The UK government has announced an £18.9m investment in Northern Ireland’s cybersecurity industry.
Up to £11m of the funding will be provided through the government’s New Deal for Northern Ireland.
The funding, the government claims, will aim to develop a pipeline of cybersecurity professionals in NI as well as helping companies and startups develop new opportunities.
The investment will see the creation of a new Cyber-AI Hub at the Centre for Secure Information Technologies in Belfast, creating jobs and supporting the research and development of AI-enabled cyber security projects.
The funding will also help ensure a pipeline of cyber professionals, with the creation of a Doctoral training programme and Masters bursaries helping to deliver on the government’s pledge of 5000 cyber professionals in NI by 2030, as well as supporting the government’s £2.6bn National Cyber Strategy.
Steve Baker – Minister of State for Northern Ireland – said, “This funding will help to create jobs and strengthen Northern Ireland’s economy, ensuring NI continues to lead the way in cyber security. We have world-class talent and expertise in NI, and the Government is committed to developing cyber security professionals, here and across the UK.
“The funding will have an immediate positive impact on NI’s cyber sector, and with Belfast hosting the UK’s leading cyber security conference in April, I’m looking forward to seeing NI’s deserved recognition as a global cyber security hub.”
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Paul Scully added, “Northern Ireland’s cyber security firms play a huge role in the UK’s thriving and world-leading tech industry.
“We’re investing millions so people across Northern Ireland can gain the skills for exciting careers helping people and businesses defend against cyber threats.”
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