We’re excited to announce another incredible session at Big Data Belfast 2025, presented by Analytics Engines.
This discussion From Lab to Launch: Real-World AI Cybersecurity Solutions will explore how research-driven innovation is being transformed into practical, scalable cybersecurity applications.
Host
Judith Millar – Director of Operations, CSIT
Judith Millar is Director of Operations at the Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT), Queen’s University Belfast, where she oversees the commercial team, strategic partnerships, industry engagement, and major projects. Her role leverages extensive experience in international marketing and business development across technology sectors and economic development.
Judith is also co-founder and part of the leadership team of NI Cyber, Northern Ireland’s cybersecurity cluster — a vibrant, open community of start-ups, SMEs, and multinational corporations, alongside academia, skills partners, and government stakeholders, working collaboratively to drive cybersecurity innovation and global impact.
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Panelists
Damian Horner – VP of Engineering, Rapid7 Damian Horner is VP of Engineering at Rapid7, bringing over 25 years of experience in software engineering, product innovation, and technology leadership. His career spans roles at BT, HP, SaltDNA, and Contrast Security, where he built and led a 65-strong cross-functional team, driving a culture of innovation and collaboration.
A graduate of Queen’s University Belfast with a BSc in Computer Science, Damian’s expertise covers cybersecurity, network performance, and enterprise software — making him a leading voice in engineering strategy and digital transformation.
Darren Borland – Technical Product Manager, Pytilia
Darren Borland is a Technical Product Manager at Pytilia, with extensive experience delivering solutions across cybersecurity, telecoms, and financial services. He currently leads Pytilia’s project within the Cyber AI Hub, using advanced AI-based technologies to deliver Context-Aware Vulnerability Management. Earlier this year, Darren also led Pytilia’s engagement with the Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR).
Dr. Ihsen Alouani – CEO, UpperBound
Dr. Ihsen Alouani received his Ph.D. from Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France in 2016 and held a postdoctoral position at the Technical University of Munich in 2017. After five years as Associate Professor in France, he joined Queen’s University Belfast’s Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT) in 2022.
He is the CEO and founder of UpperBound, a startup building frameworks for AI security by design, and hosts the Trustworthy AI Chronicles podcast. Ihsen leads several projects funded by EPSRC, Horizon Europe, LASR, and others, and serves on program committees for major AI and cybersecurity conferences.
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Andy McClernon – Engineering Director, Momentum One Zero
With over 30 years of experience in electronics hardware and software development, Andy McClernon has worked across medical devices, telecommunications, security systems, and cybersecurity. He has successfully built and led large, multidisciplinary R&D teams, delivering more than 50 innovative products from concept to market.
As Engineering Director at Momentum One Zero, Andy continues to lead innovation and transformation in complex technology environments, driving research from lab concepts to real-world deployment.
A session not to be missed, make sure to secure your tickets today.
Big Data Belfast 2025 | 22nd October | ICC Belfast Tickets: www.bigdatabelfast.com
Sync NI's Summer 2025 magazine celebrates women in tech across Ireland as we continue to encourage more women to enter the thriving sector and address the current gender imbalance. Read the Summer 2025 Sync NI Magazine online for free here.
