Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and University College Dublin (UCD) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding establishing a strategic cross-border partnership between Momentum One Zero at Queen’s and CeADAR, Ireland’s National Centre for Applied AI at UCD.
The agreement sets out a framework for collaboration in applied artificial intelligence, digital innovation, skills development and industry engagement. It reflects a shared ambition to enhance economic competitiveness, workforce development, research excellence, and societal impact across the island of Ireland.
The partnership will focus on strengthening cross-border applied AI, developing joint research bids across UK, Irish and European funding programmes, exploring joint capital and infrastructure projects, accelerating industry adoption of digital technologies, and supporting SME engagement and skills development.
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A Joint Project Board will be established to oversee implementation of the MoU and to guide development of a major cross-border AI Alliance involving industry partners, enterprise agencies, and government stakeholders.
The collaboration aligns with the strategic opportunities presented by the Shared Island initiative, UK–Ireland research frameworks, Horizon Europe, UKRI partnerships, and programmes supported by Enterprise Ireland, Invest NI and InterTradeIreland.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, said: “Artificial intelligence is a game changer, with the potential to transform how we learn and work. Realising that potential depends on ensuring innovators in academia and industry, including our SMEs, have access to the highest‑quality resources and infrastructure. That is why my Department has invested in the new AI Factory Antenna, of which CeADAR is a key part. I am pleased to see this work strengthened further through meaningful north–south cooperation, which will help ensure that innovation benefits the entire island.”
Minister for the Economy of Northern Ireland, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, said: “I welcome this landmark partnership as a significant step forward in strengthening cross‑border collaboration in artificial intelligence. AI offers enormous potential to drive productivity, support good jobs, and accelerate innovation across our economy, and it is vital that we seize these opportunities responsibly. By deepening research links, supporting industry adoption, and developing the skills our workforce will need, this partnership will deliver real economic and societal benefits across the island.”
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Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, added:
“This partnership marks a significant moment in strengthening collaboration between Queen’s and UCD. By combining the expertise of Momentum One Zero and CeADAR, we are creating a cross-border platform for applied AI and advanced digital innovation that will directly support industry, accelerate productivity, and deliver real economic impact across the island of Ireland. Partnering with a institution with the reputation and impact of UCD is something we at Queen’s are very proud of. This Memorandum of Understanding sets the foundation for a major cross-border AI Alliance that will bring together universities, industry and government to position Ireland and Northern Ireland at the forefront of responsible and industry-embedded artificial intelligence.”
Professor Orla Feely, President of University College Dublin said: “In a changing and uncertain world, universities like UCD and Queen’s play a vital role in supporting society through technological transition. Artificial Intelligence is one of the defining opportunities and challenges of our time. Through the combined expertise of CeADAR and Momentum One Zero, we can lead the way in using AI ethically and productively to deliver real economic and social benefits. Both institutions look forward to working alongside our university, industry, and government partners across the island to navigate the uncertainty ahead and fully harness the opportunities this presents.”
Further announcements regarding joint research bids, initiatives and the development of the proposed cross-border AI Alliance will follow in due course.
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