Bringing together the complementary strengths of both organisations, the partnership creates a joined-up offering that spans the full AI innovation lifecycle – from world-leading research and advanced technology transfer and development to practical SME adoption, talent development and commercial deployment.

A joined-up approach to AI innovation and adoption

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the AICC will continue to lead on bottom-up, regionally focused support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across key sectors, helping organisations understand, adopt and implement AI technologies. As a partnership led by Ulster University alongside Queen’s University Belfast, the AICC is building a robust skills pipeline via 390 postgraduate scholarships and upskilling more than 3,000 professionals.

Momentum One Zero will focus on research translation, advanced R&D, and driving innovation-led solutions at scale that leverage the £70m Belfast Region City Deal investment, and Queen’s University Belfast’s internationally recognised strengths across  cyber security, AI and wireless technologies.

From research to real-world impact  

Coherence and impact will be at the heart of their approach. Together, the two organisations will create a clear and frictionless pathway for companies, supporting them from academic research and talent development through to the creation of minimal viable products (MVPs), practical implementation and commercial growth. Businesses will be signposted to the organisation best aligned to their needs, reducing duplication and ensuring maximum value across the region’s innovation ecosystem.

The partnership will also enable compelling joint representation at global trade missions, highlighting Northern Ireland’s full AI capability: research excellence, innovation for SME transformation and a strong talent pipeline.

What the leaders say:

David Crozier CBE, Director of the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC)

"This partnership represents a significant step forward for Northern Ireland’s innovation landscape. By aligning our strengths with Momentum One Zero, we are ensuring that businesses, from early-stage SMEs to scaling companies, can access the right expertise at the right time. Together, we are creating a joined-up system that not only accelerates AI adoption but also strengthens our talent base, drives productivity and positions Northern Ireland as a global leader in responsible and impactful AI innovation."

Stephen McCabe, Executive Director of Momentum One Zero

"As a business-led innovation centre, Momentum One Zero is committed to translating world-class research into solutions that deliver real economic and societal impact – creating commercial value for our partners. Formalising our partnership with the AICC gives Northern Ireland a powerful, unified pipeline from research to deployment. This MoU provides the clarity businesses need while enabling deeper collaboration across the region’s innovation partners to unlock new opportunities at home and internationally."

Kathryn Harkin, Head of AI at FinTrU and Chair of the AICC Advisory Board

"Northern Ireland’s innovation strengths lie in its collaboration. This agreement demonstrates a shared commitment to working strategically, transparently and with purpose. By combining the AICC’s SME engagement and skills development with Momentum One Zero’s research and advanced technology expertise, we are creating an innovation ecosystem that is world-class, practical and accessible to businesses of all sizes."

Paul Murnaghan, Director, Devolved Nations, BT Business at BT and Chair of the Momentum One Zero Advisory Board

"Businesses need a clear and coordinated innovation offer, and this MoU provides exactly that. The partnership between Momentum One Zero and the AICC creates a stronger, more connected pathway for industry engagement, ensuring that companies can benefit from both cutting-edge research and practical, real-world implementation. In this case, the whole will be much richer than the sum of the parts. It truly is a milestone for Northern Ireland’s innovation economy." 

A framework for regional and international impact

The MoU outlines several strategic benefits, including:

• Market clarity: Clearly defined roles that eliminate duplication and unlock collaboration.
• Enhanced business support: A combined offering that spans research, innovation, talent and implementation.
• A strengthened talent pipeline: Powered by the AICC’s postgraduate programmes and short-course portfolio.
• A scalable and replicable model: Offering a blueprint for other UK regions and international partnerships.
• Competitive differentiation: Positioning Northern Ireland as a leader in coordinated, multi-partner innovation.

A shared commitment to collaboration

While non-binding, the MoU signals a shared intent by both organisations to collaborate in good faith to strengthen Northern Ireland’s position as an inclusive, responsible and globally competitive hub for AI innovation.

About the AI Collaboration Centre (AICC)

The AI Collaboration Centre is a pioneering £16.3 initiative led by Ulster University, in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast. Their mission is to advance awareness and adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies among businesses, specifically SMEs, across Northern Ireland.

Supported by Invest Northern Ireland and the Department for the Economy NI, they aim to enhance competitiveness, boost productivity, and promote the ethical and responsible use of AI across diverse industries. Their vision is to accelerate AI adoption within SMEs, build AI skills capacity, foster collaboration, and drive innovation across key sectors, creating meaningful impact.

About Momentum One Zero

Momentum One Zero is Northern Ireland’s regional innovation centre for advanced digital technologies, helping organisations create commercial value through applied cyber security, AI and wireless innovation. Working with Queen’s University Belfast’s leading researchers and a dedicated engineering team, the centre supports companies in adopting emerging technologies such as AI, Big Data and IoT. Momentum One Zero works with sectors including agri-food, health sciences and fintech to drive innovation and competitiveness. By 2027, its expanded Belfast facility will host more than 500 experts from academia, engineering and industry collaborating on real-world challenges.

Discover more about the AICC at aicc.co and Momentum One Zero at momentumonezero.com and follow both organisations on LinkedIn for the latest updates.

Note: This Press Release was issued by AICC