the AICC

We believe that the future of artificial intelligence starts with people.

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Chizube Chikezie

AICC Data Scientist (Ulster University, Belfast)

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Geraldine Doherty

Professional Training and Academic Coordinator

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Gulzar Alam

AICC Data Scientist (Ulster University, Belfast)

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David Crozier CBE

Director, AICC

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Kyle Madden

AICC Applied Researcher (Ulster University, Derry~Londonderry)

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Tadhg Hickey

Head of AI and Digital Ethics Policy, AICC

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Bronagh Lanigan

AICC Research Fellow (Ulster University, Derry~Londonderry)

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Patrick McGirr

Deputy Director of Business Engagement, AICC

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Jean Frazer

Executive Assistant, AICC

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Matthew Manktelow

AICC Research Fellow (Ulster University, Derry~Londonderry)

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Leigh Johnston

AICC Applied Researcher (Ulster University, Belfast)

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Jordan Vincent

AICC Applied Researcher (Ulster University, Belfast)

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Nicole Costello

Marketing Officer, AICC

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Kaveh Mahdavi PhD

AICC Research and Development Lead (Queen's University Belfast)

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Molly McDowell

Events Coordinator, AICC

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John Sweeney

Operations Manager, AICC

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Sneha Jha

AICC Research and Development Lead (Queen's University Belfast)

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Christopher McCausland

AICC Data Scientist (Ulster University, Belfast)

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Donnacha Kirk

Deputy Director of AI Technology and Research Services, AICC

We'd love to hear from you

Innovation thrives through connection. Whether you're an SME, researcher, or professional exploring AI, we’re here to help.

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