BelTech platforms the opportunities for Northern Ireland’s tech industry
8th Mar 2023
BelTech the popular technology conference that unites technologists under one all-encompassing banner, returns to Belfast today for its tenth year.
The sold-out conference will see over 400 attendees descend on Titanic Belfast to hear from international and local speakers such as Sebastian Stücker, Zoom Director of Research Science.
BelTech is curated by individuals from four of the region’s largest technology companies; Kainos, Allstate Northern Ireland, Hamilton Robson and Expleo.
Set to inspire a burst of activity among local innovators, BelTech will focus on breaking down barriers and empowering people and organisations to success anywhere, anytime. Sessions will cover distributed enterprise, artificial intelligence and sustainable computing practices.
As part of today’s proceedings, a Dragons Den competition in partnership with Techstart Ventures will take place. The winner will receive a £10,000 grant to kickstart an innovative or novel business idea. Two runner ups will also receive £5,000 each.
Supported by Belfast City Council tomorrow will see the return of the first BelTech EDU since 2019. The programme is suitable for post-primary school students and will feature a mix of engaging technology demonstrations as well as discussions of career pathways and opportunities. Companies taking part include Tik Tok, Microsoft, Kainos and Allstate Northern Ireland.
Curated by technologists, for technologists, BelTech 2023 is sponsored by Kainos, Allstate Northern Ireland, Unosquare, Liberty IT, Expleo, TechStart, Gearset, Open NMS and Visa.
BelTech Curator and Solution Architect at Kainos, Kyle Davison said:
“The aim of BelTech is to celebrate and give a platform to local influential tech voices and to help spark ideas and collaboration within our sector by inspiring the next generation of software professionals.”
“Technologists across Northern Ireland are working to push the boundaries of what we can offer as a solution to the challenges we face in society. This is reflected in the schedule for today’s conference which will bring together a talented roster of local and international professionals.”
Councillor Ryan Murphy, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee said:
“It’s important for us as a council to support today’s event given our ambitions to become globally renowned for our tech and innovation capabilities. This conference continues to inspire and celebrate the city’s technology practitioners – and I’m glad to see that today’s themes include empowering individuals and companies to succeed, exploring the Artificial Intelligence trends driving rapid economic growth, and how we can harness technology for greater sustainability.”
“Belfast has established itself as a prominent hub for the digital, ICT, and creative industries. We’re Europe’s leading FDI destination for new software development, and NI is the number one international investment location for US cyber security firms. We’re working with Innovation City Belfast to create a Belfast Innovation District and collaborating with city partners to maximise the positive impacts of technology for the common good through our Smart District. And with significant investment coming on stream through the Belfast Region City Deal, this is an area where we can achieve global standout and create inclusive opportunities and prosperity for people living here.”
