Momentum One Zero and AICC sign strategic MoU

Under the MoU, the AICC will continue to lead on bottom-up, regionally focused support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across key sectors, helping organisations understand, adopt and implement AI technologies. As a partnership led by Ulster University alongside Queen’s University Belfast, the AICC is building a robust skills pipeline via 390 postgraduate scholarships and upskilling more than 3,000 professionals.

Momentum One Zero will focus on research translation, advanced R&D, and driving innovation-led solutions at scale that leverage the £70m Belfast Region City Deal investment, and Queen’s University Belfast’s internationally recognised strengths across cyber security, AI and wireless technologies.

From research to real-world impact

Coherence and impact will be at the heart of their approach. Together, the two organisations will create a clear and frictionless pathway for companies, supporting them from academic research and talent development through to the creation of minimal viable products (MVPs), practical implementation and commercial growth. Businesses will be signposted to the organisation best aligned to their needs, reducing duplication and ensuring maximum value across the region’s innovation ecosystem.

The partnership will also enable compelling joint representation at global trade missions, highlighting Northern Ireland’s full AI capability: research excellence, innovation for SME transformation and a strong talent pipeline.

"This partnership represents a significant step forward for Northern Ireland’s innovation landscape. By aligning our strengths with Momentum One Zero, we are ensuring that businesses, from early-stage SMEs to scaling companies, can access the right expertise at the right time. Together, we are creating a joined-up system that not only accelerates AI adoption but also strengthens our talent base, drives productivity and positions Northern Ireland as a global leader in responsible and impactful AI innovation."

"As a business-led innovation centre, Momentum One Zero is committed to translating world-class research into solutions that deliver real economic and societal impact – creating commercial value for our partners. Formalising our partnership with the AICC gives Northern Ireland a powerful, unified pipeline from research to deployment. This MoU provides the clarity businesses need while enabling deeper collaboration across the region’s innovation partners to unlock new opportunities at home and internationally."

"Northern Ireland’s innovation strengths lie in its collaboration. This agreement demonstrates a shared commitment to working strategically, transparently and with purpose. By combining the AICC’s SME engagement and skills development with Momentum One Zero’s research and advanced technology expertise, we are creating an innovation ecosystem that is world-class, practical and accessible to businesses of all sizes."

"Businesses need a clear and coordinated innovation offer, and this MoU provides exactly that. The partnership between Momentum One Zero and the AICC creates a stronger, more connected pathway for industry engagement, ensuring that companies can benefit from both cutting-edge research and practical, real-world implementation. In this case, the whole will be much richer than the sum of the parts. It truly is a milestone for Northern Ireland’s innovation economy."