Guest Article

Northern Ireland has rapidly emerged as a globally recognised cyber security hub, driven by innovative start-ups, international investors, and world-class university research centres. Belfast boasts one of the world's most concentrated cyber security clusters, with over 100 businesses within three miles of the city centre.

The sector's growth is fuelled by research excellence, cutting-edge technology, and strong collaboration between academia and industry. The Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT) at Queen's University Belfast has been pivotal, attracting global companies.

CSIT’s research has acted as a magnet for companies that recognised the impact that it would have on the sector. Their membership model has seen them develop longstanding advisory and industrial collaborations with global partners including Allstate, BAE Systems, Cisco, IBM, Infosys, Intel, McAfee, Rolls-Royce, Seagate Thales and Qualcomm.

Recent statistics highlight the sector's impressive growth. As of 2024, Northern Ireland's cyber security industry supports over 2,750 roles, generating more than £237 million in direct Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy. The region aims to expand to 5,000 cyber security professionals by 2030.

Top-tier companies such as Microsoft, Anomali, and Proofpoint have established a presence in Northern Ireland, alongside local firms like Metacompliance and Angoka. ‘Industry and academia work closely together to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled professionals.

Invest Northern Ireland supports European and international companies, in establishing and expanding successful operations in Northern Ireland. As can be seen from the many cyber security companies investing in Northern Ireland they recognise the benefits that Northern Ireland has to offer: the high quality of skills; competitive operating costs; world-class universities; high-speed telecoms links and effective government support.