The visit offered a platform for open dialogue on AI research, responsible innovation and the importance of diversity in shaping the UK’s tech future.
Ulster University welcomed Kanishka Narayan MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for AI and Online Safety from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), to its Belfast campus today for a dynamic conversation exploring innovation, responsible AI development and the critical role of diversity in shaping the UK’s future tech ecosystem.
The special visit, co-hosted by the Artificial Collaboration Centre (AICC) and AwakenHub, provided an important platform for idea-sharing, debate and collaborative insight between government, academia, industry and Northern Ireland’s wider innovation community.
Held in The Gallery at Ulster University, the morning opened with remarks from Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, who emphasised Ulster’s expanding AI research portfolio and the university’s leadership in widening participation across the region
Professor Gormley-Heenan said: “Ulster University’s AI research is advancing rapidly across our campuses. But innovation does not flourish in isolation. Today’s conversation reflects our belief that progress requires diverse voices, shared insight and collective ambition. Inclusion is not a policy add-on – it is the engine of sustainable technological and economic growth.”
A fireside conversation followed, chaired by David Crozier CBE of the AICC, who guided a nuanced discussion with Minister Narayan and Professor Helen McCarthy, Chief Scientific Officer.
David Crozier, AICC Director, commented: “At the AICC we are building an ecosystem where AI is developed responsibly, deployed practically and adopted widely, and that can only be achieved when the sector is open, inclusive and connected. We’re proud to collaborate with partners like AwakenHub to ensure that innovation, and the economic value it drives, is accessible to founders and organisations from every background. Today’s conversation with Minister Narayan and Professor McCarthy reflects the strength, momentum and potential of Northern Ireland’s AI and tech community.”
Related: Building Trust in Technology: Why Responsible AI Matters for Everyone
Minister Narayan said:“It’s been great to see how Northern Ireland is embracing the opportunities of AI to build a more inclusive, dynamic tech ecosystem. Northern Ireland has a crucial role to play in the UK’s tech-powered future. The innovation we see here, from research institutions to SMEs, is matched by a collaborative culture and shared ambition to ensure AI benefits everyone. “Diversity in the tech sector isn’t a ‘nice to have’, it’s an economic imperative. If we want AI systems to be fair, trusted and globally competitive, we need every community, every founder and every region represented in their development.”
Related: Northern Ireland at the Crossroads: Seizing the AI Opportunity
Clare McGee, CEO & Co-Founder of AwakenHub, stated “At AwakenHub, we’re dedicated to ensuring women and underrepresented founders get equitable access to investment, innovation and the opportunities that drive real productivity gains. That’s why we’re so excited to deliver Activate AI. This pilot is purpose-built to remove barriers, accelerate innovation and close productivity gaps for founders who are too often overlooked. "Today’s discussion highlights just how vital it is to build strong bridges between all businesses and the tech sector, where diverse perspectives aren’t just welcomed, they’re essential. When more voices are heard, we see better ideas, better products and better outcomes. Activate AI is here to make that a reality”
Sync NI's Autumn 2025 magazine explores how Northern Ireland is moving AI from pilot to production
This issue features exclusive insights from industry leaders on real-world AI implementation, responsible adoption, enterprise infrastructure, and how data-driven innovation is transforming businesses across the region.
Read the Big Data Special Edition free online →
Stay connected with NI's tech community:
Subscribe to our newsletter – Get the latest tech news, job opportunities, and events delivered to your inbox
Visit Sync NI – Your daily source for Northern Ireland technology news
