The US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joseph Kennedy III, visited Ormeau Baths in Belfast, the location of the Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Hub Northern Ireland, as part of proceedings to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
The visit highlighted the significant economic and cultural relationship between the US and Northern Ireland and the importance of collaboration to ensure that all communities can benefit from economic growth. Mr Kennedy’s visit also celebrated the links between the business and technology ecosystems in Northern Ireland and the US.
The Academy’s Enterprise Hub Northern Ireland was launched in October 2020 and its first anniversary was celebrated in 2021 with a joint series of events across the island of Ireland by Academy President Sir Jim McDonald FREng FRSE and Tom Leahy FIAE, President of the Irish Academy of Engineering, that culminated with the two Presidents meeting the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, to discuss the importance of engineering innovation in society.
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Enterprise Hub Northern Ireland has since supported 21 entrepreneurs to grow engineering and technology startups and scale-up businesses across Northern Ireland fostering talent at different career stages.
The Academy has also partnered with the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland to deliver the Northern Ireland Engineering Education Programme, designed to encourage more young women and people from underrepresented backgrounds to progress towards engineering and technical careers.
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Gillian Gregg, Head of Regional Engagement at the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “It was a privilege to welcome the US Special Envoy for Northern Ireland at Ormeau Baths, especially during the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. We were delighted that some of our Enterprise Hub Members were able to meet Joe Kennedy III today and discuss their innovations.
We are keen to strengthen the ties between entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland and the US and to continue to collaborate with the Irish Academy of Engineering to ensure the benefits of engineering innovation are shared across the island of Ireland.”
Source: Written from press release
